Can wastewater in the environment be treated, and reused as well as protecting the environment? Oh yeah! However, you need the knowledge on how to go about that. To be exposed to that knowledge, you can enroll for a diploma in water treatment to effectively equip yourself with the necessary knowledge needed.
Moving Further, Wastewater is water used and released from various sources, such as residential and industrial places. It is two main types which are: domestic wastewater, which originates from households, and industrial and commercial wastewater which comes from industries and commercial establishments.
Wastewater is made up of pollutants such as germs, chemicals, nutrients, and suspended solids, which can heavily impact the environment if it is not treated
Proper wastewater treatment offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it protects public health by removing harmful pathogens and contaminants, ensuring the safety of water supplies. It also contributes to environmental protection by minimizing pollution and preserving ecosystems.
Wastewater treatment conserves water resources by treating and reusing wastewater, reducing the strain on freshwater supplies. Additionally, it allows for nutrient recovery, extracting valuable nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus for reuse in agriculture.
It is important to note that the treatment of wastewater protects aquatic life, improves water quality, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations. It reduces odors associated with untreated wastewater, enhances the aesthetic appeal of water bodies, and supports groundwater recharge.
Also, certain wastewater treatment processes generate renewable energy, and by removing excess nutrients, treatment reduces the risk of eutrophication and harmful algal blooms.
The reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture promotes sustainable practices, while the wastewater treatment industry creates job opportunities and contributes to economic growth.
Other benefits include prevention of flooding, resilience to climate change, reduction of soil contamination, improved industrial processes, and community engagement and education. It enhances industrial efficiency, engages communities, and raises awareness about water conservation and pollution prevention.
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Things you can do with a Diploma in Water Treatment
A diploma in Water treatment can help you have access to some entry-level careers in water treatment or wastewater treatment plants, which keep a community’s water source clean and safe. Some popular careers include:
- Water treatment supervisor
- Water treatment plant operator
- Clean water and Conservation advocate etc.
9 Best Diploma in Water Treatment Programs
Water treatment is an important process that intends to improve the quality of water which serves various purposes. The process of water treatment involves the contribution of specialized plants, processes, and systems, which are utilized to ensure the well-being of all lives that consume water.
At the certificate level, courses in water treatment serve as an introduction, covering the technologies, systems, and other fundamentals of the process.
Students gain knowledge of the science involved in water treatment and training in the operations of a water treatment plant. Certificate programs in water treatment provide both knowledges of water treatment and hands-on experience at water treatment plants.
Courses typically cover the basic structure of the process, along with relevant scientific topics such as hydraulics and bacteriology. The courses include the following:
- Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Treatment
- Wastewater Sludge Management
- Wastewater Treatment in Practice
- Wastewater Treatment Techniques
- Advanced Wastewater Treatment
- Interactive online course Processes of Wastewater Treatment
- Diploma in Water Treatment – Level 5
- Diploma in Water Treatment – Level 4
- Diploma in Water Treatment Process Control – Level 3
1. Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Treatment
The treatment of wastewater is a complex process with various process steps. Many situations can occur which can lead to disruption of the process.
Good operation and maintenance procedures influence the continuity of the process. Well-working troubleshooting will lead to early warning of problems or even emergencies so that measures can be taken at an early stage. Process controllers play a key role in both operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
This course focuses on the responsibilities, roles, and tasks of the process controller in normal conditions and emergencies. The differences between normal operation & maintenance and troubleshooting are discussed in the course. The course includes data collection and recording for a good-quality result.
The participants become aware of the importance of good operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting at the wastewater treatment plant.
Course Content
The course exists of the following topics:
- Operation & Maintenance
- Organization structure and procedures
- Role of Process Controller
- Troubleshooting
- System thinking
- Quality Safety, health, and Environment.
- Data recording and management.
- Relevant legislations and permits.
2. Wastewater Sludge Management
The treatment of wastewater is a complex process with various process steps. The handling of wastewater sludge (by process controllers) has an important influence on the results of the whole treatment process.
Besides the final effluent, sludge is the main product of the wastewater treatment plant. The handling of sludge is an important cost factor in wastewater treatment.
The course provides a brief overview of wastewater treatment processes and techniques. The main focus is on sludge.
The techniques of handling sludge are discussed in detail, including digestion, dewatering, thickening, and drying. The operational aspects and troubleshooting are taken into consideration.
