Improving the Effectiveness of Wastewater Treatment Systems to Enhance Water Quality for Sustainable Solutions

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 01 | Jan 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2024, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.226 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 305
Improving the Effectiveness of Wastewater Treatment Systems to
Enhance Water Quality for Sustainable Solutions
Shah Azhar Ullah Khan
3GN17CV073, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Public university in Belgaum, Karnataka
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Abstract
Water is a primary global resource. The water scarcity is a
result of the swift progress of urbanization, population
expansion, agricultural advancement, industrialization, and
many environmental concerns stemming from chemical and
biological impurities in water, which transform it into
pollution. Efficient waste management is crucial in order to
prevent environmental and social issues. Wastewater
treatment is a process that converts wastewater into useful
resources suitable for both home and urban agriculture.
Approximately 38,354 million litres of sewage are produced
daily, although only a small fraction undergoes treatment.
During wastewater treatment, the primary stage encounters
many challenges caused by the accumulation of solid
particles in the wastewater, leading to blockage. To address
this issue, initial pretreatment is carried out to minimize the
presence of these solid particles. Wastewater management is
crucial in enterprises primarily due to the potential
environmental impact of toxic effluent from industrial waste.
It can pose a threat to aquatic creatures and contribute to
the presence of toxins and pollution. Several techniques can
be employed to treat wastewater, including the utilization of
algal technology. This involves the cultivation of algae to
treat wastewater produced by industries. The resulting algae
can be further utilized in the manufacturing of biofertilizers,
biofuels, and other applications. Water management
encompasses a wide range of applications, including but not
limited to agriculture, the chemical industry, the tannery
industry, immobilization, nanofiltration, carbon capture
technology, microbial bioremediation, and other sectors. The
benefits and drawbacks of various applications are discussed
in this article.
Keywords: Wastewater, pollution, environmental impact,
treatment, and practical use
Introduction:
On Earth, around 98% of the water is comprised of
seawater, while the remaining 2% is freshwater, which is
suitable for drinking. Human and industrial activities are
causing pollution in two percent of the water, resulting in
the presence of pollutants. (Kumar Reddy, D. H., & Lee, S. M.
(2012))
According to a report from the World Health Organization
(WHO), the use of contaminated wastewater for drinking,
sanitation, and other uses has resulted in the death of 10
million individuals. (Divya, S., & Oh, T. H. 2022). The
environment has undergone significant transformations in
recent decades, and these changes are still ongoing. By the
year 2050, the global population is projected to reach 9.8
billion individuals, with a significant majority residing in
urban areas. The rapid expansion of cities, together with
the impacts of climate change, is exerting more strain on
essential resources such as water, raw materials, and
energy. The dynamics of water quality, availability, and
quantity are undergoing rapid changes. The preservation
of natural resources and their optimal utilization is
increasingly becoming a crucial concern for the public.
The availability of clean and drinkable water is an essential
foundation of human civilization, necessary for survival,
well-being, and advancement of society. In light of
increasing apprehensions regarding water shortage,
pollution, and the necessity for sustainable resource
management, water treatment plants play a vital role in
safeguarding public health and maintaining environmental
integrity. These facilities play a crucial role in ensuring that
water, which is a limited and extremely valuable resource,
is treated to meet strict quality standards before being
distributed to households, businesses, and communities.
The development of water treatment facilities reflects
humanity's pursuit of technological advancement and
commitment to environmental conservation. Conventional
treatment methods, although somewhat efficient,
encounter difficulties in dealing with the intricate
assortment of toxins and pollutants that permeate our
water sources. The synthesis issues of WWTN have been
represented as mixed-integer non-linear programming
(MINLP) and were resolved utilizing global optimization
solvers. Zhang et al. (2014) created a framework for
wastewater reuse by using a multi-objective optimization
model. The evolutionary algorithm was employed to solve

the nonlinear optimization issue by developing Pareto
fronts for minimizing costs, maximizing BOD5 reduction,
and maximizing wastewater reuse volume. In their study,
Bozkurt et al. (2009) employed a comprehensive process
model to create an optimization technique for wastewater
treatment (WWT) based on a superstructure. The
subsequent sections will examine the many stages and
classifications in wastewater treatment (WWT), the
different available treatment methods and their
corresponding models, the classification of wastewater
contaminants, the techniques to synthesizing super-
structures in WWT networks, the computational
optimization methodology, and the sustainability
assessment of WWT networks.
A literature analysis based on government databases and
policies has established a connection between central
government programs and actions related to wastewater
management, sanitation, and water operations in India.
