Karmaveer Shankarrao Kale Education Society’s

GAUTAM POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

GAUTAMNAGAR

A Project report on
"sewage" or "wastewater."

SUBMITTED BY
Ms.Narode Bhagyashri Tanaji(17)

Ms.Shinde Ishwari Sudhakar(18)

Ms.Pawar Sanskruti Laxman(19)

Ms.Kakad Rohini Suresh(20)

UNDER THE GUIDENCE OF

MR.Rohom.N.G

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING

YEAR 2024-25

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our deep sense of gratitude and special thanks to our guide MR.Rohom.N.G
who not only took a great interest in the project but also was always ready to help us as and when needed

.We are also grateful to Prof. Mr.Bharati.M.B (Head of computer Department) and all staff members of
computer Department for their kind cooperation. Finally we are thankful to all our friends who have helped for
presenting & preparation of our project

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 INDEX

Sr. no. Title Page no.

1 Introduction 4

2 Primary Treatment 5

3 Secondary Treatment 6

4 Tertiary Treatment 7-8

5 Discharge or Reuse of Treated Water 9

6 Conclusion & Refrences 10

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 Introduction
Sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater, which is commonly
referred to as "sewage" or "wastewater." This wastewater comes from various sources, including homes,
industries, and commercial establishments. It contains a wide range of pollutants, including organic
matter, suspended solids, pathogens, chemicals, and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. If left
untreated, sewage can contaminate water bodies, leading to pollution, the spread of diseases, and
environmental degradation.The primary objective of sewage treatment is to produce water that is safe
for discharge into the environment or for reuse in non-potable applications, such as agriculture or
industrial processes. In many parts of the world, the treated wastewater is also purified to meet potable
water standards, ensuring safe drinking water.

The sewage treatment process involves a combination of physical, chemical, and biological techniques to
remove harmful pollutants. It is typically carried out in a series of stages, starting with the removal of
large debris and settling of solids, followed by biological treatment to break down organic matter. The
final stages of treatment focus on removing fine particles, disinfecting the water, and eliminating any
remaining harmful substances.

Modern sewage treatment facilities are essential for maintaining public health and protecting aquatic
ecosystems. They help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery, by
ensuring that harmful pathogens are removed or deactivated during the treatment process. Furthermore,
by removing excess nutrients, sewage treatment prevents eutrophication, which can lead to algal blooms
and oxygen depletion in water bodies.

In addition to protecting human health, sewage treatment has become increasingly important due to the
growing global challenges of water scarcity and environmental sustainability. Many wastewater
treatment plants are now designed to recycle water, recover valuable resources like nutrients and energy,
and reduce the environmental footprint of sewage disposal.

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Primary treatment :

Primary treatment is the initial stage in wastewater treatment that focuses on the physical removal of
large particles and solids from the water. It primarily uses mechanical processes such as screening and
sedimentation.

1. Influent Entry: Wastewater enters the treatment facility through large pipes.
2. Coarse Debris Screening: A screen removes large debris like sticks, plastics, and rags to
prevent damage to the equipment.
3. Grit Removal: Next, the water flows into a grit chamber, where heavy particles like sand,
gravel, and small stones settle to the bottom. This prevents damage to pumps and other
machinery.
4. Flow Equalization: Water flow is sometimes regulated to ensure consistent processing
throughout the treatment plant.
5. Primary Sedimentation/Clarification: The wastewater then enters a large, quiet tank where
solids settle by gravity, forming a sludge layer at the bottom. Grease and oils rise to the
surface and are skimmed off.
6. Sludge Removal: The settled solids, known as primary sludge, are collected and sent to sludge
digesters for further processing.
7. Effluent: The clarified water, which still contains dissolved and finer particles, moves forward to
secondary treatment.

Primary treatment reduces the organic load and suspended solids, preparing the water for biological
treatment in the secondary stage.

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Secondary Treatment :
Secondary treatment of wastewater focuses on biological processes to remove dissolved and suspended
organic matter that primary treatment does not eliminate. It primarily uses aerobic microorganisms to
break down organic pollutants through oxidation.

