Use Of Recycled Water Research Articles

How much potable water is saved by wastewater recycling? Quasi-experimental evidence from California

Recently, California has made large investments in wastewater recycling to replace applications that use potable water. It may be expected that the use of recycled water reduces potable water use, but such an equivalency is not assured. The addition of recycled water infrastructure in a large Californian water district creates a natural experiment where this work tests how recycled water usage affects primary potable water. This is done using econometric methods for causal inference in an observational setting that mirror a randomized control trial (RCT). From 2001 to 2014, a number of public parks were given recycled water infrastructure, while others in those regions remained exclusively on potable supply. A two-way fixed effects regression is used to produce a difference-in-differences estimate of the average treatment effect of recycled water on total and potable water usage. The results indicate that potable water usage is reduced significantly when a park is connected to the recycled water supply. The estimated rate of displacement in the study period is 81.7%, meaning each unit of recycled water use avoided 0.817 units of potable water usage, which implies the connection of parks to recycled water supply increases total water use. The analysis provides, to the best of our knowledge, the first empirical estimate of the water savings claimed by urban water recycling programs, and the first empirical estimate of displacement using quasi-experimental methods. The methodology can be utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of recycling programs around the world.

Uncovering the research progress and hotspots on the public use of recycled water: a bibliometric perspective.

With the scarcity of water resources and the development of recycled water production technology, the promotion of global recycled water use is attracting more and more attention. An increasing number of publications have examined the reuse of recycled water from different perspectives to promote the sustainable use of global water resources. The purpose of this research is to systematically and comprehensively evaluate the knowledge structure, development trends, research hotspots, and frontier predictions in the global research field of recycled water use. Based on 910 screened articles from the Web of Science Core Collection from 1990 to 2020, this paper visualizes and analyzes recycled water use from the perspectives of scientific output characteristics, research collaboration networks, highly cited articles and core journals, and keywords. The results indicate that research interest in recycled water use is on the rise. Authoritative experts, high-impact institutions, and core journals are also identified. The study shows that water resources management, public health, and public acceptance are all hot topics and frontiers of research. This study provides valuable guidance for researchers to support recycled water research directions and regulatory authorities for the interest in recycled water use.

Assessing Crop Water Productivity under Different Irrigation Scenarios in the Mid–Atlantic Region

The continuous growth of irrigated agricultural has resulted in decline of groundwater levels in many regions of Maryland and the Mid–Atlantic. The main objective of this study was to use crop water productivity as an index to evaluate different irrigation strategies including rainfed, groundwater, and recycled water use. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to simulate the watershed hydrology and crop yield. It was used to estimate corn and soybean water productivity using different irrigation sources, including treated wastewater from adjacent wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The SWAT model was able to estimate crop water productivity at both subbasin and hydrologic response unit (HRU) levels. Results suggest that using treated wastewater as supplemental irrigation can provide opportunities for improving water productivity and save fresh groundwater sources. The total water productivity (irrigation and rainfall) values for corn and soybean were found to be 0.617 kg/m3 and 0.173 kg/m3, respectively, while the water productivity values for rainfall plus treated wastewater use were found to be 0.713 kg/m3 and 0.37 kg/m3 for corn and soybean, respectively. The outcomes of this study provide information regarding enhancing water management in similar physiographic regions, especially in areas where crop productivity is low due to limited freshwater availability.

The probability of cysticercus bovis detection in livestock from exposure to recycled water in non-endemic countries

