POLLUTANTS IN WASTEWATER EFFLUENTS: IMPACTS AND REMEDIATION PROCESSES

Akpor, O.B. and Otohinoyi, D. A. and Olaolu, D.T. and Aderiye, B.I. (2014) POLLUTANTS IN WASTEWATER EFFLUENTS: IMPACTS AND REMEDIATION PROCESSES. International Journal of Environmental Research and Earth Science, 3 (3). 050-059.

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Abstract

Due to extensive industrialization and increase in population density and urbanized societies, the world is faced with problems related to the management of wastewater. On a daily basis, the effluents generated from domestic and industrial activities constitute a main cause of pollution of receiving water bodies, which is a great burden on water quality management. Some of these pollutants are pathogenic microorganisms, phosphorus and nitrogen, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, endocrine disruptors and organic matter. The majority of water related infections, such as cholera, typhoid fever, diarrheoa and others are caused by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in water. The diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and protozoa are the most common health hazards associated with untreated waters. The main sources of these microbial contaminants in wastewater are human and animal wastes Also, the presence of these phosphorus and nitrogen in excess amounts could lead to the eutrophication of water sources, which may also create environmental conditions that favour the growth of toxin-producing cyanobacteria. Chronic exposure to some of such toxins produced by these organisms can cause a host of other diseases. In addition, the danger of nonbiodegradable and recalcitrant pollutants in water is their ability to persist in natural ecosystems for an extended period and have their ability to accumulate in successive levels of the biological food chain. As a result of these negative effects, a number of processes are in place for the treatment of wastewater effluents before discharge into receiving water bodies. This review was therefore aimed at providing an insight into the major pollutants in wastewater effluents and the various treatment processes.

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