WATER AND

WASTEWATER
MANAGEMENT
 A.Properties of Water
• Water (H₂O) is a transparent,
tasteless, and odorless liquid at
standard conditions. It is a polar
molecule, meaning it has a slightly
positive charge on one side and a
slightly negative charge on the
other. This polarity leads to many
of its unique properties.
Polarity: Water's polarity
allows it to form hydrogen
bonds with other polar
molecules, making it a good
solvent for many substances.
• High Specific Heat
Capacity: Water can absorb
a lot of heat without a
significant change in
temperature, moderating
Earth's climate and
keeping our bodies at a
stable temperature. High
Heat of
Vaporization: Water requires a lot
of energy to change from a liquid
to a gas, making it effective for
cooling through evaporation.
• Density: Liquid water is
denser than ice, allowing
aquatic life to survive in
cold temperatures.
• Surface Tension: Water
molecules are strongly
attracted to each other,
creating surface tension
that allows insects to walk
on water.
• Universal Solvent: Water's
polarity allows it to dissolve
many substances, making
it an excellent solvent
essential for life.
• Water's unique properties are vital for life on Earth, influencing climate, supporting
ecosystems, and driving the water cycle. Understanding these properties helps us
appreciate the importance of water and the need to protect this precious resource.
 B. Water Cycle
• The water cycle is the continuous circulation of water within the Earth-
atmosphere system. It is a complex system that includes many different
processes.
• Main Stages of the Water Cycle:
A. Evaporation: Water from oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water is
converted into vapor and rises into the atmosphere.
B. Transpiration: Water is absorbed by plants and released as vapor
through their leaves.
C. Condensation: Water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets,
forming clouds.
D. Percipitation: Water falls from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
E. Runoff: Water flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water,
eventually reaching the oceans.
F. Infiltration: Some water peeps into the ground, replenishing groudwater
supplies.
• How does water cycle affect weather patterns?
• The water cycle significantly influences weather patterns through
its processes of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Evaporation from oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water adds
moisture to the atmosphere, forming clouds through condensation.
These clouds can lead to precipitation, such as rain or snow, which
affects local weather conditions. The distribution and intensity of
precipitation are crucial in determining weather patterns,
influencing phenomena like storms and droughts.
• How do human activities impact the water cycle?
• Human activities significantly impact water cycle through
pollution and climate change. The discharge of toxic chemicals,
industrial wastes, and agricultural run off containing fertilizers
and pesticides disrupts aquatic systems. This pollution leads to
problems like eutrophication and acid rain, which acidifies
freshwater sytems and harms ecosytems. Additionally, the
emission of greenhouse gases, primarily from burning fossil fuels,
contributes to global warming.
 C.Biological and Chemical
Contamination
• Biological contamination- most
often refers to the contamination
of our environment and/or food
source with microscopic
organisms, like viruses, bacteria,
fungi, and parasites. Sometimes,
biological contamination can also
include the contamination of our
food with macroscopic organisms,
like insects.
• Biological contamination
happens when living organisms
like bacteria, viruses, parasites,
or fungi from sources like
humans, pests, or contaminated
environments transfer onto a
surface or food, potentially
causing illness if ingested or
exposed to, often occurring
through poor hygiene practices,
improper food handling, cross-
contamination, or contact with
infected animals or waste
products.
 BIOLOGICAL
CONTAMINANTS

