Layers of Lagoon Sediment

Oxygen supplementation strategies to maintain lagoon health.

by Deborah Lee, Microbiologist

Over time, wastewater lagoons accumulate sediment.  This decreases the effective treatment volume, decreases hydraulic retention time (HRT), and can lower available oxygen in the water column. Suspended solids, organic matter, and microbial byproducts are constantly added and settle to the bottom of the lagoon.  This begins with the deposition of heavier particles, such as sand and rocks, which settle quickly.  Then, the lighter organic materials, such as decomposed plant matter, dead microorganisms, and sludge, accumulate in layers.

Microorganisms in lagoon sediments break down organic waste at different depths.  In the aerobic layer, aerobic bacteria use oxygen to decompose organic matter into simple compounds.  This layer also includes small invertebrates such as insect larvae and worms that help to further aerate this layer and consume some organic matter. Fungi and protozoa are also involved in organic matter breakdown in this layer. In the facultative/anoxic layer, both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms coexist and process organic matter through partial oxidation and fermentation. Facultative bacteria can utilize both oxygen and other electron acceptors such as nitrate.  In the deepest anaerobic layer, there is no oxygen, and anaerobic bacteria use other electron acceptors to decompose organic matter through slow fermentation and methanogenesis.  These anaerobic microbes release methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia as by-products, contributing to sludge buildup. There are also reduced minerals such as ferrous (Fe²⁺), manganese, and phosphate released due to anaerobic metabolism that may move up or down the sediment layers depending on concentration gradients. With the continued accumulation of sludge, the anaerobic layer gets larger, and more gases, such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, are released into the upper layers and the water column.  These gases react with dissolved oxygen and convert to carbon dioxide and water or sulfuric acid and water, which reduces overall dissolved oxygen in the water and sediments.

Adding aeration can increase dissolved oxygen in the water column and indirectly in the sediment layers.  In shallow lagoons (6ft or less), it is common to see surface-only agitation such as paddle wheels being used.  These types of aerators will agitate and mix the surface water, promoting oxygen exchange.  In deeper waters, bottom diffusers or bubblers are more effective.  These types of systems use compressors to pump oxygen to diffusers at the bottom of the lagoon.  The rising bubbles mix the oxygen throughout the water column and physically reduce stratification.  Sometimes, these systems may stir up sediment.  Usually, this is enough to supply dissolved oxygen to the water column and sediment, however, other additives are required when events happen that quickly deplete the oxygen in the water column.

One additive to quickly oxygenate water is to inject liquid oxygen (LOX) into the water column.  This is not commonly done due to cost and handling challenges. Other chemicals used include hydrogen peroxide, both liquid and granular forms, and sodium percarbonate.  Hydrogen peroxide breaks down to water and oxygen in water and can quickly increase oxygen levels due to high organic matter loads, such as algae die-offs.  Sodium percarbonate releases oxygen upon contact with water and can also oxidize some organic matter.  Potassium permanganate is a stronger oxidizer that oxidizes organic matter, which indirectly improves dissolved oxygen levels.  High concentrations may make the water a pink/purple color. Calcium peroxide can also be used to release oxygen slowly in deep water, although it may cause pH changes.

Mechanical and chemical supplementation of oxygen to a lagoon can keep the microbes in the water column and sediment functioning for a long time; however, eventually, the sediment will need to be removed since microbes cannot degrade the inorganic matter that accumulates.

Temperature Driven Solutions

GIVE YOUR LAGOON SOME LOVE. VitaStim Sludge Reducer is a blend of beneficial bacteria and stimulants designed to boost microbial efficiency in wastewater lagoons. These cultures work to balance the biological nutrient removal processes.