Biological Treatment
Water purification occurs naturally in systems where water is filtered as it seeps through the ground. Wetlands are excellent examples of such natural purification systems because they engage organic matter, microorganisms, and the sediments to form a natural purification system of the run-off water they receive. Recently, wastewater and drinking water treatment have been applying similar mechanisms as those found in nature to conventional treatment systems. Examples of this applied knowledge are constructed wetlands and advanced ecologically engineered systems.
Microorganisms are especially important to removal of contaminants in the biological treatment process. Learn more about their contribution by clicking on the photo of bacteria.