What is the primary goal of tertiary treatment?

The primary goal of tertiary treatment is to improve water quality before discharge. Tertiary treatment is considered the final stage in the wastewater treatment process, typically following primary and secondary treatments. While primary treatment focuses on removing large solids and secondary treatment targets organic matter and pathogens, tertiary treatment further enhances the quality of the effluent by addressing remaining contaminants, including nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and providing additional filtration and disinfection.

This advanced treatment stage may involve processes such as advanced filtration, chemical precipitation, or biological treatments aimed at ensuring that the water meets regulatory standards for discharge into natural bodies of water or for reuse applications. The improvement in water quality achieved through tertiary treatment is crucial for protecting aquatic ecosystems, promoting public health, and enhancing the sustainability of water resources.