Utilities Tech Outlook Weekly Brief
Be first to read the latest tech news, Industry Leader's Insights, and CIO interviews of medium and large enterprises exclusively from Utilities Tech Outlook
A careful study of wastewater makes it simple to notice why we must treat it before it is discharged into the environment.
Fremont, CA: Wastewater is any water contaminated by humans. This incorporates water contamination due to the following:
• flushing toilets and urinals (blackwater)
• bathing, showering and washing clothes and dishes (greywater)
• commercial and industrial activities
As you would anticipate, wastewater is almost completely water. The leftover portion — about 0.1% — includes organic matter, inorganic compounds, nutrients, and microorganisms that must be considered in more detail.
Organic matter
Organic matter in wastewater comprises proteins, carbohydrates, fats, oils, greases, and synthetic compounds in specific detergents.
Without appropriate treatment, organic matter joins lakes and rivers and becomes a food source for the microorganisms living there. The issue is that these tiny creatures pull dissolved oxygen from the water when they break down contaminants. The more pollutants in the water, the higher their oxygen demand.
This method spins uncontrolled in lakes and rivers with great concentrations of organic matter. In these watercourses, oxygen levels fall very low that animals such as fish, frogs, and turtles suffocate and die.
Inorganic compounds
Inorganics in wastewater incorporate compounds with copper, lead, magnesium, nickel, potassium, sodium, or zinc. Frequently, these damaging substances are the byproducts of commercial and industrial actions.
Inorganics do not break down readily. If they enter lakes or rivers through untreated wastewater, they stay there. As their concentrations rise over time, the water quality becomes a hazard for humans and animals alike.
Nutrients
Nutrients in wastewater incorporate nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. These usually come from human waste and cleaning products such as laundry detergent and dishwasher soap.
It is no secret that nitrogen and phosphorus are common ingredients in fertilizers. They work wonders when we want to make plants grow and reproduce. But this advantage becomes a serious threat if we allow untreated and nutrient-rich wastewater to enter lakes and rivers.
Nitrogen in untreated wastewater can reason another concern. If nitrate (a nitrogen compound) contaminates our drinking water, it can decrease our blood's capacity to transport oxygen. For infants, this can give rise to what is generally called blue baby syndrome. In intense cases, the condition is fatal.
Microorganisms
Some microorganisms in wastewater are beneficial as they break down organic matter that would else contaminate the environment.
Pathogens in unprocessed wastewater are a separate story. These bacteria, parasites, and viruses can infect clean water sources. If yes, they impair human health by causing serious and sometimes killer illnesses.
Why is wastewater treatment significant?
A careful study of wastewater makes it simple to notice why we must treat it before it is discharged into the environment.
Consider your on-site wastewater treatment plant as a water conservation tool. By extracting suspended solids and other adulterations, your system contains groundwater and water pollution that could entail:
• contaminated drinking water
• water starvation and water shortages
• foul lakes and rivers
• Minimum numbers of aquatic species
• threats to livestock
• lower waterfront property values
