1
|
Yang Y, Bai W, Gan D, Zhu Y, Li X, Liang C, Xia S. A practical study on the near-zero discharge of rainwater and the collaborative treatment and regeneration of rainwater and sewage. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173137. [PMID: 38740207 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Non-conventional water recovery, recycling, and reuse have been considered imperative approaches to addressing water scarcity in China. The objective of this study was to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of Water Reclamation Plants (WRP) based on an anaerobic-anoxic-oxic membrane bioreactor (A2O-MBR) system for unconventional water resource treatment and reuse in towns (domestic sewage and rainwater). Rainwater is collected and stored in the rainwater reservoir through the rainwater pipe network, and then transported to the WRP for treatment and reuse through the rainwater reuse pumping station during the peak water demand period. During a year of operation and evaluation process, a total of 610,000 cubic meters of rainwater were reused, accounting for 10.4 % of the treated wastewater. In the A2O-MBR operation, the average effluent concentrations for COD (chemical oxygen demand), NH4+-N (ammonium), TN (total nitrogen), and TP (total phosphorus) were 14.23 ± 4.07 mg/L, 0.22 ± 0.26 mg/L, 11.97 ± 1.54 mg/L, and 0.13 ± 0.09 mg/L, respectively. The effluent quality met standards suitable for reuse in industrial cooling water or for direct discharge. The WRP demonstrates a positive financial outlook, with total capital and operating costs totaling 0.16 $/m3. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis indicates a positive net present value for the WRP, and the estimated annualized net profit is 0.024 $/m3. This research has achieved near-zero discharge of wastewater and effective allocation of rainwater resources across time and space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wenlong Bai
- Inner Mongolia Dongyuan Environmental Protection Technology Co., LTD, Inner Mongolia 014399, China
| | - Defu Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuting Zhu
- Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaodi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chengyu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Siqing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen X, Li Z, Chao L, Hao Y, Wang Y, Liang R, Li K, Pu X. Conflict between urbanization and water environmental protection: Lessons from the Xiangjiang River Basin in China. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 252:121237. [PMID: 38309062 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
China, the largest developing country, has experienced rapid urbanization since its reform and opening-up. However, the increasing pollution load from urban areas has deteriorated urban river water quality, contradicting the concept of sustainable and green development promoted by the Chinese government. This situation elucidates governmental shortcomings in systematic environmental protection. Our study revealed that the current wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharge standards in urban areas are insufficient for attaining the desired urban river water quality and thus intensify the conflict between urbanization and water environmental protection. As urbanization continues, the urban population will grow, further exacerbating pollution and conflict. Our focus was the Xiangjiang River basin in Zunyi, a typical urbanized city in China. Using a validated one-dimensional mathematical model, we compared the water quality in the Xiangjiang River between current and upgraded WWTP discharge standards. The results showed that the water quality in the Xiangjiang River falls short of the standards, with more than 60 % of the river exceeding limits. However, upgrading WWTP discharge standards significantly reduces the proportion of river sections exceeding limits, with only 0.4 % exceeding standards during specific periods. This enhancement greatly improved the Xiangjiang River's water quality, aided in restoring the entire water environment in the basin, and supported water environmental protection goals. Our research findings offer crucial support for local governments in shaping comprehensive water environmental protection policies and insights for addressing similar environmental challenges caused by rapid urbanization in other developing regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Zhenjun Li
- Beifang Investigation, Design & Research Co., Ltd., Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Liqiang Chao
- Beifang Investigation, Design & Research Co., Ltd., Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Yuetong Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuanming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Ruifeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Kefeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xunchi Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Finnerty CK, Childress AE, Hardy KM, Hoek EMV, Mauter MS, Plumlee MH, Rose JB, Sobsey MD, Westerhoff P, Alvarez PJJ, Elimelech M. The Future of Municipal Wastewater Reuse Concentrate Management: Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:3-16. [PMID: 38193155 PMCID: PMC10785764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Water reuse is rapidly becoming an integral feature of resilient water systems, where municipal wastewater undergoes advanced treatment, typically involving a sequence of ultrafiltration (UF), reverse osmosis (RO), and an advanced oxidation process (AOP). When RO is used, a concentrated waste stream is produced that is elevated in not only total dissolved solids but also metals, nutrients, and micropollutants that have passed through conventional wastewater treatment. Management of this RO concentrate─dubbed municipal wastewater reuse concentrate (MWRC)─will be critical to address, especially as water reuse practices become more widespread. Building on existing brine management practices, this review explores MWRC management options by identifying infrastructural needs and opportunities for multi-beneficial disposal. To safeguard environmental systems from the potential hazards of MWRC, disposal, monitoring, and regulatory techniques are discussed to promote the safety and affordability of implementing MWRC management. Furthermore, opportunities for resource recovery and valorization are differentiated, while economic techniques to revamp cost-benefit analysis for MWRC management are examined. The goal of this critical review is to create a common foundation for researchers, practitioners, and regulators by providing an interdisciplinary set of tools and frameworks to address the impending challenges and emerging opportunities of MWRC management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey
