ENGINEERING UTILITIES 2

Prepared By:

AdU Civil Engineering Faculty

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

Module Outline
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

I. Wastewater Treatment Concept

II. Wastewater Collection and Disposal System
III. On-Site Individual Sewage Treatment (Septic Tank)
IV. Design Example of Septic Tank
V. Septic Tank Construction/Installation
VI. Gray Water Reuse Systems
VII. Alternative Wastewater Treatment System
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

I. Wastewater Treatment Concept

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Some communities discharge bacteria-laden sewage into nearby lakes, rivers, or the ocean. Most
cities and towns send the sewage to treatment plants, where the solid matter (sludge) settles out. The
remaining liquid is chlorinated to kill bacteria and then dumped into a local waterway. The sludge is
pumped into a treatment tank, where it ferments anaerobically (without oxygen) for several weeks.
This kills most of the disease-causing bacteria and precipitates out most minerals. The digested sludge
is then chlorinated and pumped into the local waterway.

Larger scale sewage treatment plants continue to improve the efficiency of their processes, and
municipalities are active in reducing the amount of sewage they process. Larger plants use aerobic
digestion plus chemical treatment and filtration, and can produce effluent suitable for drinking. Clean
effluent is pumped into the ground to replenish depleted groundwater. Digested sludge is dried,
bagged, and sold for fertilizer. Some plants spray processed sewage directly on forests or cropland for
irrigation or fertilizer.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

I. Wastewater Treatment Concept

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Source: Schematic of conventional wastewater treatment process. (From Spellman, F.R., Spellman’s Standard Handbook for
Wastewater Operators, Vol. 1, Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999.)
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

I. Wastewater Treatment Concept

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Definition of Terms
 Wastewater is the water supply of a community after it has been soiled by use.
 Aeration is the process of bubbling air through a solution, sometimes cleaning water of impurities
by exposure to air.
 Aerobic conditions - in which free, elemental oxygen is present. Also used to describe organisms,
biological activity, or treatment processes that require free oxygen.
 Anaerobic conditions - in which no oxygen (free or combined) is available. Also used to describe
organisms, biological activity, or treatment processes that function in the absence of oxygen.
 Chlorination is the disinfection of water using chlorine as the oxidizing agent.
 Bar screen is a series of bars formed into a grid used to screen out large debris from influent flow.
 Contamination is the damage to the quality of water sources by sewage, industrial waste, or other
material.
 Dewatering is the removal or separation of a portion of water present in a sludge or slurry.
 Disinfection is a water treatment process that kills pathogenic organisms.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

I. Wastewater Treatment Concept

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Definition of Terms
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

 Domestic consumption is the water used for household purposes such as washing, food
preparation, and showers. The quantity (or quantity per capita) of water consumed in a
municipality or district for domestic uses or purposes during a given period, it sometimes
encompasses all uses, including the quantity wasted, lost, or otherwise unaccounted for.
 Facultative - organisms that can survive and function in the presence or absence of free, elemental
oxygen.
 Filtration is the mechanical process that removes particulate matter by separating water from solid
material, usually by passing it through sand.
 Flocculation is the slow mixing process in which particles are brought into contact with the intent
of promoting their agglomeration.
 Coagulation the neutralization of the charges of colloidal matter.
 Graywater is the water that has been used for showering, clothes washing, and faucet uses.
Kitchen sink and toilet water is excluded. This water has excellent potential for reuse as irrigation
for yards.
 Grit are the heavy inorganic solids, such as sand, gravel, eggshells, or metal filings.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

I. Wastewater Treatment Concept

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Definition of Terms
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

 Influent is the wastewater entering a tank, channel, or treatment process.

 pH is a way of expressing both acidity and alkalinity on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 representing
neutrality; numbers less than 7 indicate increasing acidity and numbers greater than 7 indicate
increasing alkalinity.
 Sanitary wastewater are the wastes discharged from residences and from commercial,
institutional, and similar facilities that include both sewage and industrial wastes.
 Sediment are the transported and deposited particles derived from rocks, soil, or biological
material.
 Sedimentation is a process that reduces the velocity of water in basins so that suspended material
can settle out by gravity.
 Sludge is the mixture of settleable solids and water removed from the bottom of the settling tank.
 Sewage – Any liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution and
may include liquids containing chemicals in solution.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

