Purification Plant Research Articles

Ecological City – Types of Wastewater Treatment Plants in Poland: The Influence of Technology on Space

Newly designed structures that provide technical services to cities gain new spatial forms. In terms of their functional and spatial structure they often also fulfil new, additional functions. This is possible thanks to, among other things, new technical and technological solutions. A departure from the typical approach based on merely associating engineering structures with an envelope of technical solutions of sorts, without care for architectural form, detail or site development, brings positive effects in terms of spatial relationships. In the case of pro-environmental structures this also has a functional dimension—oftentimes these structures start fulfilling additional functions, e.g. as a part of ecological education. Simultaneously, we can observe that some structures that provide the engineering infrastructure to the city gain a new architectural form, new site development of the space that surrounds them or are being equipped with new, additional functions, more frequently than others. Without a doubt, influence on which structures are being transformed in accordance with the abovementioned directions, and which remain on the sidelines of new spatial, architectural and functional solution, is exerted by the primary function of the structure—which is in itself obvious. However, within the group of structures with the same functions we can also observe significant differences. One example of this are wastewater treatment and water purification plants. The goal of this article is to find the answer to the following questions: is the form of a structure and its site development determined by various types of technological solutions in wastewater treatment and water purification plants—and if so, then in what manner? Furthermore, do differences in technology have an impact on the immediate surroundings of the plants and—on a wider scale—on the space of the city? The results of the study will advance knowledge concerning the dependencies between technological solutions and architectural form, as well as spatial relations within the functional and spatial structure of cities.

Reflecting the environmental cost of greenhouse gas emissions from an urban water system in the water price

AbstractThis study evaluated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from an urban water system in Taiwan using a lifecycle assessment method. The water system of the Taipei region was used as a case study. Both on‐site and off‐site emissions of GHGs were considered. Total GHG emissions from the urban water system were 151,211.3 t CO2‐eq/y in the study period. On‐site GHG emissions from water surfaces and chemical additives contributed 3.1% and 18.3% of total emissions. The reservoir accounted for 1% of total off‐site GHG emissions from electricity consumption; 60.3% was from purification plants and 38.7% from boosting stations. The environmental cost of GHG emissions from the urban water system was calculated as US$0.001 per ton of water, which implies that the water price in Taiwan should be increased to US$0.27/t. This study explored the principle of ‘user pays’ in water pricing by monetizing the environmental cost of GHG emissions.

Transport of Enterococcus faecalis in granular activated carbon column: Potential energy, migration, and release

An increasing number of water purification plants use granular activated carbon filtration as an advanced treatment technology. One of the main constraints of carbon filtration is bacterial leakage, which can impact public drinking water safety. In this study, Enterococcus faecalis, commonly detected in natural water, was employed as the target bacteria for investigating the mechanism of deposition and migration of bacteria in granular activated carbon medium. The repulsive barrier, secondary potential well and potential energy change curve under various conditions were depicted by DLVO theory. Moreover, the influence, including ionic strength, ionic charge and flow rate, on bacterial transport was comprehensively discussed. The Enterococcus faecalis penetration curve was in accordance with the van der Waals force and electrostatic repulsion force under different conditions. Finally, 8%–11% of Enterococcus faecalis was released into the effluent when ionic strength declined.

A generic concept for Helium purification and liquefaction plant

This study describes and evaluates the performance of producing a pure Helium fraction from Helium extraction facility designed for cryogenic natural gas plants. A generic concept for obtaining a Helium pure fraction, which has relatively lower capital and operating costs should be provided. In order to achieve this objective, a new concept for obtaining a Helium pure fraction from a crude Helium fraction, is proposed based on simulations run under diverse process conditions regarding crude Helium gas’ temperature, pressure and composition. This concept is characterized by; reducing the plant safety requirements due to the extensive separation of combustible components, and compact layout of Helium extraction plant. Further re-purification is included in the subsequent Helium liquefaction step through selective adsorption, hence then increasing the purity of the Helium product and reducing the plant energy consumption required for liquefying Helium-rich fraction and the valuable Helium boil-off routed from the storage facility. The Nitrogen-rich fraction is routed to Nitrogen liquefaction installation. Liquid Nitrogen is generated within Helium recovery facility for liquid Helium shielding and container cooling. Surplus gaseous Nitrogen either can be liquefied and used within cryogenic natural gas plant as process coolant or be vented to atmosphere.

