Lagoons have been a fundamental part of wastewater treatment for communities worldwide, leveraging natural processes to manage sewage and industrial waste. They offer a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for wastewater management, particularly in small, rural, and tribal communities where resources and infrastructure may be limited. Understanding the various types of lagoon systems and their operational […]
Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that occurs when organic matter is broken down by bacteria in the absence of oxygen. It is a technology that has been harnessed to manage waste, mitigate pollution, and produce biogas – a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide that can be used as a renewable energy source. The […]
Mixed bed ion exchange is a sophisticated process in wastewater treatment, where ion exchange resins are used in a single vessel to purify the effluent. This process is highly efficient in removing a broad range of contaminants, from heavy metals to organic and inorganic pollutants, through the exchange of ions between the wastewater and the […]
Tube settlers, also known as lamella clarifiers, represent an integral component in the field of wastewater treatment. They are employed to enhance the settling efficiency of particulates by increasing the effective settling area within a given footprint. This method of sedimentation is especially valuable in clarifying water and wastewater as it allows for greater process […]
Discrete settling is a crucial phase in wastewater treatment, primarily addressing the separation of particulate matter from water. This step is foundational to the clarification processes used in treatment facilities, where gravity pulls down solid particles, which are suspended in wastewater, to the bottom of a settling tank. In essence, the process capitalizes on the […]
Primary clarifiers serve a critical role in wastewater treatment as they are the initial phase where solids are separated from the liquid waste. By allowing wastewater to slow down and stay in a quiescent state, these clarifiers enable heavier solids to settle at the bottom, while lighter materials like oils and grease rise to the […]
In the realm of water treatment, thickening plays a crucial role in the management of wastewater sludge. The process involves increasing the solids concentration, thereby reducing the volume of the sludge to be handled. Efficient thickening is advantageous as it can significantly cut down transportation and disposal costs, and improve the overall operational efficiency of […]
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection has emerged as a formidable and environmentally friendly method for treating wastewater. Unlike chemical approaches, UV disinfection relies on physical processes that neutralize pathogenic microorganisms by disrupting their DNA. This technology has found extensive application across the globe due to its efficacy in deactivating a broad spectrum of harmful microbes, including bacteria, […]
Mechanical grit removal systems are employed to ensure these abrasive materials are effectively separated from the organic load. The design considerations for grit removal systems are crucial, with factors like particle size, system capacity, and removal efficiency dictating the choice of technology. Optimizing grit removal efficiency through tailored design and operation is paramount, as it […]
Safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment are critical for protecting public health and the environment. Chemical technologies play an important role alongside physical and biological treatment methods. This article provides an overview of key chemical processes used, design considerations, and challenges for further improvement. Chemically-enhanced sedimentation (coagulation and flocculation) is used to remove suspended […]