How does a wastewater treatment plant work?

A wastewater treatment plant works by taking in wastewater from households and businesses and treating it to remove pollutants. The treatment process typically involves a combination of physical, chemical and biological methods that remove unwanted contaminants from the water. Physical processes such as screening, settling, and aeration are used to reduce the amount of suspended solids in the wastewater.

Chemical processes may be employed to further break down any organic materials and remove excess nutrients. Finally, biological processes such as activated sludge and trickling filters are used to remove pathogens and other contaminants from the water. The treated wastewater is then discharged back into the environment, often after being disinfected with a product such as chlorine.