SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
2nd Semester, A.Y. 2023 – 2024
CHE-ENV | Environmental Science and Engineering
Workshop No. 1

Name: Lumbres, Juliana Mikaela A. Date: February 7, 2024

Section: EE-3A Instructor: Engr. Sherald G. Agustin

1. Describe “potable” water. (10 points)

Potable water refers to water that is safe and suitable for human consumption. It must
meet specific standards and criteria to ensure it does not pose any health risks when
consumed. Water that is safe to drink is referred to as "potable" water; non-potable water, on
the other hand, may contain toxins or be unfit for human consumption.

Potable water can come from various sources, including springs, groundwater, rainwater
harvesting, surface water, and desalinated seawater. To be consumed safely, these water
sources must undergo adequate treatment and meet drinking water quality standards. The
World Health Organization (WHO) sets standards and guidelines for drinking water quality,
and many nations and organizations abide by them. These standards specify the maximum
allowable levels of contaminants in drinking water to ensure public health and safety.

Physical, chemical, and microbiological properties are among the factors considered. It
should be clear and free from any visible impurities or contamination. Potable water must also
be odorless and have a pleasant taste. Additionally, it should be free from harmful pathogens,
bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause diseases. Potable water should have a balanced
mineral composition that avoids high concentrations of dangerous compounds while
supplying the body with the necessary components. Potable water must have a pH within a
specific range to guarantee that it is neither corrosive nor hazardous to human health.

In conclusion, potable water is a vital resource for human health and survival, and its
treatment and quality standards are critical for ensuring safety. Despite improvements in the
global availability of drinkable water, a sizable segment of humanity still lacks access to clean
drinking water. Continued efforts are necessary to improve water treatment, quality standards,
and access to this essential resource.

2. What causes water pollution? (10 points)

Water pollution is a significant global issue that poses a threat to both human health and
the environment. It occurs when harmful substances contaminate bodies of water, making
them unsafe for use. The source of water pollution is the introduction of dangerous materials
or contaminants into bodies of water that are unfit for recreational, agricultural, or human
usage. The detrimental impacts of water source pollution on aquatic ecosystems and human
health have made it a prominent global environmental concern. These sources include rivers,
lakes, and the ocean.

The source of contaminated water is human activity. Plenty of garbage from houses and
businesses is being thrown directly into water sources without being treated due to rapid

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 urbanization and industrialization. Outdated wastewater treatment plants and insufficient
sewage infrastructure lead to the release of untreated sewage into the environment, which
contains hazardous chemicals and diseases. Water can become contaminated by inappropriate
waste disposal, careless handling and storage of chemicals, and transportation-related
accidents.

Water pollution is a multifaceted issue with numerous underlying causes. Understanding

the sources of water contamination and their effects is crucial to finding solutions for this
issue. By implementing actions to lessen pollution at its origin, we can help preserve our
water resources and ensure their availability for future generations.

3. What are the processes used to treat polluted water? (15 points)

Treating polluted water is essential to ensure its quality and safety for consumption and
other purposes. There are physical, chemical, and biological methods for treating
contaminated water. These methods can be used alone or in combination, depending on the
type and level of pollutants present in the water.

Physical treatment techniques include the application of force to extract impurities from
water. Filtration, sedimentation, and screening are some of these techniques. Large particles
such as leaves, debris, and trash are filtered out of the water using mechanical screens, also
called bar screens. The process by which suspended particles in water naturally settle due to
gravity is called sedimentation. Sedimentation tanks can improve this process. Water
contaminants, such as suspended particles, can be eliminated from the water by using filters.
Activated carbon, membrane, and sand filters are among the frequently utilized filter types.

Chemical treatment methods involve the use of chemicals to remove pollutants from
water. These methods include chemical precipitation, chemical coagulation, and disinfection.
Chemical coagulation is adding chemicals to the mixture to help create flocs that can be
filtered or sedimented out. Using chemicals like chlorine, ozone, or UV radiation to destroy
bacteria and other germs in the water is known as disinfection.

Biological treatment methods involve utilizing living organisms to remove pollutants

from the water. These methods include the activated sludge process, trickling filters, and
wetlands. The activated sludge process uses aerobic bacteria to break down organic matter in
the water. Trickling filters involve the passage of water through a bed of porous material
colonized by aerobic bacteria, which break down pollutants. Wetlands involve natural or
constructed wetlands to remove impurities from the water through the action of plants,
bacteria, and other organisms.

In conclusion, water pollution is removed from it using physical, chemical, and biological
treatment methods. Depending on the kind and amount of contaminants in the water, these
procedures can be applied singly or in combination. We can contribute to ensuring the safety
of society by employing these techniques. To solve the ever-evolving issue of water pollution,
research and development of novel and creative treatment techniques are needed.