II. Wastewater Collection and Disposal System

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Wastewater Collection Systems

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Gravity Collection System

In a gravity collection system, the collection lines are sloped to permit the flow to move through the
system with as little pumping as possible. The slope of the lines must keep the wastewater moving at a
velocity (speed) of 2 to 4 ft/sec. Otherwise, at lower velocities, solids will settle out and cause clogged
lines, overflows, and offensive odors. To keep collection systems lines at a reasonable depth,
wastewater must be lifted (pumped) periodically so that it can continue flowing downhill to the
treatment plant. Pump stations are installed at selected points within the system for this purpose.

Force Main Collection System

In a typical force main collection system, wastewater is collected to central points and pumped under
pressure to the treatment plant. The system is normally used for conveying wastewater long distances.
The use of the force main system allows the wastewater to flow to the treatment plant at the desired
velocity without using sloped lines. It should be noted that the pump station discharge lines in a
gravity system are considered to be force mains since the content of the lines is under pressure.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

II. Wastewater Collection and Disposal System

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Pumping Stations
Pumping stations provide the motive force (energy) to keep the wastewater moving at the desired
velocity. They are used in both the force main and gravity systems. They are designed in several
different configurations and may use different sources of energy to move the wastewater (i.e., pumps,
air pressure or vacuum).

Types of Wastewater Disposal System

1. Cesspool
2. Privy
3. Septic Tank
4. Public Sewer Line
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
II. Wastewater Collection and Disposal System
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Types of Wastewater Disposal System

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Cesspool Privy Septic Tank

Source: Source: Source:
https://www.kitv.com/story/35183630/ha http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/com https://www.epa.gov/septic/types-septic-
waii-cesspool-conversions-going-slow munities/agriculture/field- systems
guide/privy.html
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
II. Wastewater Collection and Disposal System
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Types of Wastewater Disposal System

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Public Sewer
Source:
https://www.cleanwaternashville.org/upd
ates/service-lines-connect-citizens-to-
public-sewer-system
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

III. On-Site Individual Sewage Treatment (Septic Tank)

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Septic tanks are used to hold domestic wastes when a sewer line is not available to carry them to a
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

treatment plant. The wastes are piped to underground tanks directly from a home or homes. Bacteria
in the wastes decompose some of the organic matter, the sludge settles on the bottom of the tank,
and the effluent flows out of the tank into the ground through drains.

The type of system shall be determined on the basis of location, soil porosity, and ground water level
and shall be designed to receive all sewage from the property. The system shall consist of a septic tank
with effluent discharging into a subsurface disposal field, into one (1) or more seepage pits or into a
combination of subsurface disposal field and seepage pits.

The septic tank combines the sedimentation process in the upper portion of the tank and anaerobic
decomposition of the accumulated sludge at the bottom.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

III. On-Site Individual Sewage Treatment (Septic Tank)

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Source: https://medium.com/waste-disposal-hub/how-septic-tanks-work-and-when-to-empty-them-346a4fe4fe6f
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

III. On-Site Individual Sewage Treatment (Septic Tank)

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Source: https://medium.com/waste-disposal-hub/how-septic-tanks-work-and-when-to-empty-them-346a4fe4fe6f
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

III. On-Site Individual Sewage Treatment (Septic Tank)

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Decomposition of organic matter is a bacteriological process caused by either aerobic, anaerobic or

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

facultative bacteria.

Aerobic conditions - in which free, elemental oxygen is present. Also used to describe organisms,
biological activity, or treatment processes that require free oxygen.

Anaerobic conditions - in which no oxygen (free or combined) is available. Also used to describe
organisms, biological activity, or treatment processes that function in the absence of oxygen.

Facultative - organisms that can survive and function in the presence or absence of free, elemental
oxygen.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

III. On-Site Individual Sewage Treatment (Septic Tank)

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

By-Products of Anaerobic Digestion

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

1. Methane gas
2. Carbon dioxide
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Hydrogen gas
5. Hydrogen sulfide
6. Sulfur dioxide

Source: https://anaerobic-digestion.com/septic-tanks-anaerobic-digestors/#lightbox/5/
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

IV. Design of Septic Tank

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Design Parameters:
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Type of Establishment Residential – Single Family Dwelling

Number of Bedrooms – 3 bedrooms or 9 persons
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

V. Septic Tank Construction/Installation

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Plans
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Such plans shall show dimensions, reinforcing, structural calculations, and such other pertinent data as
required.

