WATER

POLLUTION

MANALI PATEL
Introduction
What is water pollution?
Water pollution happens when toxic substances enter water bodies such as lakes,
rivers, oceans and so on, getting dissolved in them, lying suspended in the water or
depositing on the bed. This degrades the quality of water.

Not only does this spell disaster for aquatic ecosystems, the pollutants also seep
through and reach the groundwater, which might end up in our households as
contaminated water we use in our daily activities, including drinking.

Water bodies can be polluted by various substances, including pathogenic

microorganisms, putrescible organic waste, fertilizers and plant nutrients, toxic
chemicals, sediments, heat, petroleum (oil), and radioactive substances.

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Water Pollutants
Water pollutants are any substances
that degrade the quality of water,
making it unsuitable for its intended
use. These contaminants can be
harmful to human health, aquatic life,
or the overall health of the ecosystem.
They come in a variety of forms, both
natural and human-made.

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Classification of Water Pollutants
Links
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEb7nnMLcaA

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XlUydczITw

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGm2Eg1Q8Lc

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q8dL8RtQM0

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93BqLewm3bA

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 Types of Pollutants
1. Organic water pollutants, like pesticides, herbicides, solvents come from various sources.
These contaminants harm aquatic life by depleting oxygen, introducing toxins, and
accumulating in the food chain. Proper wastewater treatment, sustainable agriculture, and
stricter regulations are key to managing these threats to our water resources.
2. Microbial water pollutants are a diverse group of microscopic organisms, mainly bacteria,
viruses, and parasites, that can contaminate water sources and pose a significant health risk.
While some microbes play a vital role in healthy aquatic ecosystems by breaking down
organic matter, others can cause various waterborne diseases.
3. Nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, are vital for plants, but excess amounts act as water
pollutants. Runoff from farms, lawns, and leaky septic systems introduces these nutrients into
waterways. This triggers excessive algae growth, depletes oxygen, and creates harmful algal
blooms.

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4. Sediment, washed away by soil particles, may seem harmless, but it's a major water pollutant. It clouds
water, harming plant life and clogging fish gills. Sediment also smothers spawning grounds and carries
other pollutants. Erosion control, storm drain maintenance, and construction best practices can help keep
our water clear.
5. Inorganic water pollutants, like arsenic or lead, are non-living chemicals that harm water. They can
come from rocks or human activities like mining and industry. These pollutants harm people and aquatic
life, causing health issues and disrupting ecosystems. Treatment and stricter regulations can help control
them.
6. Thermal water pollution: Thermal pollution sees power plants heat water they use for cooling, before
releasing it back into rivers and lakes. This disrupts aquatic life by reducing oxygen, harming habitats,
and favoring invasive species. We can combat this with alternative cooling technologies for power plants.
7. Radiation: Thermal pollution sees power plants heat water they use for cooling, before releasing it
back into rivers and lakes. This disrupts aquatic life by reducing oxygen, harming habitats, and favoring
invasive species. We can combat this with alternative cooling technologies for power plants.

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 Properties of Waste water
Physical Properties of Wastewater exhibits various physical characteristics that provide clues about its composition
and potential treatment needs. Here's a breakdown of some key ones:
• Temperature: Wastewater temperature can be higher than that of the receiving water body due to industrial
processes or domestic hot water usage.
• Color: The colour of wastewater can indicate its age and organic content. Fresh sewage is typically grey, while
older or septic sewage turns black due to decomposition. Industrial wastewater may have specific colours
depending on the discharged chemicals.
• Odor: Wastewater often has unpleasant odours arising from organic matter decomposition and volatile
compounds.
• Solids: Wastewater can contain various types of solids, including:
• Floating matter: These are materials like oil and grease that rise to the surface.
• Settleable solids: These heavier materials sink to the bottom over time.
• Colloidal matter: These are very fine particles suspended in the water, difficult to remove by simple settling.
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): These are inorganic salts and minerals dissolved in the water.
• Turbidity: This refers to the cloudiness of the water caused by suspended particles, impacting light penetration
and affecting aquatic life.

