What is the primary goal of implementing tertiary treatment in sewage treatment plants?

The primary goal of implementing tertiary treatment in sewage treatment plants is to eliminate nitrogen and phosphorus. Tertiary treatment is the final step in the wastewater treatment process, and it focuses on further improving the quality of effluent before it is discharged into receiving water bodies. This process often involves advanced filtration and chemical treatment methods that specifically target the removal of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to eutrophication if they enter lakes, rivers, or oceans. Eutrophication causes excessive growth of algae, which can deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life. By effectively removing these nutrients, tertiary treatment helps maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems and protect water quality.