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Updated: Dec 19, 2025
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Comparison of Scale in a Photosynthetic Reactor System for Algal Remediation of Wastewater
Published on: March 6, 2017
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Systematic comparison framework for selecting the best retrofitting alternative for an existing water resource
Vinicius Cunha Machado1, Javier Lafuente1, Juan Antonio Baeza1
1GENOCOV, Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
Summary
A new framework systematically compares retrofitting options for water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) to enhance biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). The double A²/O configuration proved most economical and reliable for the Manresa WRRF upgrade.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Resource Recovery
Background:
- Existing water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) require upgrades to meet stringent effluent standards.
- Implementing enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) is crucial for nutrient management.
- Retrofitting strategies must balance performance, cost, and operational robustness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a systematic comparison framework for selecting optimal WRRF retrofitting alternatives.
- To evaluate four distinct plant configurations for retrofitting an anoxic/oxic (A/O) WRRF to include EBPR.
- To identify the most economical and reliable EBPR retrofitting solution for the Manresa WRRF.
Main Methods:
- A calibrated IWA ASM2d model was employed for system analysis.
- A multicriteria comparison framework assessed performance variables including operational and capital expenditures (OPEX and CAPEX).
- Robustness tests evaluated plant configurations' resilience to external disturbances like peak nutrient loads.
Main Results:
- Four configurations were evaluated: single A²/O, double A²/O, BARDENPHO, and UCT.
- The double A²/O configuration demonstrated a 3.8% improvement in effluent quality.
- The double A²/O configuration's CAPEX (€165,000) was competitive, lower than BARDENPHO and UCT.
Conclusions:
- The double A²/O configuration is the most economical and reliable choice for retrofitting the Manresa WRRF with EBPR.
- The developed multicriteria framework effectively supports decision-making for WRRF upgrades.
- Integrating EBPR through strategic retrofitting enhances both effluent quality and facility resilience.
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