Waste Water
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 10.1.8
Sources of Waste Water
To avoid polluting our environment, we must treat waste water before letting it return into the environment. There are three main sources of waste water:
Domestic sources of waste water
- Washing up, using the toilet and taking a shower are all activities which produce waste water.
- Treatment removes the organic matter and harmful microbes found in this waste.
Agricultural sources of waste water
- Nutrient run-off and slurry are two major sources of agricultural waste water.
- Similarly to domestic waste water, organic matter and harmful microbes must be removed before allowing this water to go back into fresh water sources.
Industrial sources of waste water
- The Haber process is an example of an industrial process that generates large volumes of waste water.
- Extra treatment stages are required for industrial waste water to make sure there are no harmful chemicals that remain in the water.
Test yourself on Waste Water
What are the two major sources of agricultural waste water?
Why does industrial waste water need extra treatment stages compared with domestic waste water?
Why is it important to treat waste water before letting it return to the environment?
What are we trying to remove from waste water by treating it?
Why does waste water from washing dishes, using the toilet and showering still need treatment even though it does not come from a farm or factory?