Flushing down your business in the toilet, washing your dishes in the kitchen sink, and many more – what do these all have in common? They’re all common household chores that produce wastewater.
Wastewater Treatment 101
And did you know that all of the wastewater that you produce doesn’t just simply go straight to the ground? Wastewater treatment is a complex set of systems set up in place in order to process wastewater collected from households and business establishments.
This system is set up to process collected wastewater to make sure it’s properly treated before being dumped elsewhere. There are even instances where wastewater collected from buildings can be treated in specially constructed wastewater treatment facilities with the intent of recycling it for reuse.
Whatever the case may be, the primary actor responsible for the gathering, processing, and so on of local wastewater lies in the hands of municipal water treatment facilities. They utilize many systems and strategies to properly carry out their mandate. Among them is using treatment chemicals.
What To Know About Municipal Water Treatment Chemicals
The use of water treatment chemicals in the wastewater treatment process is a standard in the wastewater processing industry. In fact, it’s only one step in the whole process.
Common municipal water treatment chemicals used around the country include but aren’t limited to chlorine, chloramine, and many more.
You don’t have to worry though. The abovementioned municipal water treatment chemicals are generally safe for use and their use, including but not limited to the chemical amount, administration, and the like, is heavily regulated.
Now, you may be wondering what exactly do municipal water treatment chemicals do, and why are they so important? The following points will dive into that in more detail. Read on.
What Are The Roles Of Municipal Water Treatment Chemicals In Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Municipal water treatment chemicals are used for a reason. Some of the most well-known and acknowledged uses of these substances include:
Municipal Water Treatment Chemicals Are Utilized To Control Odors
Odor control is another important aspect of wastewater treatment. Foul smells can be a significant nuisance and pose health risks.
Chemicals like activated carbon, hydrogen peroxide, and biofilters are used to neutralize foul stenches. These chemicals absorb or break down the odor-causing compounds, ensuring that the treatment facility operates without causing discomfort to nearby communities.
They Can Help Manage Corrosion And Control Scaling
Maintaining the infrastructure of wastewater treatment facilities is crucial for their efficient operation. Chemicals are used to prevent corrosion and scale build-up in pipes and equipment.
For instance, phosphates are added to control corrosion, while antiscalants prevent the formation of mineral deposits. By using the aforementioned substances, wastewater treatment facilities can extend the lifespan of their equipment and reduce maintenance costs.
Municipal Water Treatment Chemicals Are Used To Promote Safety And Environment Friendliness In Wastewater Treatment Plants
While chemicals are essential for wastewater treatment, it’s crucial to use them responsibly. The handling and disposal of treatment chemicals must adhere to strict regulations to prevent environmental contamination.
Thus, facility managers must make sure that the chemicals are stored safely, and any waste products are treated appropriately. This includes monitoring the dosage of chemicals to avoid overuse, which can lead to harmful byproducts.
What Goes On In The Wastewater Treatment Process
As mentioned earlier, wastewater treatment is a whole process. It involves multiple steps before the wastewater is declared as clean and safe for discharge or reuse.
The following is a basic explanation of how the wastewater treatment process works – the points below are some of the major steps that you should know about. Read on.
Solid Waste Removal
In the primary treatment stage, the goal is to remove large solid particles from the wastewater. Chemicals like coagulants and flocculants are introduced to the water so that solid particles will clump together, making them easier to separate from the water.
Organic Matter Breakdown
Breaking down the organic matter present in the wastewater is the next step. Chemicals such as nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) are added to support the growth of microorganisms. These microorganisms break down the organic matter into simpler, harmless substances.
Disinfection
Even after the secondary treatment, wastewater can still harbor harmful pathogens. Disinfection is the next step, and it involves the use of chemicals like chlorine, chloramines, or ozone.
Further Water Treatment Processes
In some cases, wastewater treatment facilities employ advanced treatment methods to remove specific contaminants that aren’t fully removed during the abovementioned steps. Advanced treatment can involve a variety of chemical processes ranging from eliminating very tiny pollutant residues to adjusting pH levels of the water.
And finally, the entire process generates a significant amount of sludge, which is the solid waste left behind. Treating this sludge is another step in the water treatment process which requires advanced chemicals and processes to ensure success.
To Conclude
Municipal water treatment chemicals are a must-have in the wastewater treatment process. They help remove contaminants in the water, kill of deadly pathogens, and many more.
Knowing and having an understanding of the role of municipal water treatment chemicals gives you a deeper appreciation of the complex processes that ensure the water that you use is clean and safe.