DOCSLIB.ORG

Selection of Sustainability Indicators for Wastewater Treatment

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Selection of Sustainability Indicators for Wastewater Treatment Selection of Sustainability Indicators for Wastewater Treatment Technologies Anupama Regmi Chalise A Thesis in The Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Science (Civil Engineering) at Concordia University Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2014 © Anupama Chalise, 2014 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY School of Graduate Studies This is to certify that the thesis prepared By: Anupama Regmi Chalise Entitled: Selection of Sustainability Indicators for Wastewater Treatment Technologies And submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science (Civil and Environment Engineering) Complies with the regulations of the University and meets the accepted standards with respect to originality and quality. Signed by the final examining committee: ________________________________________Chair/ BCEE Examiner Dr. R. Zmeureanu ________________________________________BCEE, Supervisor Dr. C. Mulligan ________________________________________ CES, External-to-Program Dr. G. Gopakumar ________________________________________ BCEE Examiner Dr. Z. Chen Approved By_____________________________________________________________ Chair of the BCEE Department ____________2012________________________________________________________ Dean of Engineering ABSTRACT Selection of Sustainability Indicators for Wastewater Treatment Technologies Anupama Regmi Chalise, 2014 Wastewater treatment systems must be measured and assessed in terms of its sustainability performance and to enable continuous improvement over the long term. This work involves the selection of indicators and methodologies used for incorporating sustainability consideration into the design of wastewater treatment module. The GoldSET is a decision support tool for development and implementation of sustainability in engineering projects. Following the findings of the indicators for a new wastewater treatment module, this thesis aims to contribute to these activities for the development of sustainable indicators as the tool for assessment improvements. These indicators are developed especially for the industrial wastewater treatment module but may be also suitable for municipal wastewater treatment. It proposes a general framework with a relatively simple, yet comprehensive set of indicators for identification of more sustainable practises for WWTP. The framework consists of a number of qualitative and quantitative indicators comprising the four dimensions of sustainability: environment, society, economy and technology. It then describes the weighing scheme which provides a mechanism to assess the performance of each option with respect to indicator. The largest and most balanced square with respect to the four apexes of environment, social, economic and technical performances gives the most sustainable option. Thus, it serves as a tool which can assist companies in accessing their performance regarding their goals and objectives in the field of sustainable development. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor Dr. Catherine Mulligan for the continuous support of my MASc study and research, for her patience, motivation, enthusiasm, and immense knowledge. Her guidance helped me in all the time of research and writing of this thesis. I could not have imagined having a better advisor and mentor for my MASc study. My sincere thanks also go to Dr. Mahmood Alimahmoodi for his guidance and support throughout the project. Furthermore I would like to thank Robert Noel-de-Tilly, Vaughn Grey, Stephanie Dumais, and the staff members of Golder Associates, Montreal for helping in GoldSET software and enlightening me for the first glance of research. I would like to thank my loved ones, who have supported me throughout entire process. I will be grateful forever for your love. iv Table of Contents List of Figures ................................................................................................................. viii List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... x Chapter 1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Problem statement ................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Objectives ............................................................................................................. 5 1.2.1 Main objectives ............................................................................................. 5 1.2.2 Detailed objectives ........................................................................................ 5 1.3 Thesis Organization .............................................................................................. 6 Chapter 2 Literature Review ........................................................................................ 7 2.1 Wastewater and Industry ...................................................................................... 8 2.2 Wastewater treatment systems ............................................................................ 9 2.3 Difficulties and challenges in wastewater treatment system .............................. 11 2.4 Sustainable Development ................................................................................... 13 2.5 Sustainable development in wastewater ............................................................. 21 v 2.6 Sustainable development indicators ................................................................... 23 2.7 Sustainable development indicators in wastewater ............................................ 25 Chapter 3 Methodology .............................................................................................. 27 3.1 Five steps of development of indicators for GoldSET ....................................... 28 3.1.1 Site description ............................................................................................ 28 3.1.2 Generating Options ..................................................................................... 28 3.1.3 Selecting indicators ..................................................................................... 29 3.1.4 Scoring of indicators ................................................................................... 29 3.1.5 Interpreting Data ......................................................................................... 