Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) treat sewage and industrial effluents before releasing them into natural water bodies. Untreated wastewater can severely damage rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources.
The treatment process typically includes primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment stages. Primary treatment removes solids, secondary treatment breaks down organic matter using biological processes, and tertiary treatment removes nutrients and pathogens.
Modern wastewater treatment plants are increasingly designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Many facilities recover energy from sludge, recycle treated water for irrigation, and minimize chemical usage to reduce environmental impact.