Unit 8: Waste Management Section 2: Wastewater Treatment
Where does wastewater come from?
Gray Water Some areas allow the use of gray water for watering plants and lawns Gray water is wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry that may be high in phosphate content (from soaps)
Septic Systems Used in rural areas
Wastewater Treatment Process Bacteria are aerated and break down most organic waste Filters and tanks remove large particles and allow them to settle Dumped into local waterway
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Wetlands as Wastewater Treatment Wetlands = natural wastewater treatment plants Artificial wetlands - constructed along coasts to aid in wastewater treatment (partially processed sewage pumped into wetlands) Effluent has increased nutrients which help marsh grasses grow, increasing size and strength of wetlands!!!