The Role of Microbes in Septic Tanks and How They Help Decompose Waste

For proper wastewater management in residential and commercial properties, septic systems must be constructed. It’s useful, especially when the infrastructure of public sewage is not feasible. These are actually complex ecosystems that rely heavily on the activities of microbes for the proper decomposition of waste. 

Let’s dive into the article to delve into the role of microbes in septic tanks, as they are powerhouses that break down waste that accumulates. The science behind this prevents clogs, backups, unpleasant odours, and serious environmental risks.

Understanding The Septic System: The Quick Overviewing

Before we explore the role of microbes in septic systems, it is important to understand how septic tanks function. A conventional septic system consists of;

• A septic tank is a watertight structure, like a chamber, that receives all the wastewater from the house, toilets, showers, kitchen, laundry, etc.

• A drain field is also referred to as a leach field, which is a network of perforated pipes or chambers.

The Separation Process

Typically, wastewater enters the septic tank and undergoes a separation process such as;

• Solid that settles down at the bottom and forms a layer of sludge.

• Fats, oil, and grease; float on the top and form a layer; scum.

• The partially clarified liquid is effluent; it settles in the middle & flows out into the drain field.

It is noteworthy that this whole process undergoes its simplest breakdown because of the microbes and enzymes in the septic tank.

The Microbes in Action

We can’t see microbes and bacteria in a septic system with the naked eye, but they actually are superheroes in the septic systems. These active organisms, such as bacteria, archaea, protozoa, etc, are naturally present in human waste and multiply in a septic tank environment. 

All such microscopic organisms play crucial and different roles in the breakdown of organic matter in the septic system.

Bacteria

Calling them frontline decomposers won’t be a wrong term, but they are critical in septic tanks. They help break down organic waste in septic systems into simpler compounds. However, they are classified into two types; 

1. Aerobic Bacteria; Needs oxygen for survival and is highly efficient and fast-acting. This helps in the easy decomposition of organic waste in a septic system and lowers the foul odours.

2. Anaerobic Bacteria; These can thrive even in oxygen-free environments. Anaerobic bacteria are slower than aerobic bacteria. However, it supports the breakdown of waste in low-oxygen conditions.

Both of the bacteria digest organic waste and lower the toxic gases (methane and carbon dioxide). The byproducts become less harmful and easier to manage.

Achaea

Calling the methane specialist is best. These are quite distinct microorganisms known for process methanogenesis. Such microorganisms convert waste products, acetic acid, and hydrogen, into methane gas. Therefore, it prevents the building of organic waste that can disturb the pH balance in the septic tank and inhibit other microbial activity in the septic system.

Protozoa and Fungai

Both supporting cases in the septic system are helpful. Protozoa helps in regulating bacterial growth and organic particles. It even supports breaking down waste into simpler forms. However, Fungai is less prevalent and supports the easy decomposition of organic compounds, cellulose & lignin. Materials like toilet paper and plant-based materials get broken down.

The Step-to-Step Process: How Microbes Break Down Waste In Septic System

The septic tank decomposition process goes within several biological stages; each of the stages is carried out on specific groups of micro-enzymes.

Hydrolysis 

It’s the initial step that comes in decomposition; it helps in the breakdown of large, complex organic molecules into smaller and water-soluble compounds. Microbes support this process, making compounds digestible for other microorganisms. 

Acidogenesis

The stage comes as acidogenesis, in which acidogenic bacteria convert the soluble compounds into VFAs, volatile fatty acids, along with alcohols, ammonia, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. This wholesome transformation does create an acidic environment, making an environment in the septic system perfect for the next phase.

Acetogenesis

In this, acetogenic bacteria and microorganisms convert the VFAS into acetic acid. It even builds more hydrogen and carbon dioxide, which is beneficial for methanogens for proper septic tank waste breakdown in the final stage.

Methanogenesis

In this methanogenic archaea, acetic acid and hydrogen are converted into methane and carbon dioxide. It furthermore stabilizes the waste in a septic system by reducing its volume. In the methanogenesis process, waste converts and escapes through the tank’s venting system as a gas, lowering the toxicity.

The Factors Affecting Microbial Health in Septic Tanks

A perfectly balanced and maintained microbial ecosystem in a septic system is important for its regulated performance. However, it gets disrupted for many reasons, such as destroying beneficial bacteria and microbes in the septic tanks. The factors that affect microbial health in septic systems are as follows;

Use of Anti-bacterial and Chemical-Based Products

Many products used in household cleaning and everyday chores are toxic. Products like bleach, disinfectants, and anti-bacterial soaps kill beneficial bacteria and disturb the septic tank environment. This, if done continuously, poor the septic system’s ability to break down waste.

Medications and Antibiotics 

People flush for medications and antibiotics as waste or poorly disposed of. This severely affects the microbial balance and lowers the efficiency of decomposition.

Excessive Use of Water

Excessiveness in a water utility is harmful to septic tanks. The high-water volumes do flush out the beneficial bacteria from the septic system. This can cause clogs and system failure because it can also lead to solids being carried into the drain field directly.

Flushing of Non-biodegradable Products and Items

Throwing or flushing wipes, sanitary products, diapers, and dental floss won’t cause a breakdown in the septic system. However, it can block drainage pipes and reduce microbial activities. All occupy space and reduce the flow in the septic tank. 

The Supportiveness To Keep Health Microbial Environment

• Go for biodegradable septic tank cleaning products.

• Use products that are chemical-free and don’t impact the septic tank environment.

• Avoid flushing of non-biodegradable products.

• Don’t flush antibiotics and chemicals into the drain.

• Call a professional pumping service provider every three to five years to remove excessive sludge.

• Use water efficiently, fix the leaks, and use low-flow appliances.

• Avoid pouring grease, oil, and fats into the drains.

The Final Verdict

Microbial processes in septic systems do contribute hugely to environmental health. Therefore, the role of microbes is indispensable in septic tank operations to be efficient enough. 

From preventing clogging to the simplest breakdown of waste, microbes in septic tanks make disposal safer. The use of the right biodegradable septic tank cleaning product like BioClean will help maintain the septic tank biologically and contribute to protecting the health and the environment.