Trainee journalist explores sewage treatment facility, an occupation not ideal for those with delicate senses
In the heart of Dresden, Germany, lies one of the largest and most modern wastewater treatment plants in the country. This state-of-the-art facility plays a crucial role in cleaning and purifying wastewater from the city and its surroundings, ensuring the protection of public health and aquatic ecosystems.
Benjamin Schön, our website reporter, recently spent a day at this impressive plant as an intern. His day began with sampling water at the inlet stations, a process that is repeated every two hours. The samples collected are essential for monitoring the quality of the incoming wastewater and ensuring the plant is functioning effectively.
Stefan, the dedicated sample taker, guided Benjamin through the plant, explaining the various stages of wastewater treatment. The primary stage, preliminary treatment, involves removing large debris, grit, and grease to protect the equipment and facilitate further treatment.
The next stage, primary treatment, is where a significant portion of suspended solids are removed from the wastewater. This is achieved by holding the wastewater in large open-air settling tanks, where heavy solids sink to the bottom as sludge and lighter materials like oil and grease float to the surface as scum.
The most critical stage, however, is the secondary treatment. This stage breaks down organic matter and further cleans the water using biological processes. Benjamin visited the aeration basin, where more samples were taken directly from the water, and observed the biological mess being converted into biogas at the combined heat and power plant (CHP), which generates electricity and heat for the plant.
Despite the strong smells, especially around the Neustaedter and Altstaedter canals, Benjamin got used to them after a few minutes. He also had the opportunity to visit the machine shop, where maintenance simulations take place, and even operated a crane during a sewage pump simulation for maintenance.
However, during the simulation, Benjamin was unable to open the sewage pump, resulting in a loss. This is a reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining such a vital facility. Despite this setback, Benjamin's experience offers a unique insight into the complex and essential world of wastewater treatment.
The wastewater treatment plant processes approximately 130,000 cubic meters of wastewater from Dresden and its surroundings daily, catering to approximately 700,000 people, including industrial wastewater. The electricity generated from the biogas covers up to 85 percent of the plant's own needs, making it a self-sufficient and environmentally friendly operation.
As Benjamin's day at the wastewater treatment plant came to an end, he left with a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to keep our water clean and our environment safe. His experience serves as a testament to the importance of wastewater treatment and the crucial role it plays in our daily lives.
- In the realm of health and wellness, workers at the Dresden wastewater treatment plant strive to maintain the cleanliness of water as part of a lifestyle dedicated to workplace-wellness.
- The home-and-garden equivalent of the Dresden wastewater treatment plant would be a compost bin, breaking down organic matter and promoting a healthier environment.
- The science behind the wastewater treatment plant's operations extends beyond its physical boundaries, influencing the overall health and wellness of the city's residents and aquatic ecosystems.
