Municipal wastewater reuse for the irrigation of vegetable crops : RichWater project in Malaga, Spain
Bogodist, Veronika (2018)
Diplomityö
2018
School of Energy Systems, Ympäristötekniikka
Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2018090734755
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2018090734755
Tiivistelmä
The problem of water scarcity has a global recognition, due to its severe impacts on the environment, human activities and health. In Europe, the lack of available water resources has led to the need for modernization of water management strategies. One of the most promising solutions is the reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture. It could mitigate water shortage, support agriculture sector and protect groundwater resources.
This work is focused on the evaluation of reclaimed wastewater, which was treated in a pilot membrane bioreactor (MBR) plant. The main aims are to determine the composition of the treated wastewater and to evaluate its suitability for irrigation by identifying potential risks on crops, local environment and human health.
In general, the pilot MBR showed good treatment efficiency of municipal wastewater. The goal to maintain the nutrient content of reclaimed water (RW) had resulted to a higher level of their presence in the effluent that is recommended by the international guidelines. The only concern was caused by the high concentrations of chloride and copper in the RW. Therefore, these chemicals must be controlled more carefully. According to the statistical assessment, the performance of the MBR plant may depend on changes in ambient temperature and in precipitation rates. There is also a need to develop new legislation at the European level with a specific emphasis on the wastewater reuse in agriculture.
This work is focused on the evaluation of reclaimed wastewater, which was treated in a pilot membrane bioreactor (MBR) plant. The main aims are to determine the composition of the treated wastewater and to evaluate its suitability for irrigation by identifying potential risks on crops, local environment and human health.
In general, the pilot MBR showed good treatment efficiency of municipal wastewater. The goal to maintain the nutrient content of reclaimed water (RW) had resulted to a higher level of their presence in the effluent that is recommended by the international guidelines. The only concern was caused by the high concentrations of chloride and copper in the RW. Therefore, these chemicals must be controlled more carefully. According to the statistical assessment, the performance of the MBR plant may depend on changes in ambient temperature and in precipitation rates. There is also a need to develop new legislation at the European level with a specific emphasis on the wastewater reuse in agriculture.