Water is a very precious resource. Though it appears to be in abundance on the earth’s surface, water still remains a precious and rare commodity. Only a small part of the earth’s water reserve, approximately 0.03% is made of water resources available for human activities.
The world’s population is increasing, so is the demand for water. To maintain a steady supply and to make water readily available for human use, various industries need to reduce its consumption and return it back to the environment.
Methods of Waste Water Treatments in Various Industries
There are different methods to process wastewater to remove harmful bacteria and chemical contaminants and make it safe for human consumption. Some of them are as follows:
- Biological Wastewater Treatment – The biological method can be used to make water safe for consumption. This method involves a system where microorganisms are used to biochemically decompose the wastewater. The microorganisms help to break down organic material in water to improve its quality.
The 3 processes involved in biological wastewater treatment are aerobic, anaerobic or composting.
- Physical Wastewater Treatment – The physical method of water treatment can also be used to improve water quality. It does not involve the use of chemicals or microorganisms. The three processes involved in physical water treatment are:
- Sedimentation – This method involves suspending out the insoluble heavy particles. Once the insoluble materials settle down, then pure water will be removed.
- Aeration – In this method, oxygen is provided. It is done by simply circulating air through the water. Aeration is also an effective way of treating and improving the quality of wastewater.
- Filtration – As the name implies, this process involves filtering out contaminants in the wastewater. The process is done with the use of special filters.
- Chemical Wastewater Treatment – This system involves the use of chemicals. The chemical is applied to kill the bacteria which contaminate water. Chlorine is one of the commonly used chemicals. Others oxidizing disinfectant used are ozone. These chemicals change the bacteria’s water environment who are then unable to reproduce and multiply.
The treatment of wastewater is very important. Without it, a large portion of available water for human use would have been contaminated. Such development will cause serious health problems. But with proper wastewater treatment, water will not only be readily available but safe for consumption.