WO2004046037A2 - Purification de l'eau contaminee - Google Patents

Purification de l'eau contaminee Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004046037A2
WO2004046037A2 PCT/GB2003/003049 GB0303049W WO2004046037A2 WO 2004046037 A2 WO2004046037 A2 WO 2004046037A2 GB 0303049 W GB0303049 W GB 0303049W WO 2004046037 A2 WO2004046037 A2 WO 2004046037A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
matrix
water permeable
permeable matrix
bio
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2003/003049
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2004046037A3 (fr
Inventor
Stephen Skill
Lee F. Robinson
Original Assignee
Photosynthesis Jersey Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Photosynthesis Jersey Ltd filed Critical Photosynthesis Jersey Ltd
Priority to AU2003248940A priority Critical patent/AU2003248940A1/en
Publication of WO2004046037A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004046037A2/fr
Publication of WO2004046037A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004046037A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F3/00—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F3/02—Aerobic processes
    • C02F3/10—Packings; Fillings; Grids
    • C02F3/105—Characterized by the chemical composition
    • C02F3/108—Immobilising gels, polymers or the like
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F3/00—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F3/34—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage characterised by the microorganisms used
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
    • Y02W10/10—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
    • Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
    • Y02W10/37—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies using solar energy

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the purification of contaminated water and to installations for purifying contaminated water. More particularly, the present invention relates to the purification of waste waters generated by agricultural, livestock, aqua-culture, industrial and urban activities.
  • US-3,955,318 discloses a system for treating sewage or cannery waste using unicellular algae. This system uses colonies of algae and aerobic bacteria to treat the waste. However, high strength agricultural wastes containing high levels of total organic carbon (TOC) and a high biological oxygen demand (BOD) are unable to be processed by this method due to the narrow culture conditions ofthe algae.
  • TOC total organic carbon
  • BOD biological oxygen demand
  • GB-2,320,031 discloses a bio-reactor for the culture of micro-organisms.
  • wastewater is used as a nutrient source and a bio-film or slime layer comprising a mixed colony or consortium of photosynthetic micro-organisms is formed.
  • the different micro-organisms tend to occupy distinct zones within the bio-film which allows the bio-reactor to provide a multi-stage water treatment process in which the wastewater is treated progressively by a series of different micro-organism communities that can assimilate different wastes.
  • the bio-film at the inlet end of the reactor tends to be predominantly colonised by photosynthetic, anaerobic bacteria followed by photosynthetic, oxygen evolving, aerobic organisms.
  • the photosynthetic anaerobic bacteria can degrade complex organic molecules providing simple molecules as substrates for algal growth.
  • GB-2,320,031 The system disclosed in GB-2,320,031 is suitable for urban areas where the land area for processing waste water is limited.
  • the present invention provides a water purification process that utilises a bio-film of photosynthetic micro-organisms to assimilate and remove organic and/or inorganic contaminants.
  • the bio-film is supported on a transparent, water permeable matrix.
  • the process can have a low capital cost and can be used on a large scale, e.g. to treat wastes from pig, cattle, poultry, sheep and fish farms and from stables; to treat household sewage and landfill leachate; to treat food and industrial effluents, such as electroplating effluents, oil refinery effluents and abattoir wastewater; and to prevent algal bloom in lakes, rivers and ponds.
  • an apparatus for treating contaminated water comprising a water permeable matrix of a transparent or translucent substrate and a bio-film comprising at least one photosynthetic micro-organism supported on the substrate.
  • a method for treating contaminated water comprising the step of contacting the water with a bio-film comprising at least one photosynthetic micro- organism supported on a water permeable matrix of a transparent or translucent substrate.
  • bio-film refers to the layer which forms upon the surface of the transparent or translucent substrate forming the matrix. These films typically comprise a mixed colony or consortium of different photosynthetic micro-organisms and other non-photosynthetic bacteria and fungi.
  • the micro-organisms typically secrete polysaccharide like compounds which permeate and stabilise the bio-film and give rise to a slimy surface.
