Municipal Wastewater Treatment: Process & Technologies
How modern treatment plants transform wastewater into reusable resources while meeting environmental standards
Contemporary wastewater treatment employs a three-stage purification process—primary (physical), secondary (biological), and tertiary (advanced) treatment—to remove up to 99% of contaminants. This systematic approach ensures discharged water meets regulatory requirements while enabling sustainable reuse.
1
Primary Treatment: Physical Separation
Removes 30-50% of suspended solids through mechanical processes
Bar Screens
Remove large debris (>6mm) to protect downstream equipment
Grit Chambers
Settle sand and gravel at controlled flow velocities (0.3 m/s)
Primary Clarifiers
Separate floatable oils and settleable solids (1-2 hr detention)
2
Secondary Treatment: Biological Processing
Degrades 85-95% of organic matter using microbial communities
Biological Reactor Systems
MBBR
SBR
Key Components
- Aeration Tanks: Maintain 2 mg/L DO for aerobic digestion
- Secondary Clarifiers: Separate biomass (MLSS 2,000-4,000 mg/L)
- Sludge Return: 25-50% return rate to sustain biomass
3
Tertiary Treatment: Advanced Polishing
Removes residual nutrients, pathogens, and micro-pollutants
Filtration
Sand filters or membrane systems (MF/UF)
Disinfection
UV irradiation or chlorine contact (CT ≥15 mg·min/L)
Nutrient Removal
Biological nitrogen removal, chemical phosphorus precipitation
Treated Water Reuse Applications
Landscape Irrigation
Industrial Cooling
Groundwater Recharge
Municipal Non-Potable
The Critical Role of Wastewater Treatment
Public Health Protection
Eliminates waterborne pathogens and contaminants
Environmental Compliance
Meets stringent discharge regulations (BOD <20 mg/L, TSS <30 mg/L)
Resource Recovery
Enables water, energy, and nutrient recycling
Wastewater Treatment Expertise
Our engineering team provides comprehensive solutions for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment projects.
Technical support available Monday-Friday, 9:00-18:00 GMT+8
Post time: May-08-2025