The selection of the appropriate wastewater and sludge treatment method depends

primarily on the intended method of disposal or reuse of the treated wastewater and sludge. It is
important to stress that first an effluent and sludge disposal or reuse strategy should be selected
and that appropriate treatment processes should then be selected that meet the objectives of this
strategy. The choice of method of disposal or beneficial reuse of both effluents and sludges is
frequently and incorrectly given too low a priority when planning small to medium-sized
wastewater projects, causing environmental and economic problems on completion of the
project. Thus, the importance in the selection of the disposal and reuse strategy for treated waste
at first, and then, the selection of the treatment method is emphasized.

Effluent disposal and reuse

The extent to which a wastewater has to be treated is determined by the standard of effluent
quality that must be produced before it is discharged to a watercourse, lake or coastal water.
These standards are determined, in turn, within the framework of the EC Urban Wastewater
Treatment Directive.

Acceptable disposal and use of effluents

The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive sets minimum standards in order to protect the local
receiving water environment. Local needs may require even higher standards. Deciding on the
acceptable discharges of an effluent into a receiving water, involves taking into account the local
topographical and hydrological circumstances as well as e.g., the best discharge point, mixing in
the water body etc.

Birds-eye view of a large wastewater treatment plant

 Diagrammatic view of wastewater treatment works

It is important to think in terms of effluent disposal as a means of water resource recovery so that
the effluent adds to the water available for the environment and further use. So, environmental
water uses are very important incentives in determining the treatment provided. In some areas
with scant resources, this may even mean direct re-use of the effluent for agricultural, industrial
and even potable purposes.
The Directive puts the onus of the work on either the discharger or the regulator to conduct
environmental studies to determine water body sensitivity or the need for extended treatment.
Where the need for less treatment has to be proven, the onus usually falls on the discharger.

Acceptable disposal and use of sludge

Amongst the by-products of waste water treatment is sludge, an organically rich material. This
must be disposed of in the environment in a safe way which still avoids unnecessary expenditure.
The preferred method is agricultural use as fertilizer, known increasingly as biosolids. Other
methods may be necessary in local situations, such as incineration, but the ash usually still has to
be disposed of to landfill.

Acceptable disposal of other wastewater treatment by-products

Grit and screenings are usually disposed of into a landfill or on waste ground, either directly or
after incineration. No significant beneficial use has yet been found.

What Treatment Efficiency and Treatment Concept is needed for the Proposed Wastewater
Treatment Plant?

The required treatment efficiency is calculated from the incoming load to the wastewater
treatment plant and the acceptable load to the receiving waters from the plant. Based on the
incoming flows and pollution loads, an appropriate process can be identified and signed. The
most appropriated approach will be chosen following a technical and economic evaluation and a
comparison of alternatives.
REFERENCE:
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