  • the light required for the photosynthetic micro-organisms is preferably natural sunlight, but may be artificial.
  • the water will typically be contaminated with both organic and inorganic materials and preferably results from agricultural, livestock, industrial or urban activities.
  • the apparatus and method of the present invention can provide for the efficient processing of waste waters containing, inter alia, total organic carbons (TOC), contaminants that give rise to a biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrogen (N) containing contaminants, including ammonia (NH 3 ), and phosphorus (P) containing contaminants, including phosphates, polyphosphates, organic phosphates and acid-digestible phosphorous. They can also provide for the removal of suspended solids as well as the removal of heavy metals or radionuclides including, but not limited to, cadmium, zinc, copper, lead, chromium, caesium and nickel.
  • the bio-film of photosynthetic micro-organisms is able to effectively treat waste water streams that have a contaminant level that is over 40 times more concentrated than typical urban waste water streams that are processed by conventional water treatment systems.
  • the processing capacity of the process of the present invention is generally unlimited. However, a typical capacity ranges from 1 to 1,000,000 m 3 of water per day.
  • waste materials contaminating the water are utilised as nutrient sources by the photosynthetic micro-organisms which assimilate the materials in the presence of light and grow.
  • photosynthetic micro-organisms we include unicellular and multi- cellular organisms that utilise light to generate at least part of the energy needed for survival.
  • photosynthetic micro-organisms that may populate the bio-film include, inter alia, photosynthetic and/or facultative bacteria, e.g. purple, non-sulphur bacteria (archaebacteria), such as Rhodospirillium, Rhodopsuedomonas, Rhodobacter, Chromatium, Thiocapsia, and Rubrivivaz and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), green algae, euglenophytes, heteroechphytes and red algae.
  • Algal species that may populate the bio-film include, inter alia, microalgae such as Chlorella, Occilatoria, Scenedesmus, Anabaena, Nostoc and Calothrix. These microorganisms all occur naturally.
  • microalgae such as Chlorella, Occilatoria, Scenedesmus, Anabaena, Nostoc and Calothrix. These microorganisms all occur naturally.
  • the transparent matrix When the transparent matrix is first exposed to the contaminated water, it will not ordinarily comprise a bio-film. Instead, this film develops on the surface of the transparent substrate from which the matrix is formed as the contaminated water is passed through the matrix.
  • the photosynthetic micro- organisms that first deposit on the matrix or that have been used to seed the matrix assimilate the waste materials and this leads to the growth of the micro-organisms and the development of the bio-film.
  • the matrix is seeded with some of the micro-organisms that will ultimately form the bio
  • An advantage of the present invention is that the grown micro-organisms making up the bio-film can be harvested subsequently and processed into products which possess high levels of crude protein, crude fat, and amino acids, and which can therefore be used as commercial agricultural products or fuel. As a result, the costs that are incurred on disposal of the waste sludges that are generated by many conventional waste treatment processes can be avoided.
  • the purified water effluent can be used for crop irrigation or other uses.
  • the water permeable matrix may be made of any transparent or translucent material. Transparent materials are preferred, and normally the matrix will consist of transparent plastic pieces or clear glass shards that have been compacted into bags, bales or baskets for ease of handling.
  • the matrix will preferably have a surface area in the range of from 5 m 2 /m 3 to 1000 m 2 /m 3 , more preferably in the range of from 20 m 2 /m 3 to 500 rn 2 /m 3 and particularly in the range of from 25 m 2 /m 3 to 100 m 2 /m 3 . All of this area is, in principle, ⁇ available for growth ofthe bio-film.
  • the matrix will comprise one or more compacted bales of the transparent substrate. These bales may be arranged in a longitudinally extending channel through which the contaminated water is passed or they may be simply suspended in a contaminated body of water.
  • Pieces of transparent plastic materials are a particularly suitable substrate for the bio-film.
