Wastewater Treatment and Challenges

Abstract

Water is very important for the survival of living organisms, which include both plants and animals. Sources of water available include rivers, oceans, seas, springs, groundwater, and rainwater. Increase in population, expanded urbanization, and establishment of industries put pressure on sources, quality, and quantity of available water; hence, demand for water increases. As water utilization increases, generation of wastewater increases. The wastewater treatments are described under the followings sub-heading, namely sources and types of wastewater, properties of wastewater, methods of treatment, and challenges of wastewater treatment methods. Information is sourced from the internet through Google search engine. The objective of this chapter is to compile information on emerging contaminants in wastewater, methods that can be adopted in the process of wastewater treatment that will minimize energy use and ensure safety of environment. Green methods of wastewater treatment and disposal are suggested.