Introduction to “Cost-efficient Wastewater Treatment Technologies: Engineered Systems”

Abstract

Recently, the rise of population and expansion in urbanization and industrial and agricultural activities have been associated with the generation of huge quantities of wastewater. This wastewater carries different organic and inorganic contaminants, trace elements, and emerging pollutants that probably result in serious human health risks. Accordingly, wastewater should be subjected to adequate treatment processes to have a final effluent complying with the national and international disposal of regulations. The design, implementation, and operation of wastewater treatment units depend on the process, being either natural (ecological) or engineered (mechanized). This chapter represents the basic ideas of the mechanized wastewater treatment units covered by the book volume “Cost-efficient Wastewater Treatment Technologies: Engineered Systems.” It gives brief information on activated sludge system, trickling filter, anaerobic digestion, adsorption technology, green nanomaterial preparation and application, tertiary treatment by disinfection, emerging contaminants, and a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Some case studies clarifying the idea of wastewater treatment by engineered systems are demonstrated.