Purification of Water

Water is an integral part of our daily lives

● We are made up of water● We need water to drink,

clean, and grow food● The average American uses

176 gallons of water daily

● That amounts to a lot of wastewater...

What is wastewater?

● Used water● The water that goes down our drains

contains human waste, food, oils, soaps, and chemicals

● Water used by homes, industries, and businesses must be treated before it is released back into the environment

Solution?

● Treatment plants reduce pollutants in wastewater to a manageable level

The Process● The goal: remove as much solids as

possible before remaining water discharged back into environment

● Primary treatment: removes 60% of solids

● Secondary treatment: removes more than 90% of solids

Why treat wastewater?● Plants and animals that live in or near water need clean water to survive● Quality of Life● Health

Problem: Ammonia

● Widely used as a cleaning agent in domestic and industrial processes

● Ends up in wastewater and must be treated

● It's difficult to remove it all!

What is Ammonia?

● One of the most commonly produced industrial chemical in the US

● Toxic at high levels!● Death of animals, birds, fish,

plants

Effects on the Environment● Eutrophication● Buildup of nutrients in water = more plant

growth = less oxygen in the water● Death of aquatic life● Changes in Ecosystems

● Weeds may outcompete native plants● May lead to extinction of native or

weaker species

Effects on the Environment

● When ammonia combines with emissions from factories or cars, they form particles that contribute to smog

● Smog leads to an increased rate of respiratory and heart diseases

Solution?

● Ammonia oxidizing bacteria!!

What are Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria (AOBs)?

● AOBs are widespread in soil and water

● They are found in high numbers where large amounts of ammonia are present (like in wastewater treatment plants!)

What do they do?

● AOBs convert ammonia to nitrite

● Nitrates are more environmentally friendly than ammonia!

What do they do?

● This process, process called nitrification, is necessary for the maintenance of a healthy ocean and a clean environment!

Hooray!!

How can I help?• Learn more about water purification

plants in your area – take a tour!• Spread your knowledge and initiative

to others• Pick up trash