Water Treatment Plant Ancillary Facilities: Unsung Heroes of Hurricane Harvey

Key TakeawaysAncillary facilities on the site of water treatment facilities should not be overlooked, especially during emergency events.Prepared plant managers and engineers in the Houston area identified and corrected vulnerabilities in both primary and ancillary infrastructure well ahead of a “perfect storm.”The East Water Purification Plant's improved stormwater system played a critical role in the region's resilience and recovery, and the utility's stormwater pumps successfully prevented the plant from flooding during the event.

Flow behavior of perchlorate from a source lake to a water supply tap following fireworks displays

Abstract Perchlorate is an oxidizer used in fireworks. Though fireworks displays are held over Lake Biwa, which supplies water to Kyoto, the city's water treatment process lacks the ability to remove perchlorate. This study investigated perchlorate contamination in source and tap water resulting from a fireworks display. During 2016, the perchlorate concentration in the source water increased to 22.3 μg/L during the 19 hours following the display and then decreased to <0.5 μg/L during the 43 hours following the display. The perchlorate concentration in the tap water increased to 13.6 μg/L during the 35 hours following the display, and then gradually decreased. To evaluate the state of mixing through the water treatment process, a model for chemical reactors was applied to concentration time-courses in the source and tap water. The model showed that perchlorate was dispersed homogeneously by stirring as the water flowed downstream through the waterway and through the water purification plant.

Identity of certain species of plants of unknown source from Rasendramangala

Combination of plant and mineral products were derived in the process of exploring safe and effective remedies which can cure severe and deadly diseases. Some plants are used for processing, purification and calcination of minerals, metals and gems. Mainly the purpose of plants in Rasa shastra is to obtain absorbable metallic molecules in the maximum possible minute form. But some plants mentioned in textbook of Rasa-shastra are not identified properly, because Rasa siddhas like Nagarjuna and Rasa Vagbhata have used some rare synonyms of plants, to conceal them from the knowledge of unknown and mischievous personalities, to avoid misuse. But at present, it is necessary to identify them properly, to use the plants for exact calcination and purification for the benefit of mankind. In the present study, nearly ten plants out of 47 unidentified plants are selected from Rasendra Mangala written by Acharya Nagarjuna in the period of 7th and 8th Century A.D. and a trial has been made to work out on such unidentified plants depending upon their synonyms, utility and combination with other drugs. To quote some, Kanchuki, Chandali, Choraka, Chandravalli and Sarpakshi.

Bacteriological quality of bottled water obtained from Mexico City small water purification plants: Incidence and identification of potentially pathogenic nontuberculous mycobacteria species

The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological quality of bottled water samples obtained from small purification plants located in Mexico City and to identify potentially pathogenic nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species found in these samples. All 111 samples analyzed were positive for aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB) and 46 (41.4%) did not comply with Mexico's Official Guidelines. Sixty-nine (62.1%) and 23 (20.7%) water samples were positive for total coliforms (TC) and fecal coliforms (FC), respectively. A total of 81 (72.9%) of the water samples exceeded the maximum allowed limit stipulated in the guideline. Thirty-three (29.7%) of the purified water samples were positive for NTM, being recovered a total of 40 isolates. These NTM isolates were identified using three molecular markers (hsp65, rrs and rpoB genes) which corresponded to the fast-growing mycobacteria M. chelonae (n = 12), M. porcinum (n = 8), M. senegalense (n = 5), M. abscessus (n = 4), M. septicum (n = 4), M. wolinskyi (n = 3), M. mucogenicum (n = 2), M. fortuitum (n = 1) and M. sp. (n = 1). In seven purified water samples, two different NTM species were isolated simultaneously. Overall, these results showed that most of the purified bottled water samples analyzed in this study had unsatisfactory microbiological quality and some harbored NTM associated with illness. Our data could hasten health authorities to intensify efforts in the routine monitoring of activities in the purified bottled water industry in order to supply safe and healthy water to the public.

