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Chapter 20: Problem 4

Name and describe the facility and the process used to remove debris, grit, particulate organic matter, colloidal and dissolved organic matter, and dissolved nutrients from wastewater.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Wastewater Treatment Plant uses various processes - Preliminary Treatment (for debris, grit), Primary Treatment (particulate and colloidal organic matter), Secondary Treatment (dissolved organic matter), and Tertiary Treatment (nutrient removal) to clear up the wastewater.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying the facility

The facility mentioned in the question is a Wastewater Treatment Plant. In such plants, wastewater goes through a sequence of treatment processes to remove solid waste, organic matter and nutrients, finally resulting in sanitary, reusable water.
02

Removal of debris and grit

The first stage of treatment involves the removal of large debris and grit. This process is known as Preliminary Treatment. Large debris is removed by using a bar screen and grit (sand, pebbles) is removed by a process called grit chamber or grit removal.
03

Removing particulate and colloidal organic matter

Next, the wastewater goes through Primary Treatment to remove particulate and colloidal organic matter. This is done in a sedimentation tank, allowing the suspended particles to settle down at the bottom while oil and grease are skimmed off the top.
04

Removing dissolved organic matter

The wastewater, after primary treatment, undergoes Secondary Treatment to remove dissolved organic matter. This is carried out using biological processes like activated sludge process, where microorganisms break down the organic matter into simpler substances.
05

Nutrient removal

Finally, to remove the nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from the wastewater, tertiary or advanced treatment is carried out. This involves further filtration, chemical treatments and disinfection to make the water safe to be reintroduced into the environment.

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