Wastewater treatment is an essential process that involves adding treated water back into nature to speed up the natural process of water purification. The water that is used in industries for various manufacturing processes, from agricultural farms and domestic use, results in contaminated water as a by-product. This water is unfit for release into nature. If released untreated, the wastewater can result in pollutant levels so high that it can be overwhelming for nature to handle. This can have catastrophic results for mankind.
What it is?
Wastewater is polluted water that can come from anywhere. On the other hand, the sewage water is the polluted water that is specifically discharged from the toilets. Sewage water is a kind of wastewater. For hundreds of years, sewage water has been directly released directly out into the open natural sources. Rivers, oceans, ponds, and lakes over the years became inhabitable for water animals to thrive and for humans to use. As a result, governments across the world have implemented rigid rules about the release of such water. They have also levied fines for non-compliance to ensure public health and safety.
What it has and related dangers?
Sewage water mostly contains feces and urine, but there is also debris like paper, plastic, and sanitary napkins. This makes it a thriving space for bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. This excrement is extremely dangerous for all living organisms. If ingested by humans can cause diarrhea, fever, cramps, and vomiting among other problems.
How Sewage Water can be treated?
The sewage water is treated step by step. This process is long and happens in stages. There are several stages.
Preliminary Treatment
1. Removing Large Debris
This is the first stage of treatment. In this stage, large solids and debris are removed. This step involves the removal of items like sticks, rags, and plastics. After this, grit is removed. Which involves sand, gravel, and other heavy particles. Remove these particles at the start. This step prevents equipment damage and helps treatment run smoothly.
Primary Treatment
2. Settling Out Solids
The sewage water is stored in basins or sedimentation tanks. Solid waste, oils, and froth are separated. Solid waste/sludge settles at the bottom of the basin, while the oils and lighter substances rise to the top. The sludge is drained out from the bottom of the tank while the lighter substances are skimmed out. The liquid in the middle is moved to the secondary stage of treatment. This process removes 50% of the suspended solids and a significant part of the organic matter.
Secondary Treatment
3. Biological and Chemical Characteristics
This stage of the treatment majorly removes suspended biological matter. Aerobic bacteria are introduced to the wastewater in aeration tanks. These bacteria are used in a controlled environment for the degradation of microorganisms. They consume organic pollutants. Aeration is a major sub-stage. This biological digestion significantly reduces the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the water. After aeration, the mixture moves to secondary clarifiers, where remaining solids settle out.
Tertiary Treatment
4. Advanced Purification
Tertiary treatment is an advanced cleaning stage. This stage aims to remove the remaining pathogens and inorganic compounds. Techniques such as filtration, nutrient removal (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus), and disinfection are employed. Disinfection methods include chlorination, UV light, and ozone treatment. These methods ensure the effluent is safe for discharge into sensitive ecosystems or for reuse.
5. Sludge Treatment and Disposal
The sludge collected during primary and secondary treatments undergoes more processing. It often undergoes anaerobic digestion. In this process, microorganisms break down organic matter without oxygen. Biogas is a by-product of this step. This biogas can be used for energy. The stabilized sludge is called bio solids. This can be used as a fertilizer or disposed of in landfills, as per regulatory standards.
6. Reuse, Resource, Recovery
Modern wastewater treatment plants, like those we create at UY Trienviro, are focusing more on resource recovery. Treated water can be used for agricultural irrigation, for industrial processes, or as potable water
Environmental and Public Health Benefits
Effective sewage treatment plants like those produced by UY Trienviro protect water bodies from pollution. This preserves aquatic ecosystems and prevents the spread of waterborne diseases. It also curbs the release of harmful substances into the environment, contributing to overall public health and environmental sustainability.
Challenges and Innovations
Despite advancements, there are several challenges in sewage treatment plants. This involves managing emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals and micro plastics.
Innovations such as membranes, bioreactors, advanced oxidation processes, and real-time monitoring systems are being developed to enhance treatment efficiency and address the existing challenges. The R&D department at UY Trienviro is always striving to break barriers and improve the water for multiple uses.
Conclusion:
As complex as the process of treating wastewater is, it is equally essential to do so. This is done to safeguard the environment and public health. The wastewater undergoes several stages of treatment before being safely released into nature or being reused. UY Trienviro thrives as an exemplar of sustainable wastewater management practices for a better tomorrow.