T. K. Finnerty
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
| | - Amy E. Childress
- Astani
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Kevin M. Hardy
- National
Water Research Institute, Fountain
Valley, California 92708, United States
| | - Eric M. V. Hoek
- Department
of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Meagan S. Mauter
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Megan H. Plumlee
- Orange County
Water District, Fountain Valley, California 92708, United States
| | - Joan B. Rose
- Department
of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Mark D. Sobsey
- Department
of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global
Public Health, The University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Paul Westerhoff
- School
of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3005, United States
| | - Pedro J. J. Alvarez
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005,
United States
| | - Menachem Elimelech
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Singh BJ, Chakraborty A, Sehgal R. A systematic review of industrial wastewater management: Evaluating challenges and enablers. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119230. [PMID: 37832302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The study provides a systematic literature review (SLR) encompassing industrial wastewater management research from the past decade, examining enablers, challenges, and prevailing practices. Originating from manufacturing, energy production, and diverse industrial processes, industrial wastewater's handling is critical due to its potential to impact the environment and public health. The research aims to comprehend the current state of industrial wastewater management, pinpoint gaps, and outline future research prospects. The SLR methodology involves scouring the Scopus database, yielding an initial pool of 253 articles. Refinement via search code leaves 101 articles, followed by abstract screening that reduces articles to 79, and finally 66 well-focused articles left for thorough full-text examination. Results underscore the significance of regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, and sustainability considerations as cornerstones for effective wastewater management. However, substantial impediments like; inadequate infrastructure, resource constraints and the necessity for stakeholder collaboration still exist. The study highlights emerging research domains, exemplified by advanced technologies like nanotechnology and bioremediation, alongside the pivotal role of circular economy principles in wastewater management. The SLR offers an exhaustive view of contemporary industrial wastewater management, accentuating the imperative of an all-encompassing approach that integrates regulatory, technological, and sustainability facets. Notably, the research identifies gaps and opportunities for forthcoming exploration, advocating for interdisciplinary research and intensified stakeholder collaboration. The study's insights cater to policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, equipping them to address the challenges and capitalize on prospects in industrial wastewater management effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bikram Jit Singh
- Mechanical Engineering Dept., MM Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed to be University, Mullana, 133207, Ambala, Haryana, India
| | | | - Rippin Sehgal
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ambala College of Engineering and Applied Research, Devsthali, Ambala-133101, Haryana, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Meister A, Gutiérrez-Ginés MJ, Lowe H, Robinson B. The Potential of Myrtaceae Species for the Phytomanagement of Treated Municipal Wastewater. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2844. [PMID: 37570998 PMCID: PMC10421016 DOI: 10.3390/plants12152844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of native plants in land application systems for treated municipal wastewater (TMW) can contribute to ecological restoration. However, research on the potential of native species to manage the nutrients and contaminants contained in TMW is scarce. At a 10-hectare field site irrigated with TMW at >4000 mm yr-1, we investigated the distribution of nutrients and trace elements in the soil-plant system, comparing the New Zealand native Myrtaceae species Leptosperum scoparium and Kunzea robusta with pasture. The results showed that plant growth did not correlate with TMW irrigation rates. L. scoparium and K. robusta had higher foliar trace element concentrations than pasture, but these were not correlated with TMW irrigation rates. The pasture accumulated more N and P (68 kg of N ha-1 yr-1 and 11 kg of P ha-1 yr-1) than the Myrtaceae species (0.6-17 kg of N ha-1 yr-1 and 0.06-1.8 kg of P ha-1 yr-1). Regular harvesting of the pasture would likely remove more N and P from the site than the Myrtaceae species. The results highlight the importance of adjusting TMW application rates to the soil-plant capacity, in which case, native plants could provide ecological or economic value to TMW-irrigated land.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Meister
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | | | - Hamish Lowe
- Lowe Environmental Impact, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Brett Robinson