  • the plastic material may be a recycled material and it is a particular aspect of the present invention that recycled plastic materials are used for the matrix.
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the polycarbonates, the polyethylenes and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are particularly preferred substrates for the matrix as certain species of photosynthetic micro-organisms which thrive in anoxic environments are capable of degrading these materials. This can result in the generation of carbon dioxide which can be consumed by the aerobic micro-organisms in the bio-film thereby improving the efficiency ofthe purification process.
  • This generation of carbon dioxide can be of particular benefit when the contaminated water contains high levels of ammonia and/or nitrates with a low BOD. Effluent streams arising from petroleum refineries are typical examples.
  • aerobic photosynthetic micro-organisms In order to assimilate ammonia and nitrates, aerobic photosynthetic micro-organisms must have a source of carbon either in the form of carbon dioxide or organic acids (e.g. acetic acid). With the process of the present invention, the photosynthetic micro-organisms may, in the absence of a suitable carbon source in the contaminated water, derive additional carbon from the degradation of the plastic materials forming the matrix.
  • a particularly preferred substrate material for the matrix is PET.
  • PET may be translucent or transparent, but is preferably transparent.
  • another aspect of the present invention provides for the use of translucent or transparent PET in the treatment of contaminated water.
  • the water treatment process preferably comprises contacting the contaminated water with a bio-film of at least one photosynthetic micro-organism supported on a water permeable matrix comprising an agglomeration of pieces of a translucent or transparent PET substrate.
  • the pieces of PET are preferably compacted together to form the matrix.
  • the matrix comprises one or more compacted bales or bags of PET.
  • PET containers create a large disposal problem and can occupy a substantial volume of landfill sites. Furthermore, PET biodegrades very slowly under landfill conditions. Thus, matrices made by compacting pieces of PET derived from the shredding or other comminution of waste PET products are particularly preferred. Furthermore, degradation of the PET brought about by photosynthetic micro-organisms living on its surface may offer a means to finally dispose of the waste material.
  • the plastic that is used is normally chopped into pieces averaging from 10 to 500 mm in size, preferably from 20 to 400 mm, using conventional shredding machinery.
  • the shreds are then preferably compacted to form a bale.
  • Bales of any shape and dimension may be used in the present invention, but typically the bales are rectangular in cross-section and have dimensions of from 10 cm x 10 cm x 20 cm to 100 cm x 100 cm x 200 cm, preferably around 50 cm x 50 cm x 100 cm.
  • the shreds that are used to form the bales typically have a size of around 200 mm.
  • plastic shreds ranging from 10 to 50 mm in size can be compacted into bags.
  • the bags preferably consist of a mesh type material which allows the passage of at least 80 % of ambient light into the bag.
  • Bags manufactured from polypropylene mesh are particularly suitable for this purpose.
  • the density ofthe matrix and, therefore, the size of the openings within the matrix that are available for water flow can be varied and depend on the degree of compaction of the material forming the matrix.
  • Conventional agricultural balers can be used to make plastic bails.
  • the transparent/translucent water permeable matrix is positioned within a channel through which the contaminated water is directed.
  • the channel will have an inlet end for receiving the contaminated water and an outlet end for removing the treated water and may be constructed of brick, concrete, treated timber or plastic materials, including reinforced plastic materials. Timber, plastic and glass reinforced plastic materials, being lighter in weight, allow the channels to be constructed upon a building roof or other elevated structure where land space is a premium.
  • the channel may be covered with a translucent and preferably a transparent cover to maintain anaerobic conditions in the channel.
  • the matrix will comprise one or more compacted bales of the transparent/translucent substrate arranged in a longitudinally extending channel through which the contaminated water is passed.
  • the passage of water through the matrix results in the growth of the bio- film with different types of micro-organisms tending to grow in distinct zones of the matrix.
  • the photosynthetic, anaerobic micro-organisms tend to dominate the bio-film at the inlet end ofthe matrix and there is a progressive change along the matrix to the outlet end which tends to be colonised predominantly by photosynthetic, aerobic micro-organisms.
