Simulation-based process optimization of full-scale advanced wastewater treatment systems using powdered activated...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Water Treatment Technologies

Background:

• Organic micropollutants (OMPs) pose risks in advanced wastewater treatment.
• Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is crucial for OMP removal.
• Accurate modeling is needed for optimizing PAC application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend a competitive modeling approach for OMP adsorption on PAC in full-scale advanced wastewater treatment.
• To evaluate the impact of PAC dosing strategies and operational conditions on OMP removal.
• To identify potential cost savings through optimized PAC usage.

Main Methods:

• Incorporated adsorption analysis for organic matter fractionation.
• Assumed pseudo-first order kinetics and differentiated fresh/loaded PAC.
• Validated the model with full-scale measurement campaigns.
• Conducted simulation-based testing of various PAC dosing strategies and operational scenarios.

Main Results:

• Model successfully predicted OMP removal, with minor underestimation for diclofenac.
• Excess PAC return to the biological stage improved removal of some OMPs by up to 15%.
• Rain events reduced overall OMP removal efficiency by approximately 50%.
• Optimized PAC dosing strategies showed potential savings of 10-15%.

Conclusions:

• The enhanced modeling approach provides reliable predictions for OMP removal using PAC.
• Operational adjustments and optimized dosing strategies can significantly improve OMP removal efficiency and reduce costs.
• Wastewater treatment plant performance is sensitive to rainfall events, necessitating adaptive management strategies.