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Caceres Gonzalez RA, Hatzell MC. Electrified Solar Zero Liquid Discharge: Exploring the Potential of PV-ZLD in the US. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:15562-15574. [PMID: 38700697 PMCID: PMC11375782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Current brine management strategies are based on the disposal of brine in nearby aquifers, representing a loss in potential water and mineral resources. Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) is a possible strategy to reduce brine rejection while increasing the resource recovery from desalination plants. However, ZLD substantially increases the energy consumption and carbon footprint of a desalination plant. The predominant strategy to reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of ZLD is through the use of a hybrid desalination technology that integrates renewable energy. Here, we built a computational thermodynamic model of the most mature electrified hybrid technology for ZLD powered by photovoltaic (PV). We examine the potential size and cost of ZLD plants in the US. This work explores the variables (geospatial and design) that most influence the levelized cost of water and the second law efficiency. There is a negative correlation between minimizing the LCOW and maximizing the second-law. And maximizing the second-law, the states that more brine produces, Texas is the location where the studied system achieves the lowest LCOW and high second-law efficiency, while California is the state where the studied system is less favorable. A multiobjective optimization study assesses the impact of considering a carbon tax in the cost of produced water and determines the best potential size for the studied plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A Caceres Gonzalez
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- School of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago 8370191, Chile
| | - Marta C Hatzell
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, GeorgiaInstitute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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Plata S, Childress AE, McCurry DL. Minimizing N-Nitrosodimethylamine Formation During Disinfection of Blended Seawater and Wastewater Effluent. ACS ES&T WATER 2024; 4:1498-1507. [PMID: 38633366 PMCID: PMC11019544 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.3c00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Augmenting seawater with wastewater has the potential to reduce the energy demand and environmental impacts associated with seawater desalination. Alternatively, as wastewater reuse becomes more widespread, augmenting wastewater with seawater can increase the available water supply. However, the chemistry of disinfecting a blended stream has not been explored. Toxic byproducts, including N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), are expected to form during disinfection, and the extent of formation will likely be a function of which stream is chlorinated and whether disinfection happens before or after blending. In this work, three blending-disinfection scenarios were modeled and experimentally evaluated in bench-scale systems treating synthetic and authentic waters. Modeling results suggested that chlorinating preblended wastewater and seawater would produce the most NDMA because it yielded the highest concentrations of bromochloramine, which was previously found to promote NDMA formation. However, chlorinating wastewater prior to blending with seawater, which modeling indicated would form the most dichloramine, produced the most NDMA in experiments. When seawater was disinfected prior to blending with wastewater, bromide likely converted most chlorine to free bromine. Bromamines formed after blending, however, did not lead to an elevated level of NDMA formation. Therefore, to minimize NDMA formation when disinfecting blended wastewater-seawater, seawater should be disinfected prior to introducing wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy E. Childress
- Astani Department of Civil
and Environmental Engineering, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Daniel L. McCurry
- Astani Department of Civil
and Environmental Engineering, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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Du Y, Zhang D, Cao C, Gong Q, Li Y, Xie L. Superstructure based optimization of reverse osmosis desalination systems fed by decarbonated high-pH seawater under boron restrictions. Comput Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2022.108027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hydraulic Performance of Seawater Intake System Using CFD Modeling. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10070988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, tapping the sea for potable water has gained prominence as a potential source of water. Since seawater intake systems are often used in the infrastructure industry, ensuring proper efficiency in different operating conditions is very important. In this paper, CFD modeling is used to show general hydraulic design (flow patterns, stream flow, vortex severities, and pre-swirl) principles and performance acceptability criteria for pump intakes in different conditions. The authors explore scenarios for avoiding or resolving hydraulic problems that have arisen as a result of hydraulic model studies. The results show that the designer should make every effort to avoid small entrance and filtration areas from the basin to the intake forebay bottom, which could result in jet outlet and/or supercritical flow; too small logs at the basin outflow, which could result in high velocity flow jets; and sudden area contractions at the forebay to pump bay junction. There should be enough submergence at the pumps to reduce harmful vortex severities and pre-swirl. Curtain walls, baffles, fillets, and splitters, as well as flow redistributors, can all aid in improving approach flow patterns. Reduced flow separations and eddies will be greatly assisted by rounding corners and providing guide walls. Using a numerical model to figure out what is wrong and how to fix it will help the facility’s costs and maintenance decrease in the long run.
