POLLUTION ENVIRONMENT

Environmental pollution is one of the biggest threats to life as we know it that causes a change to
the composition of the environment. Pollution affects the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the
ecosystems we depend on. If pollution severity continues to increase; human, animal, and plant
populations will break down as they will not be able to cope with a drastically changing environment.
There are factors that affect the rates of dispersal and degradation of pollutants.

TOPIC 1: WATER ENVIRONMENT

Water environments encompass a vast array of ecosystems ranging from freshwater lakes and rivers to
marine environments such as oceans and coral reefs. These environments are critical to life on Earth,
providing habitat for countless species and supplying essential resources to humans. Here are some key
aspects of water environments:

1. Freshwater Ecosystems: These include lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands. Freshwater
ecosystems are vital for drinking water, irrigation, transportation, and biodiversity. They support
diverse aquatic life, including fish, amphibians, insects, and plants.
2. Marine Ecosystems: Covering about 70% of the Earth's surface, marine ecosystems include
oceans, coral reefs, estuaries, and coastal areas. They are home to a wide range of marine
organisms, from microscopic plankton to large whales, and provide resources such as food,
minerals, and transportation routes.
3. Biodiversity: Water environments harbor immense biodiversity, with unique adaptations and
interactions among species. Coral reefs, for example, are among the most diverse ecosystems on
the planet, supporting thousands of species in a relatively small area.
4. Ecosystem Services: Water environments provide numerous ecosystem services, including water
purification, flood regulation, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation. They are also crucial
for recreation, tourism, and cultural activities.
5. Human Impacts: Human activities significantly impact water environments through
urbanization, agriculture, industrial activities, and resource extraction. Sustainable practices and
policies are essential to mitigate these impacts and ensure the long-term health of water
environments.
FACTORS THAT MADE WATER POLLUTED

It is sometimes caused by nature, such as when mercury filters from the Earth's crust, polluting
oceans, rivers, lakes, canals and reservoirs. However, the most common cause of poor quality water is
human activity and its consequences, which we will now go on to explain

1. Improper Waste Disposal: Improper disposal of household wastes, chemicals, and electronic
waste (e-waste) can lead to water pollution. Dumping of garbage, sewage sludge, and
construction debris into water bodies contributes to contamination and habitat degradation.
2. Oil Spills: Accidental or deliberate releases of oil and petroleum products from ships, offshore
drilling platforms, and pipelines can contaminate large areas of water, affecting marine life,
coastal ecosystems, and shorelines. Oil spills can be particularly damaging due to their
persistence and toxicity.
3. Agricultural Runoff: Farming activities contribute to water pollution by introducing excess
nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers), pesticides, and herbicides into rivers, lakes,
and groundwater. Rainfall can wash these chemicals off fields and into water bodies, causing
eutrophication and harmful algal blooms.
4. Industrial Discharges: Industries release pollutants directly into water bodies through pipes and
drainage systems. These pollutants include heavy metals (like mercury, lead, and cadmium), toxic
chemicals (such as solvents and pesticides), and organic compounds (like oils and plastics).
Industrial wastewater often requires specialized treatment to remove harmful substances before
discharge.
5. Natural Causes: While human activities are the primary drivers of water pollution, natural events
such as volcanic eruptions, algal blooms, and erosion can also contribute to temporary increases
in water contaminants.

EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION

Water is an essential resource for all life on Earth. If a water source becomes contaminated due to
pollution, it can lead to health issues in humans, such as cancer or cardiovascular conditions.
Deteriorating water quality is damaging the environment, health conditions and the global economy.
 1. Contamination of the Food Chain:

● Impact: Pollutants introduced into water bodies can bioaccumulate in organisms, meaning they
accumulate in higher concentrations as they move up the food chain. This leads to contamination
of fish and other aquatic organisms that humans consume, posing health risks.
● Examples: Heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can
accumulate in fish tissues, and consuming contaminated fish can lead to serious health issues such
as neurological damage and reproductive problems.

2. Destruction of Biodiversity:

● Impact: Pollution and habitat destruction directly threaten biodiversity by reducing the
availability of suitable habitats and food sources for various species. This can lead to declines in
populations and even extinction.
● Examples: Pollution in water bodies can lead to the loss of aquatic species, such as fish and
amphibians, which are vital components of aquatic ecosystems and contribute to biodiversity.

