Wastewater treatment is the process of removing contaminants from sewage and industrial wastewater to make it safe for release into the environment or for reuse. This process typically involves several stages, including screening, sedimentation, and filtration, which help to separate solids and harmful substances from the water.
After the initial treatment, the water undergoes further purification through biological processes, where microorganisms break down remaining pollutants. Finally, the treated water is disinfected, often using chlorine or ultraviolet light, to eliminate any remaining pathogens, ensuring that it meets safety standards before being returned to rivers, lakes, or used for irrigation.