WHAT IS WASTE WATER

In water engineering, wastewater refers to the water that has been used in domestic, industrial, commercial, or
agricultural activities and contains various impurities, contaminants, and pollutants. It is often referred to as "used
water" or "sewage." Wastewater can originate from sources such as households, toilets, sinks, showers, industrial
processes, stormwater runoff, and agricultural operations.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDUSTRIAL AND DOMESTIC WASTE WATER

Industrial and domestic wastewater differ in terms of their sources, composition, and treatment requirements.
Here are the key distinctions between the two:

1. Source:

Industrial wastewater: It originates from manufacturing processes, industrial operations, and commercial activities
such as factories, power plants, refineries, and chemical plants. It often contains a wide range of pollutants specific
to the industry or process.

Domestic wastewater: It comes from households, residential areas, and public facilities like schools, hospitals, and
offices. It primarily includes water used for domestic purposes like bathing, washing, and toilet flushing.

2. Composition:

Industrial wastewater: It typically contains a complex mixture of contaminants, including organic and inorganic
substances, heavy metals, solvents, oils, suspended solids, and potentially hazardous chemicals. The composition
can vary significantly depending on the industry and specific processes involved.

Domestic wastewater: It mainly consists of organic matter, nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus), soaps,
detergents, food wastes, human excreta, and traces of pharmaceuticals. The composition is relatively simpler
compared to industrial wastewater.

3. Volume and Flow:

Industrial wastewater: The volume and flow rate of industrial wastewater can vary widely based on the size and
nature of the industry. Industrial processes may generate a high volume of wastewater continuously or
intermittently, requiring specialized treatment and management systems.

The volume of domestic wastewater is more predictable, and the flow rates are relatively constant. It is produced
continuously from residential areas and can be managed using conventional wastewater treatment methods.

4. Treatment Requirements:

Industrial wastewater: Due to its complex composition and potentially harmful pollutants, industrial wastewater
often requires advanced treatment techniques. Depending on the contaminants present, treatment methods like
chemical precipitation, coagulation, flocculation, filtration, biological treatment, and sometimes specialized
processes like membrane filtration or activated carbon adsorption may be necessary.

Domestic wastewater: While domestic wastewater also requires treatment, the processes involved are generally
less complex. Conventional treatment methods such as primary sedimentation, secondary biological treatment
(e.g., activated sludge process), and tertiary treatment (e.g., disinfection) are commonly employed to remove
solids, organic matter, and pathogens.

EFFECTS OF UNTREATED WASTE WATER DISPOSAL

Untreated wastewater disposal can have significant negative effects on both the environment and human health.
Here are some of the key impacts:
1. Water Pollution: Untreated wastewater contains a wide range of pollutants, including organic matter,
pathogens, nutrients, heavy metals, and chemicals. When released into water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and
oceans, it can lead to severe water pollution. This pollution can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and degrade
water quality, making it unsafe for both human and animal consumption.

2. Contamination of Drinking Water: Improperly disposed untreated wastewater can contaminate groundwater
sources. Groundwater is a crucial source of drinking water for many communities around the world.
Contamination with pathogens, nitrates, or other pollutants from wastewater can render the water unsafe for
consumption and lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

3. Eutrophication: Wastewater often contains high levels of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. When
these nutrients enter water bodies, they can cause excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants, leading to a
phenomenon called eutrophication. The overgrowth of algae depletes oxygen levels in the water, resulting in the
death of fish and other organisms that depend on oxygen for survival. Eutrophication can lead to the formation of
"dead zones" where no aquatic life can thrive.

5. Habitat Destruction: The discharge of untreated wastewater can physically alter habitats, particularly in coastal
areas. Wastewater contains suspended solids that can settle on the seabed, smothering and damaging delicate
marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. It can also impact wetlands and other sensitive habitats,
disrupting the balance of biodiversity and causing long-term damage to ecosystems.

Domestic wastewater: It cause waterborne diseases when ingested, leading to gastrointestinal illnesses, skin
infections, and respiratory problems. Additionally, the presence of toxic chemicals and heavy metals in wastewater
can have long-term health effects, including damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys.

ORGANIC WATER POLLUTANTS

1. Pesticides. 2. Industrial chemicals. 3. Chlorinated solvents. 4. Phenols

5. Volatile organic compounds. 6. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

NUTRIENTS & PATHOGENS IN WASTE WATER

In water engineering, the study of pathogens and nutrients in wastewater is crucial to ensure the effective
treatment and management of this complex waste stream. Wastewater can contain various microorganisms, both
beneficial and harmful, as well as nutrients that can impact human health, the environment, and the overall
treatment process. Let's explore pathogens and nutrients in wastewater in more detail:

Pathogens:

Pathogens are microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, that have the potential to cause disease.
Wastewater can be a significant carrier of pathogens, originating from various sources including domestic sewage,
industrial discharges, and stormwater runoff. Pathogens can enter wastewater through human waste, animal
waste, and other contaminated sources.