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Ihsanullah I, Atieh MA, Sajid M, Nazal MK. Desalination and environment: A critical analysis of impacts, mitigation strategies, and greener desalination technologies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 780:146585. [PMID: 33774302 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The desalination of seawater is perceived as one of the most viable processes to fulfill the mounting demand for freshwater. Despite enormous economic, social, and health benefits offered by desalination, there are several concerns regarding its prospective environmental impacts (EIs). The objective of this work is to critically evaluate the potential EIs of seawater desalination, and assess the prospects of greener desalination. The EIs of desalination on marine environment, land, groundwater, and air quality was systematically reviewed. An attempt has been made to analyze the actuality of these so-called impacts with reference to evidence from real desalination plants. The mitigative measures to counterbalance these unfavorable impacts are critically appraised. Furthermore, the brine management technologies for the disposal of reject stream, the recovery of precious materials and water, and the production of useful chemicals are also reviewed. Current challenges to minimize the adverse impacts of desalination and prospects of sustainable greener desalination to overwhelm global water scarcities are also discussed. The current desalination approaches have moderate and minor negative EIs. However, with proper mitigation and utilization of modern technologies, these impacts can be lessened. Furthermore, by employing various modern techniques, reject brine can be utilized for several useful applications while reducing its adverse impacts simultaneously. Recent advancements in desalination technologies have also offered many alternative approaches that provide a roadmap towards greener desalination. This review article will be beneficial for all the stakeholders in the desalination industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihsanullah Ihsanullah
- Center for Environment and Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Muataz A Atieh
- Chemical and Water Desalination Engineering (CWDE) Program, College of Engineering, University of Sharjah, PO Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muhammad Sajid
- Center for Environment and Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazen K Nazal
- Center for Environment and Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
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Xu X, He Q, Ma G, Wang H, Nirmalakhandan N, Xu P. Pilot Demonstration of Reclaiming Municipal Wastewater for Irrigation Using Electrodialysis Reversal: Effect of Operational Parameters on Water Quality. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11050333. [PMID: 33946493 PMCID: PMC8147136 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11050333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The modification of ion composition is important to meet product water quality requirements, such as adjusting the sodium adsorption ratio of reclaimed water for irrigation. Bench- and pilot-scale experiments were conducted using an electrodialysis reversal (EDR) system with Ionics normal grade ion-exchange membranes (CR67 and AR204) to treat the reclaimed water in the Scottsdale Water Campus, Arizona. The goal is to investigate the impact of operating conditions on improving reclaimed water quality for irrigation and stream flow augmentation. The desalting efficiency, expressed as electrical conductivity (EC) reduction, was highly comparable at the same current density between the bench- and pilot-scale EDR systems, proportional to the ratio of residence time in the electrodialysis stack. The salt flux was primarily affected by the current density independent of flow rate, which is associated with linear velocity, boundary layer condition, and residence time. Monovalent-selectivity in terms of equivalent removal of divalent ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42−) over monovalent ions (Na+, Cl−) was dominantly affected by both current density and water recovery. The techno-economic modeling indicated that EDR treatment of reclaimed water is more cost-effective than the existing ultrafiltration/reverse osmosis (UF/RO) process in terms of unit operation and maintenance cost and total life cycle cost. The EDR system could achieve 92–93% overall water recovery compared to 88% water recovery of the UF/RO system. In summary, electrodialysis is demonstrated as a technically feasible and cost viable alternative to treat reclaimed water for irrigation and streamflow augmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Xu
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA; (X.X.); (G.M.); (H.W.); (N.N.)
| | - Qun He
- Carollo Engineers, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA;
| | - Guanyu Ma
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA; (X.X.); (G.M.); (H.W.); (N.N.)
| | - Huiyao Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA; (X.X.); (G.M.); (H.W.); (N.N.)
| | - Nagamany Nirmalakhandan
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA; (X.X.); (G.M.); (H.W.); (N.N.)
| | - Pei Xu
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA; (X.X.); (G.M.); (H.W.); (N.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-575-646-5870
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Practical Considerations of Wastewater-Seawater Integrated Reverse Osmosis: Design Constraint by Boron Removal. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11040240. [PMID: 33800604 PMCID: PMC8066044 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11040240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The wastewater-seawater (WW-SW) integrated reverse osmosis (RO) process has gained much attention in and out of academia due to its energy saving capability, economic benefits, and sustainability. The other advantage of this process is to reduce boron concentration in the RO permeate that can exclude the post-treatment process. However, there are multiple design constraints regarding boron removal that restrict process design in the WW-SW integrated system. In this study, uncertainties in design factors of the WW-SW integrated system in consideration of boron removal have been explored. In comprehensive consideration of the blending ratio of between WW and SW, regulatory water quality standard, specific energy consumption (SEC), specific water cost, and RO recovery rate, a range of 15,000~20,000 mg/L feed turned out to be the most appropriate. Furthermore, boron rejection tests with SWRO (seawater reverse osmosis) and BWRO (brackish water reverse osmosis) membranes under actual WW-SW integration found a critical reduction in boron rejection at less than 20 bar of operating pressure. These findings emphasize the importance of caution in the use of BWRO membranes in the WW-SW integrated RO system.