The Karnataka State Policy on Communal Wastewater
Exercise was referenced and discussed on a website in
respect to government legislation. The connection between
central government rules and pollution control measures
in the wastewater industry in India was established by
conducting a literature review using government
databases and website analysis. The assessment took into
account all relevant historical wastewater discharge
regulations for Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in India. In
India, it has been observed that municipal and various
industrial wastes are being discharged into rivers and
water bodies in the Ganga and Yamuna River regions. This
mixture of waste is causing severe pollution, leading to a
decrease in both the quantity and quality of water in the
environment, as well as posing risks to human resources.
(Schellenberg, T., et al. 2020)
Methods for Wastewater Treatment
The decline in water level can be attributed to the
expansion of the economy and the rise in people density.
To mitigate these losses, one might use strategies such as
waste reduction initiatives, water storage and control
systems for reuse and recycling, and projects aimed at
conserving rainfall. In addition to population growth,
water shortages experienced a sixfold increase during the
20th century. The primary causes of water pollution and
contamination were oil spills, industrial and radioactive
waste, global warming, and leakage from subsurface
storage. (Demirbas, A. 2011)
The waste management system encompasses a
comprehensive range of activities pertaining to the
operation, treatment, disposal, or recovery of waste. The
primary objective of the waste management system is to
ensure the collection, treatment, disposal, or recovery of
waste materials in a secure and appropriate way, starting
from the point or location where they are generated.
Modern waste management systems, which developing
countries aim toward, are distinguished by their high rates
of recycling clean, source-separated materials. Advanced
waste management systems include extensive operational
tactics to minimize environmental impact and conserve
resources. Waste management solutions are categorized
into four sections based on how the waste is ultimately
handled: waste generation minimization or prevention,
waste recycling, thermal treatment with energy recovery,
and landfilling. The primary focus is on waste reduction,
which is typically the duty of the trash patron. (Demirbas,
A. 2011)
Figure 1. Performance of Wastewater Treatment in States
of India The 2022 wastewater treatment report
demonstrates the efficient management of waste in India
through the utilization of the sewage wastewater
treatment technology, as depicted in Figure 1.
Figure 2. Reuse of Treated Wastewater in India

Figure 2 illustrates the significant utilization of recycled
treated wastewater in one of the states of Pondicherry. A
recent study report evaluated the capacity of different
microalgal species to remediate textile effluent. It was
discovered that the microalgae utilize dyes as a carbon
source, which are subsequently transformed into
metabolites through several mechanisms. Wastewater
treatment plants are increasingly favoured for their cost-
effectiveness and environmentally beneficial
characteristics.
Process of Wastewater Treatment:
Prior to conducting the life cycle assessment (LCA), the
wastewater is subjected to treatment. The LCA evaluates
the product's output and possible distribution by
incorporating it into the life cycle or circulation. The
wastewater treatment process involves a series of steps,
starting with the collection of wastewaters. The collected
wastewater is then treated in a settling aeration tank,
which is followed by filtration through a dual media filter.
Chlorine is added to the cleaned water in a dosing tank to
disinfect it. The sludge produced during the treatment
process is stored in a separate tank. Finally, the treated
water is stored in an output water tank. (Raghuvanshi, S.,
et al. 2017)
Figure 3. Process of Wastewater Treatment
The process of wastewater treatment consists of four
distinct stages: preliminary treatment, primary treatment,
secondary treatment, and tertiary treatment. (Awaleh, M.
O., & Soubaneh, Y. D. (2014)
Process Transitions in Wastewater Treatment
This stage facilitates the removal of the dissolved organic
debris that evades first treatment. Microorganisms
metabolize the organic stuff as nourishment, transforming
it into carbon dioxide, water, and energy to support their
own development. The process of fresh settling is
employed to further remove suspended materials, and it
occurs naturally. The solid wastes produced during the
main and secondary treatment procedures are
subsequently reused in the gravity-thickening tank, where
they are subjected to a continuous air pressure.
Industrial Wastewater Treatment: Various industries
generate a wide range of garbage, which contains
dangerous toxic compounds that pose significant risks to
the environment and living organisms. To mitigate
contamination, industries employ strategies such as
reusing, recycling, and employing strategic approaches to
treat hazardous waste. The circular economy aims to
optimize the efficiency of framework capacities by
reducing the outflow of resources from the system.
