Purification of Water

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Purification of Water
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Water is an integral part of our daily lives

• We are made up of water
• We need water to drink, clean, and grow food
• The average American uses 176 gallons of water
  daily
• That amounts to a lot of wastewater...

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What is wastewater?

• Used water
• The water that goes down our drains contains
  human waste, food, oils, soaps, and chemicals
• Water used by homes, industries, and businesses
  must be treated before it is released back into
  the environment

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Solution?

• Treatment plants reduce pollutants in wastewater
  to a manageable level

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The Process

• The goal remove as much solids as possible
  before remaining water discharged back into
  environment
• Primary treatment removes 60 of solids
• Secondary treatment removes more than 90 of
  solids

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Why treat wastewater?

• Plants and animals that live in or near water
  need clean water to survive
• Quality of Life
• Health

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Problem Ammonia

• Widely used as a cleaning agent in domestic and
  industrial processes
• Ends up in wastewater and must be treated
• It's difficult to remove it all!

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What is Ammonia?

• One of the most commonly produced industrial
  chemical in the US
• Toxic at high levels!
• Death of animals, birds, fish, plants

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Effects on the Environment

• Eutrophication
• Buildup of nutrients in water more plant growth
  less oxygen in the water
• Death of aquatic life
• Changes in Ecosystems
• Weeds may outcompete native plants
• May lead to extinction of native or weaker
  species

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Effects on the Environment

• When ammonia combines with emissions from
  factories or cars, they form particles that
  contribute to smog
• Smog leads to an increased rate of respiratory
  and heart diseases

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Solution?

• Ammonia oxidizing bacteria!!

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What are Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria (AOBs)?

• AOBs are widespread in soil and water
• They are found in high numbers where large
  amounts of ammonia are present (like in
  wastewater treatment plants!)

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What do they do?

• AOBs convert ammonia to nitrite
• Nitrates are more environmentally friendly than
  ammonia!

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What do they do?

• This process, process called nitrification, is
  necessary for the maintenance of a healthy ocean
  and a clean environment!

Hooray!!
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How can I help?

• Learn more about water purification plants in
  your area take a tour!
• Spread your knowledge and initiative to others
• Pick up trash