Site Visit Report

Sewage Treatment Plant Kengeri

On …18/09/2024…

Prepared by
CH. MANASA - 1RW23AT013
JAY VIRMANI - 1RW23AT025
KAAVYA BHANDARI- 1RW23AT027
LAKSHMI KURUP - 1RW23AT035
LAVANYA SHARMA - 1RW23AT036

Semester……III……
Section……A………

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INDEX

Sl .No Topic Page no.

1 Introduction 3

2 Plant overview 3

3 Stages of sewage treatment 4-7

4 Process flow diagram 8-9

5 Energy efficiency and sustainability measures proposed in 9-10

future

6 Challenges and limitations 10-11

7 Applications in architecture 11-12

8 Conclusion 12

9 Appendices 13

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1.​ Introduction

We visited the Sewage Water Treatment Plant in Kengeri to understand the processes involved in
treating wastewater and its impact on public health and the environment. The objective of this
visit was to gain practical insights into the functioning of a modern sewage treatment facility.The
primary goal of the visit was to observe the different stages of wastewater treatment, understand
the technology and infrastructure involved, and recognize the importance of efficient sewage
management in ensuring environmental sustainability and public health.

2.​ Overview

The sewage treatment plant in Kengeri, Bengaluru has a capacity of 60 million liters per day
(MLD). It is designed to treat sewage from the surrounding V-Valley area, preventing its
discharge into the V-Valley area. The project encompasses 110 villages located within the zones
of Byatarayanapura, Mahadevapura, Bommanahalli , and Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

The sewage treatment plant is designed to process and treat wastewater from surrounding
residential, commercial, and industrial areas. It features multiple stages of treatment, including
preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary processes. These stages involve physical, chemical,
and biological treatments to remove solids, organic matter, and harmful microorganisms. Key
components of the facility include screening units to remove large debris, sedimentation tanks for
separating suspended solids, aeration systems to promote biological breakdown, and filtration
processes for further purification. The plant also manages sludge, a by-product of treatment,
which is typically treated and disposed of or repurposed as fertilizer or biogas.
The plant operates continuously, ensuring that treated water released into the environment meets
regulatory standards, thereby minimizing pollution and safeguarding water bodies.

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3.​ Stages of treatment

THERE ARE 5 STAGES OF TREATMENT -

a.​ Preliminary treatment is the first stage in sewage treatment, focusing on removing large
debris and grit that can damage equipment or interfere with the later stages of treatment

b.​ Primary treatment is the second stage of sewage treatment, focusing on the removal of
settleable solids and floating materials from the wastewater

c.​ Secondary treatment is designed to remove dissolved and suspended organic matter left
after primary treatment. It primarily involves biological processes, using microorganisms
to break down organic pollutants in the wastewater.

d.​ Tertiary treatment, also known as advanced treatment, is the final stage in sewage
treatment and is used to further purify the water after primary and secondary treatments.
It targets the removal of remaining contaminants, such as nutrients (nitrogen and
phosphorus), pathogens, and fine suspended solids that were not removed in earlier
stages. This treatment ensures the water meets the highest environmental standards before

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 it is discharged into natural bodies of water or reused for purposes like irrigation,
industrial processes, or even drinking water (after further treatment).

e.​ Sludge treatment is the process of managing and treating the solid byproducts (sludge)
generated during the primary and secondary treatment stages of sewage treatment. The
goal is to reduce the volume of sludge, stabilize it to prevent the release of odors, and
make it safe for disposal or reuse. Sludge contains a high concentration of organic matter,
water, and sometimes harmful pathogens, so treating it is essential for environmental
protection and public health

A.​ Preliminary Treatment

●​ Processes Involved:
○​ Screening: Removes large objects such as rags, sticks, and plastics.
○​ Grit Removal: Eliminates small stones, sand, and other inorganic materials.
○​ Pre-aeration: Introduces air into the wastewater to remove gasses and promote grease and
oil separation.

●​ Equipment Used:
○​ Bar Screens: Used to filter out large objects.
○​ Grit Chambers: Tanks where grit settles out due to a reduction in water velocity.

