Anaerobic lagoon

Anaerobic Lagoon

An anaerobic lagoon is a man-made outdoor earthen basin filled with animal or industrial waste. It is a type of biological treatment system that uses the process of anaerobic digestion to treat waste. The anaerobic lagoon is designed to maximize the contact between the waste and the microorganisms that break down the organic material in the waste.

History

The use of anaerobic lagoons for waste treatment dates back to the early 20th century. They were initially used for the treatment of sewage and industrial waste. Over time, their use has expanded to include the treatment of animal waste from livestock farming.

Design and Operation

The design of an anaerobic lagoon is based on the volume of waste to be treated, the amount of biogas expected to be produced, and the desired level of waste treatment. The lagoon is typically designed to have a depth of 8 to 12 feet and a surface area that allows for the evaporation of the liquid portion of the waste.

The operation of an anaerobic lagoon involves the addition of waste to the lagoon and the natural process of anaerobic digestion. The waste is broken down by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas and a solid residue. The biogas can be captured and used as a source of renewable energy, while the solid residue can be used as a soil amendment.

Environmental Impact

Anaerobic lagoons can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. On the positive side, they can reduce the volume of waste and produce renewable energy. On the negative side, they can produce odors and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Proper design and operation of anaerobic lagoons can minimize these negative impacts.

See Also

• Biogas
• Anaerobic digestion
• Waste management
• Renewable energy