Water Treatment in Environmental Engineering: Processes and Technologies

by Yuvi K - December 17, 2023

What is Water Treatment?

Water treatment is the process of transforming water into an improved state for various purposes such as drinking, industrial manufacturing, and so on. It can involve processes like physical, chemical and biological treatment methods for improving water quality and removing pollutants. Water treatment in environmental engineering applies technology to enhance the environmental impact of water sources, and implement sustainable practices.

Processes and Technologies for Water Treatment

Water treatment typically uses a combination of processes and technologies in order to meet specific quality requirements. Some of the common processes and technologies for water treatment are as follows:

Aeration

Aeration is a process in which air or oxygen is circulated, or bubbled into water. This increases the oxygen levels, and helps to reduce odors and contaminants. Dissolved oxygen present in the water is also beneficial for other organisms. Aeration can be done through various methods like mechanical aeration, chemical aeration etc.

Filtration (फ़िल्ट्रेशन)

Filtration is a method of removing suspended and dissolved particles from the water. It takes place on a physical separation of solids in water. Filtration uses a porous material through which water is generated. Common materials used in filtration are activated carbon, cloth, sand, and other natural materials.

Flocculation ( फ्लोकुलेशन )

Flocculation is a process of agglomeration of suspended particles in water and is typically used in combination with filtration. This process involves adding certain chemicals or reagents to water in order to create tiny particles. These particles then agglomerate to form larger particles or flocs, which settle down in the water and can be removed by filtration. Common chemicals used in flocculation are aluminum sulfate, calcium hydroxide, and polymer.

Membrane Filtration

Membrane filtration is a technology used for separating and removing particles from water. This method involves forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which allows passage of pure water but not pollutants. Commonly used membranes in membrane filtration are reverse osmosis membranes, ultrafiltration membranes and nanofiltration membranes.

Ion Exchange ( आयन एक्सचेंज )

Ion exchange is a process in which dissolved ions are removed from water by exchanging them with other ions in a fixed ion exchange resin media. It is used to remove heavy metals, anions, and cations from water. It is a widely used technology for water treatment and is highly efficient and cost-effective.

Disinfection ( संथापना )

Disinfection is a process used to remove bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms from water. Common methods used for disinfection are chlorination, ultraviolet radiation, and ozonation. Chlorination is the most commonly used method of disinfection.

Conclusion

Water treatment is an essential process for improving water quality and removing pollutants. It involves processes like aeration, filtration, flocculation, membrane filtration, ion exchange, and disinfection. These processes and technologies help to make water fit for various purposes such as drinking, industrial manufacturing, and so on.