Microorganisms hard at work. That’s what the Belebungsbecken is all about. It’s not just a pool of water. It’s a crucial part of Berlin’s wastewater cleaning system. The Belebungsbecken plays a vital role in keeping Berlin clean.
The Belebungsbecken uses a natural cleaning process. This process transforms wastewater’s energy-rich pollutants. They become mineral products with less energy. It mimics how bodies of water naturally purify themselves.
The wastewater goes through mechanical cleaning first. Then it flows into the Belebungsbecken. Here, it splits into two cleaning lines. Each line holds 4,900 cubic meters of water. These lines clean the water down to a very low pollution level of just 1-2%.
Inside the Belebungsbecken, there are different zones. Some zones have air and some do not. The wastewater moves back and forth between these zones. This happens before it goes to the next stage of cleaning.
Countless tiny organisms live here. They include bacteria and other microbes. Together, they form what we call “activated sludge.” Or biomass. They eat the organic pollutants in the water. Through their metabolism, they turn these pollutants into simpler substances and gases. These microorganisms need oxygen to live. So, the Belebungsbecken always has enough oxygen. It usually keeps a level of 1-2 mg/l.
Special air diffusers ensure enough air gets into the water. These diffusers stop blockages. Three rotary blowers pump the needed air. Airflow into each section is controlled. This control uses oxygen sensors and adjustable valves. If needed, either of the two cleaning lines can be shut down. This is done with shut-off valves in the main air pipe.
The Belebungsbecken also helps to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus. These are nutrients that can cause problems in water. Bacteria remove the nitrogen in two steps.
First, in a process called nitrification, bacteria change ammonium nitrogen into nitrate nitrogen. This step needs lots of oxygen. Nitrite bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite.
The Belebungsbecken also removes phosphorus. This is done by bacteria that store phosphates in their cells. After these biological steps, the water goes to settling tanks.
The Ruhleben plant uses advanced technology. It does mechanical and biological wastewater cleaning. It also removes phosphorus biologically. This is combined with nitrification and denitrification. The resulting sludge is dried using centrifuges. Then, it is burned in fluidized bed furnaces. These furnaces recover heat and wash exhaust gases.
The Berliner Wasserbetriebe uses the Belebungsbecken. The company regularly cleans the air diffusers. For example, they cleaned around 10,000 air diffusers between 2016 and 2021. They also cleaned diffusers in 2015. This cleaning ensures that the Belebungsbecken continues to operate efficiently.
So next time you turn on the tap, remember the Belebungsbecken. It is working tirelessly to keep Berlin’s water clean. It is a testament to the power of nature and technology working together.