BACTERIA PARASITE VIRUS

MOLDS FUNGI
• Chemical
contamination- refers to the
presence of harmful chemicals
in an environment where they
shouldn't be, or at
concentrations higher than
considered safe, potentially
impacting the ecosystem or
human health; essentially, it
means chemicals are found in
a place or at a level that is
considered undesirable or
dangerous.
• Chemical contaminants are
substances that are
unintentionally present in
food or feed. These
substances may be present in
food as a result of various
stages of its production,
processing or transport. They
might also result from
environmental
contamination. Chemical
contaminants may be
harmful to humans and
animals.
Chemical Contaminants
 D. Groundwater contamination
• Groundwater is a vital source of
drinking water for many
communities. However,
contamination can occur due to
human activities and natural
processes, making the water unsafe
for consumption. Understanding
groundwater contamination is
crucial for preventing health risks
and protecting the environment.
• Causes of Groundwater
Contamination Groundwater can
become contaminated through
various sources, including:
• Industrial Waste: Factories and
industrial plants release harmful
chemicals and heavy metals that seep
into the ground.
• Agricultural Activities: Excessive use
of fertilizers and pesticides can
infiltrate the soil and contaminate
underground water sources.
• Improper Waste Disposal: Landfills,
septic tanks, and hazardous waste
sites can leak toxic substances into
the groundwater.
• Oil and Gas Spills: Fuel leaks from
underground storage tanks or spills
can seep into groundwater sources.
• Natural Contaminants: Elements
like arsenic and fluoride can be
naturally present in rocks and
dissolve into the groundwater.
Effects of Groundwater Contamination
Health Hazards: Contaminated
groundwater can cause serious health
issues, including gastrointestinal
diseases, neurological disorders, and
cancer.
Environmental Impact: Pollution can
harm aquatic life and disrupt
ecosystems that rely on clean water
sources.
Economic Costs: Contaminated water
requires expensive treatment and can
lower property values in affected
areas.
• Common Example: Nitrate Contamination in
Agricultural Areas
• One of the most common examples of
groundwater contamination is nitrate
pollution from agricultural fertilizers.
• Source: Farmers use nitrogen-based
fertilizers to enhance crop growth. Excess
fertilizer seeps into the soil and contaminates
groundwater.
• Effect: High nitrate levels in drinking water
can cause blue baby syndrome, a condition
that reduces oxygen levels in infants’ blood,
leading to serious health risks. Solution:
Improved agricultural practices, such as
controlled fertilizer use and buffer zones, can
help reduce nitrate contamination.
• Solution: Improved agricultural practices,
such as controlled fertilizer use and buffer
zones, can help reduce nitrate
contamination.
Prevention and Solutions Regulating
Industrial Waste: Governments should
enforce stricter waste disposal regulations
for industries.
Sustainable Farming Practices: Farmers can
use organic fertilizers and crop rotation to
minimize groundwater pollution.
Proper Waste Management: Improved
landfill designs and safe hazardous waste
disposal methods can prevent leakage into
groundwater.
• Water Treatment Technologies: Advanced filtration and
chemical treatment can help remove contaminants from
groundwater before use.
•
Groundwater contamination is a serious issue that affects
human health, the environment, and the economy. By
implementing preventive measures and sustainable
practices, we can protect this crucial water resource for
future generations.
 E.Wastewater Treatment Plants
• -Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)
play a critical role in protecting public
health and the environment by treating
wastewater before it's discharged into
water bodies. These plants typically
employ a series of processes to remove
pollutants, including physical, chemical,
and biological treatments.
• Four stages of wastewater treatment plants.
• 1.Preliminary
• Preliminary or pretreatment, is the first stage of wastewater treatment and is used to
prepare water for purification during the following phases. Thus, it consists of removing
objects that could damage the plant or the equipment that will be used during the
purification process.

• 2. Primary
• The objective of this stage is to remove part of the suspended solids. To this end, water
is retained for one to two hours in decanter centrifuges where gravity helps to separate
these particles. Other benefits of this process include flow homogenization and the
removal of organic matter linked to the suspended solids.
• 3. Secondary
• This process is designed to remove organic matter from the water, as well
as nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
• 4.Tertiary
• During tertiary or chemical treatment, the aim is to increase the final
quality of the water so that it can be returned to the environment (sea,
rivers, lakes and other hydrographic basins) and, in some cases, used for
human activity. To achieve this, a series of processes are carried out to
eliminate pathogenic agents, such as fecal bacteria.
 CONCLUSION
• Effective water and wastewater management is crucial for environmental
sustainability, public health, and economic development. By implementing
efficient water conservation techniques, improving wastewater treatment
processes, and promoting sustainable policies, we can minimize water scarcity and
pollution. Innovations such as water recycling, rainwater harvesting, and advanced
treatment technologies help ensure the availability of clean water for future
generations. Additionally, community awareness and responsible usage play a vital
role in preserving this essential resource. A holistic approach to water
management is necessary to balance human needs with ecological preservation,
ensuring a sustainable and resilient water system.
GROUP MEMBERS
Donato, Charlyn
Ediong, Rhiza
Felipe, Cherry Ann
Domeris, Keilah Christella
Wapan, Jovelyn