B.​ Primary Treatment

●​ Sedimentation Process:
○​ Wastewater is held in a sedimentation tank (clarifier)
where heavy solids settle at the bottom.
●​ Suspended Solids Removal:
○​ Gravity causes suspended solids to settle as sludge,
which is then removed. The floating grease and oil
are skimmed off the surface.

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C.​ Secondary Treatment
●​ Biological Treatment Methods:
○​ Aeration: Air is supplied to promote the growth of aerobic microorganisms that consume
organic matter.
○​ Use of Microorganisms: Bacteria and other microorganisms break down organic
pollutants.

●​ Biological Reactors and Clarifiers:

○​ Biological Reactors: These tanks support the growth of microorganisms that digest
organic waste.
○​ Secondary Clarifiers: Separate the treated water from the biomass (activated sludge),
which settles at the bottom.

D.​ Tertiary Treatment (if applicable)

●​ Advanced Treatment Processes:
○​ Filtration: Removes fine particles and suspended solids.
○​ Disinfection: Uses chemicals (e.g., chlorine) or UV light to kill remaining pathogens.
○​ Chemical Dosing: Involves adding chemicals (e.g., coagulants) to further purify the
water.

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E.​ Sludge Treatment

●​ Sludge Processing Steps:

○​ Thickening: Reduces the
water content of sludge
by gravity or mechanical
methods.
○​ Digestion: Sludge is
biologically decomposed,
usually anaerobically, to
reduce volume and odor.
○​ Dewatering: Further
removes water using
centrifuges or belt presses to produce solid sludge.
●​ Handling and Disposal:
○​ Incineration: Burning sludge to reduce its volume and destroy harmful pathogens.
○​ Composting:sludge treatment to convert organic waste

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4. Process Flow Diagram

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5.Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Measures in Sewage Treatment Plants (STP)

Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are evolving with innovative energy efficiency and sustainability
strategies to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. Key measures include:

Energy Use :
Energy-Efficient Motors: High-efficiency motors (IE3/IE4) are replacing traditional ones in pumps and
blowers, reducing energy consumption by 10-20%.

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): VFDs on motors adjust speed based on demand, optimizing power
usage and saving 20-50% in energy costs.

Optimized Aeration: Aeration is one of the most energy-intensive processes in STPs. Using fine bubble
diffusers and advanced controls reduces energy consumption by up to 30%.

Renewable Energy: Solar panels and wind turbines are increasingly installed at STPs, generating up to
60% of energy needs, particularly in sunny or windy areas.

Biogas Utilization: Biogas produced during sludge digestion is captured and used to generate electricity
or heat, helping some plants achieve energy-neutral operations.

Reuse and Recycling:

Treated Water Reuse: Treated effluent is repurposed for irrigation, landscaping, and industrial cooling,
reducing demand for fresh water. This is particularly important in water-scarce regions.

Agricultural Sludge Use: Dewatered, nutrient-rich sludge is often processed and applied as fertilizer in
agriculture, improving soil quality.

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Biogas Production: Anaerobic digestion of sludge not only reduces waste volume but also produces
biogas, which can be converted into energy, supporting the circular economy.

Cooling for Power Plants: Treated wastewater is sometimes used for cooling purposes in nearby power
plants. This reduces the freshwater consumption of energy facilities and creates a symbiotic relationship
between the STP and power generation industries.

Recycling in Landscaping and Urban Green Spaces: Many cities use treated wastewater to irrigate urban
parks, golf courses, and green belts, promoting sustainable landscaping and reducing the stress on
municipal water supplies.

These measures collectively lower energy consumption and promote resource reuse, making STPs more
sustainable and cost-effective in the long term.

6. Challenges Faced by Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) in India:

Operational Challenges:

Fluctuating Loads: One of the major operational challenges is dealing with fluctuating wastewater
volumes, which can vary depending on weather conditions, population surges, or industrial activity. High
inflow rates during rainstorms or periods of heavy usage can overload the system, impacting treatment
efficiency.

