The Biological Process within the settling tank
There are three objectives which the microorganisms in the septic tank
should accomplish.
1. Destruction of all pathogens
2. Mineralization of organic matter
3. Oxidation of oxidizable material
The overall anaerobic process occurs in
steps that eventually convert organic matter to minerals. The products
of biodegradation are gas, clarified effluent and solid. Gases such as
H2, H2S, CH4 and CO2 are produced and vented from the tank to the atmosphere.
The liquid at the top of the tank should be basically clean and is fed
to the adsorption field for furthur degradation and filtration. The solids
which enter with the waste settle and are degraded. If the microorganisms
can not keep up with the volume of solids, the solids will begin to fill
the tank. At that time, a private septic hauler will have to empty the
tank