🌍💼 What factors are important to consider when designing a new method for removing micropollutants or emerging contaminants in wastewater ...
Published on by Hossein Ataei Far, Deputy Manager of the Research, Technology Development, and Industry Relations Center at NWWEC
⚙️ Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), personal care products (PCPs), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), artificial sweeteners (ASWs), etc., have been increasingly detected in the aqueous environment over the past few decades. To effectively remove micropollutants or emerging contaminants in wastewater treatment plants, we need to carefully consider the technological capabilities, costs, discharge regulations, and potential environmental impacts during the design and operation process. Here are the key steps:
🔎Evaluate the quality of the incoming wastewater by taking samples and performing analysis. Identify the micropollutants of concern, like pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial chemicals. Target chemicals that exceed reuse guidelines or discharge limits.
🔎Research advanced treatment technologies that have the ability to remove the identified micropollutants. Consider factors like efficiency, costs, operational requirements, and potential formation of harmful byproducts. It's recommended to test promising technologies on a smaller scale.
🔎Assess the costs associated with implementing comprehensive micropollutant removal processes, including capital, operational, and maintenance expenses.
🔎Adhere to local guidelines regarding the reuse or discharge of the treated wastewater. Evaluate the impacts on ecosystems and aquatic life. In addition, the European Union (EU), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international regulatory bodies have developed a priority pollutant list, which comprises contaminants that pose a major threat to aquatic biota and human health.
🔎Address the skills required to operate advanced treatment equipment and ensure redundancy for consistent treatment.
🔎Consider the presence and impact of active pharmaceutical ingredients throughout the entire sewage system.
🔎Evaluate cutting-edge technologies for removing priority and emerging contaminants, taking into account their environmental impact.
🔎Review the effects of additional treatment processes on a pilot and full-scale basis to remove biocides, antibiotics, antimycotics, and other micropollutants.
⚙️In summary, when designing additional processes for removing micropollutants in new or upgraded wastewater treatment facilities, it's recommended to thoroughly evaluate the treatment capabilities, costs, regulations, environmental impacts, and operational requirements. Qualified professionals should be involved in this evaluation process.
Reference:
[1]. Parida, V. K., et al. (2021).
#Micropollutants
#emergingcontaminants
#pilotwastewatertreatment
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