Wastewater treatment is indeed vital for environmental protection and public health, and monitoring water quality is a key aspect of this process. Water quality sensors play a crucial role in this monitoring by providing real-time data on various parameters. Below is an exploration of several types of water quality sensors used in wastewater treatment plants and their functions:

pH Sensors

The pH level affects the charge of the microbial cell membrane in activated sludge used in sewage treatment. This, in turn, influences enzyme activity in microbial nutrient absorption and metabolism, altering nutrient availability and the toxicity of harmful substances in the growth environment. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain an optimal pH level for the biological processes in the treatment plant.

Y532-A Digital pH Sensor-Water Quality Sensor Manufacturer-Yosemitech (yosemitesensors.com)

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Sensors

Excessively high levels of dissolved oxygen (greater than 4 mg/L) can accelerate the breakdown of organic matter in sewage, leading to the aging of activated sludge and the overgrowth of filamentous bacteria due to a lack of nutrition for microorganisms. Prolonged exposure to high dissolved oxygen levels can also reduce the flocculation performance and adsorption capacity of activated sludge. Conversely, insufficient dissolved oxygen (less than 1.5 mg/L) can inhibit the life processes of microorganisms, causing their decline, disintegration, and deterioration. This can affect the respiration of microorganisms and the purification capacity of activated sludge, leading to issues such as sludge floating, rotting, and swelling. Adequate levels of dissolved oxygen are essential for aerobic biological processes and the survival of aerobic bacteria responsible for breaking down organic matter.

Y504-A Online Dissolved Oxygen Sensor-Water Quality Sensor Manufacturer-Yosemitech (yosemitesensors.com)

Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) Sensors

The oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is the difference in redox potential between the indicator electrode and the comparison electrode in the liquid. It serves as a comprehensive indicator of the redox state of the entire system. A low ORP value indicates a high content of reducing substances or organic pollutants in the wastewater treatment system, low dissolved oxygen concentration, and a dominant reducing environment. Conversely, a high ORP value indicates a low concentration of organic pollutants in the wastewater, high dissolved oxygen or oxidizing substances concentration, and a dominant oxidizing environment. ORP plays a crucial role in the advancement of automatic control technology and anaerobic precision control in sewage treatment plants. It significantly contributes to energy conservation, control of the metabolic pathways of anaerobic microorganisms, and improvement of treatment effects.

Y533-A Digital ORP Sensor-Water Quality Sensor Manufacturer-Yosemitech (yosemitesensors.com)

How does ORP Sensor work?-Water Quality Sensor Manufacturer-Yosemitech (yosemitesensors.com)

Ammonium Sensor

Ammonia nitrogen in wastewater includes nitrogen in the form of free ammonia and ionized ammonium. It primarily originates from the decomposition of nitrogen-containing organic matter in domestic sewage, industrial wastewater (e.g., coking and synthetic ammonia), and farmland drainage. The oxidation of NH4+-N leads to a decrease in the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water, resulting in discoloration and unpleasant odors, as well as a decline in water quality that can adversely affect the survival of aquatic plants and animals.

Y560-A Self-cleaning Ammonium Sensor-Water Quality Sensor Manufacturer-Yosemitech (yosemitesensors.com)

Residual Chlorine Sensor

Residual chlorine is the amount of chlorine remaining in water after it has been added, taking into account the chlorine that has been used up in reacting with bacteria, microorganisms, organic matter, and inorganic matter. Chlorine-containing disinfectants are those that dissolve in water to produce hypochlorous acid with microbiocidal activity. A high residual chlorine content can effectively inhibit biological activity, disrupt the normal operation of sewage biochemical treatment units, and result in poor sewage treatment outcomes, leading to the risk of excessive effluent quality.

Conclusion

Water quality sensors are indispensable tools in wastewater treatment plants. They provide essential data that help operators maintain optimal conditions for treatment processes, ensuring that the treated water meets regulatory standards and is safe for discharge into the environment. By continuously monitoring parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and others, these sensors contribute significantly to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of wastewater treatment.

By understanding and utilizing these sensors, wastewater treatment plants can better manage their processes and improve the quality of treated water, thus protecting both the environment and public health.

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