Final answer:
Wastewater treatment facilities are designed to remove pollutants and treat water using a combination of mechanical and biological processes, often involving the natural filtering capabilities of plants and microorganisms, allowing for the safe return of water to the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wastewater treatment facilities or plants are designed to remove pollutants from water so that it can be safely returned to the environment. These facilities often involve mechanical and biological processes to treat wastewater and produce effluent that can be discharged into natural water sources. Lagooning, for instance, is one method where water is stored in a lagoon and native plants, bacteria, algae, and small zooplankton filter out nutrients and small particles.
The role of various organisms in ecosystem services is vast. Plants, algae, and microorganisms such as bacteria play a critical role in maintaining atmospheric balance, preventing soil erosion, and purifying water in rivers and lakes. Additionally, their decomposing matter improves soil quality, and they help fix and recycle nitrogen essential for plant growth.
Water treatment engineering involves multiple disciplines, including mechanical and construction, to design and manage the processes and equipment in treatment plants. The effluent from these facilities, while not directly used for drinking, may be used in landscaping and has ecological benefits such as nourishing plant life and recharging aquifers.