Design
Septic tank design shall be such as to produce a clarified effluent consistent with accepted standards and
shall provide adequate space for sludge and scum accumulations.

Construction
Septic tanks shall be constructed of solid durable materials not subject to excessive corrosion or decay
and shall be watertight.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

V. Septic Tank Construction/Installation

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Compartments
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Septic tanks shall have not less than two compartments unless otherwise approved by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction. The inlet compartment of any septic tank shall be not less than two-thirds of the total
capacity of the tank, nor less than 500 gallons (1892 L) liquid capacity, and shall be not less than 3 feet
(914 mm) in width and 5 feet (1524 mm) in length. Liquid depth shall be not less than 21⁄2 feet (762 mm)
nor more than 6 feet (1829 mm). The secondary compartment of a septic tank shall have a capacity of
not less than 250 gallons (946 L) and a capacity not exceeding one-third of the total capacity of such tank.
In septic tanks having a 1500 gallon (5678 L) capacity, the secondary compartment shall be not less than
5 feet (1524 mm) in length.

Access
Access to each septic tank shall be provided by not less than two manholes 20 inches (508 mm) in
minimum dimension or by an equivalent removable cover slab. One access manhole shall be located over
the inlet and one access manhole shall be located over the outlet. Where a first compartment exceeds 12
feet (3658 mm) in length, an additional manhole shall be provided over the baffle wall.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

V. Septic Tank Construction/Installation

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Materials
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

The materials used for constructing a septic tank shall be in accordance with the following:
 Materials used in constructing a concrete septic tank
 The minimum wall thickness of a steel septic tank shall be number 12 gauge (0.109 of an inch) (2.77
mm), and each such tank shall be protected from corrosion both externally and internally by an
approved bituminous coating or by other acceptable means.
 Septic tanks constructed of alternate materials shall be permitted to be approved by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction where in accordance with approved applicable standards. Wooden septic tanks
shall be prohibited.

Prefabricated Septic Tanks

 Manufactured or prefabricated septic tanks shall comply with approved applicable standards and be
approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
 Independent laboratory tests and engineering calculations certifying the tank capacity and structural
stability shall be provided as required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
VI. Gray Water Reuse Systems
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Greywater is spelled and defined differently in different

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

parts of the world. Also commonly spelled graywater,

grey water, or gray water, it refers to untreated
household wastewater that has not come into contact
with sewage (or “black water”) (WHO-ROEM 2006).
Common sources of greywater in the home include
showers, baths, sinks, and clothes washers. Wastewater
from kitchen sinks and automatic dishwashers tend to
have high concentrations of organic matter that
encourage the growth of bacteria. This water is
sometimes referred to as “dark greywater.”

Rainwater, which can also be collected for use, is not

Source: http://www.beachapedia.org/Graywater_Systems
considered to be greywater. Greywater is also distinct
from reclaimed water, which is wastewater (including
black water) that is treated by a centralized wastewater
treatment plant for potable or non-potable reuse.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
VI. Gray Water Reuse Systems
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Diversion System
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

These systems typically involve some filtration to capture lint, hair, fats, grease, etc. The systems may
also involve disinfection (e.g., chlorine tablets may be put in the toilet tank to kill bacteria). Currently,
there are a variety of commercially available systems that divert water from shower and sink drains into
toilet water tanks. These systems re-plumb drain water directly into a toilet tank for flushing or into a
receptacle that is then pumped into a toilet tank.
 
