Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Basics Relating To A Waste Water Purification System

By Martha Lewis


Sewage water is mainly sourced from private homes and commercial premises. Domestic sewage water mainly comes from the toilet, laundry, plumbing fixtures and dishwashers. Commercial sewage has a wide range of sources that include, among others, hospitals, manufacturing plants and restaurants. In a waste water purification system, solid waste (comprising about 10% of the effluent) has to be separated from the liquid waste before reuse or disposal.

There are a number of stages that are involved in this process. They include the screening state, the primary stage, the secondary and the tertiary stage. During the screening and primary stages, large objects such as rocks, cloth, wood and plastic are removed from the effluent. Smaller solids are removed through aeration and sedimentation. Solid waste that remains at the bottom of the tank is called sludge.

The effluent from the primary stage flows into another set of tanks where secondary filtration takes place. These are what are known as digesters. The digesters contain live cultures of both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial microorganisms. The microorganisms breakdown the organic material in the effluent which effectively reduces the nutritional content and the survival of microorganisms in the subsequent stages. Secondary effluent is then released to the tertiary stage.

The tertiary stage involves the optimization of the processes that have taken place in the other stages. Biological filters are employed to help with the degradation of residual organic materials. Other types of waste that are removed include grease, oil, foam and ammonia. Disinfection has to be done to make it safe for reuse. This is done through UV radiation, chlorination or by use of ozone gas. The order is eliminated and the color clears.

The process of digestion is associated with the production of odor. The odor is usually controlled in a number of ways. One of the commonest options is carbon reactors. These reactors collect and metabolize toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide using contact media that is lined with bio-slimes and chlorine. Alternatives include the use of hydrogen peroxide and calcium nitrate.

There are variations that exist in the exact processes but the result is largely the same. One of the alternative purification systems employs the use of enzymes rather than bacteria in the breakdown of organic matter. One of the disadvantages of using this option is that it is not practically possible to have all the enzymes required in the blend. Another disadvantage is that producing enzymes is more expensive than using the bacteria.

Treated effluent can be utilized in a number of ways. Most large scale plants reutilize the water for agricultural purposes. If proper technology is employed, the water can be used domestically. Apart from the water, the sludge should also be adequately treated before being released into the environment. If being done on a small scale, composting is a viable option. If on a larger scale, aerobic and anaerobic digestion are preferred.

A set of rules and regulations guide the installment of purification plants. The rules vary from place to place depending on the local public health authority in place. You need to be conversant with those that are applicable in your specific case. Generally, the methods that are adopted should be the same as what occurs naturally.




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