In advanced wastewater treatment, what is tertiary treatment aimed at removing?

In advanced wastewater treatment, tertiary treatment is specifically designed to remove remaining nutrients and contaminants from the effluent after primary and secondary treatments have taken place. This stage is crucial for enhancing water quality before it is discharged into the environment or reused.

Tertiary treatment typically targets residual pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause eutrophication in water bodies and harm aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, it can also address trace contaminants like pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other emerging pollutants that may not have been fully eliminated during earlier treatment stages.

By focusing on these remaining nutrients and contaminants, tertiary treatment plays a pivotal role in ensuring that wastewater meets stringent environmental regulations and protects public health and the ecosystem.