What is the primary purpose of tertiary treatment in wastewater processes?

The primary purpose of tertiary treatment in wastewater processes is to polish effluent to meet specific water quality standards. Tertiary treatment is the final stage of wastewater treatment and involves additional processes beyond primary and secondary treatment. While primary treatment focuses on the removal of large solids and secondary treatment targets organic matter through biological processes, tertiary treatment is designed to remove remaining contaminants that are not addressed in these earlier stages.

In this final step, advanced filtration, chemical treatments, or biological processes may be employed to target nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), pathogens, and other particulates. The goal is to enhance the quality of the treated water to ensure it meets regulatory standards for discharge into bodies of water or for potential reuse in applications such as irrigation or industrial processes. This stringent polishing is crucial, especially in regions with limited water resources or specific environmental protection requirements, as it helps safeguard public health and the ecosystem.