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Asgari G, Seid-Mohammadi A, Shokoohi R, Samarghandi MR, Diger GT, Malekolkalami B, Khoshniyat R. The best location for the application of static magnetic fields based on biokinetic coefficients in complete-mix activated sludge process. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5091. [PMID: 36991097 PMCID: PMC10060213 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of the kinetic coefficients for the mathematical expression of the biochemical processes and the relationship between the effective parameters is importance. Change of the biokinetic coefficients in the complete-mix activated sludge processes were calculated for 1 month operation of the activated sludge model (ASM) in a Lab-scale in three series. 15 mT intensity of static magnetic fields (SMFs) applied on the aeration reactor (ASM 1), clarifier reactor (ASM 2) and, sludge returning systems (ASM 3) for 1 h, daily. During the operation of the systems, five basic biokinetic coefficients such as maximum specific substrate utilization rate (k), heterotrophic half-saturation substrate concentration (Ks), decay coefficient (kd), yield coefficient (Y) and, maximum specific microbial growth rate (μmax) were determined. The rate of k (g COD/g Cells.d) in ASM 1 was 2.69% and, 22.79% higher than ASM 2 and, ASM 3. The value of Ks (mg COD/L) was 54.44 and, 71.13 (mg/L) lower than the ASM 2 and, ASM 3. The rate of kd ASM 1, ASM 2 and, ASM 3 was 0.070, 0.054 and, 0.516 (d-1). The value of Y (kg VSS/kg COD) in ASM 1 was 0.58% and, 0.48% lower than ASM 2 and, ASM 3. The rate of μmax (d-1) in ASM 1 was 0.197, this value for ASM 2 and ASM 3 were 0.324 and 0.309 (d-1). Related to the biokinetic coefficients analyses the best location for the application of 15 mT SMFs was the aeration reactor, where the present of oxygen, substrate and, SMFs have the greatest impact on the positive changes of these coefficients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghorban Asgari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center (SDHRC), Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abdolmotaleb Seid-Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Research Centre for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Reza Shokoohi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Research Centre for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Samarghandi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Research Centre for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Glen T Diger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, 177 EWRE Building, 1351 Beal Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - Ramin Khoshniyat
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center (SDHRC), Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang D, Thunéll S, Lindberg U, Jiang L, Trygg J, Tysklind M. Towards better process management in wastewater treatment plants: Process analytics based on SHAP values for tree-based machine learning methods. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113941. [PMID: 34731954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of pollutant removal in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) is crucial for controlling effluent quality efficiently. However, the numerous treatment units, operational factors, and the underlying interactions between these units and factors usually obfuscate the comprehensive and precise understanding of the processes. We have previously proposed a machine learning (ML) framework to uncover complex cause-and-effect relationships in WWTPs. However, only one interpretable ML model, Random forest (RF), was studied and the interpretation method was not granular enough to reveal very detailed relationships between operational factors and effluent parameters. Thus, in this paper, we present an upgraded framework involving three interpretable tree-based models (RF, XGboost and LightGBM), three metrics (R2, Root mean squared error (RMSE), and Mean absolute error (MAE)) and a more advanced interpretation system SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Details of the framework are provided along with a demonstration of its practical applicability based on a case study of the Umeå WWTP in Sweden. Results show that, for both labels TSSe (Total suspended solids in effluent) and PO4e (Phosphate in effluent), the XGBoost models are optimal whereas the RF models are the least optimal, due to overfitting and polarized fitting. This study has yielded multiple new and significant findings with respect to the control of TSSe and PO4e in the Umeå WWTP and other similarly configured WWTPs. Additionally, this study has produced two important generic findings relating to ML applications for WWTPs (or even other process industries) in terms of cause-and-effect investigations. First, the model comparison should be carried out from multiple perspectives to ensure that underlying details are fully revealed and examined. Second, using a precise, robust, and granular (feature attribution available for individual instances) explanation method can bring extra insight into both model comparison and model interpretation. SHAP is recommended as we found it to be of great value in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | | | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Computing Science, Umeå University, SE, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johan Trygg
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mats Tysklind
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Walker NL, Williams AP, Styles D. Pitfalls in international benchmarking of energy intensity across wastewater treatment utilities. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 300:113613. [PMID: 34560465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater is estimated to consume more than 2% of the world's electrical energy, whilst some wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can account for over 20% of electrical consumption within municipalities. To investigate areas to improve wastewater treatment, international benchmarking on energy (electrical) intensity was conducted with the indicator kWh/m3 and a quality control of secondary treatment or better for ≥95% of treated volume. The core sample included 321 companies from 31 countries, however, to analyse regional differences, 11 countries from an external sample made up of various studies of WWTPs was also used in places. The sample displayed a weak-negative size effect with energy intensity, although Kruskal-Wallace analyses showed there was a significant difference between the size of groups (p-value of 0.015), suggesting that as companies get larger; they consume less electricity per cubic metre of wastewater treated. This relationship was not completely linear, as mid to large companies (10,001-100,000 customers) had the largest average consumption of 0.99 kWh/m3. In the regional analysis, EU states had the largest average kWh/m3 with 1.18, which appeared a result of the higher wastewater effluent standards of the region. This was supported by Denmark being the second largest average consuming country (1.35 kWh/m3), since it has some of strictest effluent standards in the world. Along with energy intensity, the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were calculated enabling the targeting of regions for improvement in response to climate change. Poland had the highest carbon footprint (0.91 kgCO2e/m3) arising from an energy intensity of 0.89 kWh/m3; conversely, a clean electricity grid can affectively mitigate wastewater treatment inefficiencies, exemplified by Norway who emit just 0.013 kgCO2e per cubic meter treated, despite consuming 0.60 kWh/m3. Finally, limitations to available data and the analysis were highlighted from which, it is advised that influent vs. effluent and net energy, as opposed to gross, data be used in future analyses. The large international sample size, energy data with a quality control, GHG analysis, and specific benchmarking recommendations give this study a novelty which could be of use to water industry operators, benchmarking organisations, and regulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan L Walker
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Bangor University, Gwynedd, UK.
| | - A Prysor Williams
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Bangor University, Gwynedd, UK
| | - David Styles
- School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hartley K, Tortajada C, Biswas AK. A formal model concerning policy strategies to build public acceptance of potable water reuse. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 250:109505. [PMID: 31518799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Water stress is an increasing burden in regions with arid climates, aquifer vulnerability, and erratic rainfall. Population growth and competing domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses are also stretching the capacity of water supply systems. Beyond groundwater extraction, surface water overuse, and inter-basin transfers, governments are exploring alternative sources amidst looming supply threats. These alternatives include desalination, greywater recycling, and reclaimed or recycled wastewater. The latter, also known as water reuse with varying levels of treatment, has been applied for irrigation, street cleaning, industrial processes, and groundwater recharge. However, reused water for potable purposes has seen limited uptake, due in part to lack of public acceptance. This article examines the dynamics of public acceptance for potable water reuse. The article's theoretical contribution is a formal mathematical model for understanding public acceptance of water reuse. The model conceptualizes how governments, water utilities and the public interact to facilitate or hinder acceptance of water supply sources, including potable reuse. The article concludes by applying the model to cases of water reuse in Windhoek, Namibia, and Singapore.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kris Hartley
- The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Cecilia Tortajada
- Institute of Water Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Van Niekerk L, Adams JB, Allan DG, Taljaard S, Weerts SP, Louw D, Talanda C, Van Rooyen P. Assessing and planning future estuarine resource use: A scenario-based regional-scale freshwater allocation approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:1000-1013. [PMID: 30677868 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Rapid urbanisation and industrial growth in South Africa increases the need for proactive allocation of freshwater resources on a regional scale. A nine-step method is described that sets long-term targets for water resource condition and future use with a focus on estuary water quantity and quality requirements. The approach specifically focuses on the environmental flow allocation to estuaries, nested within a broader, regional (multi-catchment and multi-estuary) water resource landscape. The method differs to most other approaches in that the responses of multiple estuaries to escalating future development in a region are coherently quantified (versus only considering a single estuary in a single catchment). A case study that assessed the health, biodiversity importance and resilience to current and future pressures of 64 estuaries is used to illustrate the method. Projected growth in the study area was integrated into a range of future dam development and wastewater discharge scenarios. The results showed that estuaries around the urban centres were in poor condition, but those in the more rural areas in a more natural state. As a result of their small size, most of the estuaries in the region had little resilience to changes in freshwater quantity and nutrient loading. In contrast, the larger systems, targeted for dam development, only showed sensitivity to water abstraction during low-flow periods when base-flow reduction caused mouth closure and changes in nutrient processes. Broadly, the approach aimed to find a balance between ecological requirements and socio-economic development, which meant that maintaining larger systems in relatively good condition would be at the expense of smaller systems that are already in a poor condition. The approach developed was successful in quantifying the responses of multiple estuaries to escalating future pressures on a regional scale, and could be replicated to assist in managing water resources elsewhere in data-limited environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Van Niekerk
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
| | - Janine B Adams
- Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
| | - David G Allan
- Durban Natural Science Museum, 1 City Hall, 234 Anton Lembede St, Durban Central, Durban 4000, South Africa.
