Optimizing Wastewater Treatment

In many urban situations, both the municipal sewage system and industrial wastewater treatment are inadequate. A municipal sewage network may be in place, but coverage is usually incomplete, and the level of treatment provided is inadequate. Even where reasonable treatment facilities exist, poor maintenance and operation often result in failure to meet design effluent levels. In such circumstances, management of industrial wastewater discharges is also frequently poor, with uncontrolled discharges of untreated effluent to surface waters (through often drainage or stormwater channels) or to the sewer system. The result is high levels of water pollution. It is not uncommon for streams or water bodies to be almost or completely anaerobic and heavily polluted with organic compounds, pathogens, and heavy metals.