Removal of micropollutants from municipal wastewater

Desired outcome

The "fourth stage" treatment of municipal wastewater is an urgent technical task globally. In some affluent countries, such as Switzerland, its incorporation into wastewater treatment systems is becoming a common practice. Hidrofilt Ltd sees this task as a promising future technology because both industry and agriculture would demand recycled and reusable water resources.

Initial Problem Description

The tertiary treatment stage primarily focuses on the removal of micropollutants. Micropollutants are considered to be toxic inorganic substances, pharmaceutical and pesticide residues occurring in quantities of µg/l. These substances, when released into the environment, hinder the conditions for life processes, accumulate, and become toxic. Due to their slow degradation, they can re-enter drinking water sources.

Context

Due to the depletion of global freshwater resources, beyond environmental concerns, there is a market demand for the reuse of greywater. Organizations involved in water treatment are striving to find competitive and economically viable solutions. Hidrofilt Ltd is also examining the effectiveness of employing the best available techniques and technologies and exploring the possibility of developing new alternative solutions.

Connection to cross-cutting areas

The further treatment of municipal treated wastewater is one of the key elements of the circular economy. Biologically treated water is returned to the environment and soon becomes part of the drinking water supply. However, if it undergoes additional treatment, it could be utilized as process water for industries, thereby helping to protect drinking water reserves.

Input

There have already been numerous publications on wastewater reuse, discussing various technologies for treating municipal treated wastewater, such as ultrafiltration, membrane bioreactors, etc. Based on this knowledge, we aim to develop a new technology. This technological implementation is very important for environmental protection.

Expectations

The foundational technologies included in the experimental work program are:

Adsorption,
Advanced oxidation processes (Fenton, UV/O3, H2O2/O3, UV photolysis, application of ferrate),
Ion exchange,
Cavitation,
Membrane separation (ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, reversible electrodialysis),
Combinations of the listed methods.

Desired Team Profile

For research work, a university degree is recommended, such as a chemical engineer, chemist, or bioengineer, with a bachelor's, master's, PhD degree, or currently enrolled in a doctoral program. We expect precision and perseverance from the applicant. Upon request, Hidrofilt Ltd can provide professional assistance.

Additional Information

R&D tasks:
Prepare an experimental work program and provide an analytical measurement background.
Set up experimental tools and equipment, procure critical components and materials.
Conduct experimental work.
Organize and evaluate results.
Risk analysis, economic calculations: payback period, maintenance costs.
If a novel solution is developed, prepare intellectual property protection documentation.

Related Keywords

• Industrial Technologies
• Chemical Technology and Engineering
• Wastewater Recycling