jätevedenkäsittelymenetelmä

Jätevedenkäsittelymenetelmä refers to the processes and technologies used to treat wastewater before it is discharged into the environment or reused. The primary goal of wastewater treatment is to remove pollutants and contaminants that could harm public health and ecosystems.

Various methods exist, often employed in combination to achieve a high degree of purification. These methods can be broadly categorized into physical, biological, and chemical treatments. Physical methods involve separating solid and liquid phases, such as screening to remove large debris and sedimentation to allow heavier solids to settle. Chemical methods use chemicals to promote the removal of pollutants, for instance, through coagulation and flocculation to clump small particles together, making them easier to remove.

Biological treatment is a cornerstone of modern wastewater treatment. It utilizes microorganisms, such as bacteria, to break down organic matter and nutrients present in the wastewater. Common biological processes include activated sludge, where wastewater is aerated in the presence of microorganisms, and trickling filters, where wastewater flows over a bed of media colonized by microbes. Advanced treatment methods may include disinfection, using UV light, ozone, or chlorine to kill remaining pathogens, and nutrient removal processes to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus levels, preventing eutrophication of receiving waters. The specific combination of methods chosen depends on factors like the source of the wastewater, the required effluent quality, and economic considerations.