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Chemical Properties of Wastewater
The chemical makeup of wastewater is diverse and can be a significant concern.
Here are some important chemical properties:
• pH: This indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the water. Domestic wastewater is usually slightly
alkaline (pH > 7), while industrial wastewater can be highly acidic or alkaline depending on the
discharged chemicals.
• Organic matter: Wastewater contains organic materials like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
derived from human waste, food processing, and industrial processes. These are measured using
tests like Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). BOD
indicates the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose organic matter, while
COD represents the total amount of oxygen needed to oxidize all organic material chemically.
• Nutrients: Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential nutrients for plant growth, but their excessive
presence in wastewater can stimulate excessive algae growth (eutrophication) in receiving water
bodies.
• Inorganic chemicals: Wastewater may contain various inorganic chemicals like chlorides, sulfates,
and heavy metals depending on the source. These can be toxic to aquatic life and require specific
treatment strategies.

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Biological Properties of Wastewater
Wastewater can harbor a range of biological organisms, some beneficial and others
harmful. Here's a closer look:
Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungi, and protozoa are present in wastewater. Some
bacteria can be pathogenic, causing diseases if humans come into contact with
untreated wastewater.
Algae: Excessive algae growth can occur due to high nutrient levels in wastewater,
leading to oxygen depletion in receiving water bodies.
Macroorganisms: Depending on the source, wastewater may contain larger
organisms like worms and insects.

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 Wastewater treatment
• Wastewater treatment, the removal of impurities from wastewater, or sewage, before it reaches
aquifers or natural bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, estuaries, and oceans.
• Since pure water is not found in nature (i.e., outside chemical laboratories), any distinction between
clean water and polluted water depends on the type and concentration of impurities found in the
water as well as on its intended use.
• In broad terms, water is said to be polluted when it contains enough impurities to make it unfit for a
particular use, such as drinking, swimming, or fishing.
• Although water quality is affected by natural conditions, the word pollution usually implies human
activity as the source of contamination.
• Water pollution, therefore, is caused primarily by the drainage of contaminated wastewater into
surface water or groundwater, and wastewater treatment is a major element of water pollution
control.

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Primary treatment: The initial stage of wastewater treatment that removes physically large and
settleable solids through sedimentation. Wastewater flows slowly through large settling tanks,
allowing heavy materials like sand, grit, and organic matter to sink to the bottom as sludge. This
process reduces the organic load and suspended solids in the remaining water before it progresses
to secondary treatment.

Sedimentation: A physical process where heavier suspended particles settle out of the wastewater
due to gravity. This is the primary method of removing solids during primary treatment. Settling
tanks are designed to facilitate this process by providing a calm environment with minimal
turbulence that allows particles to sink efficiently.

Coagulation: A chemical process used to improve the efficiency of sedimentation by causing small
suspended particles to clump together into larger flocs. Coagulants, typically metallic salts or
synthetic polymers, destabilize the electrical charges on the surface of suspended particles,
allowing them to attract and adhere to each other.

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Flocculation: A physical process that follows coagulation and gently mixes the
wastewater to encourage the formation of larger and heavier flocs from the
destabilized particles. Slow mixing allows the collisions between particles to occur
more frequently, resulting in the growth of flocs that settle more rapidly during
sedimentation.

Equalization: The process of storing wastewater in tanks to even out variations in

flow rate and composition. Fluctuations in wastewater entering a treatment plant are
common, and equalization tanks act as buffers to accommodate these changes.
Equalization helps to ensure a more consistent and efficient treatment process
throughout the plant by providing a steady flow of wastewater to downstream
treatment units.

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 The secondary treatment stage follows primary treatment in a wastewater
treatment plant. Its primary focus is on biologically removing dissolved
organic matter and reducing the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) present
in the wastewater. BOD refers to the amount of oxygen required by
microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water.

