Wastewater Management and Its Important Components

The drainage systems and wastewater collection are important components of proper collection and disposal of the city’s infrastructure. They are responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy environment by preventing the spread of diseases and pollutants. The drainage systems and wastewater collection are most often divided into two main components. The collection system includes sewers and pipes, and the treatment system, which includes wastewater treatment plants. The drainage system collects rainwater runoff and sewage from homes, businesses, and other sources. Then transports the collected wastewater to a treatment plant, where it is treated, cleaned, and released back into the environment.

Drainage System:

The drainage system is a network of pipes, drains and other structures used to collect and remove surplus water and waste from buildings, roads, and other areas. It is an integral part of modern life, allowing for the removal of rainwater, sewage, and other waste materials.

The drainage system is typically composed of two components. A surface drainage system collects and disposes of rainwater and surface runoff. A subsurface drainage system collects and removes waste water from buildings.

Surface drainage systems are designed to collect and convey excess water away from roads, buildings, and other areas. They usually consist of a series of underground pipes and channels that collect runoff from rooftops, driveways, and other surfaces. The collected water is then directed to a storm sewer, which carries it away from the area. In some cases, the water is directed to a nearby water body or a natural wetland.

Subsurface drainage systems are designed to collect and remove wastewater from buildings. These systems are typically comprised of a series of pipes and drains that collect wastewater from plumbing fixtures, such as toilets and sinks. It is then directed to a septic tank or a public sewer system, where it is treated before being discharged into a nearby water body.

Wastewater Collection:

Wastewater collection systems typically include a network of pipes, manholes, and other structures such as pumping stations, treatment plants, and storage tanks. The pipes are usually constructed from PVC, concrete, or iron and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of wastewater. The manholes are used to allow access to the pipes for cleaning and maintenance, and they are usually equipped with safety equipment such as gas detectors and airflow monitors.

Wastewater collection systems are responsible for transporting wastewater from residences and businesses to a central drainage system. In most cases, wastewater is collected through a network of underground pipes that lead to a sewage treatment facility. The drainage system works in conjunction with the wastewater collection system by receiving wastewater from the collection system and then distributing it to the treatment facility. The drainage system removes excess water from the surrounding area and provides a safe and efficient disposal of wastewater.

Wastewater Collection Categories:

Wastewater collection systems can be divided into two categories: sanitary sewers and combined sewers. Sanitary sewers are wastewater systems that collect it from homes and businesses and transport it to a wastewater treatment plant, while combined sewers collect both stormwater and wastewater and transport them to a wastewater treatment plant. The drainage flow rate is the amount of water that is discharged from a drainage system over a given period of time. This rate is usually expressed in cubic feet per second (CFS). The drainage flow rate can be affected by factors such as the size of the drainage system, the slope of the terrain, the amount of rainfall or snowmelt, and any obstructions in the flow.

The volume of water collected in wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) is determined by the size of the plant and its capacity. Normally, the size and type of treatment process used will determine the volume of water that can be processed in a given period of time. The capacity of WTPs can range from 1.9 million liters per day to over 80 million liters per day. Water collected by WTPs depends on the amount of wastewater generated by the community and precipitation in the area.

Treatment and Discharge:

Pumping stations are used to move wastewater from low-lying areas to higher points where it can be more easily transported. Treatment plants used to clean and treat wastewater involves a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes.

Physical processes involve the removal of large suspended solids, such as sand, gravel, and other debris. This is usually done through sedimentation, filtration, or centrifugation. Chemical processes involve the addition of chemicals, such as chlorine or alum, to break down organic matter and other pollutants. Biological processes involve the use of microorganisms, such as bacteria, to break down organic matter in wastewater.

The treated wastewater is then discharged into a receiving water body, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

Tabulation of general wastewater parameters

By tabulating general wastewater parameters, Population Control Board is able to understand the impact of wastewater on the environment. This information can then be used to develop measures to reduce the negative impacts of wastewater on the environment.

Wastewater management systems must be designed and operated to ensure that they adequately collect, and treat the wastewater and prevent environmental contamination.

Wastewater management systems should also be designed to prevent flooding and maintain an acceptable level of water quality. This may include the installation of pumps, detention basins, and other structures to reduce the effects of flooding. It may also include the use of stormwater management systems to prevent soil erosion and runoff of polluted wastewater.

In nature, wastewater treatment occurs in natural ponds, wetlands covered with mangroves, and heavy plantation and water lagoons.

Similarly, when these natural phenomena are applied for wastewater treatment by artificial means, both natural, as well as artificial resources are utilized. At the beginning of the process, wastewater is allowed to stabilize and remove suspended solids particles by aggregation, flocculation, and sedimentation in waste stabilization ponds. Then the water slowly flows to artificial wetlands where the plantation of diverse phytoremediation plants sequesters many pollutants and clears water to the maximum extent by phytoremediation process. Furthermore, in natural processes, the wastewater from wetlands enters the natural water bodies and water streams. 

Constructed wetlands:

Constructed wetlands are artificial wetlands that are specifically designed to treat wastewater. They consist of a shallow body of water with a bed of gravel or sand and vegetation planted in them. As wastewater is pumped into the wetland, it flows slowly through the gravel or sand and is filtered by the plants, soil, and microorganisms. The microorganisms break down organic matter and suspended solids, while the plants and soil filter out pollutants and heavy metals.

Water Lagoons:

Lagoons are made up of a series of interconnected ponds, which are designed to capture, store, and treat wastewater. Each lagoon is filled with wastewater that is circulated and aerated, allowing beneficial bacteria and enzymes to break down harmful contaminants. This process helps to reduce the amount of organic matter, toxins, and other pollutants in the water, making it safe for reuse or discharge. As the water moves through the lagoons, suspended solids settle to the bottom, providing a nutrient-rich environment for beneficial bacteria and other organisms to thrive. The bacteria and other organisms help to further break down the contaminants and create a clean, safe effluent.

Importance of Wastewater management

• Conservation of Resources: It helps to conserve valuable resources, such as energy and water, by recycling.
• Preservation of Human Health: Wastewater management reduces the risk of water-borne diseases and helps in preserving public health.
• Reduced Pollution: It helps to reduce the pollutant level in water sources and helps to protect aquatic ecosystems and wildlife.
• Improved Water Quality: Water quality in rivers and lakes can be improved and making them safer for human use.
• Reduced Contamination: It helps to reduce contamination of drinking water sources and ensure that they are safe for human consumption.
• Economic Benefits: Proper wastewater management can help to reduce the costs of water treatment and disposal, providing economic benefits.

Conclusion:

Wastewater management is a complex process to manage. The infrastructure of a drainage system in wastewater management is a basic requirement. Improper drainage and wastewater management lead to wastewater-related issues in society that affects the quality of life. Poorly designed drainage systems can lead to poor sanitation, water pollution, and various serious water-related health hazards. Impotent drainage system flooding during rainy seasons may occur due to water logging which causes life and economic losses. Proper management is essential to avoid above mentioned damages. By investing in an efficient infrastructure and technology, wastewater can be well managed and we can enjoy a hygienic life.