How a wastewater treatment plant works?

Wastewater treatment plants use physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove pollutants from wastewater. Physical processes involve mechanically separating solids from the liquid. Chemical processes involve adding chemicals to neutralize the pollutants. Biological processes involve using bacteria to break down organic matter into harmless by-products. In most wastewater treatment plants, the process begins with screening to remove debris such as sticks and large pieces of material. The wastewater then enters a settling tank to separate out the heavier materials.

Next, it moves to an area of aeration, where air is pumped into the water to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. The bacteria break down organic matter and absorb nutrients, helping to purify the water. The wastewater then passes through filtration media to remove suspended solids. Finally, the treated wastewater is disinfected, usually with chlorine, and released into a body of water, such as a river, lake or stream.