How wastewater is treated in wastewater treatment plant?

Wastewater treatment in a wastewater treatment plant involves several processes to clean wastewater and remove contaminants. The first step is pre-treatment, which involves screening the wastewater to remove large debris such as rags, sticks and stones, then passing it through a grit chamber to remove sand and small particles. Next, the wastewater is pumped into primary sedimentation tanks, where most of the settleable solids settle out. Following this, the wastewater is moved to an aeration basin for biological treatment. Here, oxygen is supplied to the wastewater, which encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria that break down organic matter.

The wastewater then moves to secondary sedimentation tanks, where the bacteria settle out. Finally, the wastewater passes through filters to remove any remaining suspended solids, then is disinfected with chlorine before being released back into the environment.