3. Free cultures: mechanisms at play

Free-culture" purification mechanisms are based on the growth of a bacterial culture that is predominantly, but not exclusively, aerobic. Oxygen is supplied by different sources, depending on the plant. Extensive free-culture systems are processes that reproduce and intensify certain self-purification mechanisms that occur naturally in aquatic environments.

Self-purification, which we will examine in greater detail, is the process by which an aquatic ecosystem, such as a river or lake, naturally breaks down the biological pollutants present in the water, without recourse to artificial treatment facilities.

Various mechanisms involved in the self-purification of wastewater in aquatic environments are at play in extensive free-range cultivation.

Dilution

When wastewater...

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Free cultures: mechanisms at play

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Bibliography

(1) - Agence de l'Eau Rhin-Meuse - Procédés d'épuration des petites collectivités du bassin Rhin-Meuse : éléments de comparaison techniques et économiques. - (2007).
(2) - ALEXANDRE (O.), BOUTIN (C.), DUCHENE (P.), LAGRANGE (C.), LAKEL (A.), LIENARD (A.), ORDITZ...

Websites

Eaufrance – The public water information service

https://www.eaufrance.fr/

eCompendium – A tool for planning sanitation solutions for the different phases of an emergency.

https://www.emersan-compendium.org/fr/

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Standards and norms

Wastewater treatment plants – Part 1: General principles of construction: specifies the general principles of design, construction and installation of technical equipment for wastewater treatment plants. - NF EN 12255-1 - avril 2002
Wastewater treatment plants – Part 3: Pretreatments: specifies applications, procedures and performance requirements for raw wastewater pretreatments. - NF EN 12255-3 - avril 2001