The current methods of sludge disposal are discussed. The participants become aware of sustainable ways of using sludge and regard it as a resource rather than waste.
After attending the course the participants will understand how their activities in handling sludge link to the efficient performance of the wastewater treatment plant.
Course Content
The course exists of the following topics:
- Introduction to sludge
- Thickening
- Digestion
- Dewatering
- Drying
- Sludge disposal
- Training approach
Besides classroom presentations, this course exists interactive and innovative training methods, such as group work, discussions, practical exercises, demonstrations, presentations, and role-plays, which will be tailored to the objectives reached during the training.
3. Wastewater Treatment in Practice
Wastewater treatment is important to create a healthy environment. Water is precious and it’s expensive to produce tap water. Due to better wastewater treatment, the provision of tap water can be improved.
In this course, you acquire knowledge of wastewater treatment. Besides the behavior of pollutants in water, you learn the basics of chemistry and microbiology.
Various treatment techniques are explained. This course covers the most common physical, chemical, and biological treatment steps.
A wastewater treatment plant removes the organic materials as well as the nutrients, leading to clean effluent and sludge. Nutrient removal and sludge treatment are particularly important.
In this course, a variety of biological and chemical methods to remove those nutrients, as well as several methods to treat and digest sludge, are addressed. Particular attention is paid to setting relevant process configurations and parameters.
After completing this course you will understand the wastewater treatment processes. And you will also recognize how your actions influence the performance of your wastewater treatment plant.
Course Content
The course will include the following modules:
- Basics of Wastewater Treatment (BWWT) (2 days)
- Why is wastewater treated/Legislation
- Domestic and industrial wastewater
- Basic calculations in wastewater
- Basics of Chemistry and Microbiology
- Pre-treatment
- Activated sludge
- Biological chemical and physical treatment
- The processes of a treatment plant
- Operating and maintenance (2 days).
- Interaction between operations.
- Information, data recording, and management.
- Effluent polishing and re-use
- Nutrient removal
- Sludge management
- Process control
4. Wastewater Treatment Techniques
The treatment of wastewater is a complex process involving different process steps. Operators play a key role in the treatment of wastewater. Their decisions and actions have a major influence on the final treatment results.
In this course, a short overview of the water and wastewater cycle and the different process steps is given. Mechanical, chemical, physical, and biological treatment steps are discussed in detail.
The nitrogen cycle is introduced and the performance of a plant in nitrate and phosphate removal under different circumstances is explained. Additionally, relevant regulations and legislation are taught.
Course Content
The course covers the following topics:
- Mechanical separation techniques
- Chemical and physical treatment
- Biological treatment techniques
- The removal of nitrates & phosphates
- The removal of phosphates
- Relevant legislation and regulations
Training Approach
In addition to classroom presentations, this course comprises interactive and innovative training methods, such as group work, discussions, practical exercises, demonstrations, presentations, and role-plays. The training methods are tailored to the objectives of the training.
This course also includes a field trip to a wastewater treatment plant.
5. Advanced Wastewater Treatment
The advanced course is the successor of the basic course. This course includes the same topics as the basic course, but it provides extensive information about the various subjects of wastewater treatment.
The chemical, biological, and physical processes are handled separately, and addressed with the corresponding calculations. Using this knowledge and calculations, the participants will be able to indicate whether the process is good and effective.
The participants are taught about the various components of a wastewater treatment plant. A plant consists of pipes, pumping installations, and tanks, and every component has a specific function in the treatment process.
The participants can describe the functioning of each component separately, but also the function of a component in the whole system. The management of the whole process, including the control of the sludge and treated water, is part of the course, as well as troubleshooting. Topics like cost management, safety, and energy reduction are also included.
Course Content
Generally, the same topics as the basic course are elaborated, but more deeply on the background, calculations, and performance. The course exists of the following topics:
- Relevant legislation and regulations
- Mechanical separation techniques
- Chemical, physical and biological treatment techniques
- Nitrogen cycle, removal of nitrates and phosphates
- Different plan layouts
- Operating, maintenance, and process control
- Wastewater treatment plant operation
- Quality and safety
6. Interactive online course Processes of Wastewater Treatment
The treatment of wastewater is a complex process involving different process steps. Operators play a key role in the treatment of wastewater. Their decisions and actions have a major influence on the final treatment results.