| | - Susan Taljaard
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
| | - Steven P Weerts
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa.
| | - Delana Louw
- Rivers for Africa eFlows Consulting, P.O. Box 1684, Derdepark, Pretoria 0035, South Africa.
| | - Colin Talanda
- WRP Consulting Engineers, 5 Green Park Estate, 27 George Storrar Dr, Groenkloof, Pretoria 0181, South Africa.
| | - Pieter Van Rooyen
- WRP Consulting Engineers, 5 Green Park Estate, 27 George Storrar Dr, Groenkloof, Pretoria 0181, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pedrazzani R, Bertanza G, Brnardić I, Cetecioglu Z, Dries J, Dvarionienė J, García-Fernández AJ, Langenhoff A, Libralato G, Lofrano G, Škrbić B, Martínez-López E, Meriç S, Pavlović DM, Papa M, Schröder P, Tsagarakis KP, Vogelsang C. Opinion paper about organic trace pollutants in wastewater: Toxicity assessment in a European perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:3202-3221. [PMID: 30463169 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Pedrazzani
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 38 and University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Bertanza
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 43 and University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", University of Brescia, 25123, Italy.
| | - Ivan Brnardić
- Faculty of Metallurgy, University of Zagreb, Aleja narodnih heroja 3, 44103 Sisak, Croatia.
| | - Zeynep Cetecioglu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jan Dries
- Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp, Salesianenlaan 90, 2660 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Jolanta Dvarionienė
- Kaunas University of Technology, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Gedimino str. 50, 44239 Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Campus of Espinardo, Spain.
| | - Alette Langenhoff
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia ed. 7, 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giusy Lofrano
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132-84084 Fisciano, Italy.
| | - Biljana Škrbić
- Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Emma Martínez-López
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Campus of Espinardo, Spain.
| | - Süreyya Meriç
- Çorlu Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, Namik Kemal University, Çorlu, 59860, Tekirdağ, Turkey.
| | - Dragana Mutavdžić Pavlović
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Matteo Papa
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 43 and University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", University of Brescia, 25123, Italy.
| | - Peter Schröder
- Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Konstantinos P Tsagarakis
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67100 Xanthi, Greece.