The probability of cysticercus bovis (CB) infection of cattle (cysticerci from Taenia saginata) in a country where T. saginata is not endemic (i.e. Australia) was assessed using a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) approach. Two important features of the QMRA were (i) a dose-response curve to describe ingestion of eggs of the helminth T. saginata (HE) by cattle and the development of cysticerci due to the infection, and (ii) characterisation of HE concentrations. Data limitations relating to HE quantification are described, and several other key variables provided the basis for a probabilistic QMRA model.Data from over 554 sewage samples from 11 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Southern Australia indicated the background concentration of T. saginata eggs was low (<0.1 HE L-1 measured, 0.003 HE L-1 as an estimated baseline modelled on a ratio of Taenia:Ascaris determined from the literature). Such a low sewage concentration was estimated to require only a 2.2 log10 reduction value (LRV) via sewage treatment to maintain the baseline risk of CB equivalent to background levels in Australia. However, to protect against potential future detectable outbreaks of Taeniasis in the human population and all potential exposure scenarios considered, a 3.5 LRV for WWTP was considered appropriate with confirmation by appropriate sewage monitoring. In addition, analysis of several specific exposure scenarios using the QMRA indicated that LRV credits (0.5 to 2.0 LRV) could decrease the required LRV for wastewater treatment based on the size of the WWTP and on-site management strategies (e.g. restriction of recycled water use for livestock drinking water, the years of exposure for cattle to sites irrigated with recycled water, and the use of fodder off-site). Without such measures, a HE LRV of 4.0 is recommend for WWTPs to ensure adequate protection of systems with no on-site controls.

Sludge water stabilization treatment

Technologically contaminated water, formed during processing of coal slurries, finds its application in modern technological cycles of coal enrichment. Limitation of use of untreated recycled water of coal concentration plants is caused by a high degree of its mineralization by various salts, presence of insoluble solid particles and presence of flotation reagents, coagulants and flocculants. Part of technical water purified from mineral and organic contaminants can be used in heating systems and heat exchange equipment of industrial enterprises, including the coal industry. For this purpose, it is necessary to reduce the scale-forming ability of service water (to reduce the content of soluble calcium and magnesium salts in water). One of the most effective and advanced methods is the stabilization treatment of water with an electric field. In addition, this method is environmentally safe, low-cost and simple. The article gives the foundation of the method of stabilization treatment of recycled water of concentrating plants by an electric field, a description of the methodology of the laboratory experiment for scaling reduction, and the analysis of the results.

Supporter Profiling in Recycled Water Reuse: Evidence from Meta-Analysis

Recycled water is considered as a viable alternative water source, and its use is of great significance in dealing with the shortage of water resources. However, it is often rejected by the public during its promotion. To identity the common social attributes of proponents of recycled water, it is essential to study the profiled customers’ willingness to accept recycled water during the most difficult initial stage of promoting recycled water use projects. A meta-analysis was conducted in this study to deal with data concerning the influence of different social demographic factors on the public’s acceptance of recycled water use. Three steps of meta-analysis were mainly used in this paper. First, a random-effect model was used to measure the effect size of influencing factors, such as age, gender, and education. It was found that younger women were more likely to accept recycled water use than older men, and individuals with higher education were more willing to accept recycled water. Then, a cumulative meta-analysis showed that it was feasible to select young women with higher education as target profile customers in the initial stage of recycled water promotion. Finally, according to a meta-regression analysis, it was revealed that different research areas and selected model methods have important regulatory effects on the intention of the target population to use recycled water.

Acceptance of direct potable water reuse for domestic purposes: evidence from southern Spain

ABSTRACT Under current Spanish law, domestic use of recycled water is only permitted during an officially declared disaster; however, it could be an option from a regulatory perspective. However, would Spaniards be willing to use recycled water in the home if necessary? This study investigates the public acceptance of recycled water use in Spanish households and identifies the determinants of acceptance. In data from 791 questionnaires administered in southern Spain, recycled water is the least acceptable option for alternative sources of water, behind both rainwater collection and desalination. Perceived health risk and environmental awareness explain the differences in acceptance.