4. How should domestic wastewater (wastewater coming from individual houses) be treated?
(10 points)

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 Although I may not be directly involved in the physical treatment of household
wastewater as a future electrical engineer, here is my perspective on electrical and automation
systems for process optimization.

Domestic wastewater typically consists of water from kitchen and bathroom sinks,
showers, bathtubs, and toilets. Treating this wastewater is crucial to prevent the spread of
diseases and protect the environment. The treatment process for domestic wastewater involves
physical, chemical, and biological methods, and electrical engineers can play a significant role
in optimizing these processes.

The first step in treating domestic wastewater is physical treatment, which includes
screening and sedimentation. Screening removes big particles from water, such as garbage,
leaves, and trash, whereas sedimentation settles suspended materials in the water due to
gravity. Electrical engineers can help with this process by designing and implementing
automated systems that control the flow and monitor the effectiveness of screening and
sedimentation processes. Sensors, for example, can be used to monitor the level of solids in
water and modify the flow rate as needed.

The next phase in treating domestic wastewater is biological treatment, which uses
aerobic microorganisms to degrade organic materials in the water. This process uses electrical
equipment such as aerators and mixers, which inject oxygen into the water and promote
bacterial growth. Electrical engineers can contribute to this process by designing and
implementing automation systems that control the operation of aerators and mixers and
monitor the efficiency of the biological treatment process. Sensors, for example, can be used
to monitor the quantity of oxygen in water and alter the operation of aerators and mixers as
needed.

The next step in treating residential wastewater is disinfection, which uses chemicals like
chlorine or UV radiation to eliminate leftover bacteria or viruses in the water. Electrical
engineers can contribute to this process by designing and implementing automation systems
that control the dosing of chemicals and monitor the efficiency of the disinfection process.
Sensors, for example, can be used to monitor the quantity of chemicals in water and modify
dosing as needed.

In summary, while physical, chemical, and biological methods are the primary treatment
processes for domestic wastewater, electrical and automation systems play a critical role in
optimizing these processes and ensuring the safety of the treated water. As a future electrical
engineer, I can help design and execute these systems, ensuring that home wastewater is
efficiently treated and effectively and that the treated water is safe for disposal or reuse.

5. Why do we need Republic Act No. 9275 or the Clean Water Act of 2004? (15 points)

Growing up near a lake and a river, I have always been captivated by the serene beauty of
water bodies. The gentle lapping of the waves, the shimmering reflection of the sun on the
water’s surface, and the diverse aquatic life have always been a source of joy and inspiration
for me. As a child, I would spend countless hours exploring the shores, observing the diverse
wildlife, and dipping my toes into the cool water. My love for nature and the environment
blossomed during those formative years, and it remains a significant part of my identity today.

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 As I grew older, I became increasingly aware of the threats facing these bodies of water.
Pollution, industrial waste, and irresponsible human activities have taken a toll on the once-
pristine ecosystems. I also understand the importance of preserving these natural resources for
future generations; this is where the Republic Act No. 9275, also known as the Clean Water
Act of 2004, comes into play.

The Clean Water Act, or R.A. No. 9275, aims to protect and preserve the quality of our
water resources, ensuring that they remain safe and clean for present and future generations. It
establishes guidelines and regulations for proper wastewater management, pollution control,
and sustainable water use.

It serves as a safeguard for the environment and a reminder of our responsibility as

stewards of nature. It is a legal framework that holds individuals, communities, and industries
accountable for their actions. Setting water quality standards and implementing penalties for
noncompliance encourages everyone to take steps to protect our valuable water resources.

Honestly, the Clean Water Act gives me hope for the future of the lakes, rivers, and other
bodies of water that I value. It reminds me that processes are in place to address the
challenges posed by pollution and risky behavior. It inspires me to continue advocating for
environmental awareness and sustainable lifestyles.

Ultimately, the Clean Water Act will protect and preserve our water resources. It serves
as a reminder that we all share responsibility for keeping them clean and sustainable. We may
work towards a future in which our water resources thrive for years by following the Clean
Water Act.

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 References:

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Disease Control and Prevention.
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%20water%20systems%20often%20use,sedimentation%2C%20filtration%2C%20and
%20disinfection

Domestic Wastewater Treatment as a Net Energy - ACS publications. (n.d.-b).

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Elsevier. (2022, July 10). The Role of Wastewater Treatment in Achieving Sustainable
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Lin, L., Yang, H., & Xu, X. (2022, June 9). Effects of Water Pollution on Human Health and
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Ohm, C. (2021, December 21). Water Pollution Treated. Water Pollution. https://www.water-
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Potable water. Water Education Foundation. (n.d.).

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Republic Act No. 9275 | Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. (n.d.-i).
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Silva, J. A. (2023, July 12). Wastewater Treatment and Reuse for Sustainable Water
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What are the Main Sources of Water Pollution?. European Environment Agency’s home page.
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