Passive treatment of agro-industrial wastewater to meet stringent environmental and reuse requirements Passive treatment of agro-industrial wastewater to meet stringent environmental and reuse requirements Len Dekker and Mynhardt Theron
Wastewater characteristics ParametersUnits Raw wastewater After treatment Volume m 3 /day pH 4.5 – – 9.5 CODmg/L Suspended solids mg/L < ConductivitymS/m 120 – Nitrogenmg/L 20 – Phosphorusmg/L < 15 8
Conceptual design Rotary screen Raw tomato wastewater ANAEROBIC POND FACULTATIVE POND Venturi aerators ALGAL STABILISATION PONDS CONSTRUCTED WETLAND Sludge & alkalinity recycle Recycle for pH control 40% river discharge Chlorine dioxide 60% reuse by factory Settling tanks Sand filtration
Settling tanks Rotary screen
Anaerobic Pond
Facultative Pond
pump venturi
Algal Stabilisation Ponds
Algal biomass on surface
Constructed wetland divided into 4 cells
Operating details and cost per annum Electricity:60 kWh Labour:1 semi-skilled operator Chemicals:R20,000 per annum (Lime dosing during start-up) Sludge removal:no secondary sludge Maintenance:R50,000 per annum Operational complexity:conventional pumps utilised no complex PLC-controls Capital cost:R8 million (20% less than conventional system)
Benefits SLUDGE-FREE SYSTEM low maintenance + easy operation = SUSTAINABILITY Treatment components based on proven technology Effective water reuse not dependant on high-tech
Project Team Consultants:Dr. Len Dekker Mynhardt Theron Engineers:SKCM consulting engineers