The removal is done through two main actions: the coagulation and flocculation.
Coagulation its purpose is to form clots with the impurities present in the water by destabilizing the particles, neutralizing their charges.
Flocculation, through the addition of flocculants (Polymers), allows the flakes to increase their size even more, facilitating decanting or floating, making the process more effective in removing impurities and contaminants from the water.
Some of the key challenges and how they are addressed:
1. Sewage Treatment:
Low Treatment Percentage: In Brazil, only 50.75% of the generated sewage is treated, and the average among the 100 largest municipalities is 64.09%. Some municipalities, such as Piracicaba (SP), Niterói (RJ) and Maringá (PR), achieve values greater than 80% of sewage treatment. However, Porto Velho (PA) and São João do Meriti (RJ) still do not treat their wastewater properly.
2. Water Supply:
Pollution and Scarcity: Problems related to water supply are present in practically all Brazilian municipalities. Polluted rivers and springs, increased demands, conflicts over water use, loss and waste, droughts, and the threat of supply collapse are challenges faced.
3.Budget and Spending Efficiency:
Volatile Resource Allocation: The public budget allocated to water and sanitation services still represents a smaller share of GDP. It is necessary to prioritize investments to improve infrastructure and service quality.
Collaboration between governments, companies, specialists and public awareness are fundamental to overcome these challenges and ensure universal access to treated water and basic sanitation.
Capture: Raw water is taken from natural sources, such as rivers, lakes, wells, or reservoirs. In this step, pumps and pipes carry water to the treatment plant.
Clotting: In this phase, coagulants (such as aluminum sulfate, polyaluminum chloride, and ferric chloride) are added to raw water. These coagulants help to destabilize the colloidal particles present in the water.
Flocculation: Flocculation, through the addition of flocculants (Polymers), allows the flakes to increase their size even more, facilitating decanting or floating, making the process more effective in removing parameters.
Decanting: The water passes through decanting tanks, where the flakes formed in the previous stage settle to the bottom. The clarified water is then drawn from the top of the tank, subsequently going to filtration.
Filtering: Water passes through sand filters, activated carbon, or other media to remove fine particles and remaining impurities. This step helps to make the water even cleaner and clearer.
Disinfection: To eliminate pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, water is disinfected. Sodium hypochlorite is often used for this purpose. Disinfection ensures that the water is safe for human consumption.
Reservoir: After treatment, the water is stored in reservoirs before being distributed to the population. These reservoirs help maintain a constant supply of water to meet community needs.
These combined processes ensure that municipal water is clean, safe, and suitable for domestic and industrial use.
Public health: Appropriate treatment eliminates pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, hepatitis A, and other infections. The quality of treated water directly affects infant mortality, life expectancy, and overall quality of life.
Environment: Treated sewage is returned to natural water bodies after use. If this water is contaminated, it will negatively affect the environment. The quality of treated wastewater is crucial to maintaining the sustainability of water resources.
The quality of treated water is a fundamental pillar for people's health and the protection of our planet.