Sewage Sludge in Wastewater

What is sewage sludge and what can be done with it?. Penn State Extension. (2023, December 4).                         https://extension.psu.edu/what-is-sewage-sludge-and-what-can-be-done-with-it 

This article takes a deep dive into sewage sludge. Sewage sludge is the 1% remains from wastewater treatments, also known as biosolids, it is the stuff that isn’t water and cannot be treated. Sewage sludge causes pollution due to many harmful elements being present. It discusses ways sewage sludge is dealt with, for example, thickening, dewatering, anaerobic digestion etc. Furthermore, on average in America a person will produce .16 pounds of sludge a day. Pennsylvania’s population of 12 million will produce approximately 300,000 pounds of sewage sludge a year. Sewage sludge needs a resting place after it is treated, top places where sludge is moved to are landfills, incineration, and land application which looks to reuse the sludge because it does have nutrients. Lastly it discusses regulations and laws related to land application with sewage sludge. 

This article connects to environmental science because it takes an effect of wastewater management and dives into how we are using it to help the environment and minimize the negative effects of it. The idea of land application with sewage sludge is massive. Taking what seems to be a harmful biosolid and feeding it back into our earth in a healthy way is phenomenal. Wastewater management has been a hit in terms of the health of our environment. Since sewage sludge treatment installations started happening in the 50’s and 60’s the country’s rivers and streams  have been thriving. Americans and people all across the world used to dump the sewage sludge into our waters, it got to a point where the water was overwhelmed and the health took a massive dip. Ultimately wastewater management and sewage sludge management are making our lives better and the environment healthier. 

Optimization of Wastewater Treatment Plants

Today, E. W. (n.d.). Optimizing your wastewater treatment plant for maximum efficiency: A comprehensive guide. Magazine. https://magazine.watertoday.org/blogs/optimizing-your-wastewater-treatment-plant-for-maximum-efficiency-a-comprehensive-guide 

This article overviews wastewater management systems and how they can be improved. The information presented can work on your own individual treatment plants along with large ones. The first step is testing the treatment plant gaining an understanding of what is happening and where the treatment plant can improve. Certain advancements stated were implementing advanced monitoring and control systems which present real time data such as chemical dosage and water quality. Furthermore, optimizing chemical usage which is fine tuning which chemicals and the amount to make the treatment plant cost effective and reducing chemical waste. Lastly it discusses, energy efficiency, biological treatment options, sludge management, and regular upkeep. All things optimized can lead to the best treatment plant attainable at this time. 

This article connects to environmental science because it takes wastewater management, an idea which is actively creating more clean water and keeping our environment healthy but trying to optimize the process in order to achieve maximum cleanliness and efficiency. By improving things such as technology within these treatment plants it is benefiting the environment and the overall water health in certain areas. The idea of optimization is always changing; treatment plants are only becoming more advanced and efficient. The more money and public focus we get towards this cause will only help out our environment and water deprived people, plants, and animals. 

The Roll of Wastewater in Protecting Public Health

Balsom, P. (2023, July 31). The role of wastewater management in Protecting Public Health. High Tide. https://htt.io/the-role-of-wastewater-management-in-protecting-public-health-and-the-environment/ 

The first half of the article takes a deep dive into what wastewater actually is. Going over different types and where it comes from. For example, Household and commercial sewage, industrial wastewater, and stormwater runoff. It also discusses health issues such as diseases, viruses, and parasites. Along with environmental problems like algae blooms and water pollution due to untreated wastewater. In the second half of the article it goes over the treatment category. Addressing goals and technology that will only further the benefits of wastewater management. 

This article connects to environmental science because it first discusses what is wastewater and why it is harmful to humans and the environment. Stating diseases and viruses humans can contract to the pollution worldwide water sources could experience. It then dives into the future of wastewater management with the overarching goal being clean and sustainable for everyone. The technology is connected to environmental science because that very tech is actively helping the environment and all who live in it.  

Benefits and Issues With Wastewater

Environmental Protection Agency. (2023, November 29). EPA. https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/sources-and-solutions-wastewater 

This article goes over the benefits and issues with wastewater. Stating benefits such as a larger clean water supply and the overall removal of pollutants in wastewater treatment. Wastewater treatment plants treat approximately 34 billion gallons of wastewater a day. A flaw with the system is that some plants are not able to extract all of the pollutants out such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Facility and equipment upgrades are super expensive. Secondly the article goes into septic tanks which 20% of US households have. It is a way to locally treat wastewater. Some septic tanks are poorly managed and let off excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in local bodies of water. 

Environmental science is connected to this article because it is an unbiased resource that goes over the pros and cons of wastewater management. The article addresses that wastewater management is not always flawless. Despite the success we have got off wastewater management there are still concerns that need to be addressed. The article provides the reader with information to better understand wastewater management and how to make a difference by yourself. 

Why is Wastewater Management Important?

NuWater. (2023, November 15). The importance of wastewater treatment. NuWater Water Treatment Solutions South Africa.    https://nuwater.com/the-importance-of-wastewater-treatment/ 

This article ultimately covers all facets related to wastewater and wastewater management. Such as explaining what wastewater is. The need for wastewater, presenting evidence that there isn’t enough accessible clean water and wastewater management is helping to solve that problem. The environmental impacts of untreated wastewater which include many health risks such as viruses and parasites. A breeding ground for waterborne diseases. Further dives into the treatment process and different types of treatment plants. For example, the main 4 plants used are conventional activated sludge plants, trickling filter plants, membrane bioreactor plants, and sequencing batch reactors. Lastly the article ends on a positive note with the benefits and future of wastewater. Stating that wastewater ensures access to water for everyone. 

