Emerging Trends In Sludge And Effluent Management

A worldwide trend toward acceptance of the concept of reuse is currently observable, as water shortages have intensified. This has led to an raise in the use of double water systems and satellite reclamation systems. At the same time, however, especially from new trace contaminants, potential microbial and chemical water contamination has become a growing source of concern, and consequently direct potable reuse of reclaimed water is likely to remain impracticable.

In response to these rising concerns, latest technologies offering significantly higher removal rates are being designed and implemented. These technologies involves pressure-driven membranes, carbon adsorption, advanced oxidation, ion exchange and air stripping systems. Membrane technologies, which were formerly restricted to water desalination applications, are presently being tested for the production of high-quality water for indirect potable reuse, and are expected to become the predominant treatment technologies in the near future.

In the field of sludge reclamation and reuse technologies, raise attention is being devoted to the production of sludge which is clean, has less volume and could be safely reused. Developments in this field have been slower than in the field of wastewater treatment, other than a number of latest technologies have emerged, involving high-solids centrifuges, egg-shaped digesters and powerful heat dryers. Other developments involve temperature-phased anaerobic digestion and auto-thermal aerobic digestion processes, which destroy volatile solids more effectively and yield enhanced production of biosolids.

Sludge landfilling and incineration continue to decrease because of increased public and stricter regulations awareness. The current trend is within the direction of more reuse opportunities. Volume reduction along with a view to decreased disposal requirements is also an emerging area.