  • the transparent/translucent nature of the matrix allows light to travel into the matrix, the intensity of the light diminishes progressively so that photosynthetic micro-organisms preferring dim light tend to dominate the bio-film in the regions of the matrix that are distanced from the light.
  • the natural bio-film that is generated as the process ofthe present invention is operated also tends to develop a 'sticky' surface as a result of polysaccharides that are generated. This allows the bio-film to capture suspended solids in the water which adhere to the bio-film as the contaminated water flows through the matrix.
  • biomass we are referring to the consortium of photosynthetic micro- organisms, principally bacteria and algae, forming the bio-film.
  • the transparent matrix that supports the bio-film rather than being arranged in a water channel through which the water to be treated is directed, is used to purify a large body of still or flowing water, such as a lake, lagoon, river or stream, by being suspended in that body of water.
  • This embodiment of the present invention may be used to purify bodies of water that have been polluted by organic and inorganic contaminants by discharges of industrial, municipal or agricultural wastes.
  • the body of water may be covered with a translucent and preferably a transparent cover to maintain anaerobic conditions.
  • the algae can be encouraged to grow within the confines of the matrix providing a nutrient sink which discourages a suspension of algal growth in the body of water itself.
  • the matrix will comprise an array of suitably tethered matrix bales which are suspended in the body of water requiring remediation.
  • the matrix may incorporate a device to maintain buoyancy when the matrix is suspended in deep water.
  • the buoyancy device may be controlled to submerge or raise the matrix in the water. In this way, water can be encouraged to flow through the matrix by sequentially raising the matrix above the surface of the water and then submerging the matrix below the water level.
  • the buoyancy device may be controlled manually or automatically, e.g. by circulating a gas into and out of buoyancy tanks that are attached to the matrix. The gas for operating the buoyancy tanks may be held within suitable storage devices.
  • the raising and lowering of the matrix may also be achieved mechanically.
  • the matrix is attached to a mechanically driven support which can raise or lower the matrix relative to the water level.
  • a continuous cycle of raising and lowering the matrix relative to the water level is preferable for effective water remediation by the matrix.
  • the cycle of raising and submerging the matrix preferably has a duration of from 10 seconds to 24 hours, more preferably from 30 seconds to 60 minutes.
  • the matrix may also be rotated within the body of water to be treated to encourage the flow of water over the bio-film.
  • mechanical devices driven by electrical-, wind or solar power can be used to rotate the matrix.
  • the matrix comprises one or more cylindrically shaped bales or bags, e.g. with a diameter in the range of from 100 mm to 5000 mm and a length in the range of from 1000 mm to 100 m, that are attached to an axial drive shaft which passes through the matrix bales or bags and is in turn attached to a suitable drive means for rotating the shaft and the matrix bales or bags that it carries.
  • a suitable drive means for rotating the shaft and the matrix bales or bags that it carries Preferably 5 to 60 % by volume of the matrix should sit above the surface of the water. Rotation of the drive shaft will rotate the matrix bales/bags within the body of water and encourage water to flow over the bio-film.
  • a particular aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the buoyed matrix in deep water lagoons, e.g. having a depth of from 0.5 m to 6 m. More especially, the matrix may be used in facultative wastewater lagoon systems such as the Advanced Integrated Ponding System (AIPS).
  • AIPS Advanced Integrated Ponding System
  • the major drawback with facultative wastewater lagoon systems is the large land area requirement.
  • mechanical aerators which float on the lagoon surface are used to assist with the biological oxidation of the contaminants remaining in the wastewater.
  • mechanical aerators are costly to run and require constant maintenance.
  • the matrix may be used to replace mechanical aerators in the AIPS and other facultative lagoon systems since the photosynthetic biomass supported on the matrix can provide the necessary oxygen for wastewater oxidation. Furthermore, by varying the depth of the matrix within the lagoon, e.g. using the buoyancy device described above, it is also possible to collect methane and other gases generated at the lagoon bottom.