| | - Christian Vogelsang
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalleen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bertucci A, Pierron F, Gourves PY, Klopp C, Lagarde G, Pereto C, Dufour V, Gonzalez P, Coynel A, Budzinski H, Baudrimont M. Whole-transcriptome response to wastewater treatment plant and stormwater effluents in the Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 165:96-106. [PMID: 30193169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.08.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The increase in human population and urbanization are resulting in an increase in the volume of wastewater and urban runoff effluents entering natural ecosystems. These effluents may contain multiple pollutants to which the biological response of aquatic organisms is still poorly understood mainly due to mixture toxicity and interactions with other environmental factors. In this context, RNA sequencing was used to assess the impact of a chronic exposure to wastewater treatment plant and stormwater effluents at the whole-transcriptome level and evaluate the potential physiological outcomes in the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea. We de-novo assembled a transcriptome from C. fluminea digestive gland and identified a set of 3,181 transcripts with altered abundance in response to water quality. The largest differences in transcriptomic profiles were observed between C. fluminea from the reference site and those exposed to wastewater treatment plant effluents. On both anthropogenically impacted sites, most differentially expressed transcripts were involved in signaling pathways in relation to energy metabolism such as mTOR and FoxO, suggesting an energy/nutrient deficit and hypoxic conditions. These conditions were likely responsible for damages to proteins and transcripts in response to wastewater treatment effluents whereas exposure to urban runoff might result in immune and endocrine disruptions. In absence of comprehensive chemical characterization, the RNAseq approach could provide information regarding the mode of action of pollutants and then be useful for the identification of which parameters must be studied at higher integration level in order to diagnose sites where the presence of complex and variable mixtures of chemicals is suspected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabien Pierron
- Univ. Bordeaux, UMR EPOC CNRS 5805, 33615 Pessac, France
| | | | - Christophe Klopp
- Plate-forme bio-informatique Genotoul, Mathématiques et Informatique Appliquées de Toulouse, INRA, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | | | - Clément Pereto
- Univ. Bordeaux, UMR EPOC CNRS 5805, 33615 Pessac, France
| | - Vincent Dufour
- Univ. Bordeaux, UMR EPOC CNRS 5805, 33615 Pessac, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Uusheimo S, Huotari J, Tulonen T, Aalto SL, Rissanen AJ, Arvola L. High Nitrogen Removal in a Constructed Wetland Receiving Treated Wastewater in a Cold Climate. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:13343-13350. [PMID: 30358987 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b03032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Constructed wetlands provide cost-efficient nutrient removal, with minimal input of human labor and energy, and their number is globally increasing. However, in northern latitudes, wetlands are rarely utilized, because their nutrient removal efficiency has been questioned due to the cold climate. Here, we studied nutrient retention and nitrogen removal in a boreal constructed wetland (4-ha) receiving treated nitrogen-rich wastewater. On a yearly basis, most of the inorganic nutrients were retained by the wetland. The highest retention efficiency was found during the ice-free period, being 79% for ammonium-nitrogen (NH4+-N), 71% for nitrate-nitrogen (NO3--N), and 88% for phosphate-phosphorus (PO43--P). Wetland also acted as a buffer zone during the disturbed nitrification process of the wastewater treatment plant. Denitrification varied between 106 and 252 mg N m-2 d-1 during the ice-free period. During the ice-cover period, total gaseous nitrogen removal was 147 mg N m-2 d-1, from which 66% was removed as N2, 28.5% as N2O through denitrification, and 5.5% as N2 through anammox. Nearly 2600 kg N y-1 was estimated to be removed through microbial gaseous N-production which equaled 72% of NO3--N and 60% of TN yearly retention in the wetland. The wetland retained nutrients even in winter, when good oxygen conditions prevailed under ice. The results suggest that constructed wetlands are an efficient option for wastewater nitrogen removal and nutrient retention also in cold climates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sari Uusheimo
- University of Helsinki , Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme , Lammi Biological Station, Pääjärventie 320 , Lammi FI-16900 , Finland
| | - Jussi Huotari
- University of Helsinki , Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme , Lammi Biological Station, Pääjärventie 320 , Lammi FI-16900 , Finland
| | - Tiina Tulonen
- University of Helsinki , Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme , Lammi Biological Station, Pääjärventie 320 , Lammi FI-16900 , Finland
| | - Sanni L Aalto
- University of Jyväskylä , Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences , P.O. Box 35, Jyväskylä FI-40014 , Finland
- University of Eastern Finland , Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences , P.O. Box 1627, Kuopio FI-70211 , Finland
| | - Antti J Rissanen
- Tampere University of Technology , Laboratory of Chemistry and Bioengineering , P.O. Box 541, Tampere FI-33101 , Finland
| | - Lauri Arvola
- University of Helsinki , Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme , Lammi Biological Station, Pääjärventie 320 , Lammi FI-16900 , Finland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Simon RG, Stöckl M, Becker D, Steinkamp AD, Abt C, Jungfer C, Weidlich C, Track T, Mangold KM. Current to Clean Water - Electrochemical Solutions for Groundwater, Water, and Wastewater Treatment. CHEM-ING-TECH 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/cite.201800081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ramona G. Simon
