Life cycle energy and emissions for electrocoagulation/pyrolysis wastewater treatment
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Authors
Flores, Benjamin
Hester, Randall
Sanjak, Salah
Issue Date
2012
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Environmental engineering
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study documents the energy intensity and environmental impact of the municipal wastewater treatment systems through analysis of operational records and mathematical calculations. Life cycle energy and impact assessment was conducted for conventional wastewater treatment using anaerobic sludge digestion and for a combined electrocoagulation/pyrolysis wastewater treatment system. In addition, effluent quality for both treatment trains was analyzed.
From the comparative assessment of the two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), it is found that the life cycle energy for the conventional system is higher- 4769 Kwh/MG (equivalent to 3.6 MT of CO2/MG). The electrocoagulation/pyrolysis
system consumes 689 Kwh/MG (equivalent to 0.48 MT of CO per MG). This is an 87% reduction in the emission of CO2; into the atmosphere for the electrocoagulation/pyrolysis system.
The conventional system produces 1.4 MT/MG of waste sludge. The alternative system produces 0.9 MT/MG, a 36% reduction in the process waste stream (by weight). This reduces the impact of sludge wastes on landfill resources.
In addition, analysis shows that, while both systems satisfy NPDES permit requirements, the treatment quality of the electrocoagulation/pyrolysis system consistently exceeds the quality of the conventional system.
Thus, adoption of the new technology would be useful for reducing the total life cycle energy and environmental burden of municipal wastewater treatment.