What is the primary function of sewage treatment plants?

The primary function of sewage treatment plants is to process municipal wastewater. These facilities are designed to treat the water that comes from households and industries before it is released back into the environment. The treatment process typically involves several stages, including screening, primary treatment to remove solids, secondary treatment to break down organic materials using bacteria, and tertiary treatment for additional purification. This process ensures that the wastewater is cleaned to meet environmental regulations and is safe to return to natural water bodies or be reused for other purposes.

While recycling plastic waste, removing heavy metals from soil, and disposing of hazardous materials are important environmental practices, they are not the main focus of sewage treatment plants. These facilities specifically address the challenges associated with wastewater management, helping to protect public health and the environment by ensuring that harmful pollutants do not enter waterways.