Kanalisatsioonikäitlustes

Kanalisatsioonikäitlustes refers to the processes involved in treating wastewater before it is discharged back into the environment or reused. This is a crucial aspect of public health and environmental protection, preventing the spread of diseases and minimizing pollution of water bodies. The treatment typically involves several stages.

The first stage is preliminary treatment, which aims to remove large solid objects. This is often done using screens and grit chambers to capture debris like rags, grit, and sand that could damage equipment or interfere with later processes.

Following preliminary treatment, primary treatment is employed. This stage uses settling tanks, also known as primary clarifiers, where heavier organic solids settle to the bottom as sludge, and lighter materials float to the surface as scum. Both are then removed.

The next phase is secondary treatment, which focuses on removing dissolved and suspended organic matter that remains after primary treatment. This is commonly achieved through biological processes where microorganisms, such as bacteria, consume the organic pollutants. Methods include activated sludge processes, trickling filters, and oxidation ponds.

Finally, tertiary treatment, or advanced treatment, may be applied if higher quality effluent is required. This stage can remove specific pollutants not addressed in earlier stages, such as nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), pathogens, or dissolved solids. Techniques can include filtration, disinfection (using chlorine, UV light, or ozone), and nutrient removal processes. The treated wastewater, or effluent, is then discharged or prepared for reuse in applications like irrigation.