Final answer:
Effluent water is wastewater discharged from a wastewater treatment facility after it has undergone various treatment processes. It is usually released into natural water bodies or used for non-potable purposes such as irrigation. Treatment aims to reduce pollutants, but environmental concerns remain due to unremoved contaminants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effluent water is wastewater that is discharged from a wastewater treatment facility. After undergoing various treatment processes including primary (solid removal), secondary (bacterial decomposition), and potentially tertiary treatments (extra filtration like effluent polishing), effluent water is then typically released into a local river, the ocean, or used for landscaping purposes such as watering lawns or golf courses. However, this water is not suitable for drinking. Wastewater includes sewage and water from various sources, including industrial and agricultural processes. Despite treatment, there can still be environmental concerns, such as pharmaceuticals and other contaminants entering the ecosystem due to limitations in treatment processes.
The main purpose of wastewater treatment is to reduce pollutants, including pathogenic microorganisms, organic matter, and nutrients, to protect public health and the environment. Tertiary treatments are specifically used to further clean water before it is discharged into a sensitive ecosystem. Although there have been advances in wastewater treatment, there remains a global issue with half of all wastewater being discharged without proper treatment, leading to pollution problems. To mitigate these issues, it is essential to have effective sewage treatment facilities, proper regulatory oversight, and public education on the impacts and treatment of wastewater.