Nutrients in wastewater include nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. These often come from human waste and cleaning products like laundry detergent and dishwasher soap.
It is no secret that nitrogen and phosphorus are common compounds in fertilizers. They do wonders in plant growth and reproduction. However, this benefit becomes a serious threat if nutrient-rich wastewater is allowed to enter lakes, rivers and streams.
High concentrations of nitrogen or phosphorus can lead to "dead zones" in watercourses. The process goes like this:
- Excess nutrients feed the growth of large algae blooms.
- Algae blooms prevent sunlight from reaching plants below the water's surface.
- Native plant species decay without sunlight.
- Bacteria that feed on decaying plant matter uncontrollable multiply.
- Growing populations of bacteria consume more and more dissolved oxygen from the water.
- Fish and other aquatic species that need oxygen evacuate the watercourse or die from hypoxia.
Not all microorganisms are pathogenic. Numerous microorganisms are helpful because they break down organic matter in wastewater that would otherwise pollute the environment.
Pathogens in untreated wastewater are a different story. These bacteria, parasites, and viruses can contaminate clean water sources. If they do, they undermine human health by causing serious and sometimes deadly illnesses.
Why is wastewater treatment important?
A closer look at wastewater makes it easy to see why we must treat it before it is released back into the environment.
Think of your on-site wastewater treatment plant as a water conservation tool. By removing suspended solids and other pollutants, your system prevents groundwater and water pollution that could lead to:
- tainted drinking water
- water scarcity and water shortages
- foul lakes and rivers
- lower numbers of aquatic species
- dangers to livestock
- reduced waterfront property values
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