- DECHEMA-Forschungsinstitut; Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25 60486 Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Markus Stöckl
- DECHEMA-Forschungsinstitut; Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25 60486 Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Dennis Becker
- DECHEMA e.V.; Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25 60486 Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | | | - Christian Abt
- DECHEMA-Forschungsinstitut; Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25 60486 Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Christina Jungfer
- DECHEMA e.V.; Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25 60486 Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Claudia Weidlich
- DECHEMA-Forschungsinstitut; Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25 60486 Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Thomas Track
- DECHEMA e.V.; Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25 60486 Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Aalto SL, Saarenheimo J, Ropponen J, Juntunen J, Rissanen AJ, Tiirola M. Sediment diffusion method improves wastewater nitrogen removal in the receiving lake sediments. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 138:312-322. [PMID: 29627707 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.03.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sediment microbes have a great potential to transform reactive N to harmless N2, thus decreasing wastewater nitrogen load into aquatic ecosystems. Here, we examined if spatial allocation of the wastewater discharge by a specially constructed sediment diffuser pipe system enhanced the microbial nitrate reduction processes. Full-scale experiments were set on two Finnish lake sites, Keuruu and Petäjävesi, and effects on the nitrate removal processes were studied using the stable isotope pairing technique. All nitrate reduction rates followed nitrate concentrations, being highest at the wastewater-influenced sampling points. Complete denitrification with N2 as an end-product was the main nitrate reduction process, indicating that the high nitrate and organic matter concentrations of wastewater did not promote nitrous oxide (N2O) production (truncated denitrification) or ammonification (dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium; DNRA). Using 3D simulation, we demonstrated that the sediment diffusion method enhanced the contact time and amount of wastewater near the sediment surface especially in spring and in autumn, altering organic matter concentration and oxygen levels, and increasing the denitrification capacity of the sediment. We estimated that natural denitrification potentially removed 3-10% of discharged wastewater nitrate in the 33 ha study area of Keuruu, and the sediment diffusion method increased this areal denitrification capacity on average 45%. Overall, our results indicate that sediment diffusion method can supplement wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) nitrate removal without enhancing alternative harmful processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanni L Aalto
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland; Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jatta Saarenheimo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Janne Ropponen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Jyväskylä Office, Survontie 9A, 40500 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Janne Juntunen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Jyväskylä Office, Survontie 9A, 40500 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Antti J Rissanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland; Laboratory of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 527, 33101 Tampere, Finland
| | - Marja Tiirola
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Han X, Zuo YT, Hu Y, Zhang J, Zhou MX, Chen M, Tang F, Lu WQ, Liu AL. Investigating the performance of three modified activated sludge processes treating municipal wastewater in organic pollutants removal and toxicity reduction. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 148:729-737. [PMID: 29179145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the treatment performance of three types of modified activated sludge processes, i.e., anoxic/oxic (A/O), anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (A2/O) and oxidation ditch process, in treating municipal wastewater by measuring physicochemical and spectroscopic parameters, and the toxicity of the influents and effluents collected from 8 full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWTPs). The relationships between spectroscopic and physicochemical parameters of the wastewater samples and the applicability of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) bioassays for the assessment of the toxic properties of municipal wastewater were also evaluated. The results indicated that the investigated MWTPs employing any of A/O, A2/O and oxidation ditch processes could effectively control the discharge of major wastewater pollutants including biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen and phosphorus. The oxidation ditch process appeared to have the advantage of removing tyrosine-like substances and presented slightly better removal efficiency of tryptophan-like fluorescent (peak T) substances than the A/O and A2/O processes. Both ultraviolet absorbance at 254nm and peak T may be used to characterize the organic load of municipal wastewater, and peak T can be adopted as a gauge of the BOD removal efficacy of municipal wastewater treatment. Using C. elegans-based oxygen consumption rate assay for monitoring municipal wastewater toxicity deserves further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Yu-Ting Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China; Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430015, PR China
| | - Yu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China; The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Wuhan Water Group Company Limited, Wuhan 430015, PR China
| | - Meng-Xuan Zhou
- Wuhan Water Group Company Limited, Wuhan 430015, PR China
| | - Mo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Fei Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Ai-Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|