Wastewater

treatment

M.sc. 1 semester (DEPARTMENT

OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE )

Presentation by Shalini Singh

Content

 Objective of presentation
 what is waste water
 Wastewater characteristics
 Wastewater treatment
 Benefits of waste water treatment
 Conclusions
 Objective of presentation

Understanding the importance of wastewater treatment

 Exploring the wastewater treatment process
 Highlighting the benefits of effective wastewater
treatment
What is wastewater?
Water that has been used and discarded from various sources such
as households, industries, and commercial establishments
Contains a variety of contaminants and pollutants
This wastewater have different type of contaminants which are
harmful to environment
The composition of wastewater is 99.9% water and the remaining
0.1% is what is removed. This 0.1% contains organic matter,
microorganisms and inorganic compounds. Wastewater effluents
are released to a variety of environments, such as lakes, ponds,
streams, rivers, estuaries and oceans. Wastewater also includes
storm runoff, as harmful substances wash off roads, parking lots
and rooftops.
Importance of Wastewater Treatment

 Environmental protection: Preventing pollution of

natural water bodies
 Public health: Reducing the risk of waterborne diseases
 Resource conservation: Reclaiming and reusing water and
valuable components
 Regulatory compliance: Meeting local and national
wastewater treatment standards
 Wastewater Characteristics:

Physical pollutants: Suspended solids, oils, and grease

Chemical pollutants: Heavy metals, nutrients, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals
Biological pollutants: Bacteria, viruses, and parasites
The quantity and quantity can be different due to different sources
 Wastewater Treatment
Process Overview:


 Preliminary treatment: Removal of large debris, grit, and screenings

 Primary treatment: Sedimentation to separate suspended solids and sludge
formation
 Secondary treatment: Biological processes to remove dissolved organic
matter
 Tertiary treatment: Advanced processes (e.g., filtration, disinfection) for
further pollutant removal
 Sludge disposal
 Primary Treatment:
Screening : done to remove bigger particles
Sedimentation tanks: Settling of suspended solids and formation of
primary sludge
Sludge removal: Sludge is collected and sent for further treatment
(anaerobic digestion, incineration, or landfilling)
Primary treatment removes material that will either float or readily
settle out by gravity. It includes the physical processes of screening,
comminution, grit removal, and sedimentation
 Secondary Treatment
:Secondary treatment removes the soluble organic matter that escapes
primary treatment. It also removes more of the suspended solids.
Removal is usually accomplished by biological processes in which
microbes consume the organic impurities as food, converting them into
carbon dioxide, water, and energy for their own growth and
reproduction.
Biological processes: Aerobic or anaerobic degradation of organic matter
by microorganisms
Common methods include activated sludge process, trickling filters, and
lagoons
It can be done by aeration pond , biological contactors etc
Tertiary treatment

: Additional removal of fine particles and residual solids

 Disinfection: Killing or inactivation of pathogens using
chemicals (e.g., chlorine) or other methods (e.g.,
ultraviolet light)
 Advanced processes: Nutrient removal (nitrogen,
phosphorus), membrane filtration, and water reuse
Sludge treatment and disposal

The residue that accumulates in sewage treatment plants is called sludge (or
biosolids). Sewage sludge is the solid, semisolid, or slurry residual material that
is produced as a by-product of wastewater treatment processes. This residue is
commonly classified as primary and secondary sludge. Primary sludge is
generated from chemical precipitation, sedimentation, and other primary
processes, whereas secondary sludge is the activated waste biomass resulting
from biological treatments. Some sewage plants also receive septage or septic
tank solids from household on-site wastewater treatment systems. Quite often
the sludges are combined together for further treatment and disposal.
Benefits of Effective
Wastewater Treatment:
 Protection of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity
 Preservation of public health and prevention of
waterborne diseases
 Conservation of water resources and sustainable water
management
 Compliance with regulatory standards and environmental
regulations
Conclusion

Wastewater treatment is crucial for protecting the environment,

public health, and water resources.
Understanding the treatment process helps ensure effective pollution
control and resource conservation.
Continued research and innovation in wastewater treatment
contribute to a sustainable future.
Thank you