Rationalization of water supply management in industry within the framework of the concept of sustainable development

Rational water use is enshrined by the UN for sustainable development. The lack of specification of methods for evaluating water supply in different sectors of industry determines the relevance of the study. The purpose of the study is to develop the water supply management system in industry within the framework of sustainable development. There are the following tasks: to systematize the directions of rationalization of water use in Russia; to identify regional specifics of water resources use in Russia. The object of research is water resources used in Russian industry. The subject of the study is the relations arising in the process of water use. Research methods: comparison, correlation, regression, cluster analysis. The rationalization of water use is highlighted: ICT development, ecologization of production, raising incomes, reducing unemployment; innovation and reviewing the quality of the patents. With regard to water use in the regions, it is necessary to tighten monitoring of polluting emissions into the atmosphere and increase the level of recycled water use. The results of the study are recommended for implementation in Russian industrial enterprises.

Reuse of Waste Material “Waste Sludge Water” from a Concrete Plant in Cement Composites: A Case Study

This paper presents the results of research dealing with the use of recycled waste sludge water from a concrete plant (CP) as partial or complete replacement of mixing water in cement mixtures. The need to recycle waste sludge water generated as a by-product (waste sludge water) during the production of fresh concrete in the concrete plant results from the environmental and economic problems associated with the operation of the concrete plant. Mixing water was replaced with recycled waste sludge water in the amount of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. In order to determine the effect of partial or complete replacement of mixing water with waste sludge water from the concrete plant in the production of cement composites, laboratory tests of waste sludge water were carried out to determine whether the waste sludge water complies with the requirements for mixing water defined in CSN EN 1008. The tests also determined the properties of fresh cement mortar and hardened cement composites. These were tests of the beginning and end of cement mortar setting, and the strength characteristics (flexural strength, compressive strength). The results of these tests show that it is possible to replace the mixing water by waste sludge water from the concrete plant in the amount of up to 25% without significantly affecting the tested properties, in comparison with the formula containing pure mixing water.

Perspectives on the future of recycled water in California: results from interviews with water management professionals

Expanded use of recycled water has potential to improve the sustainability of water systems in areas with high water insecurity. Despite this, rates of recycled water use in California remain low. To identify barriers to expansion of recycled water use in California, we conducted open-ended interviews with a targeted sample of 12 stakeholders representing a range of viewpoints among individuals familiar with urban water management operations in California, including experts from government regulatory and public health agencies, wastewater suppliers, independent consultants, and engineers. Barriers identified by respondents related to regulations, infrastructure, funding, technology, health risks, and public perceptions. Respondents provided concrete suggestions for how to lower these barriers and insights into the roles that public health professionals could play in this effort. This work suggests that public health professionals can play a critical role in facilitating the expanded use of recycled water and improving water security and sustainability worldwide.

Did I Make the Right Career Choice?

Special Section: The Value and Future of Petroleum Engineering JPT asked several active young professionals about their career path thus far and what they liked about petroleum engineering. Here are some of their answers. Feeling Lucky Carter Clemens, BP I lucked into the petroleum industry; I did not know much about it before choosing it as a major at the University of Texas. It has allowed me to live and travel to distant countries I never thought I would visit—whether it is Abu Dhabi, Port of Spain, Cairo, or Aberdeen, the oil industry has an incredible reach to some interesting locations. It has also enabled me to pursue engineering while spending a lot of my time outside instead of in front of a computer screen. When I was riding around with well operators in Wyoming and Colorado, I thought of how lucky I was to not be in a cubicle. There is something special about being on a well-site surrounded by snow in Wyoming or watching a sunrise from a rig in the middle of the ocean—you can’t get that with most industries. Personal Satisfaction Bruno S. Rivas, Mexico National Hydrocarbons Commission Petroleum engineering is more than get-ting oil out of the ground; it means delivering the energy that the world needs to fight poverty, increase human wellness, and accelerate growth in a sustainable way. The oil and gas industry has given me the opportunity to interact with professionals from all over the world, to exchange different experiences, to solve problems in a responsible and efficient manner, and to inspire future generations. With no doubt, if I had to decide again what to study, my choice would be oil and gas; it is certainly not an easy path, but realizing that I’m generating a positive impact on others’ lives is a personal satisfaction. Let’s Talk Climate Change Angela Dang Atkinson, Encana Corp. I love saying, “I’m a petroleum engineer and I believe in anthropogenic climate change.” It catches people off guard and begins a nuanced conversation about energy. It is an opportunity for me to talk about the importance of incremental change and that there is no silver bullet in solving the world’s energy challenges. As Harvard economics professor Ed Glaeser states, “Once we start thinking that there’s a silver bullet…we lose the fact that we need to be working day by day, over decades, to effect change.” We, the oil industry, are among those working day by day to effect change—whether we are increasing the use of recycled fracture water or finding creative ways to reduce emissions, these are the types of incremental gains on the way to better energy solutions. This nuanced conversation should not primarily exist in 150-character tidbits online. It is up to us to have that conversation in a grassroots manner, face to face, with our community.

