Sewage Treatment Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to sewage treatment processes and issues.

Primary Treatment

The physical removal of large objects from sewage, often using screens and grates, followed by sedimentation of solid waste.

Secondary Treatment

A biological process where bacteria break down organic matter into carbon dioxide and inorganic sludge; aerobic conditions are maintained for effective decomposition.

Tertiary Treatment

The use of ecological or chemical processes to remove remaining pollutants from water after primary and secondary treatments.

Disinfectant

Substances such as chlorine, ozone, or UV light used to kill bacteria and other pathogens in treated sewage before discharge.

Effluent

Liquid waste discharged from a wastewater treatment plant into a surface body of water.

Eutrophication

An excessive growth of algae in water bodies due to elevated nutrient levels, particularly nitrates and phosphates.

Combined Sewer System

A system that collects sewage and stormwater runoff, which can lead to overflow and contamination during heavy rainfall.

Sludge

Inorganic solid waste that settles at the bottom of tanks during sewage treatment processes.

Aeration Tank

A tank in which oxygen is bubbled to facilitate the breakdown of organic matter by bacteria during secondary treatment.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals, such as certain medications, that can interfere with hormonal systems and are often found in treated wastewater.