Progressing in a more circular direction. The Wastewater
Treatment System in Shrewsbury serves as a central hub
and exemplifies the concept of an advanced wastewater
framework. This framework not only focuses on efficiently
treating wastewater for reuse, but also aims to generate
electricity and produce compost. Urban communities
worldwide are increasingly implementing intelligent
concepts in their areas.
Effects of Wastewater Treatment
Due to water scarcity, water shortage, population growth,
and high levels of wastewater generation, treated
municipal waste serves as the primary sustainable
irrigation source in agriculture. Treating municipal trash is
an unconventional method for addressing water scarcity. In
2009, an experiment was carried out in Iran to address the
issue of municipal waste. This experiment involved using
treated wastewater for irrigation, which resulted in several
positive outcomes. The irrigation with treated wastewater
led to an increase in stem height, diameter, and leaf size of
the crops. Additionally, it improved the structure,
permeability, and fertility of the soil. As a result, crop
cultivation was enhanced, and water shortages were
reduced. (Mousavi, S. R., & Shahsavari, M. 2014)
Domestic Waste Treatment:
Segregation into grey water (from sinks, washbasins, etc.)
and black water (from toilets).
Treatment methods like hydrolytic acidification and
biological contact oxidation for reducing contaminants.
Processes involving microbial activity for reducing
biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrogen, and ammonia.

Importance of maintaining water quality during the
treatment process.
Coagulation:
Coagulation methods for removing colloids and solid
impurities, using natural and chemical coagulants.
Benefits of natural coagulants in terms of environmental
friendliness and lower toxicity compared to chemical ones.
Usage of specific materials like chitin and chemical salts for
effective waste treatment.
Moringa Stenopetala:
Use of Moringa stenopetala seed extract in treating
wastewater from industries, particularly in reducing heavy
metal concentrations.
Efficiency of the seed extract based on pH levels and its
cost-effectiveness in treating industrial waste.
Nanocomposite Membrane:
Utilization of nanofiltration using polymer nanocomposite
membranes for efficient wastewater removal, especially
heavy metals.
Different types of polymer nanocomposite membranes and
their properties contributing to wastewater purification.
Algal Technology and Cyanobacteria:
Algae and cyanobacteria's role in treating wastewater, their
efficiency in removing pollutants, and their potential for
producing valuable by-products like biofuels.
Use of high-rate algal ponds in wastewater treatment due
to their efficiency and biomass productivity.
Environmental contamination and remediation
As a result of swift industrialization, there is still a need to
analyse several water pollutants. Novel chemical
compounds are currently being formulated and
subsequently introduced into water bodies by the
discharge of untreated sewage waste, septic tanks, and the
effluent generated by industrial operations. (Kumar Reddy,
D. H., & Lee, S. M. 2012)
A literature analysis based on government databases and
policies has linked central governmental programs and
actions in India related to wastewater management,
sanitation, and water operations. The Karnataka State
Policy on Communal Wastewater Exercise was referenced
and discussed on a website in respect to government
legislation. Literature research was conducted to establish
the connection between central governmental rules and
pollution control measures in the wastewater industry in
India. The evaluation was based on government databases
and website analysis. The assessment took into account all
relevant historical wastewater discharge regulations for
sewage treatment plants (STPs) in India
Techniques for Reducing Water Pollution
The diversity of monoculture is enhanced by the utilization
of a wide range of cultivation systems in order to cultivate
a growing quantity of species. To optimize resource
utilization and ensure optimal product conditions for the
dressed species, a diverse range of culture systems are
utilized, including limited-flux culture systems resembling
earthen ponds, flow-through tanks and courses,
recirculating systems, integrated systems, and polyculture.
A number of evaluations were published, each focusing on
a specific or limited aspect of chemical-induced
environmental pollution. However, the overarching
objective of these investigations has consistently been the
elimination of impurities originating from livestock,
veterinary procedures, and industrial effluent. (DDTTD, S.,
Abeysooriya, K. H. D. N., & Vithushana, T. V. 2021)
Systems Of Immobilized Microbes
Currently, immobilized microbial systems have several
advantages over free ones. Research is a promising use of
this technology. Promote hazardous material
biodegradation to reduce pollution. Although mobile
technology in the environmental industry is new, early
results are promising. Immobilized cells will assist treat
rubbish by degrading hazardous chemicals into nutrients,
biomass, and CO2 through their intermediates. Without
internal and external mass transfer obstacles, immobilized
cells biodegraded faster. Immobilized cells can add fungal
biomass to engineering. (Martins, S. C. S., et al. 2013)
Carbon Capture Treatment
To meet environmental regulations, wastewater treatment
removes pathogens, suspended particles, carbon, nitrogen,
and phosphorus. Since protecting the original underwater
topography and public health will remain paramount for
wastewater segregation, a carbon capture unit must be
built in this terrain without sacrificing treatment
effectiveness. If linked with wastewater structure and
treatment limits, a carbon capture unit can provide direct
original benefits through product valorisation and

alkalinity for better water chemistry and treatment,
extending beyond global environmental benefits.