3. Lack of Potable Water:

● Impact: Water pollution can render freshwater sources unsafe for drinking, leading to scarcity of
potable water. This affects human health and quality of life, particularly in communities that rely
on contaminated water sources.
● Examples: Industrial discharges, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff can introduce
pathogens, chemicals, and nutrients into water sources, making them unsuitable for drinking
without proper treatment.

4. Infant Mortality:

● Impact: Exposure to contaminated water can significantly impact public health, particularly in
vulnerable populations such as infants and young children. Waterborne diseases and pollutants
can lead to higher rates of infant mortality and childhood illnesses.
● Examples: Pathogens like bacteria and viruses in contaminated water sources can cause diseases
such as diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery, which are major contributors to infant mortality in many
parts of the world.
 Prevention of water pollution

Preventing water pollution is crucial for preserving ecosystems, public health, and ensuring a
sustainable water supply. Here are several effective measures to prevent water pollution:

● Reduce Household Chemical Usage: Limit the use of chemical-based household products like
detergents, cleaners, and pesticides that can end up in water systems through runoff.
● Proper Disposal of Hazardous Substances: Dispose of paints, oils, batteries, and other
hazardous materials responsibly at designated collection or recycling centers to prevent them
from leaching into groundwater.
● Control Industrial Discharges: Industries should treat their wastewater to remove pollutants
before releasing it into water bodies. Compliance with environmental regulations is crucial.
● Agricultural Best Practices: Adopting techniques such as integrated pest management, precision
irrigation, and using organic fertilizers reduces nutrient runoff into waterways, which can cause
eutrophication.

TOPIC 2: AIR ENVIRONMENT

The air environment, or atmosphere, is crucial for life on Earth, providing oxygen, regulating
temperature, and protecting us from harmful radiation. Here are some key aspects and considerations
related to the air environment:

● Composition: The Earth's atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%),
argon (0.9%), and trace amounts of other gasses such as carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone.
● Importance of Clean Air: Clean air is essential for human health, as well as the health of
ecosystems. Polluted air can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and contribute
to climate change.
● Sources of Air Pollution: Air pollution can originate from both natural sources (volcanic
eruptions, wildfires) and human activities (industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, agriculture).
These pollutants can be gasses (like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides) or particulate matter (PM10,
PM2.5).
● Effects of Air Pollution: Air pollution has wide-ranging effects, including respiratory and
cardiovascular diseases, reduced visibility, acid rain, damage to ecosystems, and climate change
(due to greenhouse gas emissions).
 ● Mitigation Strategies: Strategies to improve air quality include transitioning to cleaner energy
sources, improving fuel efficiency in vehicles, adopting emission control technologies, promoting
public transportation, and enforcing regulations on industrial emissions.
● Public Awareness and Advocacy: Raising awareness about the impacts of air pollution and
advocating for policies that promote clean air are crucial steps towards achieving healthier air
quality worldwide.

FACTORS OF A POLLUTED AIR

Air pollution is a familiar environmental health hazard and it arises from various sources and
factors, both natural and anthropogenic (human-made). Here are the key factors contributing to polluted
air:

1. Combustion Processes:

● Industrial Activities: Factories and power plants burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM).
● Transportation: Vehicles (cars, trucks, airplanes) emit pollutants including carbon monoxide,
volatile organic compounds, and PM from exhaust emissions.

2. Agricultural Activities:

● Livestock Farming: Releases methane (CH4) from enteric fermentation in animals and ammonia
(NH3) from manure.
● Crop Burning: Burning of agricultural residues can release particulate matter and other
pollutants.

3. Waste Management:

● Landfills: Decomposing organic matter in landfills produces methane and other gasses.
● Waste Incineration: Burning of waste materials releases various pollutants depending on the
type of waste and incineration technology used.

4. Natural Sources:

● Volcanic Activity: Releases sulfur dioxide, ash, and other gasses.

● Wildfires: Produce particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants.
 5. Chemical Reactions:

● Ozone Formation: Photochemical reactions in the presence of sunlight can form ground-level
ozone (O3), a harmful pollutant.
● Acid Rain: Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form
sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which can fall as acid rain.

6. Indoor Air Pollution:

● Cooking and Heating: Burning solid fuels (wood, coal, biomass) indoors can release pollutants
such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide.

