Wastewater treatment is a key part of ensuring environmental sustainability and protecting the health of our communities. Here's a deeper look at the importance of these facilities and how they work.
How a wastewater treatment plant works. Introduction to Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater treatment is essential for maintaining ecological balance and public health. WWTPs, or wastewater treatment plants, play a crucial role in cleaning contaminated water so that it can be safely returned to the environment. These facilities perform a series of physicochemical processes designed to remove contaminants and improve water quality. Today we will explain in detail how a wastewater treatment plant works:
Stages of the Debugging Process
How a sewage treatment plant works, Wastewater treatment plants operate through several sequential stages that ensure the efficient removal of different types of pollutants present in wastewater. In the first instance, it should be pointed out that there are two types of treatment that are well differentiated in purification depending on the pollutant origin, these are Industrial Water Treatment and Urban Water Treatment.
In CHM we focus on urban wastewater, in which although there are different purification systems, such as prolonged aeration, lagoons, biodiscs, ... that are adjusted according to the size of the population or the pollutant load, the processes followed are:
Pretreatment
Pretreatment is the first stage in the purification process. In this stage, large solids and floating debris are removed using screens and sieves. In addition, a grit trap is used to remove sands and other heavy materials that could damage downstream treatment equipment.
Primary Treatment
In primary treatment, the wastewater undergoes a sedimentation process. During this stage, suspended solids settle to the bottom of the sedimentation tanks, forming primary sludge. This step is essential to reduce the pollutant load in the following stages of treatment. At this stage it is common to have a grease separator, which will greatly facilitate the subsequent processes.
Secondary Treatment
Secondary treatment is a biological process that uses microorganisms to break down organic matter dissolved in the water. It is carried out in aeration tanks where bacteria and other microorganisms consume the organic contaminants. This biological process is followed by a second sedimentation phase to separate the activated sludge from the clarified water.
Tertiary Treatment
Tertiary treatment is an advanced stage used to remove specific contaminants that were not removed in the previous stages. It may include additional filtration, adsorption processes, ion exchange, and disinfection by chlorine or ultraviolet radiation. This step ensures that the treated water meets the required quality standards before it is released into the environment. This step allows the water to be used in certain types of agriculture, not intended for direct consumption.
Quaternary Treatment
The objective of quaternary treatment is to reduce the dissemination of Emerging Contaminants (antibiotics, pesticides, hormones, drugs, micro-plastics) whose presence in surface waters is regularly increasing, which is problematic from the point of view of human health and the biodiversity of aquatic environments.
Importance of Wastewater Treatment Plants in the Environment
Wastewater treatment plants are essential for environmental protection. By removing pollutants and pathogens from wastewater, these plants prevent the pollution of rivers, lakes and oceans. In addition, proper wastewater treatment reduces the risk of waterborne diseases and contributes to the conservation of water resources.
Technologies and Methods Used in Wastewater Treatment Plants
How does a sewage treatment plant work? In addition to the sequential process detailed above, wastewater treatment plants use a variety of technologies and methods to treat wastewater efficiently, which can be separated into three blocks:
Physical Methods
Physical methods include filtration, sedimentation and grease separation. In these processes, physical barriers such as screens and filters are used to remove solids and particles from the water. Sedimentation allows heavier particles to settle to the bottom of the tanks, facilitating their removal. Less dense particles are removed by flotation, by sweeping the surface.
Chemical Methods
Chemical methods involve the use of reagents to precipitate specific contaminants or to adjust the pH of the water. For example, coagulants and flocculants may be added to clump fine particles into larger flocs, which can then be easily removed.
Biological Methods
Biological methods rely on the activity of microorganisms to break down organic matter present in wastewater. These methods are essential in secondary treatment, where bacteria and other microorganisms metabolize organic contaminants, producing cleaner water.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Management by CHM
At CHM, we specialize in the construction and operation and maintenance (O&M) of hydraulic installations as scrubbers (Sigüenza WWTP), reservoirs and desalination plants. From its beginnings in the environmental field, at the beginning of the 21st century, until today, CHM manages more than 50 wastewater treatment plants spread throughout the country.
How does a sewage treatment plant work? Innovation and Sustainability
CHM is committed to innovation and sustainability in all its operations. We employ advanced technologies to optimize the treatment process, ensuring high efficiency in the removal of contaminants. We use automated control systems that continuously monitor plant performance, allowing real-time adjustments to maintain treatment quality, adapting and customizing our management systems to the needs of our customers.
Efficient water management is not only beneficial for the environment, but also reduces operating costs in the long term. Saving water resources, improving energy efficiency and reducing maintenance costs are some of the advantages we offer. In addition, complying with regulations and reusing treated water provides economic and environmental benefits, ensuring financial sustainability and environmental conservation. We bring to our water treatment systems an approach focused on the efficient use of water resources, promoting the reuse of treated water whenever possible.
Complete Hydraulic Solutions
At CHM, we have developed extensive experience in the maintenance of wastewater treatment plants, distribution networks and reservoirs. We understand that each project presents unique challenges and we adapt to specific needs.
Custom Design and Construction
The success of any water project, from a treatment plant to a distribution network, depends on precise design and construction. Our team of engineers and architects focuses on creating customized solutions that consider all aspects of the project, from treatment capacity to process location and efficiency.
Commitment to Sustainability
The construction of water facilities must be aligned with sustainability principles. At CHM, we pride ourselves on our commitment to sustainable practices in all of our initiatives. From material selection to waste management, we work hard to minimize our environmental impact and contribute to a cleaner, healthier world.
Innovative Treatment Processes
At CHM, we strive to implement innovative treatment processes that not only comply with environmental regulations, but also improve system efficiency. Our treatment plants are designed to adapt to changing wastewater treatment demands, ensuring optimal performance over time.
Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with environmental regulations is essential in the construction of treatment plants. We work closely with local and national authorities to ensure that all our projects comply with standards. This gives our customers peace of mind and ensures environmental protection.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Our treatment plants are not only beneficial to the environment, but also to the local economy. Efficiency in wastewater treatment can lead to a significant reduction in long-term operating costs, which translates into economic benefits for our communities.
Currently, wastewater treatment plants are approached as a system of resource utilization (circular economy) where waste is converted into new opportunities: agricultural fertilizer (fertilizers or compost), water and energy, while generating employment or being used as environmental awareness classrooms for school visits.
Conclusion
Wastewater treatment plants are essential for the protection of the environment and public health. Through a meticulous wastewater treatment process, these facilities ensure that water can be safely returned to the natural environment. CHM, with its focus on innovation and sustainability, excels in wastewater treatment plant management, implementing advanced technologies and contributing to the well-being of the community and the environment. Its commitment and expertise in the water sector ensure that wastewater is treated efficiently and effectively, thus protecting water resources for future generations. In addition, the focus on treated water reuse and operational efficiency provides significant economic and environmental benefits, strengthening financial sustainability and environmental conservation.
How a sewage treatment plant works | CHM
