Class 7 Science


Wastewater Management

Learning Goals

In this lesson, you will learn about wastewater, composition of wasterwater and about wastewater treatment. You will also learn about sanitaton and diseases.

The water which gets contaminated after various works, like washing, bathing, mopping, etc. is called wastewater.

World Water Day: 22nd March

International Decade for Action on Water for Life (2005 – 2015): It was declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Its main goal was to reduce the number of people who do not have access to safe drinking water; by half.

Sewage Treatment: The process of removing impurities from waste water before it can be reused or sent to the water bodies is called sewage treatment or cleaning of water.

Sewage

The liquid waste which has water as its largest component (along with various types of impurities) is called sewage.

Composition of Sewage

Types of impurities with examples

Sewers: The pipes which carry wastewater.

Sewerage: The network of sewers.

Manhole: These are the holes made in sewers at frequent intervals, so that timely inspections and cleaning of sewers can be done through them. The manhole is covered with a hard lid so that people and traffic can easily move over it.

Review Questions:

What is sewer?

Answer: The pipe which carries the wastewater is called sewer.

What is sewerage?

Answer: The network of sewers is called sewerage.

Wastewater Treatment Plant
or Sewage Treatment Plant

These are large plants where wastewater is cleaned before being sent to the nearest water bodies or being reused. The sewage treatment involves physical, chemical and biological processes to remove impurities from the wastewater.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Diagram

Fig: Wastewater Treatment Plant

Physical Process:

1. Filtration: The wastewater is passed through bar screen. Large objects, like rags, sticks, plastic bags, cans, etc. are removed in this process.

2. Grit and Sand Removal: The wastewater is slowly passed through the sedimentation tank. Grit, sand and pebbles settle down at the bottom.

3. Sedimentation: Water is then sent to the sedimentation tank. Solids, like faeces settle at the bottom. Floatable impurities, like oil and grease float on the surface. A scraper removes the faeces from the water. The impurity thus collected is called sludge, which is sent to the sludge tank. The sludge can be used to produce biogas or to produce manure. A skimmer removes the floatable impurities. Now, the water is called clarified water.

Biological Process

4. Aeration: Air is pumped into clarified water so that bacteria can proliferate. Bacteria consume the human waste. It leaves food waste, soap and other unwanted materials in the water. The microbes settle down at the bottom after several hours. Water is then removed from the top. This water is fit for irrigation and can be used for that purpose.

Chemical Process

5. Chlorination: Water purified through aeration is not fit for human consumption. It needs to be treated with chlorine. For this, bleaching powder is added to the water. The chlorine kills whatever germs may be left in the water. After chlorination, the water is fit for drinking.

Review Questions

Which process during the wastewater treatment results in proliferation of bacteria?

Answer: Aeration

Which process during the wastewater treatment kills the germs?

Answer: Chlorination

Better Housekeeping Practices to Maintain Sanitation

Sanitation and Disease

Maintaining overall cleanliness in the home and in surroundings is called sanitation. Sanitation is important for the health of a person and that of the community.

Many people have the habit of defecating in the open. Uncovered human excreta attract flies and other insects. These insects carry the germs of many dangerous diseases, like cholera, typhoid and jaundice. With constant public awareness campaign, the practice of open defecation can be stopped.

Poor sanitary conditions also contaminate the groundwater because contaminants percolate down the ground.

Stagnant water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are the carriers of several diseases, like malaria, dengue, chikungunya and filaria.

Alternative Arrangements for Sewage Disposal

Sanitation at Public Places

Maintaining sanitation at public places is also important. In a heavily populated country, like India, any public place is always teeming with people. More footfall at public places results in more filth. Sanitation workers often work continuously to maintain cleanliness at public places. But it is our responsibility also to maintain sanitation at public places. We should follow some simple rules to help the sanitation workers. For example; always throw the trash in a dustbin and avoid littering. Don’t spit at public places and use the dustbin or special bins marked for the purpose.