1. Aeration: In this step, air or oxygen is pumped into large aeration tanks, promoting the growth
of microorganisms like bacteria. These microbes consume organic matter, converting it into
carbon dioxide, water, and more microorganisms.
2. Activated Sludge: The aerated water contains a mix of microorganisms and organic matter,
referred to as activated sludge. The activated sludge plays a key role in digesting the
organic materials present in the wastewater.
3. Clarification (Secondary Clarifier): After aeration, the water moves to a clarifier tank where
gravity separates the microorganisms (sludge) from the treated water. The heavier sludge
settles at the bottom, while the clarified water continues to the next stage.
4. Return Sludge: A portion of the settled sludge is returned to the aeration tank to maintain the
microbial population, ensuring the process continues efficiently.
5. Excess Sludge Handling: The excess sludge that is not returned to the aeration tank is directed
to sludge digesters for further treatment. This sludge undergoes anaerobic digestion to reduce
its volume and stabilize it.
6. Membrane Bioreactor (Optional): In advanced systems, a membrane bioreactor (MBR)
might be used. This combines aeration with membrane filtration, allowing for a finer separation
of biological mass from the treated water.

The result of secondary treatment is water with significantly reduced organic content, preparing it for
further disinfection or nutrient removal in tertiary treatment. This process ensures that the majority of
organic pollutants are degraded, making the water safe for release or further purification.

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Tertiary Treatment :
Tertiary Treatment is the final phase of wastewater treatment that provides an additional layer of
purification to meet stringent environmental and health standards. This stage focuses on removing fine
particles, dissolved materials, and harmful nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which remain after the
primary and secondary stages.

1. Nutrient Removal:
o Nitrogen and phosphorus are key targets during tertiary treatment. These nutrients, if
released into natural water bodies, can cause eutrophication—the overgrowth of
algae, which depletes oxygen and harms aquatic life.
o Various processes, such as chemical precipitation, biological nutrient removal, or ion
exchange, are used to strip these elements from the treated water.
2. Filtration:
o Advanced filtration techniques, including sand filters, carbon filters, or membrane
filters, are applied to remove fine suspended particles, ensuring clearer water.

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3. Disinfection:

o Pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites must be eliminated to make the water
safe for release. This is done through chemical disinfection, typically using chlorine or
ozone, or through ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, which deactivates harmful
microorganisms.

4. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP):

o Sometimes, AOPs are used to remove trace organic contaminants like

pharmaceuticals and pesticides. These involve the use of powerful oxidizing agents to
break down complex organic molecules.

5. Polishing:

o In some cases, additional polishing steps like activated carbon adsorption or reverse
osmosis may be used to ensure that even the tiniest pollutants are removed, producing
high-quality effluent.

6. Final Effluent:

o The resulting water after tertiary treatment is highly purified and safe for release into
the environment. In some regions, it may even be used for irrigation, industrial
processes, or groundwater recharge.

Tertiary treatment is critical in protecting ecosystems from nutrient pollution and ensuring the safe reuse
or discharge of treated wastewater.

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Discharge or Reuse of Treated Water :

 Quality Standards: Treated water must meet strict quality standards before discharge to ensure it
is safe for aquatic ecosystems and human health.

 Common Uses: Reclaimed water is widely reused for irrigation, industrial processes, and, in
some regions, for potable purposes after advanced treatment.

 Public Acceptance: Educating the public about the safety and benefits of reused water is essential for
successful implementation.

 Regulatory Framework: There are specific regulations governing the reuse of treated water, ensuring
compliance with safety standards.

 Sustainability Benefits: Reusing treated water contributes to sustainable water management by

conserving freshwater resources and enhancing climate resilience.

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Conclusion :
Sewage water treatment is a vital process for managing wastewater and protecting public health and the
environment. Through various treatment methods, including physical, chemical, and biological
processes, sewage water is transformed into effluent that meets regulatory standards for discharge or
reuse. The effective treatment of sewage not only reduces pollutants and pathogens but also enables the
recovery of valuable resources, such as nutrients and water. As communities face increasing pressures
from population growth and environmental challenges, the implementation of advanced sewage
treatment technologies and practices becomes essential. These efforts promote sustainability, conserve
freshwater resources, and support the circular economy by allowing for the reuse of treated wastewater
in various applications, including irrigation, industrial processes, and even potable uses. The ongoing
advancements in sewage treatment technologies and public acceptance are critical for achieving a
sustainable water future.

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References :

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2017). Wastewater Technology Fact

Sheet: Activated Sludge Process. Retrieved from EPA

 Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. (2014). Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery. McGraw-
Hill Education. (Note: This is a book and may not have a direct link, but it's widely available for
purchase online.)

 World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater,
Excreta and Greywater. Retrieved from WHO

 Tchobanoglous, G., & Schroeder, E. D. (1985). Water Quality and Treatment: A Handbook on
Drinking Water. McGraw-Hill Education. (This is also a book, typically found in libraries or online
book retailers.)

 International Water Association (IWA). (2020). Sewage Treatment: Global Best Practices
and Trends. Retrieved from IWA

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