Physico-chemical Treatment Technology

Book Suggestions by Ma'am

• Wastewater Engineering Treatment Disposal and Re-use [ Metcalf and Eddy 4th Edition ]
• Environmental Engineering by Howard S. Peavy, Donald R. Rowe
• Introduction to Environmental Engineering by Mackenzie or David A. Cornwell

Water Definitions

Pure Water: Also known as purified water, it is water from a source that has had all impurities removed.

Distilled Water: The most common form of pure water, obtained by boiling water into vapor and condensing it back into liquid.

Portable Water: Water at a desirable temperature, free from objectionable taste, odors, colors, and turbidity; safe to drink.

Wholesome Water: Fit for drinking, cooking, food preparation, or washing without posing any health risks.

Water Contamination

Contaminated Water: Water pollution is the presence of substances that make water unsuitable for various activities.

Pollutants include chemicals and trace bacteria.

Wastewater and Treatment

Wastewater: Water rejected from processes, domestic, commercial, and aeration activities.

Treatment Concepts

• Flotation: Floating material is separated from liquid, impurities float upon the liquid surface.
• Settling: Impurities settle out due to gravity.
• Aeration: Adding oxygen to remove methane or other gases.

Unit Operations and Processes

Unit Operation: Physical force-based contaminant removal methods.

Example: Flotation, screening, filtration, aeration, settling, etc.

Unit Process: Removal by chemical and biological reactions.

Example: Coagulation, neutralization, chlorination, aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion, etc.

Reactor Design

Reactor: Vessel or structure for unit operations and processes.

Design is crucial for wastewater treatment, requiring an understanding of unit operations and processes.

Note: In environmental engineering, RCC (reinforced concrete) reactors are used in wastewater treatment.