Florida’s recycled water footprint: a geospatial analysis of distribution (2009 and 2015)

Water shortages resulting from increased demand or reduced supply may be addressed, in part, by redirecting recycled water for irrigation, industrial reuse, groundwater recharge, and as effluent discharge returned to streams. Recycled water is an essential component of integrated water management and broader adoption of recycled water will increase water conservation in water-stressed coastal communities. This study examined spatial patterns of recycled water use in Florida in 2009 and 2015 to detect gaps in distribution, quantify temporal change, and identify potential areas for expansion. Databases of recycled water products and distribution centers for Florida in 2009 and 2015 were developed by combining the 2008 and 2012 Clean Water Needs Survey databases with Florida’s 2009 and 2015 Reuse Inventory databases, respectively. Florida increased recycled water production from 674.85 mgd in 2009 to 738.15 mgd in 2015, an increase of 63.30 mgd. The increase was primarily allocated to use in public access areas, groundwater recharge, and industrial reuse, all within the South Florida Water Management District (WMD). In particular, Miami was identified in 2009 as an area of opportunity for recycled water development, and by 2015 it had increased production and reduced the production gap. Overall, South Florida WMD had the largest increase in production of 44.38 mgd (69%), while Southwest Florida WMD decreased production of recycled water by 1.68 mgd, or 3%. Overall increase in use of recycled water may be related to higher demand due to increased population coupled with public programs and policy changes that promote recycled water use at both the municipal and individual level.

Grey Water: Agricultural Use of Reclaimed Water in California

AbstractPotential for use of recycled water is great, especially for agricultural irrigation, which comprises by far the highest percentage of water taken from developed sources in the arid and semi‐arid regions of the world. In California, 80% of developed water is used for agriculture, and the same pattern prevails throughout the western United States. The potential for recycled water use in agriculture remains under‐realized because of numerous impediments. Understanding how the incentives and impediments to agricultural reuse vary based on local context is critical to understanding the tradeoffs and technology requirements for different end uses of recycled water. Public perceptions about the safety of reclaimed water (from human waste) were a major impediment to water recycling until recent years. Several pioneers of water recycling have demonstrated—as specialists in the field of social psychology have hypothesized—that these attitudes are ephemeral and can be changed with proper outreach, demonstration, and education.Another impediment is the regulatory structure in some states. Water rights issues are another impediment specific to some western states in the United States. Cost differences for delivered water from traditional sources versus recycled water can be another challenge potentially requiring financial incentives in the interest of the greater good. One other impediment to the use of recycled water for agricultural irrigation is competition with other demands for the same water—landscape, golf course, industrial, and potable reuse. Potential for increased use of recycled water is great if impediments are removed and incentives are provided at the local, state, and/or federal levels to close the gaps (geographic and otherwise) between the utilities and the farmers.

