activated sludge

activated sludge

[′ak·tə‚vād·əd ′sləj]

(civil engineering)

A semiliquid mass removed from the liquid flow of sewage and subjected to aeration and aerobic microbial action; the end product is dark to golden brown, partially decomposed, granular, and flocculent, and has an earthy odor when fresh.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

activated sludge

Sewage sediment that has been subjected to vigorous aeration and the action of microorganisms.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.