Common pathogens found in wastewater include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella spp., Enterococcus spp.,
Hepatitis A virus, norovirus, rotavirus, and various types of helminths (parasitic worms). These pathogens pose a
significant risk to human health, as they can cause waterborne diseases such as gastroenteritis, cholera, typhoid,
and hepatitis.

To ensure public safety, water engineering professionals employ various treatment processes to remove or
inactivate pathogens from wastewater. These processes typically involve physical, chemical, and biological
treatment methods such as sedimentation, filtration, disinfection (using chlorine, ultraviolet light, or ozone), and
advanced technologies like membrane filtration.
Nutrients:

Wastewater also contains nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, which are essential for the growth of
organisms. However, excessive amounts of nutrients, particularly in surface water bodies, can lead to
eutrophication—a process in which excessive algae and aquatic plant growth occur, depleting oxygen levels and
harming aquatic ecosystems.

The main sources of nutrients in wastewater include human and animal waste, detergents, and agricultural
runoff. Inadequate removal of nutrients during wastewater treatment can contribute to the release of these
compounds into receiving water bodies, leading to environmental degradation.

To address nutrient pollution, water engineering professionals utilize specific treatment methods. Biological
processes such as activated sludge, trickling filters, and constructed wetlands promote the growth of beneficial
microorganisms that can remove nitrogen and phosphorus through natural metabolic processes. Additionally,
advanced technologies like nutrient recovery systems can help extract valuable nutrients from wastewater,
transforming them into fertilizers or other usable products.

WATER QUALITY STANDARD

Water quality standards in water engineering refer to guidelines and regulations set by regulatory bodies to ensure
the safety and suitability of water for various purposes, such as drinking, industrial use, and aquatic ecosystems.
These standards define the acceptable levels of various physical, chemical, and biological parameters in water.

1 Physical Parameters: These include temperature, color, turbidity (cloudiness), odor, and taste. Physical
parameters are often indicative of the overall aesthetic quality of the water.

2. Chemical Parameters: Chemical parameters encompass various substances present in water, including nutrients
(such as nitrogen and phosphorus), heavy metals (such as lead and mercury), organic compounds (such as
pesticides and solvents), disinfection byproducts (formed during water treatment), and pH (acidity or alkalinity).

3. Biological Parameters: Biological parameters involve the presence and concentration of microorganisms,
including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These microorganisms can pose health risks if present in significant
quantities.

The yardstick used in determining the strength of water water includes the water quality includes:

a. Biological Oxygen Demamd (BOD)

b. Biochemical Oxygen Demamd (BOD)

c. Chemical Oxygen Demamd (COD)

d. Theoretical Oxygen Demamd (ThOD)

a. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): BOD is a measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen required by
microorganisms in water to break down organic matter through biological processes. It represents the oxygen
consumed during the microbial decomposition of organic substances, such as sewage or industrial effluents, in
water. BOD is an essential parameter in assessing the pollution level and the potential impact of organic pollutants
on water bodies.

b. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): BOD is similar to Biological Oxygen Demand and is often used
interchangeably. It measures the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by microorganisms to oxidize organic matter
in water through biochemical processes. BOD is an indicator of the level of biodegradable organic material present
in water, such as wastewater. High BOD values indicate a higher organic pollutant load, which can lead to oxygen
depletion and adversely affect aquatic life.
c. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): COD is a measure of the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize both
biodegradable and non-biodegradable organic and inorganic substances present in water. Unlike BOD, COD
measures the total oxygen demand caused by chemical reactions rather than just biological degradation. It
provides a broader assessment of the pollution load in water and is widely used in water quality analysis to
evaluate the organic and inorganic pollutants that can impact aquatic ecosystems.

d. Theoretical Oxygen Demand (ThOD): ThOD is an estimation of the maximum amount of oxygen that could be
consumed in the complete oxidation of both organic and inorganic substances present in water. It represents the
total oxygen demand if all the pollutants were fully oxidized to their most stable form. ThOD is a theoretical value
used for reference purposes and is typically higher than BOD or COD, which measure actual oxygen consumption
under specific conditions. ThOD helps in understanding the potential oxygen demand of water pollutants but is not
commonly used in routine water quality assessments.

SIGNIFICANT/ IMPORTANCE OF WATER TREATMENT

1. Reduction of biochemal oxygen demand.

2. Reduction of pathogens

3. Reduction of suspended soilids

4. Removal of toxic compounds

5. Removal of non biodegradable compounds.

6. Removel of nutrients

7. Removal of dissolved solids.

WASTE WATER COMPONENT/TYPES

1. Domestic 2. Municipal 3. Industrial. 4. Agricultural 5. Overland flow.

PHYSICAL CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER AND THEIR STANDARDS

1. pH: The pH of water determines its acidity or alkalinity. The standard pH range for water is typically between 6.5
and 8.5. Values below 6.5 indicate acidity, while values above 8.5 indicate alkalinity.

2. Temperature: The temperature of water affects its physical properties and the organisms living in it. There are
no specific standards for water temperature, as it varies depending on the specific application or context.
However, for freshwater ecosystems, temperatures between 0°C and 30°C are generally considered suitable for
aquatic life.

