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Diffuse emission reduction from open wastewater pits via a biologically active floating covering

Obiettivo

Scientific objectives and approach:

The R&D programme for EMRED project has got 5 Work Packages (A - E) each resulting in key deliverables:
The "Specification" workpackage (A) provides the users' demands and requirements to be accounted for in the design of the system (B) and the lab tests (C). The "Lab-scale Development" workpackage (B) provides the approved components of the system, like selected filter materials and helophyta species. This workpackage provides EMRED prototype for the use in the partner SMEs process chains, with the selected measurement procedure and reference and standard data implemented into its hard- and software. In the "Lab tests" workpackage (C) the prototype are tested on lab scale to develop an improved and tested prototype. In the "Field tests" workpackage (D) the prototypes are installed and operated in the user SMEs' production lines. The aim is to adapt and optimise the system according to each users' requirements, and to evaluate and assess its functionality under the rough production conditions. Finally an adapted and optimised demonstration prototype equipped with a Technical Manual, and a marketing strategy is provided.

Problems to be solved:

Diffuse emissions of gaseous compounds from storage processes of liquid wastes are a theoretically recognised but practically a few addressed environmental problem. These emissions earn local recognition as they are responsible for intense odour problems and complaints of residents. Although thematic programs of the European Union focus on a more complex consideration of diffuse emissions (the chapter "Combating of diffuse pollution" in the program "Environment and Sustainable Development"), no over-regional efforts to reduce diffuse air pollution from storage processes are to be seen in practise. The liberation of greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide are not under the legislator's control and odour emissions are of local concern only. Consequently, thousands of open wastewater storage tanks and basins in multiple industrial branches (for example in agro-food processing and petrol refining), animal slurry lagoons, denitrification basins in wastewater treatment plants, seep water pits and channels in landfills and composting facilities emit methane, dinitrogen oxide as well as volatile odorous metabolites of anaerobic decomposition processes and diminish air quality in housing and recreational areas. More than 37% of the annual European methane emission originate from waste storage and waste water treatment (EAE Technology Environment, 1998, Options to reduce Methane emissions).
Many European companies storing wastewater in non-aerated ponds and tanks are small-sized (with less than 50 employees) and do not have the economic capacities to invest in high-tech wastewater treatment facilities or in process-integrated technologies for wastewater avoidance or recycling of valuable water constituents. Even though the aim of the European IPPC regime (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive, 1996) is to achieve preventing or, where that is not practical, to reduce emissions into air, water and land, those companies do not dispose about the financial means to use Best Available Techniques (BAT) to prevent or minimise polluting emissions or to apply Best Management Practices (BMP) for waste water treatment which are currently discussed in the EU.
On the other hand, if those companies are forced by regional authorities to reduce their odour emissions resulting from wastewater storage, their business can be endangered by high investment and maintenance costs for conventional odour prevention technologies. Many existing emission reduction methods have serious economic and operational drawbacks limiting their application and an universal solution functioning under versatile technical conditions is hardly to find. Thus, there is a demand for innovative solutions.

Expected Impacts:

During the EMRED project a new universally applicable technology for emission reduction from open wastewater basins consisting in floating filter systems will be developed. The implementation of the EMRED system in wastewater storage facilities will contribute to solving environmental problems caused by odour and greenhouse gas emissions from liquid waste storage and will increase the acceptance of the concerned companies by neighbours and environmental authorities. In fact, the system will decrease diffuse emissions from liquid waste water storage by 80% in case of odour and at least 30 % in case of methane emission. Furthermore, increased employment through EMRED system manufacture and installation is expected.

Campo scientifico

Programma(i)

Argomento(i)

Invito a presentare proposte

Data not available

Meccanismo di finanziamento

CRS - Cooperative research contracts

Coordinatore

EISMANN & STOEBE GBR
Contributo UE
Nessun dato
Indirizzo
Torgauer Strasse 114
04347 LEIPZIG
Germania

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Costo totale
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Ultimo aggiornamento: 28 Luglio 2005

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/EVK1-CT-2002-30021/it

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