Siedlungsabwässer

Siedlungsabwässer, also known as municipal wastewater or sewage, refers to the water discharged from residential, commercial, and institutional sources. This wastewater typically contains a variety of contaminants, including human waste, food scraps, detergents, oils, and other household chemicals. Industrial wastewater, while sometimes discharged into municipal systems, is generally considered a separate category due to its potentially higher and more specialized pollutant loads.

The management of Siedlungsabwässer is crucial for public health and environmental protection. Untreated wastewater can harbor pathogens that spread diseases and can contaminate surface and groundwater, harming aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, it is collected through a network of sewer pipes and transported to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).

At a WWTP, Siedlungsabwässer undergoes a multi-stage treatment process. Primary treatment involves screening and sedimentation to remove larger solids. Secondary treatment utilizes biological processes, often with microorganisms, to break down dissolved organic matter. Tertiary treatment, which is not always implemented, can further remove nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as other specific pollutants. The treated effluent is then discharged into receiving waters, while the remaining solids, known as sewage sludge, are further processed and disposed of or utilized. The effective treatment of Siedlungsabwässer is a cornerstone of modern sanitation infrastructure.