🌍💼 What considerations must be made for the management and treatment of micropollutants in water and wastewater?⚙️Introduction: Emergi...
Published on by Hossein Ataei Far, Deputy Manager of the Research, Technology Development, and Industry Relations Center at NWWEC
⚙️Introduction:
Emerging contaminants identified in trace amounts in water sources include medicines, insecticides, and industrial chemicals. They can have a detrimental effect on aquatic ecosystems and human health even at low concentrations. More information is being revealed on the pervasiveness of micropollutants in the environment as detection techniques advance. Even though there aren't yet all the regulations in place, managing micropollutants is an issue for the entire world.
⚙️Key Points:
To effectively reduce micropollutants in water and wastewater, a comprehensive, interdisciplinary strategy is necessary.
🔎 Source Control - Limiting the entrance of micropollutants through treatment are significant factor to consider.
🔎 Risk Assessment - Evaluate health and environmental impacts, including cumulative effects.
🔎 Treatment Upgrades- Evaluate the effectiveness of current facilities and implement better removal technologies in place.
🔎 Identification and Monitoring -Utilize modern analytical methods to find and measure micropollutants in identification and monitoring processes.
🔎 Resilience and Reliability - Make sure the removal of micropollutants remains constant even in the face of setbacks.
🔎 Awareness-raising through education and outreach for responsible chemical usage.
🔎 Research and innovation – Create improved treatment options through research.
🔎 Long-term planning- Create strategic plans and investments for future challenges.
🔎 Public Engagement - Involve stakeholders in open decision-making through public engagement.
🔎 Adaptive Management- Develop solutions based on the features of the water source and the qualities of the micropollutants.
🔎 Regulatory Compliance - Stay updated on local regulations and follow concentration limits and reporting rules. Utilizing the most recent regulations, such as those set forth by the EPA and the Clean Water Act about 90+ TMDL to monitor and manage micropollutants, is crucial for achieving a sustainable environment and maintaining health.
🔎Regulations creation and legislation- Governments and legislative bodies should develop laws and regulations to reduce micropollutant discharges.
🔎 Investing in upgrading wastewater treatment- Development banks, such as the European Investment Bank and other institutions, can provide financing for sustainable development initiatives, such as wastewater treatment plant process improvement [1].
#micropollutantants
#upgradingwastewatertreatment
#CleanWaterAct
#EPA
#TMDL
#EuropeanInvestmentBank
References:
[1] European Investment Bank, (2023), Microplastics and micropollutants in water: Contaminants of emerging concern.
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