The full process of treating wastewater in a plant will be explained in this course. You will acquire knowledge on the why and how of wastewater treatment.
The most important international regulations and legislation are highlighted. You learn the basics of chemistry and microbiology to understand the processes and the behavior of pollutants in water.
This course covers the physical, chemical, and biological treatment steps as well as the main process parameters. A virtual excursion takes you to different plants all over the world.
After completing this course you will understand the wastewater treatment process in practice. You will also recognize how your actions influence the performance of your wastewater treatment plant.
Course Content
The course covers the following topics:
- Why is wastewater treated?
- Legislations
- Basics of Chemistry and Microbiology
- The process steps in a treatment plant
- Activated sludge
- Biological, chemical, and physical treatment
- Settling & sludge
- Main process parameters
- Virtual excursion to a treatment plants
Training Approach
This interactive online course appeals to daily practice. The experienced trainer explains and guides you to discuss your treatment processes and issues. You will experience alternately interactive presentations, questions, and answers, videos, assignments group work, and quizzes. You can share your knowledge and examples and ask for explanations. The international character of this training will be an important asset in the discussions.
7. Diploma in Water Treatment Level 5
This is a three–year (six semesters) Level 5 Diploma program that is aimed at producing qualified Designed to produce highly skilled and qualified Water or Wastewater Operators to operate and maintain Water treatment plants and to monitor water quality.
The Diploma in Water Treatment Technology focuses on the study of systems and processes related to the water industry and a variety of water quality testing and analysis.
Course content
The course content includes the following:
- Learn about chlorine and gain insight into the history of chlorination
- Understand the basics of chlorine, the chemistry of chlorination, and the byproducts
- Understand the latest approaches to water treatment processes.
- Understand water disinfection methods and waterborne pathogens.
- Learn about the national drinking water regulations.
8. Diploma in Water Treatment – Level 4
The process of water treatment involves specialized plants, processes, and systems, which are utilized to ensure the well-being of all lives that consume water. Therefore, it is essential to be well-versed in these aspects of water treatment before you get into the industry, and this Diploma in Water Treatment – Level 4 has been developed with that in mind.
This course will extensively cover areas of water treatment to shape you into a skilled professional in the subject, provided you have a recognized qualification at Level-4 or above in a related discipline.
Diploma in Water Treatment – Level 4 starts with an introduction to the concept of water treatment and its importance in the modern world.
You will then move on to learn the concept of chlorination, its importance, and its by-products, following which the course will walk you through the essentials of water disinfection and its by-products.
Course Content
The course content includes but is not limited to these:
- Oxidation chemistry and oxidizing agents.
- Water disinfection methods and waterborne pathogens.
To complete the Diploma in Water Treatment Level – 4 successfully, all students are required to complete a series of assignments, which are submitted online. Your instructor will review and evaluate your work and provide feedback based on how well you have completed your assignments.
Once you completed Diploma in Water Treatment Level – 4, you will gain knowledge and skills that will give your career the jumpstart you have always wanted.
With this, you can further expand your education or go on to work in numerous positions that will also put you in line to demand a higher salary or job promotion.
9. Diploma in Water Treatment Process Control – Level 3
Meanwhile, a Diploma in Water Treatment Process Control Level -3 will take you further into the water treatment world by educating you about its process control.
All the modules are compressed with valuable information that is sure to enhance your knowledge of the whole water treatment process and its control, provided you have a recognized qualification at Level-3 or above in a related discipline to start the course.
Course Content
This well-narrated course focuses on the following:
- Regulations concerned with water treatment and its process control.
- Concept of chlorination and its importance in water treatment.
- Basics of chlorine
- Chemistry of chlorination and its by-products.
The completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained. The learner unit summary may be used as evidence towards recognition of prior learning if you wish to progress your studies in this subject.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking up any of these programs can serve as a platform to fulfill your passion for saving the environment from water pollution caused as a result of the discharge of wastewater in the environment, which can as well serve as your career and have you keep something in your bank.
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Ahamefula Ascension is a Real Estate Consultant, Data Analyst, and Content writer. He is the founder of Hope Ablaze Foundation and a Graduate of Environmental Management in one of the prestigious colleges in the country. He is obsessed with Reading, Research and Writing.