What defines tertiary treatment in wastewater treatment?

Tertiary treatment is an advanced stage in the wastewater treatment process that follows primary and secondary treatment. It is specifically designed to remove remaining contaminants in the effluent that are not eliminated during earlier treatment phases. This can include pathogens, nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), and other specific pollutants that contribute to water quality issues. The primary goal of tertiary treatment is to produce effluent that meets or exceeds specific water quality standards, allowing for the safe discharge into natural water bodies or for potential reuse applications, such as irrigation or groundwater recharge.

This advanced treatment stage can employ various technologies, including filtration, chemical treatment, biological processes, and disinfection methods, to achieve its objectives and ensure that the water is as clean as possible before release or reuse.