This article is connected to environmental science because it covers many ideas that fall under the umbrella of the subject. Wastewater is not only helping millions if not billions of people it is also beneficial for our environment. Less of our natural water resources will be depleted and it is a key helper in drought prevention. Furthermore by removing contaminants out of water we are actively reducing the risk of water pollution and waterborne diseases. As wastewater technology keeps advancing we can expect the benefits of wastewater treatment to continue to increase. 

 

What are Wastewater Treatments in California

(2023, February 13). Wastewater treatment process in California. Water Education Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.watereducation.org/aquapedia/wastewater-treatment-process-california

This article explains how and what wastewater treatments are in California. For example there are a little over 900 wastewater treatment centers in California that have to manage about 4 billion gallons of wastewater on a daily basis. Wastewater treatment nowadays tends to happen in complex facilities that use advanced technology. The water goes through about 6 different stages, starting as raw sewage and ending in clean water that can be drinkable and used for farming irrigation. 

This is connected to Environmental science because the reason these plants were established in California was to better protect the environment. Wastewater treatment allows less water to be used while more people can benefit from it. These plants are actively protecting our environment while making sure the water we drink or the water that is used for our food is clean and sanitary. My reaction to this article was incredibly positive, knowing that the water goes through about 6 stages takes away that “ick” factor.

Recycled Water in Healdsburg California

Passmore, S. (2023, May 20). “California needs the water”: Wastewater treatment upgrades means farmers will tap into new supply. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/wastewater-treatment-upgrades-means-farmers-will-tap-into-new-water-supply/ 

Healdsburg recycles 350 gallons of water a year and gives it away for free. This article dives into California and recycled water in present time. Certain plants and grants were mentioned further showing how much California cares and relies on reusing water. The second half goes into Healdsburg’s approach. The city must comply with more rules due to the Russian river. Ultimately these rules didn’t affect them and they are producing a plethora of recycled water for free.  

Similar to the articles above California is putting in effort to protect the environment and get clean water into the homes of Californians. Healdsburg’s water treatment system can possibly be seen as an idea to be used by other cities so even more eco systems can be protected. I think this article is fascinating. It is super interesting that we have the ability to take sewage water and turn it into clean drinkable water again. 

Sewage Waste to Drinking Water in California

Becker, R. (2023, August 1). Don’t call it “toilet to tap” – California plans to turn sewage into drinking water. CalMatters. https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/08/california-toilet-to-tap-water/ 

This article dives into how and why California is turning sewage water into drinking water. Ultimately the process of turning sewage water into drinking water is going to rapidly speed up. Before the water had to sit in a reservoir after treatment, now it can stay in pipe. This water is said to be, “it’ll be the cleanest water around”. The first phase of the project will be completed by 2032. It is said that it will produce 115 million gallons of water, enough for 385,000 homes. 

In a drought plagued state it is vital that in order to survive as a state we get our water in a multitude of ways. California is actively trying to protect themselves from droughts while also making sure residents of the state have access to a surplus of water and ultra-clean water. This process is connected to environmental science because it has to do with water, people, laws, and money. The whole umbrella. 

Reusing Water in California

West, P. author B. & the, Hudspethsays:, T., & Name. (2023, February 8). In times of scarcity, California’s best new source of water? reuse. & the West. https://andthewest.stanford.edu/2023/in-times-of-scarcity-californias-best-new-source-of-water-reuse/ 

This article by Stanford first gives context on California drought history and how we use recycled water. The main idea and new goal that is proposed is doubling our reclaimed water. Making this water usable  for machinery, irrigation, and drinking water. Another idea proposed is a new treatment plant that will cost $3 billion but will capture 100% of storm and sewer water and turn it all into drinking water by 2035. This would allow LA to catch up to Orange County in terms of water treatment advancements.

This article connects to environmental science because it is proposing ideas and sharing context on water treatment in California. An active system to help protect the environment and put water in the homes of California residents. Furthermore water treatment and usable water is helping people and the environment in a multitude of ways which is the ultimate goal of environmental science. Better protect the environment while getting people their necessary resources to survive. 

New Waste Water Treatment Plant in the Central Valley

Passmore, S. (2023, May 20). “California needs the water”: Wastewater treatment upgrades means farmers will tap into new supply. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/wastewater-treatment-upgrades-means-farmers-will-tap-into-new-water-supply/ 

This article dives into what this new wastewater treatment plant in the Central Valley means for farmers all across California. The idea is that this water will be used solely for irrigation and not drinking water. The water will be safe to use for irrigation because 99% of all contaminants will be extracted during the treatment process. They are hoping that this water will be usable by 2025. Water from this plant will also head into the delta. 

This article is connected to Environmental science because it showcases this treatment plant which will be an active contributor to help protect our environment. Knowing that there is only a limited amount of groundwater accessible for a limited amount of time, this plant allows waste water to be reused and distributed to farmers so we can have food. This treatment will also further protect us from potential droughts. My reaction is overall positive, I’m glad we are becoming more mindful of our water usage.