Wastewater
From ArticleWorld
Wastewater is a term that defines any type of water that has been affected by an anthropogenic influence and had its quality affected. In most cases it will be linked with liquid waste discharges coming from houses, different processes and industrial activities. Rain-water that has not been affected by human activity is not included in the process.
Types
Three types of wastewater can be found:
- Industrial:
- Biodegradable Organic
- Non Biodegradable organic
- Substances with high PH like metal planting
- Inorganic
- Solids – newspapers, oil and others
- Agriculture draining
- Surface:
- Storm drains
- Highway
- Black water – surface water that was contaminated by sewage
- Industrial site drainage
- Domestic Drainage
- Cesspit leaks
- Septic tanks
- Sewage
- Sewage treatment plant discharge
- Grey water – or sullage water
Treatment
Based on the level and the method of contamination, wastewater can be cleaned by using several types of processes. In most cases this will be done by a wastewater treatment plant that can have incorporated several treatment techniques. When dealing with biological sludge or industrial wastewater a common technique is using anaerobic processes. Sometimes the wastewater can be recycled and re-used. The newly implemented tertiary treatment methods have made it possible for waste water to be more thoroughly cleaned of unwanted substances. The main reason behind this care stands in environmental protection and the recycling, which can be beneficial for most areas. Wastewater that is properly treated can be reused like drinking water (Singapore), agriculture (Israel’s irrigation system uses 70% recycled wastewater), in Industry or artificial recharge of aquifers. In Florida wastewater is used for the rehabilitation of the natural ecosystem.