LECTURE 10
WASTE WATER TREATMENT
Wastewater Treatment: Overview
Wastewater treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater to make it safe for
discharge into the environment or for reuse. This process is critical for protecting public health,
preserving water quality, and maintaining ecological balance.
Key Phases of Wastewater Treatment
Preliminary Treatment
Objective: Remove large debris and solids.
Processes:
Screening: Filters out large objects (e.g., sticks, leaves, plastic).
Grit Removal: Settling tanks remove sand and gravel.
Primary Treatment
Objective: Reduce suspended solids and organic matter.
Processes:
Sedimentation: Wastewater is held in a tank, allowing solids to settle at the bottom (sludge).
Floating materials (scum) are skimmed off the surface.
Secondary Treatment
Objective: Further reduce organic matter and nutrients.
Processes:
Biological Treatment: Microorganisms break down organic matter.
Activated Sludge Process: Aeration tanks promote microbial growth.
Trickling Filters: Wastewater is passed over media that supports bacterial growth.
Secondary Sedimentation: Settling tank to separate treated water from biomass.
Tertiary Treatment
Objective: Remove remaining contaminants and nutrients.
Processes:
Filtration: Removes fine particles.
Disinfection: Kills pathogens using chlorine, UV light, or ozone.
Nutrient Removal: Processes specifically targeting nitrogen and phosphorus.
Sludge Treatment
Objective: Manage and treat the solids collected during previous stages.
LECTURE 10
Processes:
Thickening: Reduces water content of sludge.
Digestion: Biological or chemical processes break down organic matter.
Dewatering: Reduces volume for disposal or further treatment.
Importance of Wastewater Treatment
Public Health: Reduces the risk of waterborne diseases by removing pathogens.
Environmental Protection: Prevents pollution of water bodies, protecting aquatic ecosystems.
Resource Recovery: Potential to recover water, nutrients, and energy from wastewater.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to environmental regulations and standards.
Challenges in Wastewater Treatment
Emerging Contaminants: Pharmaceuticals and personal care products that are hard to remove.
Energy Consumption: High energy use in treatment processes.
Infrastructure Costs: Significant investment needed for treatment facilities and maintenance.
Climate Change: Impact on water availability and treatment processes.