Aerated Treatment: This term refers to a type of secondary treatment that

utilizes aeration (introduction of air) to facilitate the growth of aerobic
bacteria (bacteria that require oxygen to survive). These bacteria play a
crucial role in biodegrading the organic matter present in the wastewater.
There are two main processes :
activated sludge process and trickling filters

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• Activated Sludge Process: Description: This is a widely used and highly efficient
biological treatment method. It involves two key components:
• Aerated tanks: These tanks hold a mixture of wastewater and activated sludge, a
collection of microorganisms primarily consisting of aerobic bacteria. Air is
constantly pumped into these tanks to maintain sufficient dissolved oxygen
levels for the bacteria to thrive. As the bacteria multiply, they consume the
dissolved organic matter in the wastewater, converting it into carbon dioxide,
water, and new cellular material.
• Secondary clarifiers: These are large settling tanks that allow the activated
sludge to separate from the treated wastewater through gravity settling. The
settled sludge is then thickened, and a portion of it is recycled back to the
aeration tanks to maintain a healthy and active bacterial population in the
system. The remaining treated wastewater, significantly reduced in organic
matter content, exits the secondary clarifier for further treatment or disinfection
before discharge or reuse.
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Trickling Filters: Description: This is a mature and reliable biological treatment technology that utilizes a fixed
media bed for the growth of microorganisms. The key components include:
Filter media: A bed of rocks or plastic media that provides a large surface area for the biofilm to grow on. The
size and type of media can influence factors like drainage and airflow within the filter.
Biofilm: A complex community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, that develops and
adheres to the surface of the media. The biofilm plays a vital role in breaking down organic matter in the
wastewater as it trickles down the media.
Distribution system: A network of pipes or troughs that evenly distributes the wastewater over the top of the
media bed.
Underdrain system: A network of channels or pipes at the bottom of the filter media that collects the treated
wastewater after it percolates through the media bed. The treated wastewater then exits the trickling filter for
further treatment or disinfection.

Process: As wastewater trickles down the media bed, the biofilm consumes the organic matter present in the
water. The continuous flow of wastewater over the media helps to maintain aerobic conditions within the filter,
promoting the growth of aerobic bacteria throughout the biofilm. Settling also occurs within the trickling filter,
and some heavier organic materials may accumulate on the media. Periodic cleaning of the media may be
required to prevent clogging and ensure efficient operation of the filter.

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Secondary Clarification: Another term for secondary sedimentation. This stage
involves settling tanks where the activated sludge from the biological treatment
process separates from the treated wastewater through gravity settling. Separating
the activated sludge is essential before the treated effluent undergoes disinfection
or reuse.

Oxidation Pond: This term is not included in the specific image you sent, but it's
another type of secondary treatment technology. Oxidation ponds are shallow
basins that utilize natural processes like sunlight, algae growth, and bacterial
activity to break down organic matter in wastewater. While less common than
activated sludge or trickling filters, oxidation ponds can be a cost-effective option
for smaller communities or locations with warm climates.

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Anaerobic treatment is a biological process that utilizes microorganisms to break down
organic matter in wastewater or sludge. Unlike aerobic treatment, which requires
oxygen, anaerobic treatment thrives in an oxygen-free environment. These oxygen-
starved microbes, called anaerobes, decompose the organic material through a process
called anaerobic digestion.
Anaerobic lagoons are a cost-effective option for wastewater treatment, particularly for
smaller communities or facilities with high organic loads.
• Design: These are essentially large, deep earthen basins designed to retain
wastewater for an extended period (weeks to months).Layering: The lagoon has two
distinct layers:
• Upper Layer: A shallow aerobic or facultative zone where some oxygen penetration
occurs. This layer helps manage scum and grease accumulation.
• Lower Layer: A deeper anaerobic zone where organic matter degradation takes place
due to the absence of oxygen. Here, a layer of settled sludge accumulates, rich in
anaerobic microbes.