Long Term Field Testing of Floating Microbial Fuel Cells in Anoxic Wastewater of a Purification Plant

In the present study, we report different prototypes of floating MFCs that have been tested in anoxic wastewater environments of an Italian wastewater treatment plant, over a period of 3 years. Several configurations of horizontal (flat) and vertical (tubular) MFCs were assembled and tested, using low-cost and light-weight materials, such as plastic lunch boxes, polystyrene or wood to keep the systems afloat and ceramics. Untreated carbon cloth/veil was used for both the anode and cathode electrodes, and felt (flat MFCs) or clay (tubular MFCs) was used as the cation-exchange separator. Flat MFCs generated up to 15 mW/m2 of power, depending on nutrient availability in the water, whereas the cylindrical MFCs generated up to 18 mW/m2. The long-term operation did not affect the electrodes of the tested MFC systems. The cathode was the limiting electrode, sensitive to light, for the flat MFCs smaller than 50x50cm. In addition, a new and simple low-energy remote monitoring system, based on LoRa technology, was used for data transmission over distances of > 500 m. This is a piece of hardware that can potentially be used remotely in the field to create a sensing/monitoring network, as it can be directly powered by the deployed MFCs. Figure 1

Sensory study and trends of the purified water market UTCGG Petatlán, GRO

Objectives: To evaluate the sensory characteristics (taste, smell, clarity and brilliance) of UT Purified Water, and identify new products with the possibility that in the future they will be commercialized in the potential consumer and business markets of Petatlán and Zihuatanejo de Azueta, Gro ., as well as its area of influence. Methodology: Quantitative Research, Descriptive type and stratified sampling. The population corresponds to 2,132 students from 7 different educational programs; 60 are professors of the teaching staff of the UTCGG, 45 administrative and service staff of the UTCGG. So the population size is (N) = 2237, it is for that reason that the author's formula Díaz, 2011 was used. Contribution: The Academic Logistics and International Businesses in coordination with the Academic Science and Technology of Foods in the Costa Grande of the state of Guerrero of the Technological University of the Costa Grande de Guerrero (UTCGG) headquarters in the city of Petatlán, is of interest to know the possibility of launching to the market the packaged product of purified water that is processed in the plant of the aforementioned educational program. This is a study of the sensory characteristics of purified water currently produced by the UTCGG purification plant, as well as market trends, a survey was applied to 185 people among students, administrative staff and teachers of the University, with The purpose of knowing if UT purified water turns out to be competitive to market it in the not distant future.

Purification Effect of Oysters Based on the Analysis of Environmental Parameters

With the development of coastal industries, marine pollution has intensified, and more and more shellfish in marine areas have been polluted to varying degrees. People's health can be compromised when eating contaminated shellfish. In the actual purification process of the shellfish purification plant project, there is no in-depth exploration of the parameters of the purification pond. Based on supplementing the basic research for the development of the oyster purification industry at different temperatures, salinities, pH, ultraviolet lamp power, irradiation time, and water flow rate, we find the best environmental conditions are a temperature of 30 °C, a pH of 8, a salinity of 32%, an ultraviolet lamp illumination power of 9w, an ultraviolet lamp irradiation time of 12h, and a water body flow rate of 0.5m/s. We supplement basic research related to bioengineering in China. We hope that our results can provide reference for further research and contribute to the sustainable development of the oyster purification industry. Create economic benefits for society.

The performance of biological and tertiary wastewater treatment procedures for rotaviruses A removal.