  • the matrix may become clogged with biomass and will need to be removed from the body of water and allowed to drain.
  • the biomass in the matrix may then be harvested and used as detailed below and a new matrix suspended in the body of water being treated.
  • bio-film can either be recovered as a dry powder or alternatively as a concentrated soup containing the photosynthetic biomass along with the captured suspended solids.
  • the recovery of a dry powder normally involves draining the channel and allowing residual water retained within the matrix to seep out from within the matrix. After this process is complete, normally after several days, the matrix containing the partially dry bio-film can be removed from the channel either mechanically or by hand. The matrix may then be stacked preferably under cover for further drying. Conventional agricultural bale handling machinery is ideal for this task when the matrix comprises one or more bales. The drying rate largely depends upon the ambient weather conditions, but may take as long as 14 days in the UK.
  • Suitable agitation devices include trommel screens and vibrating screens.
  • the recovery of a dry powdered material involves draining and drying the matrix, preferably under cover.
  • the matrix is then opened and the bio-film recovered as before using a suitable agitating device.
  • the dry powder biomass that is collected, optionally after further grinding, may be stored in sacks for use as a fertiliser, as a fuel for diesel engines or as a high protein supplement for animal and fish feed.
  • the biomass may also be used for combustion in fluidised bed boilers in which steam is generated to produce electricity in conventional turbines.
  • One method for recovering a wet concentrate of the bio-film from a matrix positioned within a water flow channel involves stopping the flow of contaminated water through the channel and compressing the bio-film loaded matrix with an agricultural roller or similar device. This results in the release of the bio-film from the matrix into solution. Following a series of compression cycles, a concentrated slurry of biomass surrounds the matrix, which can be recovered by draining the channel. This cycle may be repeated in order to recover the majority of the bio-film contained within the matrix by refilling the water channel with fresh effluent and then repeating the compression process.
  • the resulting biomass concentrate may be used directly as a liquid fertiliser or as a fish or animal feed.
  • Bio-films that have been used to treat wastewater containing radionuclides and heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, mercury, zinc, uranium and plutonium will become contaminated with these materials.
  • the radionuclides and heavy metals may be recovered by stopping the flow of water through the channel and then adjusting the pH of the water that remains in the channel with an acid.
  • the acidic conditions allow the radionuclides and heavy metals to be washed from the bio-film and the acidic solution containing these materials can then be recovered by draining the channel.
  • the flow of contaminated water through the channel can then be resumed providing the matrix is not clogged or the biomass may be recovered as described above.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the reuse of the cleaned matrix material following the removal of the bio-film.
  • a small percentage of the bio-film tends to remain on the surface of the transparent substrate.
  • This material can be reformed into new matrices, optionally together with previously unused substrate material, e.g. by compaction to form bales.
  • Agricultural hay and straw bailing machinery and solid waste compactors are particularly suitable for making bales.
  • the resulting matrices contain sufficient attached biomass to serve as a seed when the matrices are used to purify contaminated water in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a preferred apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing in schematic form how the method of the invention is operated in a preferred embodiment.
  • Figure 3 is a colour diagram showing a waste purification installation ofthe present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a colour diagram showing an alternative waste purification installation ofthe present invention.
  • the apparatus for piirifying the water comprises a channel for water that is bounded by a pair of walls (4) disposed in a spaced-apart, parallel relationship.
  • the channel has an inlet end (1) and an outlet end (3) that is disposed below the inlet so that gravity flow occurs toward the outlet end.
  • Bales (2) comprising a matrix of a transparent substrate, particularly PET, are placed between the walls so that photosynthetic micro-organisms can grow and form a bio-film within the body of the matrix.
  • a transparent cover may be installed above the channel to maintain anaerobic conditions and reduce odours if required.
  • a waste water stream is caused to flow along the channel through the bales from the inlet end to the outlet end.