30 3.2 Selection of indicators ........................................................................................ 31 3.2.1 Environmental dimension ........................................................................... 35 3.2.1.1 Input to the treatment system ............................................................... 37 3.2.1.2 Impact of the treatment system ............................................................ 44 3.2.1.3 Output from the treatment system ....................................................... 51 3.2.2 Social Dimension ........................................................................................ 63 vi 3.2.3 Economic Dimension .................................................................................. 73 3.2.4 Technical Dimension .................................................................................. 80 Chapter 4 Results ....................................................................................................... 90 Results and output module ............................................................................................ 92 Chapter 5 Case Study .................................................................................................. 94 Step 1- Project Description: Conceptualization of the site conditions ...................... 95 Step 2-Option Development ...................................................................................... 95 Step 3a-Indicator Selection ........................................................................................ 98 Step 3b-Indicator Weighting ...................................................................................... 99 Step 4a-Quantitative Evaluation .............................................................................. 101 Step 4b-Qualitative Evaluation ................................................................................ 107 Step 5- Interpretation and decision making ............................................................. 114 Chapter 6 Conclusions and Recommendations ..................................................... 116 Recommendations ....................................................................................................... 118 Thesis Contribution ..................................................................................................... 119 vii List of Figures Figure 2.1 Wastewater treatment systems and discharge pathways .............................. 10 Figure 2.2 View of community as three separated unrelated parts: society, economy and environment................................................................................................. 17 Figure 2.3 Commonly used three ring sectors of sustainability .................................... 19 Figure 2.4 A view of community as three concentric circle-economy dependent on society and both economy and society is dependent of environment ....................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Combined Vermifiltration-Hydroponic System
    applied sciences Article A Combined Vermifiltration-Hydroponic System for Swine Wastewater Treatment Kirill Ispolnov 1,*, Luis M. I. Aires 1,Nídia D. Lourenço 2 and Judite S. Vieira 1 1 Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), School of Technology and Management (ESTG), Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; [email protected] (L.M.I.A.); [email protected] (J.S.V.) 2 Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit (UCIBIO)-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT), NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Intensive swine farming causes strong local environmental impacts by generating ef- fluents rich in solids, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and pathogenic bacteria. Insufficient treatment of hog farm effluents has been reported for common technologies, and vermifiltration is considered a promising treatment alternative that, however, requires additional processes to remove nitrate and phosphorus. This work aimed to study the use of vermifiltration with a downstream hydroponic culture to treat hog farm effluents. A treatment system comprising a vermifilter and a downstream deep-water culture hydroponic unit was built. The treated effluent was reused to dilute raw wastewater. Electrical conductivity, pH, and changes in BOD5, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphorus, and coliform bacteria were assessed. Plants were monitored throughout the experiment. Electrical conductivity increased due to vermifiltration; pH stayed within a neutral to mild alkaline range. Vermifiltration removed 83% of BOD5, 99% of ammonia and nitrite, and increased nitrate by Citation: Ispolnov, K.; Aires, L.M.I.; 11%.
    [Show full text]
  • Reuse: a Safe and Effective Way to Save Water
    SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Water Reuse: A safe and effective way to save water ON THE INSIDE The demand for water is projected to increase over the long term in n Reclaimed water and reuse explained South Florida. Urban populations, agricultural operations and the environment depend on adequate water supplies. Fresh ground n Reuse success stories water and surface water will not be sufficient to satisfy all future n Reuse on a regional level demands. Meeting this growing thirst hinges on efforts to develop How water is reclaimed n alternative water sources. This brochure looks at one of the ways to n Purple pipes signify conserve Florida’s water resources — reclaiming water for reuse. reclaimed water Consider what happens to the water used inside the home. Once down the drain, this water is piped to the local wastewater treatment plant where it undergoes treatment to meet state standards for disposal. Historically, most of the water was disposed by injecting it deep underground or by discharging to surrounding waters or to the ocean. This is a wasteful way to treat such a valuable resource. More and more communities are finding that wastewater need not be wasted. They are reclaiming this water for irrigation of residential lots, golf courses, sports fields and orange groves; industrial cooling; car washing; fire protection; and Reclaimed water sign in Collier County groundwater recharge. Reuse is also beneficial to the environment. Success Stories During times of drought, reclaimed water •Pompano Beach – The city takes is a dependable source of water because wastewater being piped to the ocean, its availability is not dependent on rainfall.
