Wastewater treatment has become an important issue in jurisdictions worldwide, as freshwater sources become scarcer. Much of this results from a combination of climate change and population growth, and has prompted the construction of thousands of wastewater processing plants. Below is a description of how wastewater from sinks, showers and toilets is transformed into water that is potable and safe for drinking.
Preliminary Screening
Once wastewater is transferred away from residences, it will enter a pipe network that is connected to wilo pumps which are submersible, after which it will reach the treatment plant for wastewater. At this point it will be subject to screening which is designed to filter out the larger debris, separating it and the wastewater. This is accomplished by moving the water through a sieve. The type of sieve used may differ from one plant to another but will usually consist of models which are fine and coarse, along with the more advanced step screens.
Primary Processing
Once the water begins the primary treatment, this means that the mixture has now been relieved of the largest debris which is easiest to extract. It is then added to the sedimentation tank, where the materials which are heaviest will sink, producing a sludge layer on the bottom. Mechanical scrapers and arms will then be used to move around this sludge until it reaches the tank’s center, at which point it may either be disposed of or subject to additional treatment. Regardless, the fluid left behind will have greater refinement. The goal of the primary stage is to further eliminate solids from the wastewater which were not eliminated during the preliminary screening.
Secondary Processing
During this stage, the wastewater will be treated so that any organic matter still present will be eradicated. This is accomplished through two methods, the first of which is wastewater aeration. The second is through adding beneficial bacteria. When air is pumped into a big tank that holds wastewater, this encourages bacterial growth, which will then breaks down and destroy any hazardous substances which remain, transforming them into organic matter that is harmless.
The Last Processing Stage
Once wastewater has been subject to chemical treatment, it will next be put inside the humus tank. This tank will then split the water into various constituents. Any bacteria which are still present will sink, forming sludge on the bottom, which is then subject to secondary treatment. This leaves behind water that is clean. Sometimes an additional stage will occur, where the water is filtered using sand bed so that any remaining particles are removed.
After the aquatic reclamation process is finalized, the clean water will be sent to various locations. In many countries it will be sent back into rivers and streams and in some cases might even be deposited in the ocean. Since this water is subject to such intensive treatment and testing, it not only boosts the quality of life for those who consume it, but ensures adequate supplies are available.