An evaporation pond is a man-made structure used to treat wastewater or other contaminated water through the process of evaporation. Evaporation ponds are typically large shallow basins, lined with an impermeable material to prevent contamination of surrounding soil and groundwater.
In an evaporation pond, wastewater is pumped into the pond and allowed to evaporate under the sun's heat and wind. As the water evaporates, contaminants in the water are left behind, and the water becomes more concentrated. The concentrated wastewater is then either treated further or disposed of in accordance with regulations.
Evaporation ponds are commonly used in industries such as mining, oil and gas production, and chemical manufacturing, where large volumes of contaminated water are generated. They are also used in agriculture for disposal of animal waste or in municipal wastewater treatment facilities. The effectiveness of evaporation ponds depends on several factors, including climate, wind, and the types and concentrations of contaminants in the water.