Septic System Nitrogen Pollution

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Septic system nitrogen pollution. 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 2017 interim goal for the sector was 7 1 million pounds discharged annually. Septic systems also known as on site sewage systems oss are designed to reduce pollution by treating the solids pathogens organics and ammonium a form of nitrogen in human waste before it is discharged to the soil. 2007 due to anaerobic lack of oxygen conditions in the conventional septic tank raw wastewater is partially treated in the septic tank.

Efforts to reduce nitrogen pollution from septic systems are lagging with these systems releasing about 7 8 million pounds a year. Some nitrogen may be removed as wastewater flows through the septic system and soil. If there are many septic systems in a small area the nitrogen flowing through groundwater could overload a waterbody causing eutrophication. Septic systems are the biggest source of nitrogen pollution in buzzards bay.

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. The technology exists to upgrade septic systems to reduce nitrogen but it can be complex and costly. In raw wastewater i e wastewater that has not yet entered a septic tank approximately 73 of n is present as organic n and 24 exists as ammonium n table 2. These backyard systems handle a large portion of household waste in many counties in the bay region.

Approximately 20 percent of homes in the united states use septic systems that locally treat their wastewater. By design bacteria consume ammonium and convert it to nitrate either in the drainfield or through aeration. A conventional septic system allows gravity not electricity to transport waste from its source to the septic system. But the remaining nitrogen can enter the underlying groundwater and flow towards a surface water body.

The role and impact of nitrogen. In suffolk county over 70 of residences utilize conventional septic system or cesspools and are not hooked up to a sewer system. The system uses a tank to separate solids from liquid and breakdown bacteria. 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.

When a septic system is improperly managed elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels can be released into local water bodies or ground water.