Wastewater 101- Why do we treat wastewater? Provided at no charge.
Oxygen depletion occurrs in receiving waters when bacteria that “treat” the water (eat the food in it) use oxygen for their life cycle.
If oxygen in natural water sources is depleted, fish and aquatic life health will be impacted.
Oxygen depletion of natural waterways may lead to odor and public health issues.
Disease causing bacteria and viruses can impact human health if not removed. Disinfection is commonly practiced to destroy these organisms.
Intro to Wastewater logo
Phosphorus and Nitrogen often need to be reduced in wastewater effluents to protect the receiving water. Ammonia is toxic to many aquatic life and phosphorus can lead to algae growth, which can cause impact aquatic life.
The degree of nutrient removal needed, is often based on the flow from the wastewater treatment system and the current nutrient levels in the receiving water body. Whatever size of collection and treatment system you have or are responsible for - this is the basic 'how biology works' class to get you started!