Traditional vs advanced wastewater treatment methods
Wastewater treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater before discharging it into the environment. There are two main categories of wastewater treatment methods: traditional and advanced. In this blog post, we'll compare these two methods and look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Traditional wastewater treatment methods
Traditional wastewater treatment methods include physical, chemical, and biological treatments. These methods have been used for centuries and are still in use today.
Physical treatments
Physical treatments involve the removal of solid and suspended particles from wastewater through physical processes such as screening, sedimentation, and filtration. These methods can remove up to 90% of the solids from wastewater.
Chemical treatments
Chemical treatments involve the use of chemicals to remove contaminants from wastewater. This can include the use of coagulants and flocculants to remove suspended solids and metals, and the use of disinfectants to kill bacteria and viruses.
Biological treatments
Biological treatments involve the use of microorganisms to break down organic matter in wastewater into carbon dioxide, water, and other substances. This can be done through the use of activated sludge, fixed-film systems, and other methods.
Advanced wastewater treatment methods
Advanced wastewater treatment methods go beyond traditional methods and are designed to remove specific contaminants from wastewater. These methods include membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation processes.
Membrane filtration
Membrane filtration involves the use of permeable membranes to remove contaminants from wastewater. This can include the use of microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis.
Reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis involves the use of a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants from wastewater. This method can remove up to 99% of dissolved solids and other contaminants.
Advanced oxidation processes
Advanced oxidation processes involve the use of chemical reactions to break down contaminants in wastewater. This can include the use of ultraviolet radiation, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide.
Comparison of traditional vs advanced wastewater treatment methods
Both traditional and advanced wastewater treatment methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Traditional methods are generally less expensive than advanced methods and can be effective in removing many contaminants from wastewater. However, advanced methods are more specialized and can remove specific contaminants that traditional methods may not be able to remove.
According to a study published in the Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, advanced methods such as reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation processes are more effective in removing contaminants from wastewater than traditional methods. However, they are also more expensive and require more energy to operate.
In summary, the choice of wastewater treatment method depends on the specific contaminants that need to be removed, as well as factors such as cost and energy requirements.
References
- APHA, AWWA, WEF. Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater. 20th ed. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation; 1998.
- Chowdhury, R., et al. “Comparative Review of Conventional and Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technologies.” Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, vol. 53, 2017, pp. 1–13., doi:10.1016/j.jiec.2017.04.010.
- United Nations. "Water Supply and Sanitation in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." United Nations, 2016.