Enteric viruses, generally found in sewage, are recognized as the main cause of waterborne and foodborne public health outbreaks. Among leading enteric viruses, the Rotavirus A (RVA) detection in wastewater appeared to be a novel approach to monitor the emergence of these viruses in some countries where the viral gastroenteritis surveillance is almost absent such as in Tunisia. The RVA detection and quantification in an industrial sewage purification plant of Charguia I (Tunis, Tunisia) were achieved to evaluate the performance of activated sludge procedures coupled to a macrofiltration monolamp ultraviolet irradiation type C (UV-C254) disinfection reactor. This UV-C254 system was preceded by a fiberglass cartridge filter system with an average porosity of 45 μm to clarify the water and thus increase its UV transmittance. A total of 140 composite sewage samples was collected from this line of treatment and analyzed for RVA detection. The detection and the viral load quantification of RVA were performed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The virological results showed in general that RVA were detected at high frequency of 98% (137/140). In fact, the RVA detection rates at the exit of the two studied wastewater treatment were about 100% at the exit of the activated sludge procedure. It means that all wastewater sampled at this last step of treatment was positive for RVA detection. On the other hand, 92.5% of the wastewater samples taken at the exit of the monolamp UV-C254 reactor were positive for the RVA. However, the RVA quantification results expressed as viral load showed a significant reduction in the means of RVA viral loads at the exit of the biological activated sludge procedure and the tertiary UV-C254 treatment, showing in general an improved treated wastewater virological quality. Therefore, the RVA load removal rates recorded at the two successive stages of treatment, the activated sludge and the UV-C254 treatment, were around 85% and 73%, respectively, as compared to the one with 100% registered for the raw wastewater. In addition, good physical-chemical and bacteriological qualities of the treated sewage were found at the exit of the two considered wastewater treatment procedures. The present investigation represents the first Tunisian environmental report showing the good effectiveness and performance of the biological and the tertiary treatments for RVA removal. Therefore, an improved and an optimized tertiary disinfection treatment was needed since it could be a good means for getting better viral water quality and for minimizing the transmission and dissemination of human infectious viral diseases.

Dairy Wastewater Treatment Using Membrane Bioreactor

The paper presents the results of scientific researches in the field of biomembrane treatment of dairy products industry enterprises wastewater. Practical experiments confirmed the possibility of reducing the inhibition degree of the process of biological treatment of dairy products industry wastewater, which has been physically and chemically purified, by increasing the concentration of active sludge. This effect can be achieved while using membrane bioreactor technology (MBR). The experiments also showed that if dairy plants wastewater is pre-treated with coagulants and flocculants, specific speed of biocontamination oxidation decreases in 1, 2-2, 3 times at BODfull = 250 mg/l in comparison with the initial wastewater. It happens because of substrate inhibition rate of biochemical reactions. The identified dependencies show that it is advisable to exclude the stage of reagent flotation before the biological treatment of dairy products industry wastewater. It can reduce costs of using a large number of expensive reagents and simplify the technological scheme. During the experiments dairy plants wastewater was taken as a model. Later, the researchers used real wastewater and confirmed the main kinetic constants and coefficients for calculations of biological purification plants. These results are as follows: temperature constant χ, grad−1, for aerobic heterotrophic conversion – 0,079-0,091, for nitrification – 0.096; for denitrification – 0.13. Coefficients of inhibition by active sludge φ metabolic products amounted to (l/g): for organic substances oxidation by BODfull – 0,39-0,54; for nitrification – 0.19, for denitrification – 0.22; active reaction of the environment corresponding to the highest rate of oxidation of organic substances pHopt – 6.9 at pH-constant 150. The maximum specific speed of organic substances oxidation r’max is 82,5-101,1 mg/(g × h), the Michaelis constant Km – 15 mg/l. The maximum specific speed of nitrification r’max is 1.49 mg/(g × h), the Michaelis constant Km is 0.12 mg/l, the constant of inhibition a is 43. The maximum specific speed of denitrification r’max is 10.8 mg/(g × h), the Michaelis constant Km is 3.5 mg/l. The calculated values of kinetic coefficients and constants make it possible to calculate membrane bioreactors of sewage treatment plants of dairy industry to the specified degree of purification. The estimated annual economic effect for “Pestravskiy” diary plant of the Samara region equaled 4 mln. rub/year (at 2017 values).

Adsorption of Paracetamol in Hospital Wastewater Through Activated Carbon Filters

In recent years, pharmaceutical products have been causing a serious environmental problem in hospital wastewater and water purification plants. The elimination of these pollutants is difficult due to their resistance to biological degradation. Paracetamol has been detected in higher concentrations in hospital wastewater than in other buildings. Activated carbons are a good material for removing paracetamol from hospital wastewater. One of the starting materials to obtain activated carbons is kenaf, which is an easy plant to cultivate. To study the elimination of paracetamol from hospital wastewater by activated carbon, the textural and chemical characterization of activated carbon, as well as the kinetic study and the analysis of the paracetamol adsorption mechanism by the adsorbent, have been carried out. The activated carbon samples studied are micro-mesoporous, with high specific surface values. The chemical composition with presence of oxygen groups favours the adsorption process. The adsorption kinetics were adjusted to a pseudo-second order model. The adsorption mechanism followed the intraparticular diffusion model, carried out in two stages: a fast first stage on the surface of the adsorbent and a slow one inside the pore. Based on the kinetic study, the use of this type of carbon is a good application for the removal of paracetamol from hospital wastewater.

