Purification of Water
Water is an integral part of our daily lives
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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?
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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?
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Treatment plants
reduce pollutants in
wastewater to a
manageable level
The Process
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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?
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Plants and animals that live in or near water need clean water
to survive
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Quality of Life
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Health
Problem: Ammonia
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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?
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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
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Eutrophication
Buildup of nutrients in
water = more plant growth
= less oxygen in the water
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Death of aquatic life
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Changes in Ecosystems
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Weeds may outcompete
native plants
May lead to extinction of
native or weaker species
Effects on the Environment
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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?
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Ammonia oxidizing bacteria!!
What are Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria (AOBs)?
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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?
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AOBs convert
ammonia to nitrite
Nitrates are more
environmentally
friendly than
ammonia!
What do they do?
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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