Farmers’ Attitudes Toward Recycled Water Use in Irrigated Agriculture

This study aims to investigate whether farmers are willing to use recycled water for irrigation purposes. It attempts to analyze the attitudinal, socio-demographics and environmental factors that affect a potential user’s acceptance for wastewater reuse. A primary research designed in order to elicit farmers’ preferences and a statistical analysis applied to analyze the relationships among the variables influence their attitudes. The results were obtained from data collected through 302 questionnaires that were answered by the farmers in Nestos catchment, Greece. The research findings might usefully assist policy-makers and planners in the implementation of strategy in water management sector. Farmers’ awareness about the recycling water and their level of acceptance to use it might constitute incoming parameters, on which the decisions in agriculture water planning could be based. Moreover, the identification of factors influencing stakeholders’ acceptance provide the underpinnings for success in any recycling project.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: public perceptions, behavior analysis, water recycling, integrated water resources management, agriculture water management

Identifying untapped potential: a geospatial analysis of Florida and California's 2009 recycled water production

AbstractIncreased water demand attributed to population expansion and reduced freshwater availability caused by saltwater intrusion and drought, may lead to water shortages. These may be addressed, in part, by use of recycled water. Spatial patterns of recycled water use in Florida and California during 2009 were analyzed to detect gaps in distribution and identify potential areas for expansion. Databases of recycled water products and distribution centers for both states were developed by combining the 2008 Clean Water Needs Survey database with Florida's 2009 Reuse Inventory and California's 2009 Recycling Survey, respectively. Florida had over twice the number of distribution centers (n = 426) than California (n = 228) and produced a larger volume of recycled water (674.85 vs. 597.48 mgd (3.78 mL/d = 1 mgd), respectively). Kernel Density Estimation shows the majority of distribution in central Florida (Orlando and Tampa), California's Central Valley region (Fresno and Bakersfield), and around major cities in California. Areas for growth were identified in the panhandle and southern regions of Florida, and northern, southwestern, and coastal California. Recycled water is an essential component of integrated water management and broader adoption of recycled water will increase water conservation in water-stressed coastal communities by allocating the recycled water for purposes that once used potable freshwater.

Unlocking the Potential of the Monterey Shale Resource: An Analysis of Geological Characteristics, Completion Techniques, and Production Behaviors

Summary A critical analysis of the key geological characteristics, completion techniques, and production behaviors of the Monterey Shale wells and their comparisons with analogous major US shale plays—namely, the Bakken and the Eagle Ford—may provide insights that could eventually help the petroleum industry unlock its full potential. The present study reports on such efforts. The Monterey Shale is very young and geologically heterogeneous compared with the Eagle Ford and the Bakken. Oil viscosity in the Monterey Shale is significantly higher, and one can also notice that Monterey oil production has declined over the years. The Monterey Shale has a field-dependent completion strategy (pattern spacing and fracturing stage), while a horizontal, uncemented wellbore completion is common in the Bakken and the Eagle Ford. In the Monterey, nonhydraulically fractured zones of horizontal and hydraulically fractured wells appear to be making approximately equal contributions to the well's cumulative production. The ongoing water-disposal operations in overlying injection zones, up to a certain extent, have affected the productivity of both types (long and short production histories) of wells. The geology also appears to have an effect on the production behaviors of horizontal and hydraulically fractured wells. A preliminary economic analysis suggests that exploitation of the Monterey Shale is still a profitable venture. However, for sustainable development in a current price regime of USD 50/bbl of crude oil, it is necessary that production costs be reduced further. Also, compared with the Bakken and the Eagle Ford, the Monterey sits in regions of extremely high water stress (i.e., frequent occurrences of drought or drought-like conditions). However, oilfield-produced water associated with current steamflooding-based oil- and gas-production operations in the region as a base fluid suggests that it can potentially meet most of the water demand for future fracturing jobs. Also, combined use of a centralized water-management system; a less-costly, more energy-efficient, and high-capacity solar-powered desalination system; and a final sludge-management and/or residual-brine-disposal mechanism might assist the petroleum industry in managing flowback and produced waters while keeping water-handling costs low. A combination of new enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) methods for releasing the remaining oil from both nonfractured and fractured zones of horizontal wells and the use of oilfield-produced and recycled water for completing hydraulically fractured horizontal wells might prove to be a significant change for the future exploitation of California's Monterey Shale resource, which is subject to the toughest hydraulic-fracturing regulations in the nation and is in a region of extremely high water stress.

