Water & sanitation

Wastewater: understanding the stages of a treatment train

From pretreatment to disinfection, each stage protects the next and addresses a pollutant family.

09 August 2026

Characterize before selecting

Flow, COD, BOD, suspended solids, nutrients, oils and specific contaminants provide an initial picture.

Pretreat

Screens, grit and grease removal protect subsequent biological and mechanical steps.

Reduce pollutant load

Settling and biological treatment are common for biodegradable organic matter; other effluents require physicochemical or advanced treatment.

Clarify, disinfect and manage sludge

Treated water and sludge are two flows to manage. Overall performance should be assessed through their final destination.

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