Wastewater Disposal

Wastewater Disposal

The most common method of disposal is by dilution. Disposal to a stream is dependent of the level of dilution capable by the stream as well as the sensitivity of the stream to small changes

Otherwise, tertiary treatment may be needed before discharge. This is normally in the form of nutrient removal.

Natural Evaporation

The process is most useful in climates where evaporation exceeds precipitation.

The system is essentially large oxidation ponds with a surface area suited to the

rate of inflow.

Ocean Disposal

This is a efficient and cost effective method. The effluent is transported out to sea by pipelines along the ocean floor and discharged at multiple points. The length of the outfall depends on the ocean currents and volume of wastewater.

Land Application

Land application can be a form of disposal as well as a method of reuse. These include Irrigation and Rapid Infiltration

Irrigation

1. Wastewater is applied to land surface to provide both water and nutrients for plant growth.

2.    Applications include agriculture, silviculture, maintain vegetation in parks, golf courses, along roadways and airport runways.

3.    In most cases food chain crops (i.e. crops consumed by humans and those animals whose products are consumed by humans) may not be irrigated by effluent. However, field crops such as cotton, sugar beets, and crops for seed production are grown with wastewater effluent.