Limitations of Conventional Treatment

Conventional wastewater treatment processes are effective at removing many contaminants,

including organic matter and some pathogens, but they have notable limitations. These limitations
include the inadequate removal of nutrients like ammonia and phosphorus, leading to
eutrophication in surface waters. Soluble nonbiodegradable chemicals remain largely untreated,
posing environmental risks. Effluent chlorination helps reduce bacteria and viruses, but resistant
pathogens, viruses, and bacteria can be protected from the effects of chlorine in suspended organic
matter. Dechlorination with sulfur dioxide is necessary to counteract the toxic effects of excess
chlorine, which can harm aquatic life.

Moreover, conventional treatment methods cannot eliminate all types of contaminants found
in wastewater and it is necessary to industrial pretreatment programs to remove chemicals at their
source. The traditional approach to detection uses numerous chemical analyses to identify the
presence of specific compounds. As the list of potential toxic substances increased, testing for
specific compounds became difficult. Biomonitoring was developed to reduce the cost of broad-
spectrum effluent toxicity monitoring.

In conclusion, while conventional wastewater treatment has made developments in

improving water quality, its limitations in dealing with certain pollutants and pathogens require
accurate standards, enhanced monitoring, and innovative approaches to protect the environment
and public health.