Why is Aeration Used in Water Treatment Plant?

The process of water treatment involves the removal of contaminants, such as suspended particles, dissolved metals, and organic compounds, from water to make it safe for consumption. One of the common methods used in water treatment plants to remove these contaminants is aeration. Aeration involves the exposure of water to air or oxygen, which results in the removal of unwanted compounds and the improvement of the water’s quality.

Improved Water Quality

Aeration in water treatment plants is primarily used to improve the quality of water. By exposing the water to air or oxygen, dissolved gases such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are removed. These gases reduce the pH level of water, which can cause corrosion in pipes and fixtures. Aeration helps to increase the pH level of water, making it less corrosive and improving its taste and odor.

Additionally, aeration helps to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water. These compounds can cause health problems when consumed in high concentrations. Aeration also helps to improve the clarity of water by removing suspended particles and reducing turbidity. This is particularly important in surface water sources, where sedimentation is common.

Biological Treatment

Aeration is also used in biological treatment processes in water treatment plants. These processes involve the use of microorganisms to degrade organic matter and remove nutrients from water. Aeration provides oxygen to the microorganisms, which allows them to degrade the organic compounds present in the water.

In activated sludge treatment, aeration is used to provide oxygen to the microorganisms living in the sludge. These microorganisms consume the organic particles in the water and break them down into simpler compounds. The sludge is then separated from the treated water and clarified before being discharged.

Effluent Disinfection

Aeration is also used in the disinfection of effluent in water treatment plants. Effluent is the treated wastewater that has undergone various treatment processes to remove contaminants. Aeration provides the dissolved oxygen needed for the growth of beneficial bacteria that remove pathogens from the effluent.

Aeration can also be used in combination with ultraviolet light (UV) or chlorine to disinfect effluent. The presence of dissolved oxygen in the effluent helps to facilitate the UV disinfection process by providing electrons that help to neutralize the pathogens. The chlorine disinfection process also requires the presence of dissolved oxygen to react with the chlorine and neutralize the pathogens in the effluent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, aeration is an important process used in water treatment plants to improve the quality of water. It helps to remove contaminants such as dissolved gases and organic matter, and provides dissolved oxygen needed for the growth of beneficial bacteria. Aeration is also important in effluent disinfection processes, helping to remove pathogens from treated wastewater. Ultimately, aeration ensures that water is safe and healthy for human consumption.