Performance Evaluation of UF-GAC-RO Hybrid Pilot Plant

摘要

A hybrid pilot plant study was performed to demonstrate the effective removal of contaminants, particularly endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)from tertiary-treated wastewater effluent intended for indirect potable reuse (IPR). The application of membrane technology is investigated here with the aim of evaluating its potential for increased endocrine disruptor removal. Literature review clearly makes it apparent that ultrafiltration (UF) membrane effectively removes contaminants (such as non-degradable organic matter, fine suspended solids etc) and EDCs, while granular activated carbon (GAC) followed by reverse osmosis (RO) satisfactorily provides the necessary multiple treatment barriers for several other contaminants (nitrates) that persist in ultrafiltralion effluent. A study conducted for more than two years has revealed that the hybrid reactor configuration with UF-GAC-RO achieved removal of EDCs and other contaminants significantly, making the treated wastewater fit for blending with potable raw water sources. Though UF removes more than 75% of the contaminants and the quality of treated wastewater is satisfactory for IPR, multiple treatment barriers present in GAC and RO provide a much desired polishing effect to the effluent of UF and thus a psychological satisfaction.