Secondary Treatment Of Wastewater: An Overview

Secondary treatment of wastewater is a process that removes suspended solids, dissolved organic compounds and bacteria from wastewater before it is released into the environment. It is the second stage of wastewater treatment and involves the physical or biological removal of pollutants. It is also referred to as biological treatment and is used to reduce the levels of impurities present in wastewater so that it can be safely discharged into rivers, streams and other natural water bodies.

The primary method of secondary treatment of wastewater is the use of biological treatments such as activated sludge systems and aerobic treatment systems. These systems use the naturally occurring bacteria in the wastewater to break down the organic matter and the suspended solids. In some cases, chemical additives may be added to the wastewater to help speed up the process of breaking down the pollutants.

The secondary treatment of wastewater is important because it reduces the levels of pollutants that are present in the water. It also helps to reduce the amount of oxygen-depleting nitrogen and phosphorous compounds that enter the water, which can cause harmful algal blooms and the death of aquatic life. Without secondary treatment, the water released into the environment would contain too many pollutants and be unfit for use.

The Process of Secondary Treatment of Wastewater

During the secondary treatment of wastewater, the wastewater is mixed with microorganisms and chemicals to break down the organic matter. This is done in a controlled environment such as a tank or a treatment plant. The microorganisms consume the organic matter and the suspended solids, converting them into carbon dioxide and other gases. The process is then followed by a settling process, in which the solids settle to the bottom of the tank and are removed.

The microorganisms used in the secondary treatment process are typically bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. These organisms are added to the wastewater in the form of activated sludge, which is composed of microorganisms that have been grown and activated in a laboratory. The activated sludge is then added to the wastewater, where the microorganisms consume the organic matter and the suspended solids, breaking them down into simpler compounds.

The secondary treatment of wastewater is an important step in the treatment of wastewater before it is released into the environment. The process helps to reduce the levels of pollutants present in the water and helps to keep aquatic life safe from the harmful effects of excessive pollutants. Without secondary treatment, the water released into the environment would contain too many pollutants and would be unfit for use.

The Benefits of Secondary Treatment of Wastewater

The secondary treatment of wastewater is important for reducing the amount of pollutants present in wastewater before it is discharged into rivers, streams and other natural water bodies. This helps to reduce the amount of oxygen-depleting nitrogen and phosphorous compounds that enter the water, which can cause harmful algal blooms and the death of aquatic life. The process also helps to reduce the levels of heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and other pollutants that may be present in the water.

The secondary treatment of wastewater also helps to reduce the cost of wastewater treatment by reducing the amount of energy required to treat the wastewater. This is because the process of breaking down the pollutants is done by the naturally occurring microorganisms, which use less energy than mechanical or chemical treatments. The process can also be more efficient than other treatment processes, as the microorganisms are able to break down the pollutants more quickly and effectively.

The secondary treatment of wastewater is an important process for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. The process helps to reduce the levels of pollutants present in the water, which helps to protect aquatic life and keep the water safe for use. Without secondary treatment, the water released into the environment would contain too many pollutants and would be unfit for use.

Conclusion

Secondary treatment of wastewater is an important process for reducing the amount of pollutants present in wastewater before it is discharged into rivers, streams and other natural water bodies. The process involves the physical or biological removal of pollutants using naturally occurring bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The process helps to reduce the levels of heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and other pollutants that may be present in the water, and it also helps to reduce the cost of wastewater treatment by reducing the amount of energy required to treat the wastewater. Without secondary treatment, the water released into the environment would contain too many pollutants and would be unfit for use.