Glossary W
Deutsch: Abwassermanagement / Español: Gestión de aguas residuales / Português: Gestão de águas residuais / Français: Gestion des eaux usées / Italiano: Gestione delle acque reflue
The systematic handling of used water is a critical component of public health and environmental sustainability. Wastewater management encompasses the collection, treatment, and disposal or reuse of water contaminated by human, industrial, or agricultural activities. Without effective systems, pollutants would directly enter ecosystems, posing severe risks to both human populations and natural habitats.
Deutsch: Abwasserbehandlung / Español: Tratamiento de aguas residuales / Português: Tratamento de águas residuais / Français: Traitement des eaux usées / Italiano: Trattamento delle acque reflue
Wastewater treatment is a critical process for protecting public health and ecosystems by removing contaminants from used water before its release into natural water bodies or reuse. It combines physical, chemical, and biological methods to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
Deutsch: Abwasserbehandlungsanlage / Español: Planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales / Português: Estação de tratamento de águas residuais / Français: Station d'épuration / Italiano: Impianto di trattamento delle acque reflue
Wastewater treatment plant in the environmental context refers to a facility designed to remove contaminants from wastewater, which includes sewage from households, industrial effluents, and runoff from urban areas. The treated water is then released back into the environment or reused, ensuring that it meets environmental standards and does not harm ecosystems or public health.
Deutsch: Wasser / Español: Agua / Português: Água / Français: Eau / Italiano: Acqua
Water is a liquid at normal temperatures but exists also solid (ice), and water vapor (cloud) in the air.
A water molecule has the formula H2O which means that two hydrogen (H) atoms and one oxygen (O) are connected.
Deutsch: Wasserchlorung / Español: Cloración del agua / Português: Cloração da água / Français: Chloration de l'eau / Italiano: Clorazione dell'acqua
Water chlorination is a widely employed method for disinfecting water to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms, ensuring its safety for human consumption and various industrial applications. This process involves the controlled addition of chlorine or chlorine-based compounds to water, leveraging their oxidative properties to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. As a cornerstone of modern water treatment, water chlorination balances efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and scalability, making it indispensable in municipal water supply systems and emergency water purification.
Deutsch: Wasserschutz / Español: Conservación del agua / Português: Conservação da água / Français: Conservation de l’eau / Italiano: Conservazione dell’acqua
Water conservation in the environment context refers to the efficient management, protection, and sustainable use of freshwater resources to prevent depletion and ensure long-term availability for ecosystems, agriculture, industry, and human consumption.
Water filters are the substances (such as charcoal) or fine membrane structures used to remove impurities from water.
Deutsch: Wasserfiltration / Español: Filtración de agua / Português: Filtração de água / Français: Filtration de l'eau / Italiano: Filtrazione dell'acqua
Water filtration is the process of removing impurities, contaminants, and suspended particles from water to make it safe for drinking, industrial use, or environmental discharge. In the environmental context, water filtration is a critical component of water management that helps protect human health, preserve ecosystems, and ensure sustainable water resources. Filtration can involve physical, chemical, or biological methods to treat water from various sources, including rivers, lakes, groundwater, and wastewater.
Deutsch: Wasserverschmutzung / Español: Contaminación del agua / Português: Poluição da água / Français: Pollution de l'eau / Italiano: Inquinamento idrico
The degradation of aquatic ecosystems due to Water Pollution poses one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. It arises when harmful substances—ranging from industrial chemicals to agricultural runoff—enter water bodies, altering their physical, chemical, or biological properties. This phenomenon not only threatens biodiversity but also compromises human health, food security, and economic stability.
Deutsch: Wasserreinigung / Español: Purificación del agua / Português: Purificação da água / Français: Purification de l’eau / Italiano: Purificazione dell’acqua
Water purification refers to the process of removing contaminants, pollutants, and harmful microorganisms from water to make it safe for drinking, industrial use, and environmental sustainability. It involves physical, chemical, and biological methods to improve water quality and protect public health and ecosystems.