  • the micro-organisms assimilate the organic and inorganic pollutants in the water and as result grow and develop into a bio-film.
  • the bio-film that develops tends to have different populations of microorganisms along the length of the matrix, beginning with substantially photosynthetic, anaerobic micro-organisms at the inlet end (1) of the channel, changing to a mixed anaerobic/aerobic or facultative consortium of photosynthetic micro-organisms in the middle region of the channel and finally substantially photosynthetic, aerobic micro-organisms at the outlet end (3), where aerobic conditions substantially predominate.
  • Photosynthetic micro-organisms such as purple, non-sulphur photosynthetic bacteria including Rhodospirillium, Rhodopsuedomonas, Rhodobacter, Chromatium, Thiocapsia, and Rubrivivaz tend to thrive within the bio-film at the waste inlet end (1) ofthe channel, while microalgae such as Chlorella, Occilatoria, Scenedesmus, Anabaena, Nostoc, Calothrix tend to dominate the bio-film towards the outlet end (3) ofthe channel.
  • bio-film develops a sticky surface as a result of polysaccharide excretions and this allows suspended particulates within the water to be trapped.
  • bales at the inlet end of the channel Over a period of time, bio-film growth and suspended solids accumulation eventually clog the matrix in the bales at the inlet end of the channel, preventing wastewater flow through the bales. Wastewater then flows over the clogged bails until it encounters a bale with an unclogged matrix. Over time, bales further down the channel will also become progressively impermeable to water flow. The clogging manifests itself by a green algal growth developing on the upper surface of the bales as a result of waste water flowing over the bales.
  • bale filled channel may be utilised in the apparatus and method of the invention. This is shown in
  • the waste water material may be from any source and may be any of the waste waters discussed above.
  • a typical waste water might contain from 1 to 40,000 mg/1 of contaminants that create a BOD, from 1 to 40,000 mg/1 of TOC, from 1 to 6,000 mg/1 of NH 3 bound nitrogen and from 1 to 1200 mg/1 total phosphorous.
  • Particularly preferred sources of raw waste are livestock sources including poultry, cattle, pigs and combinations thereof.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic showing the operation of a preferred working installation ofthe present invention.
  • bales (15) are placed within a channel (16), typically constructed from reinforced concrete or the like, and extend between the walls ofthe channel so that wastewater is prevented from bypassing the bales.
  • waste water is introduced at the inlet end of the channel at a reduced rate until the channel fills up to the level of the discharge weir (20).
  • the waste water input rate is regulated through the process so that only properly treated water discharges from the outlet end of the .channel. Over a period of time, as the bio-film develops upon the matrix within the bales, the waste water input rate is increased as the 'capture' capacity of the bio-film increases.
  • bio-film growth and suspended solids accumulation eventually clog the matrix in the bales along the channel starting at the inlet end.
  • the waste stream flow into the channels is stopped and the channels are drained.
  • the matrix within the bails is allowed to drain for a further period before the partially dry bails are removed from the channels for further drying, preferably under cover.
  • the bails may be stacked to improve air circulation during drying. Artificial drying methods may be used.
  • the bales may be opened and the dry biomass removed from the matrix fragments (19) by agitation, e.g. using a trommel or vibratory screen (18). The biomass powder (17) is then collected.
  • the used plastic fragments (14) still retain a small proportion of the dry biomass on their surfaces following agitation. This biomass can serve as seed for establishing a new bio-film by reforming the used fragments into bales. In this way, the commissioning time for the attainment of an optimal waste stream treatment is minimised.
  • the used plastic fragments (14) may be recombined with new plastic fragments (12) to compensate for the slow decomposition of the plastic fragments by the anoxic micro-organisms present in the bio-film.
  • FIG 3 shows a digital artists impression of a large scale installation ofthe present invention.
  • the installation comprises a plurality of channels (31).
  • Each channel is bounded by walls (32) and comprises an inlet end (30) and an outlet end (not shown).
  • the channels accommodate bails of compacted transparent matrix material (33a, 33b).