Equipment Maintenance: The treatment plant relies heavily on complex machinery and equipment, such
as pumps, aerators, and filtration systems, which require regular maintenance to function optimally.
Equipment failure or delays in repairs can lead to operational disruptions and reduced treatment
effectiveness.

Energy Consumption: Wastewater treatment processes, particularly secondary treatment (like aeration),
are energy-intensive, making energy efficiency a key challenge for operations, especially in regions with
high energy costs

Unreliable Power: Many areas have unreliable electricity, making it difficult for the plants to run
continuously and efficiently.

Sludge Management: The handling and disposal of sludge, a by-product of the treatment process, is
another significant challenge. Managing sludge in an environmentally sustainable way while keeping
costs under control requires constant attention.

Environmental and Social Concerns:

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Proximity to Residential Areas: Sewage plants located near residential zones often face complaints related
to foul odors, noise pollution from machinery, and truck traffic for waste transportation. These concerns
can lead to public opposition or stricter regulations.

Potential Groundwater Contamination: If not managed properly, untreated or partially treated wastewater
can seep into the ground, posing a risk to groundwater supplies. This is particularly a concern if there are
leaks or faults in the sewage infrastructure or improper disposal of sludge.

Effluent Discharge Impact: Even after treatment, the quality of the effluent released into nearby rivers or
oceans must meet strict environmental standards. Any deviation from these standards due to operational
failures can lead to the degradation of local ecosystems and water pollution.

Public Health Risks: Poorly managed plants, or those with frequent malfunctions, can pose risks to public
health, as untreated or inadequately treated sewage may lead to the spread of diseases, especially in
nearby communities.

7. Applications of Sewage Treatment Plants in Architecture:

•Green Buildings:
Incorporating sewage treatment systems helps buildings achieve eco-friendly certifications (like LEED),
as they reduce water waste by recycling water.

•Eco-Friendly Housing:
In sustainable housing projects, treated sewage water can be reused for landscaping or cooling systems,
helping conserve fresh water.

•Parks and Nature:

Sewage treatment can be integrated into parks and green spaces,
where natural wetlands or ponds help treat wastewater in a way
that blends with the environment.

•Water-Smart Cities:
Architects can design cities that manage water use efficiently by
combining sewage treatment with rainwater harvesting and
stormwater systems.

•Commercial Use:
In large places like malls, factories, and office parks, on-site
sewage treatment systems help recycle water and reduce the
demand for fresh water.

STPs in Building Design:

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Incorporating on-site STPs in large buildings reduces the load on municipal systems and enables
wastewater reuse for non-potable needs.

Sustainable Sanitation:
Designing buildings with separate blackwater and greywater systems simplifies treatment and promotes
water reuse.

Rainwater Harvesting:
Integrating rainwater harvesting reduces reliance on potable water for non-essential uses.

Water Recycling:
Greywater recycling systems reuse water from sinks and showers for landscaping and toilets.

Green Roofs:
Green roofs and permeable surfaces filter rainwater and reduce stormwater runoff.

Composting Toilets:
Composting toilets save water and produce compost, providing an eco-friendly alternative.

8. Conclusion

The visit underscored the significance of integrating sewage management considerations into building
design and urban planning.
It highlighted the complexities of wastewater management and its implications for building services.
Understanding these processes is essential for promoting sustainable sanitation practices and ensuring the
efficient use of water resources in urban environments. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) play a crucial role
in urban sustainability by converting wastewater into reusable water, thus reducing the demand for
freshwater. They mitigate pollution by treating sewage before discharge, protecting ecosystems and
ensuring safe drinking water. They enhance climate resilience by preventing flooding during heavy rains
and can utilize energy recovery technologies like biogas production. In architectural practice, integrating
STPs and sustainable sanitation solutions into building designs promotes resource efficiency and
minimizes environmental impact, contributing to healthier and more resilient urban environments.

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9. Appendices

https://bwssb.karnataka.gov.in/info-1/About+BWSSB/en
https://globalizationandhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12992-020-0546-y
https://www.neoakruthi.com/sewage-treatment-plant-manufacturers-bangalore.html
https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/civic/new-sewage-treatment-plant-rules/articleshow/10
8442635.cms

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