In recent years, hospitals have become substantial daily water consumers, and the generation of numerous amounts of wastewater from hospitals has increased as a result of advancements in the medical profession. Hospital sewage containing pathogenic and dangerous contaminants should be treated before being discharged into the sewer.
What is Hospital Sewage and why does it need to be treated?
In general, wastewater is described as the physical, chemical, and biological waste that is present in wastewater. Hospital sewage is wastewater produced in greater numbers by all hospital units, including emergency and first-aid, operating rooms, drug treatment, ICU, chemical and biological laboratories, radiography, canteen and laundry activities, and so on. Since hospital sewage/wastewater contains a variety of potentially toxic components, it will pollute surface and ground water, posing numerous threats to humans and the environment. As a result, hospital sewage treatment is critical.The primary goal of a hospital wastewater treatment plant is to handle influent (untreated wastewater) produced by hospitals and healthcare facilities before it is released into the natural environment. Hospital waste has the potential to harm the environment and human health. As a result, efficient wastewater treatment is required in every hospital.
The procedure of sewage or wastewater treatment at a hospital is as follows:
A sequence of processes are followed to construct a compact or packaged sewage treatment system for hospitals. The following is a list of traditional treatment procedures for removing pollutants from influent.
Preliminary Stage / Pretreatment: In most sewage treatment plants; the preliminary treatment procedure is required as a first step (STP). Through bar screens, it removes huge trash such as sticks, rags, and other large debris, as well as heavy inorganic solids, from the hotel influent. The removal of these debris preserves the plant's equipment. Grit is the inorganic sediment that is removed using a grit chamber.
Primary Treatment Stage: The second step in the sewage treatment system is the primary treatment stage. This stage involves the physical separation of particles and greases from wastewater. Water is now pumped through primary filters or clarifiers for a few hours to allow solid particles to settle and lighter particles to float to the top of the tank, where they will be skimmed off. Primary sludge, also known as primary effluent, is a settled material that contains 60-70 percent solids. The wastewater that has been partially treated is now submitted to the next degree of treatment.
Secondary Treatment Stage: This biological treatment stage eliminates dissolved inorganic elements from wastewater that are soluble and colloidal. Bacteria are employed to transform colloidal and dissolved organic materials in this process. The partially treated wastewater from the primary tank now flows into the aeration tank, where oxygen for bacteria is provided by an air blower. When wastewater flows into a secondary clarifier, solids settle out, forming secondary sludge. Part of this is recycled for the activated sludge process, while the rest is combined with primary sludge and sent to a sludge digestion tank before being disposed of. Inorganic solids are removed at this stage to the tune of 90%.
Tertiary or Advanced Treatment Stage: In most STPs, the tertiary or advanced treatment stage is the final stage. The suspended particles and organic debris that were not removed during secondary treatment are removed in this stage. The disinfection process will eradicate pathogenic bacteria that were not removed during the biological treatment process. Depending on the state of the wastewater, a variety of disinfection agents might be utilized (pH, clarity etc). Chlorine, UV radiation, ozone, and other physical or chemical disinfectants are used to achieve this. Disinfected wastewater can now be disposed of or reused.
The dangerous pollutants in sewage pose a threat to human health and the environment if the water is not properly cleaned. As a result, sewage treatment plants in hospitals are always required to reduce adverse environmental effects.
For design, manufacturing and installation of STP’s in hospitals, contact Netsol Water!
