Wastewater Treatment Processes and Practices

The Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Chicago processes sewage from 2.3 million residents, transforming it into clean water, fertilizer, and energy. The plant handles up to 1.4 billion gallons of wastewater daily. The treatment process involves coarse screening, aeration, and settling tanks to separate solids and liquids. Solids are further processed into biosolids, used as fertilizer. The plant also conducts research to optimize biosolid use. Key messages include the importance of not flushing non-biodegradable items and maintaining clear street drains.

What is the primary function of the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant?

• To desalinate seawater

• To generate electricity for Chicago

• To treat sewage and wastewater

• To produce drinking water

What happens to the large debris caught by the coarse screens?

• It is burned for energy

• It is recycled into new products

• It is used as fertilizer

• It is transported to a landfill

Why are flushable wipes problematic for wastewater treatment plants?

• They do not break down and cause blockages

• They dissolve too quickly

• They are toxic to microorganisms

• They are too small to be filtered

What role do microorganisms play in the secondary treatment process?

• They neutralize odors

• They convert sludge into biogas

• They consume pollutants and harmful substances

• They filter out large debris

How is ammonia treated in the wastewater process?

• It is neutralized by adding chemicals

• It is converted into less toxic forms of nitrogen

• It is filtered out by coarse screens

• It is used to generate electricity

What is the purpose of anaerobic digestion in sludge treatment?

• To separate solids from liquids

• To produce methane gas

• To filter out large debris

• To convert ammonia to nitrogen

What is the final product of the sludge treatment process?

• Recycled plastic

• Industrial chemicals

• Biosolids cake used as fertilizer

• Clean drinking water

How are biosolids used after treatment?

• As fertilizer for farms and parks

• As a fuel for power plants

• As a material for construction

• As a source of drinking water

What is a key environmental benefit of using biosolids as fertilizer?

• They prevent soil erosion

• They eliminate the need for irrigation

• They reduce air pollution

• They increase soil water retention

What should not be flushed down toilets to protect the water environment?

• Food waste and grease

• Water and soap

• Bodily waste and toilet paper

• Flushable wipes and trash