Why is aerobic degradation more important than anaerobic degradation for the treatment of large volumes of waste waters rich in organic matter. Discuss.

Aerobic degradation is more important than anaerobic degradation for the treatment of large volumes of waste waters rich in organic matter because:

i. The major part of the organic sludge is digested by the aerobic degradation of the waste water.

ii. After the aerobic degradation of the decomposers. They get separated along with the organic matter which is rich in nutrients.

iii. Biological oxygen demand (BOD) is reduced during the aerobic degradation which makes the water more suitable for aquatic organisms.

iv. The aerobic degradation produces sediments known as activated sludge which is introduced in anaerobic digesters and the activated sludge produces gases like methane (CH₃), carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) which is the main constituents of biogas.