Page 9 - Simplified Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals_BNR
P. 9
Biological Nutrient Reduction (BNR)
Why do we need to remove nutrients from wastewater?
Small amounts of nutrients in water bodies are needed to support life. Excess nutrients act
like fertilizer, allowing algae to bloom.
Overpopulation of algae in water bodies will compete for oxygen at night when algae’s
chlorophyll stops producing oxygen.
Loss of oxygen in a water body result in fish kills, sediment accumulation, septicity and
odors. High amounts of algae growth will impact recreational use of an effected body of
water.
Wastewater NPDES Permits are becoming more stringent to protect water bodies from
excess nutrients.
