RESUMEN
There could be several options a water treatment plant (WTP) can select from, if an improvement in treated water quality (WQ) is desired. This paper outlines a methodology to test a variety of approaches to accomplish pre-set goals as regards WQ, while adopting a triple bottom line approach. This approach, in a nutshell, takes into consideration economic, environmental and social aspects in decision-making. The methodology has been applied to the Stangasen WTP in the town of Oppegård in south-eastern Norway. Among the seven alternative approaches compared were the use, as coagulant, of five different dosages of granulated aluminium sulphate, liquid aluminium sulphate (48%) and liquid ferric chloride (40%). Using the set of weighting factors obtained from experts, it was determined that increasing the dosage of granulated aluminium sulphate by 20% over the current one would be the most sustainable option from a triple bottom line point of view.
Asunto(s)
Agua Potable/química , Modelos Teóricos , Ultrafiltración/economía , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/aislamiento & purificación , Purificación del Agua/economía , Purificación del Agua/métodos , Algoritmos , Ciudades , Simulación por Computador , Toma de Decisiones , Ambiente , Noruega , Evaluación de Programas y Proyectos de Salud , Ultrafiltración/métodosRESUMEN
Observations from many countries around the world during the past 10-20 years indicate increasing natural organic matter (NOM) concentration levels in water sources, due to issues such as global warming, changes in soil acidification, increased drought severity and more intensive rain events. In addition to the trend towards increasing NOM concentration, the character of NOM can vary with source and time (season). The great seasonal variability and the trend towards elevated NOM concentration levels impose challenges to the water industry and the water treatment facilities in terms of operational optimisation and proper process control. The aim of this investigation was to compare selected raw and conventionally treated drinking water sources from different hemispheres with regard to NOM character which may lead to better understanding of the impact of source water on water treatment. Results from the analyses of selected Norwegian and Australian water samples showed that Norwegian NOM exhibited greater humic nature, indicating a stronger bias of allochthonous versus autochthonous organic origin. Similarly, Norwegian source waters had higher average molecular weights than Australian waters. Following coagulation treatment, the organic character of the recalcitrant NOM in both countries was similar. Differences in organic character of these source waters after treatment were found to be related to treatment practice rather than origin of the source water. The characterisation techniques employed also enabled identification of the coagulation processes which were not necessarily optimised for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal. The reactivity with chlorine as well as trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) of the treated waters showed differences in behaviour between Norwegian and Australian sources that appeared to be related to residual higher molecular weight organic material. By evaluation of changes in specific molecular weight regions and disinfection parameters before and after treatment, correlations were found that relate treatment strategy to chlorine demand and DBP formation.
Asunto(s)
Compuestos Orgánicos/análisis , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Abastecimiento de Agua/análisis , Australia , Desinfectantes/química , Noruega , Compuestos Orgánicos/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/química , Abastecimiento de Agua/normasRESUMEN
The mesophilic anaerobic treatment of concentrated sludge from an Atlantic salmon smolt hatchery (total solids (TS): 6.3-12.3wt%) was investigated in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) at 35 degrees C and 55-60 days hydraulic retention time (HRT). COD-stabilization between 44% and 54% and methane yields between 0.140 and 0.154l/g COD added (0.260-0.281l/g VS added) were achieved. The process was strongly inhibited, with volatile fatty acid concentrations of up to 28 g/l. But the buffer capacity was sufficient to keep the pH-value at 7.4-7.55 during the whole operation. The fertilizing value of the treated sludge was estimated to be 3.4-6.8 kg N and 1.2-2.4 kg P per ton. However, the high VFA content would necessitate special means of application. The energy from the methane that was achieved in the present study would be sufficient to cover about 2-4% of the energy demands of a flow-through hatchery.