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Sludge Treatment and Disposal:
Managing the ByproductSludge is a semi-solid byproduct generated during
wastewater treatment processes, including both aerobic and anaerobic digestion.
This sludge requires proper treatment and disposal to minimize environmental
impact
• Thickening and Dewatering: Sludge thickening concentrates the solids content,
reducing the volume for further treatment or disposal. Dewatering removes even
more water, resulting in a cake-like material easier to handle and transport.
• Anaerobic Digestion: As discussed earlier, sludge itself can be treated using
anaerobic digestion. This process stabilizes the organic matter in the sludge,
reduces volume, and generates biogas.
• Aerobic Digestion: Similar to the aerobic treatment process for wastewater,
aerobic digestion utilizes oxygen-loving microbes to further stabilize the organic
matter in sludge.

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• Composting: Sludge can be composted with other organic materials like yard waste
or food scraps. The resulting compost can be a valuable soil amendment.
Land application: Treated sludge with low levels of contaminants can be applied to
land as a fertilizer or soil conditioner. However, regulations and testing are crucial
to ensure safe application.
• Landfilling: In some cases, sludge may be disposed of in landfills, but this option is
increasingly discouraged due to potential environmental concerns.
• Incineration: Sludge incineration involves burning the sludge at high temperatures,
significantly reducing its volume. However, this method can generate air emissions
that require careful control.

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Tertiary treatment, also known as advanced treatment, polishes wastewater after
primary and secondary treatment stages. It focuses on removing specific pollutants
like nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), heavy metals, and emerging contaminants
(pharmaceuticals, personal care products).

*Evaporation:
Concept: Evaporation utilizes heat to transform wastewater into water vapour,
leaving behind concentrated brine or dissolved solids.
Application: This method is primarily used for the desalination of seawater or brine
from RO reject (concentrated waste stream from reverse osmosis).
Advantages: Produces high-quality water and can recover valuable salts.
Disadvantages: High energy consumption, potential for scaling due to mineral
precipitation, and requires proper brine disposal.

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 Ion Exchange:
Concept: Ion exchange employs resin beds containing charged beads.
Wastewater flows through the resin, and unwanted ions (contaminants) are
exchanged with harmless ions held by the resin beads. Saturated resin requires
regeneration or replacement.
Application: Effective for removing specific ions like nitrates, phosphates, and
heavy metals.
Advantages: Selective removal of targeted ions, can be regenerated for reuse.
Disadvantages: Requires resin regeneration or replacement, generates a
concentrated waste stream that needs further treatment.

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Adsorption:
Concept: Adsorption utilizes highly adsorbent materials like activated carbon to
attract and hold onto contaminants from the wastewater. The contaminants
adhere to the large surface area of the adsorbent.
Application: Effective for removing organic compounds, taste & odor-causing
agents, and some heavy metals.
Advantages: Versatile, broad-spectrum removal of various contaminants.
Disadvantages: Requires periodic replacement of saturated adsorbent media,
disposal of spent media can be challenging.

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Chemical Precipitation:
Concept: Chemical precipitation involves adding specific chemicals to wastewater
that react with dissolved contaminants to form insoluble precipitates that settle out
or are removed by filtration.
Application: Effective for removing phosphorus, some heavy metals, and
fluorides.
Advantages: Well-established technology, efficient for specific contaminants.
Disadvantages: Generates sludge that requires disposal, careful selection of
chemicals is crucial to avoid introducing new pollutants.

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 Electrodialysis (ED):
Concept: ED utilizes electricity to remove ions from wastewater. An electric
current drives charged ions (cations and anions) through selective membranes,
separating them from the main water stream.
Application: Effective for desalination of brackish water and removing specific
ions like nitrates and sulfates.
Advantages: Lower energy consumption compared to evaporation, can recover
valuable salts.
Disadvantages: Membrane fouling can be an issue, and requires a constant source
of electricity.

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Reverse Osmosis (RO):
Concept: RO utilizes a semi-permeable membrane that allows water molecules to
pass through under pressure while rejecting dissolved salts and other contaminants.
Application: Widely used for the desalination of seawater and brackish water, also
effective for removing various pollutants like heavy metals, organics, and viruses.
Advantages: Produces high-quality water, versatile in contaminant removal.
Disadvantages: High energy consumption, generates a concentrated brine stream
that needs disposal, and membrane replacement costs.

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 Thank you

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