  • Figure 4 shows a transparent matrix integrated into a facultative lagoon wastewater treatment process.
  • the matrix comprises matrix modules (44, 45) that can be suspended above or submerged in the facultative lagoon (40).
  • Reference numeral 44 shows the matrix modules above the lagoon and reference numeral 45 shows the modules submerged in the lagoon.
  • buoyancy devices The height of the matrix modules relative to the lagoon is controlled by buoyancy devices (46).
  • the buoyancy devices are conveniently made from recycled 50 gallon polypropylene barrels which have been cut in half.
  • the half barrels are attached to a support frame (47) upon which the matrix modules (53), in either bale or bag form are supported.
  • each buoyancy device with its attached matrix module is oriented in the lagoon so that the open ends ofthe barrels face downwards.
  • Each buoyancy device is connected by gas pipe work (48) so that gas may be pumped into or out of the buoyancy devices therefore making the matrix modules sink or float within the lagoon.
  • the gas pipes (48) from a series of buoyancy devices may be connected together so that a number of matrix modules may be maintained at the same level within the water.
  • Interconnection between buoyancy devices also allows gas contained in one complement of buoyancy devices to be transferred to another complement of buoyancy devices.
  • the gas contained in the buoyancy devices that are keeping the matrix modules (44) afloat on the surface ofthe lagoon may be transferred to the buoyancy devices that are supporting the matrix modules (45).
  • the matrix modules (44) sink in the lagoon while the modules (45) are raised to float on the surface of the lagoon. In this way, water is forced to flow through and around the matrix modules and, therefore, the bio-film. This can substantially increase the performance ofthe system.
  • methane gas formed by digesting organic matter at the base (43, 50) of the lagoon (40) in the operation of the buoyancy devices. This gas bubbles towards the surface of the lagoon and can be collected in the upturned barrels of each buoyancy device. Excess gas can be conveyed from the buoyancy devices for storage.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Purification Treatments By Anaerobic Or Anaerobic And Aerobic Bacteria Or Animals (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
  • Biological Treatment Of Waste Water (AREA)
  • Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil conçu pour traiter l'eau contaminée, qui comprend une matrice perméable à l'eau d'un substrat transparent ou translucide et un bio-film comprenant au moins un micro-organisme photosynthétique disposé sur le substrat. L'invention concerne également un procédé de traitement de l'eau contaminée faisant appel à cet appareil.
PCT/GB2003/003049 2002-07-16 2003-07-15 Purification de l'eau contaminee WO2004046037A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003248940A AU2003248940A1 (en) 2002-07-16 2003-07-15 Purification of contaminated water

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0216476A GB0216476D0 (en) 2002-07-16 2002-07-16 Purification of contaminated water
GB0216476.2 2002-07-16

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004046037A2 true WO2004046037A2 (fr) 2004-06-03
WO2004046037A3 WO2004046037A3 (fr) 2004-07-08

Family

ID=9940536

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2003/003049 WO2004046037A2 (fr) 2002-07-16 2003-07-15 Purification de l'eau contaminee

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003248940A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB0216476D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004046037A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010086589A2 (fr) 2009-01-30 2010-08-05 Steven Skill Appareil de traitement de flux de fluide et procédé d'acheminement de ces derniers
NL2006297C2 (nl) * 2011-02-24 2012-08-27 Ingrepro B V Werkwijze, inrichting en systeem voor het behandelen van een vloeistof en/of het kweken van micro-organismen en ingekapseld micro-organisme.
