System Harnesses Nature To Reduce Sewerage Wastes Underneath the bluish green surface of an oxidation lagoon, natural processes perform the chemically induced functions of the standard treatment plant — breakdown of sewage wastes by the process of oxidation. Without odor or visible action, the three to three and a half-feet deep lagoon is a beehive of activ ity after an influent sewerage pipe deposits its wastes in the middle of the lake-like body of water. Aerobic bacteria becomes oxy gen-charged and attack the .sew age solids, transforming them into carbon dioxide gas and nitrates. The latter fall to the lagoon floor as minute sediment. Algae, simple water plants suspended in the water, use sunlight and the pho to-synthesis process to transform the bacteria-created carbon dio xide into oxygen and remainin sediment. Oxygen Important The oxygen recharges the bac teria, and the algae repeat the process while living off 'of the bacteria. As the solids fall to the bottom — lagoon floors are sealed and no seepage is available for contami nation—the effluent stream, or run-off. is as safe as river water, clear and odorless.

69.6%