7. Climate and Meteorological Conditions:

● Temperature Inversions: Trap pollutants close to the ground, leading to localized increases in
pollution levels.
● Wind Patterns: Transport pollutants over long distances, impacting air quality in different
regions.

EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION

● Effects On Humans

People experience a wide range of health effects from being exposed to air pollution. Effects can
be broken down into short-term effects and long-term effects.

Short-term effects, which are temporary, include illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis. They
also include discomfort such as irritation to the nose, throat, eyes, or skin. Air pollution can also cause
headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Bad smells made by factories, garbage, or sewer systems are considered
air pollution, too. These odors are less serious but still unpleasant.

Long-term effects of air pollution can last for years or for an entire lifetime. They can even lead
to a person's death. Long-term health effects from air pollution include heart disease, lung cancer, and
respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Air pollution can also cause long-term damage to people's
nerves, brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Some scientists suspect air pollutants cause birth defects.
Nearly 2.5 million people die worldwide each year from the effects of outdoor or indoor air pollution.
 People react differently to different types of air pollution. Young children and older adults, whose
immune systems tend to be weaker, are often more sensitive to pollution. Conditions such as asthma,
heart disease, and lung disease can be made worse by exposure to air pollution. The length of exposure
and amount and type of pollutants are also factors.

Effects On The Environment

Like people, animals, and plants, entire ecosystems can suffer effects from air pollution. Haze,
like smog, is a visible type of air pollution that obscures shapes and colors. Hazy air pollution can even
muffle sounds.

Air pollution particles eventually fall back to Earth. Air pollution can directly contaminate the
surface of bodies of water and soil. This can kill crops or reduce their yield. It can kill young trees and
other plants.

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide particles in the air can create acid rain when they mix with
water and oxygen in the atmosphere. These air pollutants come mostly from coal-fired power plants and
motor vehicles. When acid rain falls to Earth, it damages plants by changing soil composition; degrades
water quality in rivers, lakes and streams; damages crops; and can cause buildings and monuments to
decay.

Like humans, animals can suffer health effects from exposure to air pollution. Birth defects,
diseases, and lower reproductive rates have all been attributed to air pollution.

PREVENTION OF AIR POLLUTION

Preventing air pollution is essential for protecting human health, ecosystems, and the global
climate. Here are effective strategies and measures to prevent air pollution:

1. Transition to Clean Energy Sources:

● Renewable Energy: Promote the use of solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy to
reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
● Energy Efficiency: Improve energy efficiency in industries, buildings, and transportation to
reduce energy consumption and emissions.
 2. Control Vehicle Emissions:

● Vehicle Standards: Implement and enforce emissions standards for vehicles (e.g., Euro
standards, EPA regulations).
● Promote Electric Vehicles (EVs): Incentivize the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles to
reduce emissions from the transportation sector.
● Improve Public Transportation: Expand and improve public transit systems to reduce reliance
on individual vehicles.

3. Address Waste Management:

● Waste Reduction: Promote recycling, composting, and waste reduction strategies to minimize
methane emissions from landfills.
● Control Waste Incineration: Ensure proper waste incineration practices to minimize emissions
of dioxins, furans, and other pollutants.

4. Promote Clean Air Policies and Regulations:

● Establish and enforce air quality standards and regulations at local, national, and international
levels.
● Incentivize businesses and individuals to adopt cleaner technologies and practices through taxes,
subsidies, and grants.

5. Educate and Raise Awareness:

● Educate the public about the health impacts of air pollution and the importance of reducing
emissions.
● Encourage behavior changes such as carpooling, biking, walking, and reducing energy
consumption at home and work.
TOPIC: SOIL ENVIRONMENT
It is the combination of various components and interactions going on in the soil ecosystems,
which may be physical, chemical, or biological, along with their impacts on the structure and functioning
of the soil. Below are some:

1. Physical Properties: The texture, structure, porosity, density, and water-holding capacity define the
soil environment. These all affect soil aeration, water infiltration, and root penetration—important
conditions for plant growth and microbial activities.
2. Chemical Properties: soils' chemical properties are pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), nutrient
content—such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium—and contaminants like heavy metals and
microplastics. These affect soil fertility, nutrient availability, and potential toxicity to plants and
microorganisms.
3. Biological Properties: The soil environment is rich in its biodiversity—microorganisms like bacteria,
fungi, and algae—as well as the various forms of soil faunal life, that is, nematodes, earthworms, and
arthropods, besides the plant roots—all playing vital roles not only in nutrient cycling and organic matter
decomposition but also in soil structural development and maintenance of soil health.

