This study is a component of a research project on the economic costs of eutrophication in the Vaal River system. Its objective is to investigate the relationship between raw water quality and the chemical costs of producing potable water at two water treatment plants: Zuikerbosch Station #2 (owned by Rand Water) in the Upper Vaal Water Management Area (UVWMA), and Balkfontein (owned by Sedibeng Water) in the Middle Vaal Water Management Area (MVWMA). Time series data on raw water quality and chemical dosages used to treat raw water were obtained for Zuikerbosch Station #2 (hereafter referred to as Zuikerbosch) for the period November 2004 – October 2006 and for Balkfontein for the period January 2004 to December 2006. Descriptive statistics reveal that raw water in the Vaal River is of a poorer quality at Balkfontein compared to that at Zuikerbosch. Furthermore, the actual real chemical water treatment costs (measured in 2006 ZAR) averaged R89.90 per megalitre at Zuikerbosch and R126.31 at Balkfontein, indicating that the chemical water treatment costs of producing potable water tend to increase as raw water quality declines. Collinearity among water quality (WQ) variables at both water treatment plants was analysed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The dimensions of water quality identified in the analysis are similar to those reported in Pieterse and van Vuuren’s (1997) study of the Vaal River. For both water treatment plants, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression was used to identify the relationship between real chemical costs of water treatment and the dimensions of water quality identified through the respective Principal Components Analyses. The estimated regression models account for over 50.2% and 34.7% of variation in real chemical water treatment costs at Zuikerbosch and Balkfontein, respectively. The coefficient estimated for PC1 at Zuikerbosch is statistically significant at the 1% level of probability with high negative loadings of total alkalinity and turbidity. Increases in the levels of total alkalinity and turbidity in raw water treated at Zuikerbosch is negatively related to the chemical costs of water treatment. An increased total alkalinity level was found to reduce the chemical costs of treating potable water. PC2 is statistically the most important variable in the estimated explanatory model for Balkfontein. The estimated regression coefficient for PC2 is statistically significant at the 5% level of probability. The estimated relationship between chemical water treatment costs and PC2 shows that there is a positive relationship between the raw water temperature and chemical water treatment costs. However, increases in the levels of chlorophyll and pH in raw water treated at Balkfontein is negatively related to the chemical costs of water treatment. Total hardness, magnesium, calcium, sulphate, conductivity, and chloride, being the highest positive loadings in PC1, relate negatively to the chemical cost of treating water. For predictive rather than explanatory purposes, a partial adjustment regression model was estimated for each of the two water treatment plants. Using this model, real chemical water treatment costs were specified as a function of real chemical water treatment costs in the previous time period, and of raw water quality variables in the current period. The R2 statistics for the two regression models were 61.4% using the data for Zuikerbosch and 59.9% using the data for Balkfontein, suggesting that both models have reasonable levels of predictive power. The chemical cost of water treatment for Zuikerbosch and Balkfontein are predicted at R96.25 and R90.74 per megalitre per day respectively. If raw water nitrate in the UVWMA increases by 1% per megalitre a day while other factors remain constant, chemical water treatment costs at Zuikerbosch can be expected to increase by 0.297% per megalitre and the cost accompanied this change is (R0.285*1998ML*365days) R207,841.95 provided that Zuikerbosch treats an average of 1998 megalitres per day. Likewise, if Zuikerbosch maintains its daily average operating capacity and is able to maintain an optimal level of total alkalinity in UVWMA, the estimated saving on chemical water treatment cost will be R150.063.78 per annum. At Balkfontein, chemical water treatment cost is expected to increase on average by 0.346% per megalitre per day for a 1% per megalitre per day increase in the level of chlorophyll-a, and the cost accompanied this change is R41,128.20 per annum. The prediction also shows a 2.077% per megalitre per day increase chemical water treatment cost for a 1% increase in turbidity and this accompanied with a chemical water treatment cost of R 249,003 per annum, provided that Balkfontein operates at its full capacity (i.e., 360 megalitres per day). / Thesis (M.Sc.Agric.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

The provision of clean drinking water typically involves treatment processes to remove contaminants. The conventional process involves coagulation with hydrolysing metal salts, typically of aluminium (‘alum’) or trivalent iron (‘ferric’). Along with the product water this also produces a waste by-product, or sludge. The fact of increasing sludge production — due to higher levels of treatment and greater volume of water supply — conflicts with modern demands for environmental best practice, leading to higher financial costs. A further issue is the significant quantity of water that is held up in the sludge, and wasted. / One means of dealing with these problems is to dewater the sludge further. This reduces the volume of waste to be disposed of. The consistency is also improved (e.g. for the purpose of landfilling). And a significant amount of water can be recovered. The efficiency, and efficacy, of this process depends on the dewaterability of the sludge.In fact, good dewaterability is vital to the operation of conventional drinking water treatment plants (WTP’s). The usual process of separating the particulates, formed from a blend of contaminants and coagulated precipitate, relies on ‘clarification’ and ‘thickening’, which are essentially settling operations of solid–liquid separation.WTP operators — and researchers — do attempt to measure sludge dewaterability, but usually rely on empirical characterisation techniques that do not tell the full story and can even mislead. Understanding of the physical and chemical nature of the sludge is also surprisingly rudimentary, considering the long history of these processes. / The present work begins by reviewing the current state of knowledge on raw water and sludge composition, with special focus on solid aluminium and iron phases and on fractal aggregate structure. Next the theory of dewatering is examined, with the adopted phenomenological theory contrasted with empirical techniques and other theories.The foundation for subsequent analyses is laid by experimental work which establishes the solid phase density of WTP sludges. Additionally, alum sludges are found to contain pseudoböhmite, while 2-line ferrihydrite and goethite are identified in ferric sludges. / A key hypothesis is that dewaterability is partly determined by the treatment conditions. To investigate this, numerous WTP sludges were studied that had been generated under diverse conditions: some plant samples were obtained, and the remainder were generated in the laboratory (results were consistent). Dewaterability was characterised for each sludge in concentration ranges relevant to settling, centrifugation and filtration using models developed by LANDMAN and WHITE inter alia; it is expressed in terms of both equilibrium and kinetic parameters, py(φ) and R(φ) respectively.This work confirmed that dewaterability is significantly influenced by treatment conditions.The strongest correlations were observed when varying coagulation pH and coagulant dose. At high doses precipitated coagulant controls the sludge behaviour, and dewaterability is poor. Dewaterability deteriorates as pH is increased for high-dose alum sludges; other sludges are less sensitive to pH. These findings can be linked to the faster coagulation dynamics prevailing at high coagulant and alkali dose.Alum and ferric sludges in general had comparable dewaterabilities, and the characteristics of a magnesium sludge were similar too.Small effects on dewaterability were observed in response to variations in raw water organic content and shearing. Polymer flocculation and conditioning appeared mainly to affect dewaterability at low sludge concentrations. Ageing did not produce clear changes in dewaterability.Dense, compact particles are known to dewater better than ‘fluffy’ aggregates or flocs usually encountered in drinking water treatment. This explains the superior dewaterability of a sludge containing powdered activated carbon (PAC). Even greater improvements were observed following a cycle of sludge freezing and thawing for a wide range of WTP sludges. / Further aspects considered in the present work include deviations from simplifying assumptions that are usually made. Specifically: investigation of long-time dewatering behaviour, wall effects, non-isotropic stresses, and reversibility of dewatering (or ‘elasticity’).Several other results and conclusions, of both theoretical and experimental nature, are presented on topics of subsidiary or peripheral interest that are nonetheless important for establishing a reliable basis for research in this area. / This work has proposed links between industrial drinking water coagulation conditions, sludge dewaterability from settling to filtration, and the microstructure of the aggregates making up that sludge. This information can be used when considering the operation or design of a WTP in order to optimise sludge dewaterability, within the constraints of producing drinking water of acceptable quality.

Submitted by Anderson Silva (avargas@icict.fiocruz.br) on 2012-12-27T16:54:47Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese completa Tatiana Prado doutorado BP pdf.pdf: 8757483 bytes, checksum: 8a4d7a0b6c6b6d917034f958c665cd1a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2012-12-27T16:54:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese completa Tatiana Prado doutorado BP pdf.pdf: 8757483 bytes, checksum: 8a4d7a0b6c6b6d917034f958c665cd1a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. / Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a presença de rotavírus (RVA), adenovírus (AdV), norovírus (NoV) e vírus da hepatite A (HAV) em amostras ambientais (esgoto e lodo de esgoto primário e tratado) geradas e obtidas em diferentes Estações de Tratamento de Esgoto (ETEs) da cidade do Rio de Janeiro pela detecção, quantificação e caracterização molecular, assim como determinar a eficiência de diferentes metodologias de recuperação viral em lodo de esgoto. A concentração destes vírus foi determinada em ETEs hospitalares que operam por processos anaeróbios (reator UASB e filtros anaeróbios) e aeróbio (lodo ativado de aeração prolongada) e em uma ETE urbana de grande porte (Alegria, Caju) que utiliza processo de lodo ativado convencional. Os resultados demonstraram que os efluentes hospitalares são contaminados com elevadas cargas virais, especialmente RVA, apontando para o risco da disseminação ambiental quando processos de tratamento biológicos convencionais (aeróbios e anaeróbios) não são adequados para a remoção viral. Uma grande variabilidade de genótipos virais foi encontrada nos efluentes hospitalares, particularmente para AdV, para os quais foram detectadas espécies C e D, comumente envolvidas em casos de infecções respiratórias e conjuntivite nosocomial. Apenas genótipo GII.4 de NoV foi detectado nos efluentes hospitalares, confirmando a prevalência desse genótipo no Brasil. No estudo que avaliou a detecção de HAV nas águas residuárias urbanas foi constatado que 58% das amostras de esgoto bruto foram positivas para HAV e as cargas de genomas virais não foram detectadas nos efluentes tratados do processo de lodo ativado convencional. A análise filogenética baseada na região do genoma VP1/2A de HAV detectados em 2009-2010 demonstrou a prevalência do subgenótipo IA e os isolados apresentaram maior identidade de nucleotídeos com isolados de HAV do Brasil e Argentina. A detecção viral obtida em diversas etapas da ETE de grande porte demonstrou a predominância de RVA e AdV e o sistema de lodo ativado convencional reduziu as cargas de genomas virais em 1 – 1,5 unidades log10 no efluente final tratado. A análise da eficiência dos métodos de detecção viral em lodo de esgoto demonstrou que a presença de inibidores nas amostras afeta o desempenho da amplificação de ácidos nucléicos e o uso do controle interno (bacteriófago PP7) pode ser adequado para monitorar as etapas de detecção viral. O método baseado na eluição utilizando extrato de carne foi o mais viável para recuperar os vírus pesquisados, sobretudo AdV em lodo de esgoto. Os AdV foram predominantes nas amostras de lodo de esgoto tratado e, portanto, poderiam ser considerados bons indicadores para a presença de vírus de disseminação entérica nesses resíduos. Esse é o primeiro estudo demonstrando a ocorrência de RVA e NoV GII em lodo de esgoto digerido anaerobicamente no Brasil, e espera-se que esse trabalho contribua para expandir essa linha de investigação, incluindo a análise de biossólidos produzidos por outros processos de estabilização. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of rotavirus (RVA), adenovirus (AdV), norovirus (NoV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) in environmental samples (sewage and primary and treated sewage sludge) produced in different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Rio de Janeiro city through the detection, quantification and molecular characterization, as well as, determining the efficiency of different viral recovery methods in sewage sludge. Viral concentrations were determined in hospital WWTPs that operates by anaerobic processes (UASB reactor and anaerobic filters) and aerobic (activated sludge process with prolonged aeration) and in a great urban WWTP (Alegria, Caju) that operates by conventional activated sludge process. The results demonstrate that hospital wastewaters and treated effluents by anaerobic and aerobic processes are contaminated with high viral loads, especially RV-A, pointing environmental dissemination risks when conventional biological treatment processes are not suitable for virus removal. A great variability of viral genotypes was found, mainly for AdV, which species C and D involved in respiratory infectious diseases and nosocomial keratoconjuctivites cases were detected. Only NoV GII.4 was obtained in hospital wastewaters, confirming the prevalence of this genotype in Brazil. In the study that evaluated HAV detection in urban wastewaters was demonstrated that 58% of the raw sewage samples were positive for HAV and the viral genome loads were not detected in the treated effluents from activated sludge process. Phylogenetic analysis based on VP1/2A genome region of HAV detected in 2009-2010 demonstrated the prevalence of subgenotype IA and the isolates showed higher nucleotide identity with HAV isolates from Brazil and Argentina. Virus detection determined in distinct stages of the conventional activated sludge process demonstrated the predominance of RVA and AdV and viral genome loads were reduced in 1 – 1,5 log10 units in the treated effluent. Analysis of the virus recovery methods efficiency in sewage sludge demonstrated that the presence of inhibitors affect the performance of the nucleic acid amplification reactions and the use of an internal control (PP7 bacteriophage) can be suitable to monitoring viral detection stages. The method based on beef extract elution was more viable for recovering viruses, mainly AdV in sewage sludge. Adenoviruses are predominant in these samples and, therefore, could be considered good indicators to evaluate the viral contamination in these residues. This is the first Brazilian report on the occurrence of RV-A and NoV GII in sewage sludge treated by anaerobic digestion and is expected that the present study contributes for the investigation of the enterically disseminated viruses in biosolids treated by other stabilization processes.

Vor dem Hintergrund saisonaler Einflussfaktoren stellen ländlich strukturierte Gebiete besondere Anforderungen an Bemessung und Betrieb von Kläranlagen. Tourismus bildet neben landwirtschaftlich bedingten Ernte- und Verarbeitungskampagnen den bedeutendsten Faktor für saisonale Belastungsschwankungen. Da der größte Teil der Fremdenverkehrseinrichtungen über weniger als 100 Übernachtungsplätze verfügt, besteht bei fehlendem Kanalanschluss ein entsprechender Bedarf an Klein- und Kleinen Kläranlagen zur Behandlung der anfallenden Abwässer. Die Bemessung von Kläranlagen der Größenklasse 1 wird bei fehlenden Messwerten auf Grundlage der im ATV-DVWK-A 198 (2003) als 85-%-Perzentil angegebenen einwohnerspezifischen Frachten durchgeführt. Abwasser aus einfachen Fremdenverkehrseinrichtungen wie Campingplätzen und Hütten weist im Vergleich zur üblichen kommunalen Abwasserzusammensetzung bezogen auf CSB und BSB5 höhere Anteile an Stickstoff- und Phosphorverbindungen auf. Die spezifischen Stickstofffrachten liegen i. M. bei 10 – 11 g/P/d, die spezifischen CSB-Frachten bei i. M. 52 – 68 g/P/d. Die tatsächlichen Frachten werden von der Ausstattung (Restaurant, Wäscherei, etc.) der jeweiligen Unterkunft beeinflusst und sind in der Bemessung gesondert zu berücksichtigen. Für die Behandlung saisonal anfallender Abwässer eignen sich Verfahren mit großem vorgeschaltetem Puffervolumen oder Anlagen mit großem internem Puffer, wie z. B. Bodenfilteranlagen. Anaerobe Vorbehandlungsanlagen wie Anaerobic Baffled Reactors (ABR) können bei entsprechenden Temperaturen zur Frachtentlastung nachgeschalteter aerober Stufen beitragen. Unter gemäßigten Klimabedingungen werden inklusive Sedimentationsprozessen in Vorklärbecken i. M. 50 % des zugeführten CSB eliminiert. Aufgrund der starken Temperaturabhängigkeit des CSB-Abbaus, der Dauer des Einfahrbetriebs, der Empfindlichkeit gegenüber zu hohem Schlammabzug und des nicht berechenbaren Feststoffabtriebs ist unter gemäßigten Klimabedingungen und ohne technische Weiterentwicklung des Verfahrens keine über den Wirkungsgrad von Absetzanlagen hinausgehende Eliminationsleistung bei der Bemessung kalkulierbar. Für saisonal belastete Bodenfilter stellt die Abminderung des Flächenbedarfs bzw. die Steigerung der CSB-Flächenbelastung analog zum nicht belasteten Zeitraum eine betriebssichere und wirtschaftliche Lösung dar, bei der die Einhaltung der Mindestanforderungen gewährleistet ist. Bei geforderter Nitrifikation ist aufgrund des hohen TKN-Konzentrationsniveaus im Abwasser aus Fremdenverkehrseinrichtungen ein Wirkungsgrad von > 95 % für die TKN-Elimination erforderlich. Im Abwasser enthaltene Hemmstoffe, insbesondere in Vorkläranlagen gebildetes Sulfid, können die Nitrifikation beeinträchtigen. Dabei werden Ammoniumoxidation und Nitritoxidation gehemmt. Charakteristisch sind hohe NH4-N- und NO2-N-Konzentrationen im Ablauf (Extremwerte bis zu 55 mg NO2-N/l). Während sich Nitritoxidierer über mehrere Jahre an dauerhaft hohe Sulfidkonzentrationen adaptieren können, wird die Ammoniumoxidation direkt über die Sulfidkonzentration beeinflusst. / In rural communities seasonal factors complicate design and operation of wastewater treatment plants. Tourism as well as agricultural harvesting and processing campaigns are the major causes for seasonal load variations. Due to the fact that accommodation capacities in rural tourism industry rarely exceed 100 beds small sewage treatment plants are acquired if a connection to a sewer system is not feasible. Small wastewater treatment plants can be designed using the population equivalents (PE). According to the German Water Association spreadsheet ATV-DVWK-A 198, PEs are defined as the 85-%-percentile input load. Wastewater of basic accommodations like camping sites and lodges contains higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorous compounds than 'standard' domestic wastewater. The mean specific nitrogen loads reach 10 – 11 g/guest/d, the mean specific COD-load 52 – 68 g/guest/d. The special amenities of vacation homes (restaurant, laundry) affect the real loads and have to be considered in dimensioning. Regarding the treatment of seasonal wastewater, processes with large upstream buffer or large internal buffer, such as constructed wetlands, are suitable. Furthermore, at moderate temperatures anaerobic pretreatment devices, like anaerobic baffled reactors (ABR), can reduce the input load to aerobic post treatment stages. An approximate COD elimination of 50 % can be expected by anaerobic degradation and sedimentation in the ABR in combination with upstream primary clarifiers at around 20 °C. Due to the strong temperature dependence, the long start-up-period, the sensitivity towards fail-desludging, the generation of immediate oxygen demand at low temperatures as well as unpredictable sludge overflow events, it does not seem justified to calculate higher design elimination efficiencies for ABRs than for sedimentation tanks. The design of subsurface vertical flow constructed wetlands with seasonally induced high loading periods are approved for the elimination of organic substances. This accepted assumption was confirmed for the plant under investigation operated at a mean COD-load of 20 g/m²/d, not exceeding the effluent control values for COD in six years. In contrast, oxidation of ammonia and nitrite were inhibited by high sulfide levels (mean sulfide concentration: 48 ± 26 mg/L). Nitrite accumulation reached its peak value at 55 mg NO2-N/L and decreased within 4 years below 1 mg/L due to the adaption of nitrite-oxidizing microorganisms.

The subject of my work is to lower construction site waste water treatment plant Křelov - Břuchotín. In more detail, I focused mainly on the implementation of the circular tanks sewage treatment plant. These tanks prescription processing technology formwork and concreting circular tanks. It also contains a technical report, technical report building equipment, a study of the main technological stages of the building, site, design of mechanical assembly, inspection and test plan solved the technological regulation and scheduling.

MENVSC / Department of Hydrology and Water Resources / Sewage sludge (biosolids) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has been widely used as a soil improver in Europe, United States of America and some developing countries including South Africa. It has its benefits for farmers as a good source of organic matter and minerals, however, sludge after treatment still contains pathogenic organisms, heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The POP and heavy metal contaminants that accumulate in sludge may transfer through the food chain and cause adverse effects on human beings. In this study, a field experiment was carried out on farmland fertilized with sewage sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that vasically receives domestic wastewater and storm water. Vegetable spinach (Spinacia oleracea) was used for this study and was planted on a farmland under controlled conditions. Ten ridges each of dimensions 20 m × 0.3 m was made and dry sludge weights of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 kg were applied as manure on each of the ridges, respectively. Representative samples of sludge and soil were taken for analysis of heavy metals and POPs. At maturity, in twelve weeks, the root and leave samples of the vegetable were taken from all the ridges including the control. The soil, sludge, and vegetable samples were analyzed for total heavy metal content (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, Zn, Al, Fe, Mn), speciated heavy metal content and POP (PAH, PCB). Soil and sludge samples were also analyzed for total organic content, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), conductivity and alkalinity. The analysis for total heavy metals and speciated heavy metal content was carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES), and CEC analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). A two-dimensional gas chromatograph with time of flight mass spectrometry detector (GC X GC TOFMS) was used for POP measurements. pH measurement was made using a pH meter and conductivity measurement using a conductivity meter. Alkalinity and total organic content analysis was performed using titrimetric apparatus. The highest total heavy metal concentration of 378.9 mg / kg was recorded in Fe metal in soil and Leaf sample while the lowest total metal concentration of 0.0003 mg / kg was in Cu metal in root sample. The highest heavy metal concentration of 1002 mg / kg in speciated forms was in Mn metal in F1 fraction and the lowest of 0.0004 mg / kg was in Cd metal in F5 fraction. PAHs were only found in soil samples and their concentrations ranged from 2.53 mg / kg to 146.5 mg / kg. There were no PCB detected in all the samples analysed. The results indicated that the trace metals concentrations found in the exchangeable fraction were higher than those observed in any of the preceding extractions except in the case of Cd, Cr, Fe and Pb where Fe-Mn oxide and organic matter fractions predominated and were closely followed by exchangeable fraction.

MENVSC / Department of Ecology and Resource Management / Fluoride is one of the anionic contaminants which is found in excess in groundwater because of geochemical reaction or anthropogenic activities such as the disposal of industrial wastewaters. Among various methods used for defluoridation of water such as precipitation, ion-exchange processes, membrane processes, the adsorptions process is widely used. It offers satisfactory results and seems to be a more attractive method for the removal of fluoride in terms of cost, simplicity of design and operation. In this work, the preparation of clay polymer nanocomposites (CPNCs) used in defluoridation began by modifying the original natural Mukondeni clay to render the layered silicate miscible with the chosen polymer, microcrystalline cellulose. Clay polymer nanocomposites (CPNCs) were synthesized using the melt intercalation method. Mukondeni black clay with microcrystalline cellulose as polymers was melt mixed at 220 °C for 10 minutes in an extruder for exfoliation of the resulting composite. Physicochemical characteristics and mineralogical characteristics of the CPNC was determined using XRD, XRF, BET, FTIR and SEM. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency of CPNCs in defluoridation of groundwater. The pH, EC, TDS and fluoride concentration of field water was determined using the CRISON MM40 multimeter probe and the Orion versastar fluoride selective electrode for fluoride concentration. Elemental analysis revealed that CPNC 1:1 is mainly characterized of cellulose, Quartz and Albatite as the major minerals with traces of Montmorillonite, Ednite and Magnesium as minor minerals constituting CPNC 1:1. The structure of 1:4 CPNC was partially crystalline and partially amorphous showing increased cellulose quantity (1:4 clay to cellulose) as compared 1:1 CPNC, 1:2 CPNC and 1:3 CPNC. Maximum adsorption of fluoride was attained in 10 minutes using 0.5g of 1:4 CPNC removed 22.3% of fluoride. The initial fluoride concentration for the collected field groundwater was 5.4 mg/L, EC 436 μS/cm, and TDS 282 mg/L. The regeneration potential of CPNCs was evaluated through 3 successive adsorption desorption cycles. Fluoride removal decreased after the first cycle for all ratios of CPNCs, a continued decreased can be observed following the second cycle. CPNC 1:2 decreased from 9.32 % at the 1st cycle to 2.84 % and 0.56 % on the 2nd and 3rd cycle respectively. CPNC 1:4 decreased from 8.22 % at the 1st cycle to 4.80 % and 0.72 % on the 2nd and 3rd cycle respectively. The fluoride-rich Siloam groundwater had a slightly alkaline pH of 9.6. iv The low adsorptive characteristic displayed by all 4 CPNCs can be deduced from the BET analysis that revealed low surface area, pore volume, and pore size, it is evident from the BET analysis that less fluoride will be absorb as adsorption sites will be limited. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations are designing of correct preparation techniques to obtain nanocomposites with desirable properties, polymer melting points and evaporation point of the binder should be taken into consideration. / NRF

Vor dem Hintergrund saisonaler Einflussfaktoren stellen ländlich strukturierte Gebiete besondere Anforderungen an Bemessung und Betrieb von Kläranlagen. Tourismus bildet neben landwirtschaftlich bedingten Ernte- und Verarbeitungskampagnen den bedeutendsten Faktor für saisonale Belastungsschwankungen. Da der größte Teil der Fremdenverkehrseinrichtungen über weniger als 100 Übernachtungsplätze verfügt, besteht bei fehlendem Kanalanschluss ein entsprechender Bedarf an Klein- und Kleinen Kläranlagen zur Behandlung der anfallenden Abwässer. Die Bemessung von Kläranlagen der Größenklasse 1 wird bei fehlenden Messwerten auf Grundlage der im ATV-DVWK-A 198 (2003) als 85-%-Perzentil angegebenen einwohnerspezifischen Frachten durchgeführt. Abwasser aus einfachen Fremdenverkehrseinrichtungen wie Campingplätzen und Hütten weist im Vergleich zur üblichen kommunalen Abwasserzusammensetzung bezogen auf CSB und BSB5 höhere Anteile an Stickstoff- und Phosphorverbindungen auf. Die spezifischen Stickstofffrachten liegen i. M. bei 10 – 11 g/P/d, die spezifischen CSB-Frachten bei i. M. 52 – 68 g/P/d. Die tatsächlichen Frachten werden von der Ausstattung (Restaurant, Wäscherei, etc.) der jeweiligen Unterkunft beeinflusst und sind in der Bemessung gesondert zu berücksichtigen. Für die Behandlung saisonal anfallender Abwässer eignen sich Verfahren mit großem vorgeschaltetem Puffervolumen oder Anlagen mit großem internem Puffer, wie z. B. Bodenfilteranlagen. Anaerobe Vorbehandlungsanlagen wie Anaerobic Baffled Reactors (ABR) können bei entsprechenden Temperaturen zur Frachtentlastung nachgeschalteter aerober Stufen beitragen. Unter gemäßigten Klimabedingungen werden inklusive Sedimentationsprozessen in Vorklärbecken i. M. 50 % des zugeführten CSB eliminiert. Aufgrund der starken Temperaturabhängigkeit des CSB-Abbaus, der Dauer des Einfahrbetriebs, der Empfindlichkeit gegenüber zu hohem Schlammabzug und des nicht berechenbaren Feststoffabtriebs ist unter gemäßigten Klimabedingungen und ohne technische Weiterentwicklung des Verfahrens keine über den Wirkungsgrad von Absetzanlagen hinausgehende Eliminationsleistung bei der Bemessung kalkulierbar. Für saisonal belastete Bodenfilter stellt die Abminderung des Flächenbedarfs bzw. die Steigerung der CSB-Flächenbelastung analog zum nicht belasteten Zeitraum eine betriebssichere und wirtschaftliche Lösung dar, bei der die Einhaltung der Mindestanforderungen gewährleistet ist. Bei geforderter Nitrifikation ist aufgrund des hohen TKN-Konzentrationsniveaus im Abwasser aus Fremdenverkehrseinrichtungen ein Wirkungsgrad von > 95 % für die TKN-Elimination erforderlich. Im Abwasser enthaltene Hemmstoffe, insbesondere in Vorkläranlagen gebildetes Sulfid, können die Nitrifikation beeinträchtigen. Dabei werden Ammoniumoxidation und Nitritoxidation gehemmt. Charakteristisch sind hohe NH4-N- und NO2-N-Konzentrationen im Ablauf (Extremwerte bis zu 55 mg NO2-N/l). Während sich Nitritoxidierer über mehrere Jahre an dauerhaft hohe Sulfidkonzentrationen adaptieren können, wird die Ammoniumoxidation direkt über die Sulfidkonzentration beeinflusst. / In rural communities seasonal factors complicate design and operation of wastewater treatment plants. Tourism as well as agricultural harvesting and processing campaigns are the major causes for seasonal load variations. Due to the fact that accommodation capacities in rural tourism industry rarely exceed 100 beds small sewage treatment plants are acquired if a connection to a sewer system is not feasible. Small wastewater treatment plants can be designed using the population equivalents (PE). According to the German Water Association spreadsheet ATV-DVWK-A 198, PEs are defined as the 85-%-percentile input load. Wastewater of basic accommodations like camping sites and lodges contains higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorous compounds than 'standard' domestic wastewater. The mean specific nitrogen loads reach 10 – 11 g/guest/d, the mean specific COD-load 52 – 68 g/guest/d. The special amenities of vacation homes (restaurant, laundry) affect the real loads and have to be considered in dimensioning. Regarding the treatment of seasonal wastewater, processes with large upstream buffer or large internal buffer, such as constructed wetlands, are suitable. Furthermore, at moderate temperatures anaerobic pretreatment devices, like anaerobic baffled reactors (ABR), can reduce the input load to aerobic post treatment stages. An approximate COD elimination of 50 % can be expected by anaerobic degradation and sedimentation in the ABR in combination with upstream primary clarifiers at around 20 °C. Due to the strong temperature dependence, the long start-up-period, the sensitivity towards fail-desludging, the generation of immediate oxygen demand at low temperatures as well as unpredictable sludge overflow events, it does not seem justified to calculate higher design elimination efficiencies for ABRs than for sedimentation tanks. The design of subsurface vertical flow constructed wetlands with seasonally induced high loading periods are approved for the elimination of organic substances. This accepted assumption was confirmed for the plant under investigation operated at a mean COD-load of 20 g/m²/d, not exceeding the effluent control values for COD in six years. In contrast, oxidation of ammonia and nitrite were inhibited by high sulfide levels (mean sulfide concentration: 48 ± 26 mg/L). Nitrite accumulation reached its peak value at 55 mg NO2-N/L and decreased within 4 years below 1 mg/L due to the adaption of nitrite-oxidizing microorganisms.

Tesis por compendio / [ES] Los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) plantean un llamamiento global para conseguir la sostenibilidad en aspectos esenciales de la vida humana. El actual consumo de energía para el tratamiento de aguas residuales es muy elevado, y las previsiones apuntan a un incremento de la demanda en la próxima década. En este contexto, resulta necesario aplicar la perspectiva de sostenibilidad, para conseguir de forma simultánea todos los ODS. Un desempeño energético más sostenible de las Estaciones Depuradoras de Aguas Residuales (EDAR) implica acciones en dos líneas, reducir el consumo, y generar energías renovables in situ. Para implantar medidas a corto plazo, es necesario explorar las posibilidades que pueden ofrecer las tecnologías ya maduras, y evaluar su potencial contribución a la descarbonización del sector. La generación de electricidad mediante maquinaria hidráulica aprovechando la energía potencial de los efluentes podría ser una de ellas. El principal objetivo de esta tesis doctoral consiste en desarrollar una metodología, dirigida a los agentes de gobernanza, para evaluar el potencial de generación de energía hidráulica en EDAR, considerando las tres dimensiones de sostenibilidad. De este modo, poder ilustrar las posibilidades de aplicación de esta tecnología, actualmente poco conocida para el sector, que podría contribuir a una gestión más sostenible de las aguas residuales. Las fases desarrolladas incluyeron: 1) Contextualización: Se revisó el estado del arte sobre las necesidades energéticas y las tecnologías para la generación de energía renovable en EDAR. Paralelamente sobre el estado de la tecnología para la recuperación de energía en redes de agua existentes mediante maquinaria hidráulica. Para completar este marco, la revisión se amplió con una búsqueda exhaustiva de casos de estudio reales de aplicación en EDAR. En esta fase se identificaron 49 casos de estudio y se analizó su desempeño energético. Los resultados de esta fase en general demostraron que existe una experiencia real en la aplicación práctica de esta tecnología que no se está utilizando para el desarrollo de todo su potencial en este sector. 2) Desarrollo de la metodología: Se analizaron las metodologías existentes para evaluación del potencial de esta tecnología, y el resultado se comparó con la información obtenida en la contextualización. Como resultado, durante esta tesis se ha desarrollado una metodología con una nueva perspectiva. En primer lugar, se introduce la necesidad de considerar el nivel al que se produce la toma de decisiones, para adaptar el alcance del estudio (un grupo de EDAR). A continuación, la metodología se desarrolla en dos etapas. En la etapa 1 (evaluación técnica) el potencial de generación de energía hidráulica se estima de forma individual para cada EDAR. En la etapa 2 (evaluación global) se propone un método de decisión multicriterio (MCDA) introduciendo criterios de sostenibilidad. La alineación de la metodología con su contexto de aplicación se considera una cuestión clave, de modo que el método propuesto se basa en las directrices del instrumento de gobernanza para aguas residuales en España (Plan DSEAR). 3) Aplicación práctica: Esta fase completa el estudio con la aplicación a un grupo de 186 EDAR de la Comunidad Valenciana (España), con la misma modalidad de financiación. Se estimó una generación de electricidad de 340,472 kWh/año, aunque como hallazgo se observó la posibilidad de que dicho potencial sea mayor. En la etapa 2 se mostró que, cuando los resultados de la etapa 1 se ponen en el contexto de sostenibilidad, se obtiene una nueva perspectiva. Esta investigación demuestra que, en el marco de los ODS, la recuperación de energía hidráulica del agua residual podría ser una opción más en la descarbonización de este sector. Tomando como base esta propuesta, agentes de gobernanza para la gestión de aguas residuales en otro contexto podrían desarrollar metodologías similares adaptadas a su propio entorno. / [CA] Els Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible (ODS) plantegen una crida global per a aconseguir la sostenibilitat en aspectes essencials de la vida humana. L'actual consum d'energia per al tractament d'aigües residuals és molt elevat, i les previsions apunten a un increment de la demanda en la dècada vinent. En este context, resulta necessari aplicar la perspectiva de sostenibilitat, per a aconseguir de manera simultània tots els ODS. Un acompliment energètic més sostenible de les Estacions Depuradores d'Aigües Residuals (EDAR) implica accions en dues línies, reduir el consum, i generar energies renovables in situ. Per a implantar mesures a curt termini, és necessari explorar les possibilitats que poden oferir les tecnologies ja madures, i avaluar la seua potencial contribució a la descarbonització del sector. La generació d'electricitat mitjançant maquinària hidràulica aprofitant l'energia potencial dels efluents podria ser una d'elles. El principal objectiu d'esta tesi doctoral consisteix a desenvolupar una metodologia, dirigida als agents de governança, per a avaluar el potencial de generació d'energia hidràulica en EDAR, considerant les tres dimensions de sostenibilitat. D'aquesta manera, poder il·lustrar les possibilitats d'aplicació d'esta tecnologia, actualment poc coneguda per al sector, que podria contribuir a una gestió més sostenible de les aigües residuals. Les fases desenvolupades van incloure: 1) Contextualització: Es va revisar l'estat de l'art sobre les necessitats energètiques i les tecnologies per a la generació d'energia renovable en EDAR. Paral·lelament sobre l'estat de la tecnologia per a la recuperació d'energia en xarxes d'aigua existents mitjançant maquinària hidràulica. Per a completar este marc, la revisió es va ampliar amb una cerca exhaustiva de casos d'estudi reals d'aplicació en EDAR. En esta fase es van identificar 49 casos d'estudi i es va analitzar el seu acompliment energètic. Els resultats d'esta fase en general van demostrar que existeix una experiència real en l'aplicació pràctica d'esta tecnologia que no s'està utilitzant per al desenvolupament de tot el seu potencial en este sector. 2) Desenvolupament de la metodologia: Es van analitzar les metodologies existents per a avaluació del potencial d'esta tecnologia, i el resultat es va comparar amb la informació obtinguda en la contextualització. Com a resultat, durant esta tesi s'ha desenvolupat una metodologia amb una nova perspectiva. En primer lloc, s'introdueix la necessitat de considerar el nivell al qual es produeix la presa de decisions, per a adaptar l'abast de l'estudi (un grup de EDAR). A continuació, la metodologia es desenvolupa en dues etapes. En l'etapa 1 (avaluació tècnica) el potencial de generació d'energia hidràulica s'estima de manera individual per a cada EDAR. En l'etapa 2 (avaluació global) es proposa un mètode de decisió multicriteri (MCDA) introduint criteris de sostenibilitat. L'alineació de la metodologia amb el seu context d'aplicació es considera una qüestió clau, de manera que el mètode proposat es basa en les directrius de l'instrument de governança per a aigües residuals a Espanya (Pla DSEAR). 3) Aplicació pràctica: Esta fase completa l'estudi amb l'aplicació a un grup de 186 EDAR de la Comunitat Valenciana, amb la mateixa modalitat de finançament. Es va estimar una generació d'electricitat de 340,472 kWh/any, encara que com a troballa es va observar la possibilitat que aquest potencial siga major. En l'etapa 2 es va mostrar que, quan els resultats de l'etapa 1 es posen en el context de sostenibilitat, s'obté una nova perspectiva. Esta investigació demostra que, en el marc dels ODS, la recuperació d'energia hidràulica de l'aigua residual podria ser una opció més en la descarbonització d'este sector. Prenent com a base esta proposta, agents de governança per a la gestió d'aigües residuals en un altre context podrien desenvolupar metodologies similars adaptades al seu propi entorn. / [EN] The Sustainable Development Goals establish a universal agenda to call for action and achieve sustainability in essential aspects of human life. Nowadays the energy demand for wastewater treatment is very high and it is expected to increase in the next decade. Therefore, the performance of this industry will have an effect on SDG 6, but also on SDG 7 and 13. In this context, it is necessary to apply the sustainability approach to wastewater systems to simultaneously achieve all these goals. More sustainable energy performance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) implies two parallel steps: a reduction of energy consumption and the implementation of renewable energy technologies. To take action in the short term, existing mature technologies should be explored to evaluate their potential contribution to the decarbonization roadmaps in the wastewater industry. Hydropower might be one of these technologies. The main objective of this thesis is to develop a methodology, addressed to wastewater governance stakeholders, to assess the potential of hydropower application to WWTPs, regarding all three dimensions of sustainability. According to this, the final aim of this study is to illustrate the practical possibilities, usually unknown, that hydropower could offer to the wastewater sector in the pathway towards more sustainable systems. To achieve that aim, the steps in this research included: 1) Contextualization: The review of the state of the art was conducted in two lines. Firstly, about the energy needs for wastewater treatment and technologies for renewable energy generation. Secondly, about hydropower for energy recovery from existing networks. To complete the framework, this stage was extended with an exhaustive search and analysis of real case studies of hydropower applications to WWTPs. In this stage, 49 case studies were identified, and their energy data were extracted to obtain energy self-sufficiency indicators and analyze their renewable energy profiles. Furthermore, the technical data of their hydropower systems were examined. The overall results of this stage showed that there is an existing experience that is not being used to explore hydropower as an option for energy recovery in the wastewater sector. 2) Methodology development: In a preliminary step, existing methodologies for hydropower potential assessment were analyzed and compared with the framework obtained from the contextualization. As a result, a methodology with a broader approach was developed. First, it introduces the consideration of the decision-making level to select the scope of the study (a group of WWTPs). Then, the proposed methodology consists of two steps. In step 1 (technical assessment of hydropower potential) individual power output is estimated for each site. This step was validated with the data obtained during the contextualization. In step 2 (global assessment), after analyzing existing guidelines, a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method with sustainability criteria is defined. As the alignment with the context is a key issue introduced in this proposal, this method is based on the guidelines in the wastewater governance instrument in Spain (PDSEAR). 3) Practical application: This stage completes the research with the application of the proposed methodology to a case study, a group of 186 WWTPs in the region of Valencia (Spain), selected according to their management model. The generation was estimated at 340,472 kWh/year, but it was found that the potential could be higher. The results also showed that the perspective may be different, if the outcomes from step 1, are put into context in step 2, with the application of the MCDA method. This research demonstrates that, in a sustainability framework, hydropower might be an interesting option to consider for the decarbonization of wastewater systems. Based on this study, decision-making stakeholders could design their own methodologies, adapted to the specific context. / The authors would like to acknowledge grant PID2020–114781RA-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033. / Llácer Iglesias, RM. (2023). Hydropower Potential for Energy Recovery in Wastewater Systems. Assessment Methodology and Practical Application [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/201558 / Compendio

The wastewater treatment plays an important role in the maintenance of natural water resources. However, regardless of the technology used or the level of treatment required, the treatment plants of the XXI century are highly complex systems that not only need to meet technical requirements, but also environmental and economic criteria. In this context, decision support systems for environmental domains (English, Environmental Decision Support Systems or EDSS) are configured as an effective tool to support the selection and evaluation of integrated water treatment alternatives. The EDSS designed can be defined as interactive software, flexible and adaptable, which links the numerical models / algorithms, techniques and environmental ontologies, knowledge-based environment, and is capable of supporting decision making, either in choosing between different alternatives, improving potential solutions, or in the integrated assessment using methodologies ranging from environmental (Life Cycle Analysis) to economic / La depuració d’aigües residuals juga un paper fonamental en el manteniment dels recursos hídrics naturals. Tanmateix, sigui quina sigui la tecnologia emprada o el nivell de depuració requerit, les plantes de tractament del segle XXI són sistemes d’alta complexitat, que no només han de satisfer requeriments de tipus tècnic, sinó també de tipus ambiental i econòmic. En aquest context, els sistemes de suport a la decisió en dominis ambientals (en anglès, Environmental Decision Support Systems o EDSS) es configuren com una eina eficaç per donar suport a la selecció i a l’avaluació integrada de diferents alternatives de depuració d’aigües. El EDSS dissenyat pot definir-se com un programari interactiu, flexible i adaptable, que vincula els models numèrics/algoritmes amb tècniques basades en el coneixement i ontologies ambientals, i que és capaç de donar suport a la presa de decisió, ja sigui en l’elecció entre diferents alternatives, millorant una solució, o bé en l’avaluació integrada a través de metodologies ambientals (Anàlisi de Cicle de Vida) i econòmiques