The Wastewater Treatment Process: Know How CMMS Can Help

Nature has its ways of dealing with wastewater, breaking down and filtering it over time. But with the world’s population growing, it’s becoming harder for these natural processes to keep up with the extra waste being produced.

When wastewater isn’t properly treated, it can harm rivers, streams, and other freshwater sources. This is especially concerning in developing countries, where over 80% of wastewater is released untreated, creating major environmental challenges. In contrast, many developed countries use advanced wastewater treatment methods to clean and safely return water to the environment, helping protect natural ecosystems.

This article will take a closer look at the modern wastewater treatment process while exploring how it benefits us and the environment. Let’s get started

Stages of the Wastewater Treatment Process

Step 1: Screening and Pumping

Wastewater first goes through a screen that removes large items like rags, plastic, and grease. This screening stage keeps these materials from moving further into the system, as they could clog equipment. After screening, the collected debris is washed, pressed, and sent to a landfill. The screened water is then pumped to the next treatment phase.

Step 2: Grit Removal

Next, the wastewater flows into a grit chamber, where heavier particles like sand and small rocks settle to the bottom. This grit is also removed and sent to a landfill. Grit removal helps protect the next stages from abrasion and clogging.

Step 3: Primary Settling

In this stage, the wastewater enters large, round tanks called clarifiers. Here, solid particles settle at a slower rate compared to the grit chamber. These solids form what’s known as primary sludge and are collected from the bottom. Meanwhile, any oils or grease that rise to the top are skimmed off. Sometimes chemicals are added here to help remove phosphorus, reducing nutrient levels in the water.

Step 4: Aeration/Activated Sludge

Aeration is where the main cleaning takes place. The wastewater is mixed with air and bacteria in large tanks, which helps bacteria grow and consume organic pollutants, breaking them down into simpler compounds like water, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. This process mimics how nature breaks down waste in rivers and lakes, but it’s much faster here.

Step 5: Secondary Settling

After aeration, the wastewater moves into secondary clarifiers, which separate the cleaned water from the bacteria used in the last step. These bacteria, or activated sludge, are collected and returned to the aeration tanks to keep the treatment cycle going. At this point, the wastewater is mostly cleaned, reaching a treatment level of about 90%.

Step 6: Filtration

Next, the water goes through fine filters made of 10-micron polyester. This step catches any remaining tiny particles that didn’t settle in previous stages. The filters are regularly cleaned (backwashed), and the removed material is sent back to the start of the treatment process.

Step 7: Disinfection

To make sure the water is safe and free from harmful bacteria, it undergoes ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. UV light kills or inactivates any remaining bacteria to meet strict discharge requirements.

Step 8: Oxygen Uptake

In this step, oxygen is added to the water if needed to meet required oxygen levels. This helps keep the river ecosystem balanced when the treated water is discharged. The treated water now meets high standards, with over 98% of pollutants removed.

Step 9: Sludge Treatment

Any leftover sludge from the treatment process is collected and further processed to break down and stabilize it. The sludge is then typically disposed of or used as a soil amendment in certain agricultural applications, depending on local regulations.

The Importance of Wastewater Treatment Plants

Wastewater treatment plants play an essential role in cleaning water by filtering out harmful substances that can threaten human health and the environment. Wastewater often contains toxic chemicals, and without treatment, it can have serious health impacts. In developing areas, untreated wastewater can lead to widespread health issues. Diseases linked to dirty water, like cholera, are common in these regions, with millions of people affected and thousands of deaths each year.

By treating wastewater, these plants help return cleaner water to rivers, lakes, and oceans, protecting both people and aquatic life. Pollutants like nitrogen and phosphates in untreated water can harm fish and other species by reducing oxygen levels in water, sometimes even creating “dead zones” where life can’t survive. Treating wastewater before it enters natural water sources helps reduce these harmful effects and supports a healthier, more balanced ecosystem.

Ongoing Advancements

1. Advanced Oxidation

   This process uses special chemicals or reactive molecules, known as free radicals, to break down tough organic pollutants found in wastewater. Advanced oxidation is highly effective for dealing with compounds that aren’t easily managed through standard treatment methods, making it especially valuable for complex chemical waste.

2. Ultrafiltration and Reverse Osmosis

   Ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis are filtration processes that push water through extremely fine membranes. High-pressure forces water through these layers, leaving contaminants behind. The result is purified water that can be reused for various purposes. These techniques are known for their effectiveness in producing cleaner, safer water.

3. Photocatalytic Oxidation

   Photocatalytic oxidation uses a catalyst—often titanium dioxide—combined with ultraviolet (UV) light to break down pollutants. When the catalyst is exposed to UV light, it triggers reactions that produce free radicals, which then attack and degrade organic substances and harmful microorganisms in the water. This process is especially useful for reducing certain organic pollutants.

4. Ultrasonic Reactors

   Ultrasonic reactors work by generating high-frequency sound waves that produce tiny bubbles in the water. These bubbles collapse, creating intense heat and pressure that break down contaminants and eliminate microbes. This method is effective for reducing both chemical pollutants and biological contaminants.

5. Naturally or Genetically Enhanced Microorganisms

   This approach uses specially selected or enhanced microorganisms to tackle wastewater pollutants, especially those that are harder to break down. Scientists choose natural organisms or engineer improved versions that are then introduced into the water to target specific types of contaminants or reduce high levels of organic pollutants.

6. Electrocoagulation and Electrooxidation

   In this process, an electric current is applied to the water. The current causes pollutants to gather together (coagulate) or break down through oxidation. This method can help reduce a range of contaminants, making the water safer and more suitable for release or reuse.

Optimize Your Wastewater Treatment Process with NEXGEN’s Software

Efficient management of wastewater treatment is important for protecting the environment and ensuring that water resources are used sustainably. NEXGEN’s wastewater treatment software is designed to help treatment facilities operate more smoothly, enhance productivity, and lower expenses.

Our advanced Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) makes it easy to manage your assets, schedule preventive maintenance, and keep track of compliance with regulations. Here’s how NEXGEN can benefit your facility:

• Boost Operational Efficiency: Automate your maintenance schedules to keep things running smoothly, monitor the performance of your equipment, and avoid unexpected failures that can disrupt operations.
• Ensure Compliance with Regulations: Stay on top of inspections, permits, and other regulatory requirements. Our real-time reporting feature helps you maintain compliance effortlessly.
• Lower Operating Costs: Identify areas where you can improve efficiency and cut back on resource use through predictive maintenance and optimized workflows. This helps you save money while maintaining high service levels.
• Extend the Life of Your Assets: Implement proactive maintenance strategies to enhance the longevity of your critical infrastructure, reducing the need for costly replacements.