Aeration
Aeration (n.) Aeration is the derivative of the verb aerate, which originates from the Latin word “aer”, meaning air. 1 Aeration is the process in which air is circulated into a liquid or substance. 2 It is practiced variously for different purposes such as food, alcohol, soil, aquariums, and sewage wastewater treatment. In aeration tanks, air is pumped through water, and allows for aerobic bacteria to grow and consume organic contaminates such as feces, food, wastes, and other biodegradable matter. Because aerobic organisms need air to survive, aeration is extremely important in composting. Aeration is necessary at high temperature aerobic composting, as it allows for rapid odor-free decomposition. It also helps reduce moisture content in composting materials. 3 The Clivus Multrum toilet was developed as a result of man’s realization of the ever-increasing waste and garbage that was being produced. It functions under the concept of organic decomposition, and relies on the composting of human wastes for purposes of reducing water demands and the reuse as fertilizers in soils. Along with aeration, the toilet requires constant intervals of maintenance and added kitchen wastes, sawdust, leaves, and other biodegradable matter amongst the bathroom excrements. This will ensure viable and proper composting that produces no offensive gases. 4