Microplastics have emerged as a significant soil environment pollutant, affecting several functions of
physical and chemical properties of the soil along with microbial activities and plant growth ([Sajjad et
al.], [Wang et al.]). Their presence can alter soil porosity, enzymatic activities, and transportation of toxic
chemicals. Put in simple words, the soil environment is a highly complicated system because of its
physical, chemical, and biological properties, whereby all these together determine the ability of soil to
support plant growth, sustain biodiversity, and maintain ecological balance.

FACTORS OF SOIL POLLUTION

1. Industry
- Heavy industry often produces quantities of undesirable chemicals. If cleaning agents such as
detergents are released irresponsibly, they can cause significant pollution on the ground. Storage
tanks can also be a major source of land pollution in case of leakage.
- Industrial activities release pollutants and heavy metals into the soil, negatively affecting its
quality and health.
2. Mining
- It physically disturbs soils by removing topsoil which results in loss of organic matter, reduction
in soil fertility and alteration in soil structure.
- Mining operations disrupt the soil structure and can introduce contaminants, leading to soil
degradation.
3. Military Activities
- Warfare-induced disturbances to soil are basically of three types - physical, chemical, and
biological - and are aimed at causing direct problems to enemies or, more often, are indirect,
undesired ramifications.
- Military operations can compact the soil and introduce various contaminants, affecting soil health
and structure.
4. Waste and Wastewater Management
- The disposal of waste, including technological waste, and wastewater introduces contaminants
into the soil, impacting its quality and health.
5. Farming and Stock Breeding
- Agriculture alters the natural cycling of nutrients in soil. Intensive cultivation and harvesting of
crops for human or animal consumption can effectively mine the soil of plant nutrients. In order
to maintain soil fertility for sufficient crop yields, soil amendments are typically required.
- Agricultural practices can deplete soil nutrients, cause erosion, and affect soil structure through
intensive land use.
6. Urban and Transport Infrastructure Development
- Impacts the soil environment by sealing soil surfaces with impermeable materials, which prevents
water infiltration and reduces groundwater recharge. Construction activities often lead to soil
compaction, decreasing soil porosity and permeability, which affects root growth and water
absorption.
- The construction of urban and transport infrastructures results in soil compaction, loss of organic
matter, and changes in water infiltration patterns, impacting soil health and function.
EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION

1. Loss of Soil Fertility: Soil contaminants interfere with nutrient cycling and reduce the count of
beneficial nutrients, thus resulting in poor plant growth and low agricultural productivity.
2. Harm to Soil Organisms: Chemicals may be toxic to soil microorganisms, earthworms, and
other helpful fauna, thus decreasing biodiversity by lowering the count of helpful fauna.
3. Food Supply: Pollutants can be picked up by crops entering the food chain, finally exposing
humans and animals to contaminated produce.
4. Contamination of Water Bodies: The pollutants leach to the groundwater or sweep across into
surface water bodies through runoff, leading to general environmental contamination and
affecting drinking water sources.
5. Soil Degradation: Under the accumulation of pollutants, soil acidification, and salinization, as
well as changes in the structure, lower soil productivity and become more susceptible to erosion.
 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS)

In its most simple terms, an environmental management system (EMS) is an approach to

identifying the ways that the environment is impacted by our work activities. a self-correcting and
continual improvement system that seeks to reduce environmental impacts associated with a facility's
activities while helping to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. It provides a structured
method for incorporating environmental considerations into day-to-day operations while promoting
continual improvement of the environment and human health.

TOPIC: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

What is solid waste?

● Solid waste refers to any type of garbage, trash, refuse or discarded material. It can be
categorized according to where the waste is generated, for example as municipal solid waste,
health care waste and e-waste. Over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste are produced
annually.

Data and Statistics of Solid Waste (Local)

● Since the passage of RA 9003 more than 20 years ago, waste management has continued
to be an issue of concern, made even more pronounced by a projection that annual solid
waste generation will rise from 16.63 million metric tons in CY 2020 to 1G.76 million
metric tons in CY 2030 and 24.50 million tons in CY 2045 with the increase in
population, rapid economic growth, and industrialization.

