It is always cheaper and easier to prevent the discharge at the source. Mighty Microbe is here from the WWTP to answer commonly asked questions about preventing unwanted wastewater discharges from your workplace. Treatment occurs at the WWTP through a series of chemical, biological, and physical methods. Chemicals may be added to enhance the process. The wastewater is mixed with microorganisms that digest organic matter.
Air is added to the mixture to stimulate microbiological growth.
The water is then sent to clarifying tanks where the microorganisms and remaining waste settle out. Tertiary Treatment - High levels of phosphorus and nitrogen harm fish, so these nutrients are stripped from the effluent. Final Step - The water is sterilized using ultraviolet irradiation before it is discharged into the Huron River. The City of Ann Arbor and UM are working together to reduce pollution at the source. UM completed written discharge surveys in 1997 and is now sampling non-domestic wastewater.