Septic System Nitrogen Pollution

A conventional septic system allows gravity not electricity to transport waste from its source to the septic system.

Septic system nitrogen pollution.

By design bacteria consume ammonium and convert it to nitrate either in the drainfield or through aeration. Approximately 20 percent of homes in the united states use septic systems that locally treat their wastewater. Working together with partners from cape cod and rhode island as part of a new grant the coalition is supporting a pilot project to test new technology that could. According to suffolk county our primary source of drinking water the magothy aquifer experienced a 200 increase in nitrogen pollution since the late 1980 s.

Septic systems are the biggest source of nitrogen pollution in buzzards bay. Some nitrogen may be removed as wastewater flows through the septic system and soil. When a septic system is improperly managed elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels can be released into local water bodies or ground water. If there are many septic systems in a small area the nitrogen flowing through groundwater could overload a waterbody causing eutrophication.

In suffolk county over 70 of residences utilize conventional septic system or cesspools and are not hooked up to a sewer system. But the remaining nitrogen can enter the underlying groundwater and flow towards a surface water body. Conventional passive systems no modifications for nitrogen reduction. Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from the cape s septic and wastewater treatment systems fuels toxic algae outbreaks in bays and ponds that can sicken people and kill wildlife and pets.

The role and impact of nitrogen. 2007 due to anaerobic lack of oxygen conditions in the conventional septic tank raw wastewater is partially treated in the septic tank. The 2017 interim goal for the sector was 7 1 million pounds discharged annually. The system uses a tank to separate solids from liquid and breakdown bacteria.

These backyard systems handle a large portion of household waste in many counties in the bay region. The technology exists to upgrade septic systems to reduce nitrogen but it can be complex and costly. It also explains how an innovative alternative nitrogen reduction septic system with a self contained process can efficiently and cost effectively prevent pollution of ground water well water and local water bodies throughout new hampshire and neighboring states. We are surrounded by water we live on top of our.

Nitrogen in the septic tank of a septic system.