Investigating recycled water use as a diffuse source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to groundwater in Melbourne, Australia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to groundwater at a location where recycled water from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is used to irrigate crops. Groundwater from Werribee South, located west of Melbourne, Australia, was sampled over two campaigns in 2017 and 2018, extracted using solid phase extraction (SPE) and analysed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS-QQQ). PFASs were detected in 100% of the groundwater samples. The sum total of twenty PFAS compounds (∑20PFASs) for all sites in the study ranged from <0.03 to 74 ng/L (n = 28) and the highest levels of which were observed in the centre of the irrigation district. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was the most detected compound overall (96%) with a mean concentration of 11 ng/L (<0.03–34 ng/L), followed by perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS; 86%, 4.4 ng/L), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA; 82%, 2.2 ng/L) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA; 77%, 6.1 ng/L). Concentrations of PFASs found in this study are greater than background levels of PFASs detected in groundwater and are in the range of concentrations typically detected in wastewater effluent. This study presents evidence that the use of recycled water can be a source of PFAS contamination to groundwater.

Research on Big Data Digging of Hot Topics about Recycled Water Use on Micro-Blog Based on Particle Swarm Optimization

The public’s acceptance level of recycled water use is a key factor that affects the popularization of this technology; therefore, it is critical to know the public’s attitude in order to make guiding policies effectively and scientifically. To examine the major focuses and hot topics among the public about recycled water use, one of the major platforms for social opinion in China, the micro blog, is used as a source to obtain data related to the topic. Through the “follow-be followed” and “forward-dialogue” behaviors, a network of discussion of recycled water use among micro-blog users has been constructed. Improved particle swarm optimization has been used to allow deep digging for key words. Ultimately, key words about the topic of have been clustered into three categories, namely, the popularization status of recycled water use, the main application, and the public’s attitude. The conclusion accurately describes the concerns of Chinese citizens regarding recycled water use, and has important significance for the popularization of this technology.

Balancing marine ecosystem impact and freshwater consumption with water-use fees in California’s power markets: An evaluation of possibilities and trade-offs

This study examines the use of water-use fees in California’s bidding-based power markets to balance freshwater conservation and reduction of the marine ecosystem impact of coastal once-through-cooled power plants. An hourly power dispatch is simulated using the state’s 2014 demand and generation capacity data. Fees on ocean water withdrawals of $5–120/acre-ft are simulated in three scenarios that test the grid’s ability to simultaneously mitigate its impact on marine ecosystems, conserve freshwater, and incentivize recycled water use. Although fees modeled represent a small share of generator fuel costs, results show that they trigger declines in ocean water withdrawals of up to 11% that are almost always cost-effective if accounting for effects on system-wide fuel costs and CO2 emissions. An appropriately designed fee-structure reduces ocean water withdrawals by 9% without increasing freshwater consumption elsewhere. Wholesale electricity price increases of 5–10% are concentrated in Northern California, and marine ecosystem benefits are partly offset by increases in NOx and SO2 emissions inland. Overall, this study finds that water-use fees could be an effective strategy for reducing the marine ecosystem impacts of California’s power sector, particularly because they can also address short term fluctuations in freshwater scarcity. Keywords: Energy-water nexus, once-through cooling, scarce water, environmental pricing, energy policy, electricity dispatch, power systems.

Water conservation within planetary boundaries: residents’ perception of recycled water use

Fresh water use is one of the nine planetary boundaries that must not be transgressed if the earth must continue to exist. Climate change has necessitated the need for conservation of natural resources, including fresh water. Infrastructure provision for recycling water is one thing: accepting to use the recycled water is another. This paper assessed residents’ perception on recycled water use. It adopted a qualitative research design. Findings reveal that residents are willing to use recycled water, however, motivations of residents to use recycled water is different from the motivations suggested by the scientific community which focuses on climate change issues such as drought and conservation. The study recommends that water authorities should possess the required competencies for treating recycled water so that health risks associated with the use of recycled water can be minimized.