Complex technology for water and wastewater disinfection and its industrial realization in prototype unit

Usage of complex automated electrolysis unit for drinking water disinfection and wastewater oxidation and coagulation is scoped, its ecological and energy efficiency is shown. Properties of technological process of anolyte production using membrane electrolysis of brine for water disinfection in municipal pipelines and potassium ferrate production using electrochemical dissolution of iron anode in NaOH solution for usage in purification plants are listed. Construction of modules of industrial prototype for anolyte and ferrate production and applied aspects of automation of complex electrolysis unit are proved. Results of approbation of electrolytic potassium ferrate for drinking water disinfection and wastewater, rain water and environmental water oxidation and coagulation are shown.

Post-disaster recovery in the cyclone Aila affected coastline of Bangladesh: women’s role, challenges and opportunities

The present study deals with the gender aspects of water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) situation in post-cyclone Aila period in Bangladesh. Data were collected using participatory approaches like individual interview, key informant interview, focus group discussion and field level observation. Study reveals that after Aila, women had to travel 500 m–2 km per day to fetch water from safe water sources spending 30–90 min. People used pit and hanging latrines, uncovered water framed latrines as well as had open defecation. Considering the impromptu needs, government and other aid-giving agencies focused on immediate WaSH programme. The paper is an outcome of a critical assessment of those arduous efforts made to overcome the WaSH challenges after Aila, particularly women’s role in and challenges faced by them to improving the situation. Also attempt has been made to examine the opportunities and challenges of sustainability of WaSH programme pursued in the post-disaster period. For recovery of the WaSH system, a two-part strategy was followed where one was to make technology (tubewell, pond and filter, saline purification and rainwater harvesting plants) that supporting social arrangement and another was social arrangement (group formation, capacity building on construction, operation and maintenance) that supporting technology. A techno-social contingent model has been followed for addressing the post-disaster WaSH situation following a WasH approach. Women’s these roles in meeting the households’ WaSH requirements might be called WaSH-feminism. The main finding is that although there was a technical challenge to overcome the water and sanitation crises, after the disaster a set of appropriate technologies could remove it considerably, but a corresponding social arrangement was required there to operate it. Many kinds of technical and social limiting factors were there for women that could be removed partly but not totally.

Preliminary design of a phenols purification plant

AbstractBACKGROUNDPhenols are compounds found in agricultural by‐products, with high antioxidant activity and positive impact on human health. As a result, their isolation and purification is of interest for the production of cosmetics, nutritional and pharmaceutical supplements.A preliminary design for a plant with a treatment capacity of 1.1 m3 h−1 of liquid by‐products or extracts is presented herein, based on experiments carried out with three materials rich in phenolic compounds. The proposed process for the separation of phenols implements physicochemical methods such as solvent extraction, filtration through membranes, adsorption/desorption on resins and vacuum evaporation. The materials tested were olive mill wastewater (OMW), grape marc and olive leaves.RESULTSThe final products of the proposed process were rich in phenolic compounds, with the OMW final concentrate containing 378 g L−1 phenols in gallic acid equivalents, 84.8 g L−1 being hydroxytyrosol (61% of the initial amount of hydroxytyrosol was retrieved in the final concentrate in 0.05% of the initial OMW volume). The final concentrate of olive leaf extract contained 98 g L−1 phenols in gallic acid equivalents, and the final concentrate of grape marc phenols 190 g L−1 in gallic acid equivalents, containing 4.7 g L−1 catechin (25% of the initial amount of catechin was retrieved in the final concentrate in 0.04% of the initial extract volume).CONCLUSIONSThe combination of the proposed techniques proved to be effective for the separation and purification of phenols contained in agro‐industrial by‐products. As a result, a new process was designed for their separation and purification. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