Data and Statistics of Solid Waste (Global)

● The world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with at least 33
percent of that—extremely conservatively—not managed in an environmentally safe manner.
● Worldwide, waste generated per person per day averages 0.74 kilograms but ranges widely, from
0.11 to 4.54 kilograms.
● Though they only account for 16 percent of the world’s population, high-income countries
generate about 34 percent, or 683 million tonnes, of the world’s waste.
Prediction (Global)

Global waste is expected to grow to 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050, more than double population
growth over the same period.

Sources of Solid Wastes

1. Solid domestic garbage

2. Solid waste material from various industries
3. Solid agricultural waste.
4. Plastics, glass, metals, e-waste, etc.
5. Medical waste
6. Construction waste, sewage sludge

What is Municipal Solid Waste?

● Municipal Solid Waste, more commonly known as trash or garbage—consists of everyday items
we use and then throw away, such as product packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing,
bottles, food scraps, newspapers, appliances, paint, and batteries. This comes from our homes,
schools, hospitals, and businesses.

WHAT IS SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT?

● The term solid waste management mainly refers to the complete process of collecting, treating
and disposing of solid wastes. In the waste management process, the waste is collected from
different sources and disposed of. This process includes collection, transportation, treatment,
analysis and disposal of waste. It needs to be monitored so that strict regulations and guidelines
are followed.

Initial steps of solid waste management:

● Solid Waste Collection is a part of the process of solid waste management. It is the transfer of
solid waste from the point of use and disposal to the point of treatment or landfill. It includes
the curbside collection of recyclable materials that technically are not waste, as part of the
municipal landfill diversion program.
Types of Collection:

● House-to-house collection
● Community Bins
● Curbside Pick-Up
● Self-Delivered

Treatment and Disposal of solid wastes:

Solid waste disposal and management involves a variety of methods to handle and dispose of
waste materials generated by human activities. These methods aim to minimize the environmental
impact of solid waste and promote sustainable waste management practices. Here are some common
methods of solid waste management:

1. Landfilling
● Landfills are engineered sites where solid waste is deposited and compacted. The waste is
then covered with soil to reduce odors, prevent the spread of disease, and minimize
environmental contamination. Landfills should meet certain design and regulatory
requirements to prevent pollution of soil, groundwater, and air.
2. Incineration
● Incineration, or combustion, involves the controlled burning of solid waste at high
temperatures. This method reduces the volume of waste and generates energy through
combustion. Proper air pollution control systems are crucial to minimizing harmful
emissions into the atmosphere.
3. Recycling
● Recycling involves separating, processing, and reusing materials from solid waste. Paper,
plastics, glass, metals, and some types of organic waste are typical recyclable materials.
This method lessens the need for raw materials, mitigates energy usage, and lessens
greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Composting
● Compost connotes the biological decomposition of organic waste. This method is
environmentally friendly and results in a valuable soil amendment that can be used in
agriculture and landscaping. It also reduces the volume of waste going to landfills and
helps divert organic waste from the waste stream.
 5. Waste-to-Energy
● Waste-to-energy methods include turning solid waste into energy, frequently by means of
anaerobic digestion or incineration. These methods generate heat or electricity from the
combustion or breakdown of waste materials. Waste-to-energy facilities can help reduce
reliance on fossil fuels and minimize waste volume.
6. Hazardous Waste Treatment
● Due to the potential harm it could cause to both the environment and human health,
hazardous waste needs specific handling. Treatment methods include physical, chemical,
or biological processes that neutralize, detoxify, or remove hazardous components from
the waste before disposal.
7. Source Reduction
● The objective of source reduction is to cut back on waste production at the source. This
includes measures such as product redesign, material substitution, and promoting
practices like reusing, repairing, and reducing packaging. Source reduction helps
conserve resources and minimize the need for waste disposal.
8. Biogas Generation
● Biogas generation is an environmentally friendly solid waste disposal method that
involves the decomposition of organic waste in an anaerobic environment, producing
methane-rich biogas and nutrient-rich digestate.