Nanofiltration
Nanofiltration is the latest pressure-driven membrane
liquid-phase separation method. Nanofiltration has
replaced RO in many operations because to its lower
energy usage and higher flow rates. A result-diffusion
medium controls transit of nanofiltration membrane
parcels, which are between porous ultrafiltration (UF) and
pervious RO membrane parcels. Size rejection and charge
items are usually considered to cause separation.
Marketable nanofiltration membranes have a set charge
from face group dissociation, like sulfonated or carboxylic
acids. Thus, NF membrane parcels separate ions using UF's
size and electrical goods and RO's ion commerce
operations. NF membranes are new to wastewater
treatment. NF membrane holes (about 1 nm) reject small
uncharged solutes whereas the face electrostatic parcels
convey monovalent ions and retain multivalent ions.
Microorganisms
The primary sources of chemical compound detoxification
are microorganisms. While some bacteria are helpful,
others are harmful to both humans and the environment.
Microbes, particularly microalgae, include fungi and algae.
They can be applied to clean up various environments of
pollution. We refer to it as phytoremediation. Eukaryotic,
unicellular, photosynthetic microorganisms known as
Chlorella vulgaris are found in large quantities in
freshwater and marine aquatic environments. The removal
of secondary contaminants from wastewater, such as
ammonia, is a major concern for C. vulgaris. This organism
can be employed as a bioremediation agent in a variety of
wastewater types. (Rukawo, H., & Mukaro, J. P. 2022)
Applications of Wastewater Management
Applications for wastewater treatment are found in many
different industries, including cleaning, car washing, fire
safety systems, and irrigation (for park irrigation). These
are used in agriculture for dust control, irrigation of
agricultural land, and seed crops. In terms of
environmental applications, it can be utilized in wildlife
habitat and silviculture. (Ghernaout, D. 2018)
Benefits and Drawbacks of Wastewater Treatment
Chemical precipitation is a straightforward technological
technique that cleans up heavy loads in a highly effective
and integrated physicochemical process (Crini, G., &
Lichtfouse, E. 2019). Nanofiltration is a quick and easy
procedure that doesn't require chemicals to start, and it
works well at low quantities. It may also be utilized in
small places. Highly volatile chemicals can be removed at a
high clearance rate and hazardous metals can be treated
very selectively using the flotation technique (Mejía, R., et
al. 2021).
Disadvantage
Chemical consumption and contamination result from the
high sludge produced by the chemical precipitation
process, which needs an oxidation step to finish the metal.
The Nanofiltration process has a high cost of operation and
maintenance, and its large-scale design is very different.
Flotation procedures have a very poor recovery rate when
compared to other processes, require additional funding
for sludge removal treatment, and have the potential to
pollute the environment. The ion exchange process's
enormous volume requirements, sensitivity to pH, and
financial constraints are a few drawbacks. Biological
culture-based enzymatic degradation procedures are
characterized by slowness, poor decolorization, and
intricate mechanisms.
Conclusion
Effective waste management is essential for regulating and
mitigating the presence of hazardous substances,
pollutants, and chemical contaminants in water, so
safeguarding both the environment and human well-being.
Efficient waste management in water can enhance the
potential for reusing treated water in diverse applications
and bolster the capacity for water recycling in both human
and ecological contexts. There are four distinct techniques
that can be used to treat urban, municipal, and industrial
waste effluent. Additionally, various physical, chemical, and
biological methods can be employed to treat the waste.
Several nations, including India, are adopting sewage water
treatment technology to minimize waste and provide a
sustainable water supply for future usage. This technology
is being implemented in multiple states within India to
effectively manage waste and maintain a continuous water
cycle. The 3R technology method can effectively regulate
pollution caused by human-generated trash. The processed
wastewater can be utilized in various domains, including
agriculture, urban settings, and environmental endeavours.
Consequently, the waste removed from the water can be
reclaimed and securely disposed of in the environment.
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BIOGRAPHY
Shah Azher Ulla Khan is a Student
of B.Tech in Civil Engineering from
Visvesvaraya Technological
University Belgavi, Karnataka.

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