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Aziz NIHA, Hanafiah MM. Application of life cycle assessment for desalination: Progress, challenges and future directions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115948. [PMID: 33187839 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The sustainability performance of the desalination processes has received increasing attention in recent years. In this study, the current progress and future perspective of a life cycle assessment (LCA) of desalination technology in 62 previous studies have been reviewed for the period 2004-2019. It was found that the number of LCA studies related to seawater reverse osmosis has gained popularity compared to other types of desalination technologies. The review emphasized the application of LCA to desalination by means of research objective, scope of study, life stages, and impact assessment. Although previous LCA studies were conducted to assess the environmental performance of the desalination technology, little attention was given to evaluating the impact of other sustainability aspects (i.e., economic and social). The latter part of this study discusses the challenges, feasibility, and recommendations for future LCA studies on desalination technology. The integration of the LCA approach with other approaches allows a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability performance of desalination technology. Thus, the combined approaches should be explored in future studies to gain insight into the sensitivity and uncertainty of the data to make an assessment that can be useful in policy-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Izzah Hamna A Aziz
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Marlia M Hanafiah
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Centre for Tropical Climate Change System, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
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An Improved Configuration of Vertical-Flow Mesh Tube Filters for Seawater Pretreatment: Performance, Cleaning, and Energy Consumption. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12102804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Roughing filters are types of porous media filter used in pretreatment systems where the raw water contains a large amount of suspended particles (SPs) and organic matter. Mesh tube filtration (MTF) media are roughing-filter media composed of low-density polyethylene used for SP removal during wastewater treatment. In this study, we present an improved MTF design—a porous filter bed (PFB), which exhibits superior SP removal performance compared to conventional MTF media. We then compare the applicability of MTF and PFB to both the primary pretreatment process for seawater desalination and the water reuse process. In bench-scale SP removal experiments, PFB shows removal rates of 46.7%, 68.0%, 67.6%, and 68.4% at hydraulic retention times of 15, 20, 30, and 60 min, respectively, which are better than those of MTF. The specific energy consumption (SEC) of batch dissolved air flotation (DAF) was known to range from 0.035 to 0.047 kWh/m3, whereas the SEC calculated for pilot-scale MTF and PFB is 0.027 kWh/m3 and minimum energy for influent supply, respectively. This suggests that PFB can compete with DAF as a primary pretreatment process. MTF predominantly removes SPs by sedimentation, whereas SP removal in PFB typically occurs via deposition of SPs on the mesh tube media.
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Akpan VE, Omole DO, Bassey DE. Assessing the public perceptions of treated wastewater reuse: opportunities and implications for urban communities in developing countries. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05246. [PMID: 33072925 PMCID: PMC7556266 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wastewater reuse has become an integral part of Integrated Water Resources Management and thus plays a role in securing the water needs for future generations. This study aimed at determining the perceptions of Canaanland, an emerging urban community in Ogun State, Nigeria, on treated wastewater reuse for several purposes. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to the city residents (n = 244). Findings revealed that the city was aware of the economic and environmental benefits of wastewater reuse but would prefer reuse schemes that involved less human contact such as flushing toilets, electricity generation, building construction, and car wash. The least preferred option was for potable purposes. The community also revealed that they would be willing to accept wastewater reuse as long as it is endorsed by medical doctors, university professors, and experts. However, 45.5% of the respondents were from the Covenant University academic environment. Also, an assessment was carried out to ascertain the implications and opportunities for wastewater reuse in the city. Findings indicated that wastewater reuse involves several complexities and interlinkages, which revolve around political and decisional factors, economic and social factors, environmental factors, and technological factors. From the study, policy and decisional suggestions and a wastewater process flow were developed for more efficient wastewater management within developing cities. A study was carried out on eight cities from developing nations that have created a framework for wastewater management using several approaches. Also, a summary of findings reveals that if adequately researched, cheap and alternative means of wastewater treatment and reuse could be developed for electricity generation, carwash, and firefighting for developing nations. The result of this research can be used to address public anxieties regarding wastewater-reuse practices. Additionally, this study hopes to aid successful wastewater management schemes in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor E. Akpan
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B., Ota, 112233, Nigeria
| | - David O. Omole
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B., Ota, 112233, Nigeria
| | - Daniel E. Bassey
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B., Ota, 112233, Nigeria
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Brown biotechnology: a powerful toolbox for resolving current and future challenges in the development of arid lands. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-2980-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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