3. Dissolved Oxygen (DO): DO is the amount of oxygen gas dissolved in water, which is essential for aquatic
organisms. The standard DO levels for most aquatic environments range from 4 to 8 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Lower DO levels can indicate pollution or stress on aquatic ecosystems.

4. Turbidity: Turbidity measures the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by suspended particles. The standard
turbidity levels for drinking water are typically less than 5 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Higher turbidity can
indicate sediment runoff or pollution.

5. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): TDS refers to the concentration of inorganic salts, minerals, and metals dissolved in
water. The standard TDS levels for drinking water are typically less than 500 milligrams per liter (mg/L). Higher TDS
levels can affect the taste of water and indicate the presence of contaminants.

DEFINE TURBIDITY AND NTU

# Turbidity: Refers to the degree to which the water loses its transparency due to the presence of suspended
particles or solids. These particles can include sediment, algae, plankton, or other organic or inorganic matter.
When water is turbid, it appears cloudy or hazy rather than clear.

#Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU): Is a unit of measurement commonly used to quantify the turbidity of water.
It is based on the nephelometric method, which measures the scattering of light caused by suspended particles in
the water sample. NTU is a standardized scale used in many countries to report turbidity measurements. The
higher the NTU value, the more turbid the water is, indicating a higher concentration of suspended particles.
Water with low turbidity typically has NTU values below 1, while highly turbid water can have NTU values in the
tens, hundreds, or even thousands.

DEFINE FLOCCULATION

Flocculation is a process used in water engineering to separate suspended particles from water by causing them to
clump together and settle out. It involves the addition of chemicals known as flocculants to the water, which
create larger particles called flocs by agglomerating the smaller suspended particles. These flocs can then easily
settle under the force of gravity or can be removed through filtration or sedimentation. Flocculation is an essential
step in water treatment processes, as it improves the efficiency of subsequent treatment methods such as
sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. It helps in the removal of various impurities, including suspended solids,
colloidal particles, organic matter, and some microorganisms, thereby improving the water quality for various
applications like drinking water supply, industrial processes, and wastewater treatment.

DISTINGUISHE BETWEEN UNIT PROCESS AND UNIT OPERATION

Unit Process:

A unit process in water engineering refers to a specific chemical, biological, or physical transformation that occurs
during water treatment. It involves a series of actions or reactions that bring about a change in the composition or
characteristics of water. Unit processes are generally employed in a sequential manner to achieve specific
treatment objectives. Examples of unit processes include coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and
adsorption.

Unit Operation:

A unit operation, on the other hand, refers to a physical process or manipulation of water that involves physical
changes without any significant chemical or biological transformations. It focuses on the physical separation,
transfer, or conversion of water or its constituents. Unit operations are often applied in combination to achieve
desired treatment goals. Examples of unit operations include screening, mixing, flocculation, settling, clarification,
filtration, and aeration.

WATER TREATMENT PROCESS IN TREATMENT PLANT

Screening~ Grid Chamber~ sedimentation ~ filteration ~ Coagulation ~ Refilter~ Disinfection ~Storage~Distribution.

Water Treatment Processes

1. Screening: The first step is screening, where large debris like branches, leaves, and other solid objects are
removed from the water. This is done using screens or grates to prevent damage to the equipment downstream.

2. Equalization Tank/Grid Chamber: In this phase, the water enters an equalization tank or grid chamber where
the flow and composition of the water are regulated. This helps to balance the water quality and quantity, allowing
for a more consistent treatment process.
3. Sedimentation: Sedimentation is a process where heavier particles and suspended solids settle to the bottom of
a tank, known as a sedimentation basin or clarifier. The water is kept still, allowing gravity to separate the solids
from the water.

4. Filtration: After sedimentation, the water passes through filters to further remove smaller suspended particles.
Filters are typically made of layers of sand, gravel, and anthracite coal, which trap and remove impurities as the
water flows through them.

5. Coagulation or Flotation: Coagulation is a process in which chemicals called coagulants are added to the water.
These coagulants cause small particles to clump together, forming larger particles called flocs. The flocs then settle
or float to the surface, allowing easier removal.

6. Refiltration: After coagulation or flotation, the water may go through another filtration process to remove any
remaining particles or flocs that were not removed in the previous filtration step. This helps to further purify the
water.

7. Disinfection: To ensure the water is free from harmful microorganisms, disinfection is carried out. The most
common method of disinfection is by adding chemicals like chlorine or chloramine to kill or inactivate bacteria,
viruses, and other pathogens present in the water.

8. Storage: Once the water is treated and disinfected, it is stored in reservoirs or storage tanks. This allows for a
sufficient supply of water to meet the demand during peak times or in case of emergencies.

9. Distribution: Finally, the treated water is distributed through a network of pipes to homes, businesses, and
other consumers. The distribution system ensures that clean water reaches the end-users and may involve
additional processes such as pumping stations to maintain adequate water pressure.