Sewage treatment plant process includes sewage treatment on primary, Secondary or biological and tertiary treatment process to improve quality of wastewater for recycle. With increasing infrastructural development and water usage for various purposes such as domestic and commercial, there is generation of waste water. Sewage can be treated by designing a sewage treatment plant (STP) which involves three stages: primary/preliminary, secondary and tertiary
Sewage treatment plant process In a sewage treatment plant, sewage water is first allowed to pass through screens or grit chamber where large solids are removed. This step is followed by aeration/mixing in a tank and then primary sedimentation where suspended solids settle down. Primary treatment involves addition of a coagulant and aims at removing grits, coarse solids, oil and grease if any present. Preliminary treatment results in sedimentation of solids (sludge) and formation of an effluent that floats above sludge. Effluent from primary treatment consists of 45-50 % unstable organic matter. The effluent then undergoes secondary treatment where fine solids settle out by means of bacterial activities.
This stage converts organic matter in sewage into stable forms through biological activities, resulting in secondary sedimentation. Common approaches are trickling filters and activated sludge method. Trickling filters comprise an enclosed tank with a bed of bricks and a layer of microorganisms. The effluent enters the tank through an inlet and trickles over the bed layer by sprinklers. Microbial activities oxidize the organic matter in the effluent, resulting in the removal of fine solids, formation of sludge and an effluent with less organic solids.Activated sludge method involves the addition of a mixture of active microorganisms to sewage, followed by aeration and agitation. The aerobic conditions and microbial actions oxidize the organic solids resulting in coagulation, flocculation and settling of solids. Activated sludge produces a clear liquid without foul odor.
The effluent then undergoes tertiary treatment/disinfection by incorporation of UV radiation or chlorination. Other methods such as sand filters and reverse osmosis may also be used instead for this stage of treatment, depending upon the nature of the sewage and the effluent from secondary treatment.
Wastewater treatment technologies have evolved significantly to mitigate environmental pollution and ensure sustainable water resources.
Biological treatment methods employ microorganisms to decompose organic matter in wastewater, yielding harmless byproducts. Advanced versions like sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) and moving bed bio film reactors (MBBR) enhance efficiency.
A sewage treatment plant in apartments plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective treatment and management of wastewater generated by residents. It operates on the principle of treating sewage through a series of processes to remove contaminants and pollutants before discharging the treated water. These plants are designed to handle the specific needs and capacity requirements of the apartment complex, employing methods such as preliminary screening, sedimentation, biological treatment, and disinfection. By implementing an on-site sewage treatment plant, apartments can minimize their environmental impact, protect public health, and ensure the sustainable management of wastewater within their premises.
The water and wastewater industry plays a pivotal role in ensuring the availability of clean and safe water for communities while effectively managing and treating wastewater to protect the environment. This industry encompasses a wide range of activities, from sourcing, treating, and distributing potable water to collecting, treating, and disposing of wastewater and sewage. Water treatment plants employ advanced technologies to purify water from various sources, making it fit for consumption, while wastewater treatment facilities utilize innovative methods to remove contaminants and pollutants, minimizing their impact on ecosystems. As populations grow and environmental concerns intensify, the water and wastewater industry continues to evolve, striving for sustainable practices that balance the needs of society, industry, and nature.