In a world where it is estimated that 359 billion cubic metres of wastewater are produced globally each year, it is easy to underestimate the crucial role wastewater treatment systems play in domestic and industrial settings.
Governments worldwide are waking up to the fact that they need to improve their wastewater treatment systems to minimise pollution and are taking actionable steps to that effect. What applies to governments also applies to the rest of us!
If you’re interested in discovering more about wastewater treatment systems, industrial wastewater treatment, and how a wastewater treatment plant can help you, read on.
What Is a Wastewater Treatment Plant?
Wastewater is defined as any sort of water that has been used commercially or domestically and has since become contaminated. Wastewater that has not been treated and makes its way into rivers, oceans, and streams has an extremely detrimental effect on the environment and all animal and fish life.
As the name implies, wastewater is also a waste of our most precious resource. Wastewater treatment systems act as an effective and ecologically sound solution to a problem that faces us all.
A wastewater treatment plant works by removing the impurities from wastewater and converting it into a condition that makes it either suitable for reintroduction into the water cycle or reused in some other way. The key point is it’s not simply pumped into our seas and rivers to cause immeasurable harm.
What Systems Are Found in a Wastewater Treatment Plant?
A wastewater treatment plant works by running the water through three main systems of treatment.
At the preliminary stage, wastewater enters the plant through screens whose job is to filter out grit, sand, debris, and large particles.
The primary stage involves pumping the wastewater into sedimentation tanks. Gravity entails that any solids in the water drop to the bottom of the tank and form a sludge-like slurry that will later be incinerated. Although it can sometimes be treated and reused as a fertiliser. Once this process is complete, the water is released for the secondary stage of treatment.
Also known as the biological treatment stage, the water is released into aerated ponds and filter beds containing good bacteria. The bacteria help break down the organic contaminants and pathogens in the wastewater. After this process, the wastewater is often considered clean and fit for release into the environment.
Yet for it to be released into protected waters, where humans bathe, for example, it requires a third system to disinfect the water and remove nutrients such as phosphorous. Microfiltration, activated carbon adsorption, disinfection, using UV light or chemicals, or ion exchange are all types of treatment that can be used during the third and final stage.
What Common Issues Do These Wastewater Treatment Plants Face?
It’s not all plain sailing at a wastewater treatment plant. Current estimates suggest that wastewater treatment systems are responsible for up to 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, in the scheme of things, the pros far outweigh the cons.
By far the bigger issue is the build-up of hydrogen sulphide and methane triggered by the decomposition of organic materials in industrial wastewater treatment. This can create unsafe levels of gas, leading in the worst-case scenario to explosions.
In addition to toxic or explosive gases, there is also a risk from the chemicals used to purify and decontaminate water, such as ammonia and chlorine. Fortunately, issues involved in running a wastewater treatment plant are well known, and effective health and safety protocols can easily be put in place.
For trusted wastewater solutions you can rely on, get in touch with Centurion Wastewater Solutions and see how they can help.
