What is Effluent ? Effluent is "wastewater - treated or untreated - that flows out of a treatment plant, sewer, or industrial outfall. … by the United States Environmental Protection Agency

Where is it generated? Treatment plants Industrial Sites Sewer Homes

Why Treatment To remove pollutants from waste water for its possible recycling or discharge To promote health concern and public hygiene To prevent or delay the deterioration of receiving water bodies Preservation of Aquatic life and wildlife habitat To promote recreation and quality of life

What are the implications Hasten the deterioration of receiving water bodies May increase salinity, alkalinity and/or toxicity in the soil Affects both growth and metabolism of plants May cause decline in soil microbial activity and yield loss. Disrupt the physicochemical properties of soil

How is the Treatment Process ? Basically, three main stages are involved: 1. Primary 2. Secondary 3. Tertiary

Process Flow Chart Waste water entry to plan t Discharge to Rivers Screening and Grit Removal Primary Clarifier Biological Treatment Secondary Clarifier Filtration Ultraviolet process

Preliminary Treatment Physical process for the removal of large solids such as: Rags Sticks Grit Grease etc. …to prevent damage or result in operational problems

Stage 1: Primary Treatment Physical/Biological process involving the removal of: Floating and settleable materials such as suspended solids and organic matter …by physical separation of grit and large objects

Stage 2: Secondary Treatment Utilizes Biological/chemical process to remove: Biodegradable organic matter Suspended solids … About 85% of the suspended solids and BOD can be removed by a well running plant …micro organisms convert non-settleable solids into settleable solids

Stage 3: Tertiary Treatment Removal of residual suspended solids/ dissolved solids It can be achieved through: -Chlorination -Ultraviolet light -Ozonation … can remove more than 99% of all the impurities producing an effluent of almost drinking-water quality

Process Description

Characteristics of Wastewater/Environmental effect ContaminantsCause effect Physical suspended solids Can lead to the development of sludge deposits Chemical biodegradable organics When discharged untreated to the environment can lead to the depletion of natural oxygen resources Biological pathogens Can bring about the transmission of communicable diseases by the pathogenic organism in wastewater Hazardous Dangerous to human health and the environment because of their toxic nature Heavy metals They can impact negatively on biological waste treatment processes Dissolved inorganic solids Their presence renders the water unfit for use and may have to be removed if the wastewater is to be reused Nutrients Can lead to water pollution

Some contaminants and their Health effect ContaminantHealth Effect ZincElevated intake of Zn can cause muscular pain and intestinal haemorrhage NickelHigh exposure to this metal can lead to cancer in organs of the breathing system, cardiovascular and kidney diseases LeadChronic intoxication can lead to encephalopathy mainly in children Ironhigh concentration, it can increase the free radicals production, which is responsible for degenerative diseases and ageing ChromiumIt can cause skin ulcer, convulsions, kidney and liver damage. Intensive exposure may lead to lung cancer in man SulphateSulphate concentration may lead to laxative and effect the alimentary canal FluorideHigh concentration of fluoride can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis Methyl-MercuryAffects the Brain, causing insanity and leading to death

Effluent recycling : Why a challenge? Lack of highly efficient and economic treatment technology Awareness/ignorance Lack of stringent conditions and enforcement Lack of employee training to better their knowledge about waste reduction High (overdosing) quantities of chemicals utilized etc.

Prevention/Possible Solutions to Environmental issues associated with waste Effluent Strict Government law On the spot checks by Federal Environmental Protection Agency Treatment process must be put in place before trial production for industrial unit Effluents from industries must be diluted to avoid their adverse effect on soil Regular toxicity tests on industrial effluent is required Ensure pollution level must not exceed quality standards

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