progress of wastewater treatment

aerated sewage containing aerobic microorganisms which help to break it down.

• grit chamber

• effluent

• activated sludge

Oxygen is bubbled through water and activated sludge to feed bacteria that digest organic solids

• aeration chamber

• sludge

• sewage

• activated sludge

Partially treated water - contains organic contaminants, but is clear

• sludge

• sewage

• effluent

Used as fertilizer for crops or soil for building projects

• effluent

• dried sludge

• turbidity

• aeration chamber

Medium-sized particles, sand and dirt settle here

• primary clarifier

• grit chamber

• storm sewer

• activated sludge

Part of pre-treatment - Remove large items like diapers or guns

• grit chamber

• sluice gates

• bar screens

• flash mixers

Water suitable for human consumption

• surface water

• saline water

• potable water

• movable water

Once large particles have settled out, a flocculating agent (usually aluminum or iron compound) is added to make microscopic particles stick together and settle out

• secondary clarifier

• aeration chamber

• primary clarifier tank

• combined sewer overflow (cso)

Once solids have been digested, they are allowed to settle and are recycled

• primary clarifier

• grit chamber

• tertiary treatment

• secondary clarifier

Water that contains fecal matter

• sewage

• sludge

• oil

• effluent