    [Show full text]
  • Wastewater Treatment: Overview and Background
    Wastewater Treatment: Overview and Background Claudia Copeland Specialist in Resources and Environmental Policy October 30, 2014 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov 98-323 Wastewater Treatment: Overview and Background Summary The Clean Water Act prescribes performance levels to be attained by municipal sewage treatment plants in order to prevent the discharge of harmful wastes into surface waters. The act also provides financial assistance so that communities can construct treatment facilities to comply with the law. The availability of funding for this purpose continues to be a major concern of states and local governments. This report provides background on municipal wastewater treatment issues, federal treatment requirements and funding, and recent legislative activity. Meeting the nation’s wastewater infrastructure needs efficiently and effectively is likely to remain an issue of considerable interest to policymakers. Congressional Research Service Wastewater Treatment: Overview and Background Contents Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1 Federal Aid for Wastewater Treatment ............................................................................................ 1 How the SRF Works .................................................................................................................. 2 Other Federal Assistance ..........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Particulates in Your Home $9.99
    A Brief Bit of Info on Particulates in Your Home $9.99 A Brief BitB i t ofo f IInformation n f o rmationr m a t i o n o nonn Particulates in Your Home This guide provides information and guidance for homeowners on a few indoor particulates to be aware of, and how they may affect some aspects of your Indoor Air Quality. This document contains information from the EPA, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and American Lung Association including but not limited to document #402-F-04-021, #402/F-08/008, and added content. Visit www.epa.gov/iaq for more information. =================================================================== PARTICULATE SAMPLING by HomePro Inspections 904-268-8211 www.GoHomePro.com.com Other Environmental Sampling Services: Lead Paint, Water, Asbestos, and Radon Testing. Moisture Intrusion Consultations and Chinese Drywall Assessments also available! 904-268-8211 HomePro Inspections www.GoHomePro.com A Brief Bit of Info on Particulates in Your Home In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can sometimes be more polluted than the outdoor air. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors rather than outdoors. In addition, people who may be exposed to indoor air Americans pollutants for the longest spend up to 90% periods of time are often those of their time most susceptible to the effects indoors! of indoor air quality. Such groups include the young, the elderly, and the chronically ill, especially those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease.
    [Show full text]
  • Community Wastewater Treatment by Using Vermifiltration Technique
    International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology. ISSN 0974-3154 Volume 10, Number 1 (2017) © International Research Publication House http://www.irphouse.com Community Wastewater Treatment By Using Vermifiltration Technique Author 1 Nandini Misal Assistant Professor,Department of Civil Engineering,D.Y .Patil College of Engineering and Technology, KasabaBawada,Kolhapur Author 2 Mr.NitishA.Mohite Assistant Professor,Department of Civil Engineering,D.Y .Patil College of Engineering and Technology, KasabaBawada,Kolhapur Abstract cowdung,clay and loaded with vermis-Eisenia fetida Now-a-days many developing countries cannot afford the earthworms. wastewater treatment processes as they are costly,need more The wastewater is allowed to pass through the filter,the space to construct the treatment plant and in addition use of earthworms consume and metabolise oils,fats and other chemicals for the treatment.They need some more options at compounds.The water percolating through is collected in low cost,space saving and ecofriendly another container.Earlier report of Sinha et.al(2008) have techniques.Vermifiltration is one of the simple,low proved that the body of earthworms works as a “biofilter”and cost,ecofriendly,chemical free technique used to treat the the body walls absorbs the solids from wastewater.It has been canteen wastewater using the Eisenia fetida earthworm observed that the earthworms are potentially capable of species.The earthworms are potentially capable of digesting digesting the waste organic material and remove the 5days the waste organic material and reduce it through ingestion.It is BOD5 near about 90%,COD by 85-90%, TS by 90-95%,TDS considered to be an innovative ecofriendly technology that by 95%,TSS by 95-98%.
