The Ongoing Impact Of Wastewater

of biosolids are beneficially used. Most of this is applied to agricultural sites, with minor amounts applied to forestry and reclamation sites (e.g., Superfund and Brownfield lands) and urban area (e.g., maintaining park land). The aeration process, which facilitates microbial degradation of organic matter, can account for 25% to 60% of the energy use in wastewater treatment plants. Flexible designs allow the system to meet oxygen demands as they fluctuate with time of day and season. (Sources: Center for Sustainable Systems, National Biosolids Partnership, Electrical Power Research Institute, Water Research Foundation and the U.S. EPA)