WATER POLLUTION

Types of Pollution

Microbiological Chemical Oxygen Depleting Substances Suspended Matter

Oxygen Depleting Substances

Microorganisms that live in water feed on biodegradable substances.

When too much biodegradable material is added to water, the number of microorganisms increase and they use up the available oxygen. This is called oxygen depletion.

Typical body of water

O2

O2

O2

O2

O2

O2

O2

O2

Microorganisms

…Addition of biodegradable substance

O2

O2

O2

O2

# of microorganisms INCREASES…

..begin using up all the OXYGEN!!

…Oxygen depletion

O2

O2

X X X X

..with LESS oxygen many organisms DIE

Oxygen depletion

When oxygen levels in the water are lowered, relatively harmless aerobic microorganisms die and anaerobic microorganisms begin to thrive.

Some anaerobic microorganisms are

harmful to people, animals and the environment, as they produce harmful toxins such as ammonia and sulfides.

Suspended Matter

Some pollutants do not dissolve in water because their molecules are too big to mix between the water molecules.

This material is called particulate matter.

The suspended particles eventually settle and cause a thick silt at the bottom. This is harmful to marine life that lives on the floor of rivers or lakes.

SEWAGE & WASTEWATERWhat happens to all that water we use?

Think about a typical day, when do we use water? (list as many examples as you can)

When we use water, what gets added to it before it returns to wherever it goes?

Where does our used water end up? How does it get there?

Sewage & Wastewater

Homes, industrial (factories) and agricultural (farming) practices produce wastewater that can cause pollution of many lakes and rivers.

Sewage is the term used for wastewater that often contains feces, urine & laundry waste

(soap/chemicals)

What happens to Sewage?

Sewage disposal is a major problem in developing countries as many people in these areas don’t have access to sanitary conditions and clean water. Toilets, sinks, running water (so plumbing)

Untreated sewage water can infect the environment and cause diseases.

Here at home…

Sewage & Pollution

In developed countries, sewage often causes problems when people flush chemical and pharmaceutical substances down the toilet/drain.

Microbial pollution

When people are ill, sewage often carries harmful viruses and bacteria into the environment that can eventually cause health problems for other organisms/people

WASTEWATER TREATMENT IN MONCTON

Water Treatment:

The two main reasons for collecting and treating wastewater are to: prevent water-borne transmission of disease

preserve the aquatic environment.

Wastewater Treatment System The wastewater treatment

system has three major parts: collection, treatment, and return to the environment.

Collection:

The Collection System uses water to transport wastes to the treatment system.

This is accomplished through a complex network of pipes, tunnels and pumping stations.

At home, at school or at work, everyone contributes to the flow of wastewater. Household sources include bath, laundry,

toilet flushing, dishwashing, etc.

Pumping stations:

Wastewater flows through a network of sewers to the main pumping station where it enters the "wet well" a concrete chamber that extends

about 30 meters below ground. From here, the wastewater is pumped to the Inlet Building where the treatment process begins.