Which contaminants are typically addressed through advanced treatment processes in sewage treatment?

Advanced treatment processes in sewage treatment are specifically designed to address trace contaminants that may be present in low concentrations. These contaminants, which can include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, heavy metals, and other emerging pollutants, often elude conventional treatment methods. As these substances can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health, advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis, adsorption, and advanced oxidation processes are utilized to effectively remove them.

This focus on trace contaminants is critical because traditional treatment processes primarily target larger solids and biological contaminants. These methods may effectively reduce the load of coarse solids and organic solids, but they often do not adequately address the removal of trace contaminants which require more sophisticated techniques for effective treatment. Thus, advanced treatment processes play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of treated effluent before it is released into the environment.