    [Show full text]
  • Glossary of Wastewater Terms
    Glossary of Wastewater Terms Activated Sludge Sludge that has undergone flocculation forming a bacterial culture typically carried out in tanks. Can be extended with aeration. Advanced Primary Treatment The use of special additives to raw wastewater to cause flocculation or clumping to help settling before the primary treatment such as screening. Advanced Wastewater Treatment Any advanced process used above and beyond the defacto typical minimum primary and secondary wastewater treatment. Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Oxygen dependent wastewater treatment requiring the presence of oxygen for aerobic bacterial breakdown of waste. Alkalinity A measure of a substances ability to neutralize acid. Water containing carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and occasionally borates, silicates, and phosphates can be alkaline. Alkaline substances have a pH value over 7 Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment Wastewater treatment in the absence of oxygen, anaerobic bacteria breakdown waste. Bacteria Single cell microscopic living organisms lacking chlorophyll, which digest many organic and inorganic substances. An essential part of the ecosystem including within human beings. Bioengineering The use of living plants as part of the system, be it wastewater treatment, erosion control, water polishing, habitat repair and on. Biosolids Rich organic material leftover from aerobic wastewater treatment, essentially dewatered sludge that can be re-used. BOD - Biochemical Oxygen Demand Since oxygen is required in the breakdown or decomposition process of wastewater, its "demand" or BOD, is a measure of the concentration of organics in the wastewater. Clarifier A piece of wastewater treatment equipment used to "clarify" the wastewater, usually some sort of holding tank that allows settling. Used when solids have a specific gravity greater than 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Industrial User Inspection and Sampling Manual for Potws EPA-831-B-17-001 OECA-MANL-2017-002-R1 Industrial User Inspection and Sampling Manual Contents
    33333333333 Industrial User Inspection and Sampling Manual Disclaimer This manual is an inspection support tool provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use by field personnel conducting inspections under the Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pretreatment Program. The statements in this document are intended solely as guidance. The statutory provisions and EPA regulations described in this document contain legally binding requirements. This Inspection Manual is not a regulation and, therefore, does not add, eliminate or change any existing regulatory requirements. While EPA has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the discussion in this guidance, the obligations of the regulated community are determined by statutes, regulations, or other legally binding requirements. In the event of a conflict between the discussion in this document and any statute or regulation, this document would not be controlling. This document is not intended, nor can it be relied on, to create any rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in litigation with the United States. This guidance may be revised without public notice to reflect changes in EPA policy. Deviations from this guidance on the part of any duly authorized official, inspector, or agent to follow its contents shall not be a defense in any enforcement action; nor shall deviation from this guidance constitute grounds for rendering the evidence obtained thereby inadmissible in a court of law. The mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for their use. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EPA Industrial User Inspection and Sampling Manual for POTWs EPA-831-B-17-001 OECA-MANL-2017-002-R1 Industrial User Inspection and Sampling Manual Contents Contents ACRONYMS ...........................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • UW Radiation Safety Manual and Administrative Procedures for the Radiation Safety Program, As Needed
    UW Radiation Safety Manual rev September 2003 Radiation Safety Office Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) University of Washington Box 354400 Seattle WA 98195-4400 Phone: (206) 543-0463 FAX: (206) 543-3351 Radiation Safety Manual also on EH&S home page: www.ehs.washington.edu Page i Radiation Safety Manual rev January 2002 Contents Glossary........................................................................................................................ v Section 1 Emergencies Involving Radiation A. Emergency Phone Numbers ...................................................................................... 1-2 B. Personal Injury ........................................................................................................... 1-3 C. Fire............................................................................................................................. 1-3 D. Inhalation or Ingestion of Radioactive Materials ........................................................ 1-3 E. Exposure to X-ray Machines, Accelerators or Large Gamma Sources...................... 1-4 F. External Contamination to Individuals – Little or No Injury......................................... 1-4 G. Contamination or Spill of Radioactive Material .......................................................... 1-6 Section 2 Licensing and Regulatory Controls A. Regulations ................................................................................................................ 2-1 B. Radioactive Materials................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Exquisite Clutter: Material Culture and the Scottish Reinvention of the Adventure Narrative