A second category of systems diverts drain water to outdoor irrigation, often requiring additional
plumbing and irrigation tubing. An electrical pump may also be necessary to move the water outdoors,
but simple systems can sometimes rely on gravity to move the water. These systems are also relatively
inexpensive and require no additional land area, but are only useful on plots that have vegetation or are
unpaved to allow infiltration as many greywater codes do not allow ponding of the greywater.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
VI. Gray Water Reuse Systems
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Physical/Chemical Greywater Treatment Systems

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Greywater systems that involve storing greywater must treat the greywater to reduce the bacteria and
other microorganisms that can multiply in stagnant water. Physical and chemical greywater treatment
systems primarily utilize disinfection and filtration to remove contaminants while biological treatment uses
aeration and membrane bioreactors.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
VI. Gray Water Reuse Systems
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Biological Greywater Treatment Systems

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Some greywater systems use aerobic biological

treatment. These systems can often be scaled
up or down, depending on the quantity of
greywater produced.

Pontos, a greywater system manufacturer based

in Germany, has created AquaCycle. The
AquaCycle system filters out coarse particles,
then the water enters the holding tanks where it
is aerated, undergoes biological treatment, and
then is disinfected using ultraviolet radiation.

Source: https://pacinst.org/wp-
content/uploads/sites/21/2013/02/greywater_overview1.pdf
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
VII. Alternative Wastewater Treatment System
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Treatment Ponds
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Wastewater treatment can be accomplished using ponds. Ponds are relatively easy to build and manage,
can accommodate large fluctuations in flow, and can also provide treatment that approaches conventional
systems (producing a highly purified effluent) at much lower cost. It is the cost (the economics) that drives
many managers to decide on the pond option. The actual degree of treatment provided depends on the
type and number of ponds used. Ponds can be used as the sole type of treatment or they can be used in
conjunction with other forms of wastewater treatment (i.e., other treatment processes followed by a pond
or a pond followed by other treatment processes).
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
VII. Alternative Wastewater Treatment System
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Treatment Ponds
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
VII. Alternative Wastewater Treatment System
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Rotating Biological Contactors

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

The RBC is a biological treatment system (see Figure 18.8) and is a variation of the attached growth idea
provided by the trickling filter. Still relying on microorganisms that grow on the surface of a medium, the
RBC is a fixed film biological treatment device; the basic biological process is similar to that occurring in
the trickling filter. An RBC consists of a series of closely spaced (mounted side by side), circular, plastic
(synthetic) disks that are typically about 3.5 m in diameter and attached to a rotating horizontal shaft
(see Figure 18.8). Approximately 40% of each disk is submersed in a tank containing the wastewater to
be treated. As the RBC rotates, the attached biomass film (zoogleal slime) that grows on the surface of
the disk moves into and out of the wastewater. While submerged in the wastewater, the microorganisms
absorb organics; while they are rotated out of the wastewater, they are supplied with needed oxygen for
aerobic decomposition. As the zoogleal slime reenters the wastewater, excess solids and waste products
are stripped off the media as sloughings. These sloughings are transported with the wastewater flow to
a settling tank for removal.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
VII. Alternative Wastewater Treatment System
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Rotating Biological Contactors

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
VII. Alternative Wastewater Treatment System
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Trickling Filters
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

In most wastewater treatment systems, the trickling filter follows primary treatment and includes a
secondary settling tank or clarifier. Trickling filters are widely used for the treatment of domestic and
industrial wastes. The process is a fixed film biological treatment method designed to remove BOD and
suspended solids. A trickling filter consists of a rotating distribution arm that sprays and evenly
distributes liquid wastewater over a circular bed of fist-sized rocks, other coarse materials, or synthetic
media. The spaces between the media allow air to circulate easily so that aerobic conditions can be
maintained. The spaces also allow wastewater to trickle down through, around, and over the media. A
layer of biological slime that absorbs and consumes the wastes trickling through the bed covers the
media material. The organisms aerobically decompose the solids and produce more organisms and
stable wastes that either become part of the slime or are discharged back into the wastewater flowing
over the media. This slime consists mainly of bacteria, but it may also include algae, protozoa, worms,
snails, fungi, and insect larvae. The accumulating slime occasionally sloughs off (sloughings) individual
media materials and is collected at the bottom of the filter, along with the treated wastewater, and
passed on to the secondary settling tank where it is removed. The overall performance of the trickling
filter is dependent on hydraulic and organic loading, temperature, and recirculation.
 MODULE 4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM
VII. Alternative Wastewater Treatment System
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Trickling Filters
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING