Control of overflows in interception wells based on water quantity and quality in rainwater pipelines for reducing pollution to rivers

Abstract

ABSTRACT The separate sewer system has led to severe river pollution because of domestic sewage infiltrations and initial rainfall pollution. Therefore, interception wells (IWs) are installed to divert sewage to the wastewater treatment plant but similarly contribute to overflow-induced river pollution on rainy days. The aim of the present study is to propose a control strategy for the regulation of IWs’ overflow based on the online monitoring data, control measures, and software simulation. The results indicate that during light rain, overflow from the IWs is minimal, requiring no control measures. However during heavy rainfall, the overflow of sewage leads to an increase in the river’s concentration of NH3-N from 0.25 to 3.04 mg/L. Finally, Simulations demonstrate a reduction in river NH3-N levels from 2.27 to 1.33 mg/L after implementation. The results indicated the substantial effectiveness of measures in mitigating the pollution originating from IWs’ overflows during rainfall events.