    University of Rhode Island DigitalCommons@URI Open Access Dissertations 2016 Exquisite Clutter: Material Culture and the Scottish Reinvention of the Adventure Narrative Rebekah C. Greene University of Rhode Island, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss Recommended Citation Greene, Rebekah C., "Exquisite Clutter: Material Culture and the Scottish Reinvention of the Adventure Narrative" (2016). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 438. https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/438 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@URI. It has been accepted for inclusion in Open Access Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@URI. For more information, please contact [email protected]. EXQUISITE CLUTTER: MATERIAL CULTURE AND THE SCOTTISH REINVENTION OF THE ADVENTURE NARRATIVE BY REBEKAH C. GREENE A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ENGLISH UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 2016 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DISSERTATION OF REBEKAH C. GREENE APPROVED: Dissertation Committee: Major Professor Carolyn Betensky Ryan Trimm William Krieger Nasser H. Zawia DEAN OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 2016 ABSTRACT EXQUISITE CLUTTER: MATERIAL CULTURE AND THE SCOTTISH REINVENTION OF THE ADVENTURE NARRATIVE BY REBEKAH C. GREENE Exquisite Clutter examines the depiction of material culture in adventures written by Scottish authors Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, and John Buchan. Throughout, these three authors use depictions of material culture in the adventure novel to begin formulating a critique about the danger of becoming overly comfortable in a culture where commodities are widely available. In these works, objects are a way to examine the complexities of character and to more closely scrutinize a host of personal anxieties about contact with others, changing societal roles, and one’s own place in the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Technical Support Document for Industrial Wastewater Treatment: Final Rule for Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases
    TECHNICAL SUPPORT DOCUMENT FOR INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT: FINAL RULE FOR MANDATORY REPORTING OF GREENHOUSE GASES Climate Change Division Office of Atmospheric Programs U.S. Environmental Protection Agency June 2010 CONTENTS Page 1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ..................................................................................1-1 2. INDUSTRY DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................2-1 2.1 Industrial Wastewater Treatment.........................................................................2-1 2.2 Reporting Rule Applicability...............................................................................2-3 2.2.1 Processes Included in the Reporting Rule ...............................................2-3 2.2.2 Industries Included in the Reporting Rule ...............................................2-4 3. EMISSION ESTIMATES .......................................................................................................3-1 3.1 Pulp and Paper Mills............................................................................................3-1 3.2 Food Processing Facilities ...................................................................................3-2 3.3 Ethanol Production Facilities...............................................................................3-5 3.4 Petroleum Refineries............................................................................................3-6 3.5 Summary..............................................................................................................3-7
    [Show full text]
  • Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: High-Efficiency Toilets
    United States Office of Water EPA 832-F-00-047 Environmental Protection Washington, D.C. September 2000 Agency Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet High-Efficiency Toilets INTRODUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL, PUBLIC, AND CONSUMER BENEFITS In 1992, Congress passed legislation requiring that all toilets sold in the United States meet a new Studies indicate that converting to water efficient water conservation standard of 1.6 gallons per flush toilets, showers and clothes washers, results in a (gpf). By 1992, in response to the growing need for household water savings of about 30% compared to conservation of drinking water supply resources, a conventional fixtures. A change to high-efficiency number of metropolitan regions and 17 states had toilets alone, reduces toilet water use by over 50% already instituted water conservation programs and indoor water use by an average of 16%. This which included high-efficiency toilet requirements. translates into a savings of 15,000 to 20,000 gallons per year for a family of four. Furthermore, more A national water use standard for a high-efficiency efficient plumbing products result in lower toilet was necessary to address the problems with wastewater flow and increase the available capacity different states and communities having established of sewage treatment plants and onsite wastewater different toilet water use standards. A national disposal systems. standard eliminated the need for plumbing fixture firms to manufacture, stock, and deliver different The general public also benefits directly from water products, and the difficulty for states in preventing conservation measures. Practiced on a wide basis, the importation of high-water-use fixtures. efficient use of water resources helps reduce the potential need during drought periods for water High efficiency designs have significantly improved restrictions such as bans on lawn watering and since they were first introduced.
    [Show full text]
  • Site Remediation Technology Infobase: a Guide to Federal Programs, Information Resources, and Publications on Contaminated Site Cleanup Technologies First Edition
    EPA/542/B-98/006 August 1998 Site Remediation Technology InfoBase: A Guide to Federal Programs, Information Resources, and Publications on Contaminated Site Cleanup Technologies First Edition Prepared by the Member Agencies of the Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Department of Defense U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Navy Department of Energy Department of Interior National Aeronautics and Space Administration Tennessee Valley Authority Coast Guard NOTICE This document has been funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under Contract 68-W6-0014. It has been subject to administrative review by all agencies participating in the Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable, and has been approved for publication. Any mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. TABLE OF CONTENTS FEDERAL CLEANUP PROGRAMS ................................................... 1 U.S. Department of Defense Cleanup Programs ........................................2 DoD Environmental Quality Mission and Challenges ................................2 DoD Environmental Quality RDT&E Process ......................................3 Defense Environmental Restoration Program.......................................4 U.S. Army Defense Environmental Restoration Program..............................5 U.S. Air Force Major Commands ................................................5 U.S. Navy Facilities Engineering Command........................................5
    [Show full text]