1/Why do the following components need to be removed from sewage under current law before it can be discharged on the surface water?
Nitrogen
Algea growth in receiving water Growth of waterborne diseases Turbidity increase of receiving water Oxygen depletion of receiving water
Phosphorus
Algea growth in receiving water Growth of waterborne diseases Turbidity increase of receiving water Oxygen depletion of receiving water
Suspended solids
Algea growth in receiving water Growth of waterborne diseases Turbidity increase of receiving water Oxygen depletion of receiving water
Pathogens
Algea growth in receiving water Growth of waterborne diseases Turbidity increase of receiving water Oxygen depletion of receiving water
2/In the Netherlands, removal of pathogens is only needed if it is discharged on swimming water.
True False
3/What is the goal of the Water framework directive?
Regulating industrial discharges whose activities are potentially polluting, to regulate the discharge of these industries on the sewer system and their effect on the wastewater treatment plant. To protect the environment from the adverse effects of the discharge of urban wastewater. It requires the surface waters' biological community be as close as possible to that what can be expected with no anthropogenic interference.
Nitrogen
Algea growth in receiving water
Phosphorus
Oxygen depletion of receiving water
Suspended solids
Turbidity increase of receiving water
Pathogens
Growth of waterborne diseases
false
Algea growth in receiving water
Phosphorus (wrong)
Oxygen depletion of receiving water
Suspended solids (wrong)
Suspended solids
Turbidity increase of receiving water
Pathogens
Growth of waterborne diseases
true.
1/ The components mentioned, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, suspended solids, and pathogens, need to be removed from sewage under current laws before it can be discharged into surface water due to several reasons:
- Nitrogen and phosphorus: These nutrients can cause an excessive growth of algae in receiving waters, leading to algal blooms. Algal blooms can disrupt the ecological balance, reduce oxygen levels, and harm aquatic life. These nutrients can also contribute to the eutrophication of water bodies.
- Suspended solids: These are solid particles that remain in water after wastewater treatment. If discharged into surface water, suspended solids can increase water turbidity, making it less clear. Turbidity can reduce light penetration, affecting aquatic plants and animals.
- Pathogens: Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms present in sewage. If untreated sewage containing pathogens is discharged into surface water, it can spread waterborne diseases, posing risks to human health and the environment.
2/ False. In the Netherlands, the removal of pathogens is required for all discharges, not just those going into swimming water. This is to ensure the protection of public health and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
3/ The goal of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) is to regulate and manage water resources in the European Union. It aims to achieve good status for all surface waters (rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and transitional waters) by 2027. The WFD aims to protect and improve the quality of Europe's water bodies, ensure sustainable water use, and preserve the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems. It requires member states to implement measures to monitor and manage water quality, reduce pollution, restore degraded water bodies, and involve the public in water management decisions. The WFD also promotes integrated and holistic water management approaches to achieve the overall goal of ecological and chemical water quality improvement.