The work done and the main results achieved are summarized below:
ESR 1. Tackling emerging compounds in WWTP’s. Thesis supervised by AQAFIN, UdG and ICRA
An industrial-scale pilot plant combining a biological activated carbon filter with an ultrafiltration membrane (BioMac) has been designed, built, operated and continuously monitored. The performances of this technology have been investigated focusing specific attention to emerging micropollutants (MPs) removal, in particular Pharmaceutical Active Compounds (PhACs).
ESR 2. Transformation of microcontaminants in wastewater treatment.hesis supervised by ICRA, ATKINS and AQUAFIN
A statistical fingerprinting approach based on LC-HRMS data treatment of wastewater DOM has been developed and tested and the workflow successfully applied to a reverse osmosis, a biological treatment and tertiary treatment involving snad filtration, UV and chlorination.
ESR 3. Optimal configuration of nitrogen and phosphorous recovery schemes within WWTPs.Thesis supervised by UdG and AQUAFIN
A lab-scale one-stage partial nitritation-anammox run on digested sludge liquor unit was successfully assembled and operated. The main attention was paid to the evaluation of the possibility to implement phosphorus recovery after autotrophic nitrogen removal.
P-recovery after the PNA reactor has been successfully tested. The requirements for the recovery of P, N and K after PNA in terms of pH, temperature and Mg2+ dosing were assessed in batch and continuous experiments.
ESR 4. The resilience of wastewater treatment to multiple stress conditions.Thesis supervised by ATKINS and ICRA
A review of resilience at wastewater treatment works has been performed and four key elements have been identified in a resilience assessment: stressors, properties, metrics and measures.
A model-based audit has been performed for the Girona WRRF to assess the ability of current models to provide an objective evaluation of energy reduction strategies. A fully dynamic air distribution model is calibrated for the first time in a full scale application, integrated with a biokinetic process model and a detailed process control model.
ESR 5. Assessment of environmental and socio-economical implications of urban wastewater systems upgrading. Thesis supervised by ICRA, AQUAFIN and UdG
A customized model has been developed in Matlab code which consists of 3 models: the first one estimates concentrations of PhACs at the influent of WWTP’s, the second, estimates the removal of PhACs in WWTP’s and the third, the removal along river stretches
