Innovations in Energy Efficient Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems:


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This paper will provide a brief overview of differences between conventional centralized wastewater treatment systems and the more recent decentralized systems. Brief comparisons will be made regarding differences in scalability, economics, energy efficiency, and environmental impacts. Details and examples will be provided regarding the recent invention of a novel decentralized wastewater treatment system, ReCiprocating Water Technologies, which has great flexibility in controlling redox reactions which are critically important for removing nitrogen, metals, toxic organics, and recalcitrant compounds such as pesticides and explosives. This system can also be operated with UV lights to facilitate 99.9% removal of pathogens. The technology is now being used nationally and internationally to treat industrial, agricultural, and domestic wastewater. ReCip systems are scalable, robust and cost effective and are being used to treat wastewater from single households, industrial sites, confined livestock operations, fish farming operations, and at airports to remove deicing compounds. Recently a system was installed on a Carribean islands to treat wastewater from condominiums and a tourist resort. Treated wastewater is odor free with low nutrient concentrations and significant reductions in pathogens. These novel systems can be planted with ornamental plants (both terrestrial and wetland plants) to portray a tropical garden. They are ideal for new residential developments and industrial sites that may be distant from conventional wastewater treatment plants. A slide presentation will provide a pictorial summary of various ReCip applications.

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2009 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: May 3, 2009
Pages: 253 - 256
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Water Technologies
ISBN: 978-1-4398-1787-2