Effects of Poor Solid Waste Management

Due to improper disposal of solid waste particularly by waste management organizations, the
collected wastes get heap up and become a problem for both the environment and also for the public.
The dumping of huge garbage drives biodegradable materials to decay and decompose under abnormal,
uncontrolled and unhygienic conditions. After a few days of decomposition, it becomes a breeding
ground for different types of disease-causing insects as well as infectious organisms. A foul smell is
produced and it also spoils the aesthetic value of the area.

The solid wastes collected from different industries include toxic metals, chemicals, and other
hazardous wastes. When these wastes are released into the environment, they can produce biological and
physicochemical problems to the environment, the chemicals may drain into the soil and pollute the
groundwater and also alter the productivity of the soils in that particular area. In rare cases, the
hazardous wastes may get mixed up with the ordinary garbage and other combustible wastes causing the
disposal process even harder and risky. By burning the paper and other scraps along with the hazardous
wastes, dioxins and poisonous gasses are produced and released into the air which results in causing
various diseases including chronic disease, skin infections, cancer, etc.

INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT

TOPIC: WHAT IS INDUSTRIAL WASTE WATER TREATMENT?

The processes used for treating wastewater that is produced by industries as an undesirable
by-product. After treatment, the treated industrial wastewater (or effluent) may be reused or released to a
sanitary sewer or to a surface water in the environment.

There are 3 stages of Wastewater treatment

There are three main stages of the wastewater treatment process, aptly known as primary,
secondary and tertiary water treatment. In some applications, more advanced treatment is required, known
as quaternary water treatment. This stage deals with part per million to part per billion levels of
contamination and often involves oxidation or fine filtration processes. Each of these stages tackles
different pollutants, with water becoming cleaner as it moves through the phases.

1. Primary wastewater treatment

During primary treatment, wastewater is temporarily held in a settling tank where heavier solids sink to
the bottom while lighter solids float to the surface. Once settled, these materials are held back while the
remaining liquid is discharged or moved through to the more rigorous secondary phase of wastewater
treatment.

2. Secondary wastewater treatment

Secondary treatment of wastewater works on a deeper level than primary and is designed to
substantially degrade the biological content of the waste through aerobic biological processes.

It is done in one of three ways:

● Biofiltration uses sand filters, contact filters or trickling filters to ensure that any additional
sediment is removed from the wastewater.
 ● Aeration is a lengthy process which increases oxygen saturation by introducing air to wastewater.
Typically, the aeration process can last for up to 30 hours, but it is very effective.
● Oxidation ponds typically used in warmer climates, this method utilizes natural bodies of water
such as lagoons, allowing wastewater to pass through for a set period before being retained for
two to three weeks.
3. Tertiary wastewater treatment

The aim of tertiary wastewater treatment is to raise the quality of the water to domestic and
industrial standards, or to meet specific requirements around the safe discharge of water. In the case of
water treated by municipalities, tertiary treatment also involves the removal of pathogens, which ensures
that water is safe for drinking purposes.

Some example of industries that produce wastewater:

1. Power Plants
● Fossil-fuel power stations, particularly coal-fired plants, are a major source of industrial
wastewater. Many of these plants discharge wastewater with significant levels of metals such as
lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium, as well as arsenic, selenium, and nitrogen compounds
(nitrates and nitrites). Plants with air pollution controls such as wet scrubbers typically transfer
the captured pollutants to the wastewater stream.
2. Water/Wastewater Treatment Plants
● Ironically, a by-product of wastewater treatment plants is producing wastes that contain many
potential contaminants. Even chlorine-disinfected reclaimed water may contain such disinfectant
by-products as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. Solid residues of wastewater treatment
plants, known as biosolids, contain common fertilizers, but also may also contain heavy metals
and synthetic organic compounds found in household products.
3. Food processing
● Food and agriculture wastewater has concentrations of pesticides, insecticides, animal waste, and
fertilizers that all need to be managed. Processing of food from raw materials results in waters
filled with high loads of particulate matter and soluble organic runoff or chemicals. Organic waste
from animal slaughter and processing, the bodily fluid, intestinal matter, and blood all are sources
of water contaminants that need to be treated.
4. Chemical Manufacturing
● Chemical industries face formidable environmental regulatory challenges in treating their
wastewater effluents. Pollutants discharged at petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants
include conventional pollutants like oil and grease, and suspended solids, and ammonia,
chromium, phenols and sulfides.
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