Jätevedenpuhdistusjärjestelmä

Jätevedenpuhdistamo, which translates to wastewater treatment plant in English, is a facility designed to remove contaminants from sewage and other wastewater. These plants play a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment by treating water before it is discharged back into natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or oceans.

The process of wastewater treatment typically involves several stages. The preliminary stage removes large debris like rags and grit through screening and settling. Following this, the primary treatment involves settling solids out of the wastewater in large tanks. The next stage, secondary treatment, uses biological processes, often with microorganisms, to break down dissolved organic matter. Advanced or tertiary treatment may then be employed to remove specific pollutants like nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) or pathogens, depending on the required effluent quality.

After treatment, the cleaned water, known as effluent, is usually disinfected to kill any remaining harmful bacteria or viruses. The solid waste removed during the process, called sludge, is also treated and can be disposed of or reused, for example, as fertilizer or for energy generation. The design and operation of jätevedenpuhdistamot are subject to strict environmental regulations to ensure effective pollutant removal and minimize any negative impacts. These facilities are essential infrastructure for modern urban and industrial areas.