WO2017158360A1 (fr) * 2016-03-16 2017-09-21 Swansea University Traitement d'eaux usées contenant des métaux lourds

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3943659A (en) * 1973-07-18 1976-03-16 Katz Louis N Filtration and circulation system and apparatus therefore
US5326475A (en) * 1990-03-08 1994-07-05 Kent Dana M Method for aerated biofiltration
US5447629A (en) * 1992-11-23 1995-09-05 Commissariat A L'energie Atomique Apparatus for purifying a liquid effluent containing pollutants
US5670046A (en) * 1994-09-28 1997-09-23 Rjjb & G, Inc. Treatment of nutrient-rich water
US5795480A (en) * 1995-12-29 1998-08-18 Cheil Jedang Corporation Method and system for the treatment of livestock wastewater

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3943659A (en) * 1973-07-18 1976-03-16 Katz Louis N Filtration and circulation system and apparatus therefore
US5326475A (en) * 1990-03-08 1994-07-05 Kent Dana M Method for aerated biofiltration
US5447629A (en) * 1992-11-23 1995-09-05 Commissariat A L'energie Atomique Apparatus for purifying a liquid effluent containing pollutants
US5670046A (en) * 1994-09-28 1997-09-23 Rjjb & G, Inc. Treatment of nutrient-rich water
US5795480A (en) * 1995-12-29 1998-08-18 Cheil Jedang Corporation Method and system for the treatment of livestock wastewater

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
HENSHAW P ET AL: "Selection of a support medium for a fixed-film green sulphur bacteria reactor" WATER RESEARCH, ELSEVIER SCIENCE PUBLISHERS, AMSTERDAM, NL, vol. 33, no. 14, October 1999 (1999-10), pages 3107-3110, XP004178716 ISSN: 0043-1354 *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010086589A2 (fr) 2009-01-30 2010-08-05 Steven Skill Appareil de traitement de flux de fluide et procédé d'acheminement de ces derniers
NL2006297C2 (nl) * 2011-02-24 2012-08-27 Ingrepro B V Werkwijze, inrichting en systeem voor het behandelen van een vloeistof en/of het kweken van micro-organismen en ingekapseld micro-organisme.
WO2017158360A1 (fr) * 2016-03-16 2017-09-21 Swansea University Traitement d'eaux usées contenant des métaux lourds

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0216476D0 (en) 2002-08-21
AU2003248940A8 (en) 2004-06-15
AU2003248940A1 (en) 2004-06-15
WO2004046037A3 (fr) 2004-07-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Hansen et al. Agricultural waste management in food processing
Ng Industrial wastewater treatment
Green et al. Advanced integrated wastewater pond systems for nitrogen removal
US7850848B2 (en) Apparatus and process for biological wastewater treatment
US6126827A (en) High-strength septage biological treatment system
US10464835B2 (en) Process for the treatment of biological materials and wastewater
KR20130129611A (ko) 폐수 응집 처리장치
CA2697983C (fr) Appareil et procede de traitement biologique des eaux usees
CN104944711B (zh) 基于水生态系统的水处理方法及其装置
US20120074057A1 (en) Septage treatment system and process
MXPA04001991A (es) Un proceso para el tratamiento anaerobico de desperdicio organico fluido y no fluido.
CN1631817A (zh) 一体化厌氧－湿地废水处理装置与方法
CN204848576U (zh) 基于水生态系统的水处理装置
Ahmad et al. A review of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill management and treatment of leachate
WO2004046037A2 (fr) Purification de l'eau contaminee
CN109399859A (zh) 一种采用电解法联合生物处理的污水处理系统
JPH10113693A (ja) 水上栽培法による水質浄化方法とその水質浄化装置
JP2573902B2 (ja) 水浄化方法及び装置
RU2304085C2 (ru) Способ подготовки сточных вод к аэробной биологической очистке
Rovirosa et al. An integrated system for agricultural wastewater treatment
KR100809026B1 (ko) 고농도 유기성 폐수 처리장치
KR20050045957A (ko) 오폐수 처리 시스템
RU2774704C1 (ru) Установка для комплексной фиторемедиации и вермифильтрации сточных вод и донных осадков
AU2009292607B2 (en) Apparatus and process for biological wastewater treatment
KR100661978B1 (ko) 하수종말처리 방법 및 상기 방법을 채용한 간이하수종말처리장

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: JP