The Advanced Water Sport and Leisure Centre Project at The Water Edge of Dabie Lake in Szczecin (Poland)

Szczecin is the town located in the Middle Ages in the 60 km distance from the Baltic Sea coastline. It is the unique town in Poland having in its limits over 30% of lake and river waters. The great potential of this fact has been used since ever for communication and transportation routes, for shipbuilding and port facilities. The XIX-century Szczecin was a significant industrial center, thanks to the location at Odra River and Dąbie Lake. The negative result of industrialization was the heavy water pollution. In the recent years the inner – city waters are on one hand partly subject of protection as an Odra River Natural Park, Natura 2000 restricted area, but on the other hand more and more used for leisure and water sports. European Funds contribution made possible a severe limitation of water pollution by installation of ecologically advanced sewage purification plants. It was also possible due to the elimination of the old-type industry in the town and its surroundings and increase of ecological consciousness. Better quality of the water in the Dąbie Lake and Odra River, on the edge to the city of Szczecin, attracts therefore touristic and leisure development and the growing welfare in Poland and Europe makes recreation facilities a new, attractive income source. The water-city edge project is aimed to transform the deteriorated brownfield at the Dąbie Lake Waterfront into the place for health care, leisure and sport activities on the higher level of quality and proficiency. The paper describes the project ideas and visions. This project, still in development, shows the possibilities of alternative leisure developments to sea-coastal ones at the Baltic Sea Coast. It represents the method of combining different positive features of the climate and waterfront locations with the investment opportunities, what could contribute to a success of the one common, overall idea of leisure and sport center on the city edge. It shows an example of the investments in the hotel/sport/recreation/health care branches. The conclusion of the paper aims to prove, the necessary changes in the town planning goals structure, taking more seriously into account: the preferences of active people (spending free time for leisure, recreation, nature observations, health care and water sport), economic opportunities (foreign and domestic investors) and overall climate change in the Central Europe Region.

National survey of utilization of continuous water quality monitors in water supply systems in Japan

Abstract An investigation of the utilization of water quality monitors at water purification plants throughout Japan was conducted via questionnaire from August to October 2015. The number of types of monitors installed at more than one water purification plant was 34. Chlorine, high sensitivity turbidity, pH, and turbidity monitors were (highly) recommended for installation in four water purification processes (rapid sand filtration, chlorination only, slow sand filtration and membrane treatment), except for high sensitivity turbidity of chlorination only. The number of installations of the monitors recommended and their installation points were dependent upon the processes. Highly recommended points of turbidity were raw water and sedimentation points, which were set for (critical) control points in water safety plans. That of high sensitivity turbidity was the rapid sand filtration point for confirmation of Cryptosporidium control. Chlorine monitors were applied for automatic control, regardless of the water purification processes. Some interesting monitors, such as those for musty odor compounds and trihalomethane, were newly developed and utilized. The results of this study showed that water quality monitors were important for water quality management systems based on water safety plans in Japan.

Development of ultraviolet bactericidal recirculator for air purification of livestock buildings

Purpose. Improving the efficiency of the air purification process through the use of the created design and determining the rational parameters of the luminescent ultraviolet bactericidal air recirculator for livestock buildings. Methods. Methods of analysis, mathematical modeling and engineering methods for calculating irradiation installations are used. Results. The methods of application of ultraviolet bactericidal (UVB) plants for purification and disinfection of the air environment in agricultural premises are analyzed. Impact mechanism established of UVB radiation and ozone for pathogenic microflora and harmful impurities in the air of livestock premises is substantiated. The grounded design, the method of engineering calculation and the technical parameters of the UVB air recirculator are determined. Experimental samples of UVB recirculators of air in livestock buildings were made and the results of their production tests are presented. Conclusions. UVB recycle converter with application of luminescent UVB lamps with installed capacity = 180 W and air capacity = 1800 m3/h provides bactericidal efficiency = 75%, and with = 1000 m3/h – bactericidal efficiency = 90%. Keywords: recirculator, ultraviolet, bactericidal, ozone, air purification, disinfection, microclimate of livestock buildings.