The Eastern Water Reclamation Facility (EWRF) is a crucial wastewater treatment plant providing significant water reuse and environmental services to the Orlando, Florida, region. Owned and operated by the Orange County Utilities Department, EWRF commenced operations in 1986 to help meet increasing wastewater infrastructure demands stemming from rapid Orlando metro population growth through the second […]
As water scarcity intensifies globally, innovative technologies are needed to ensure adequate supply and optimize treatment. Water processes based on osmosis, the natural diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane, have generated growing interest for their efficiency, reliability, and environmental sustainability. Engineered osmosis methods like forward osmosis (FO) and pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) utilize optimized membranes […]
Excess phosphate in water bodies can lead to eutrophication, causing algal blooms that reduce oxygen levels and threaten aquatic ecosystems. Removing phosphate from wastewater, agricultural runoff, and other point sources before they enter natural water systems is an essential strategy for preventing eutrophication. Biochar, a porous carbonaceous material produced by pyrolyzing biomass under oxygen-limited conditions, […]
Ozonation in wastewater is an advanced treatment method that utilizes ozone, a powerful oxidant, to remove a variety of contaminants from water. This process has been employed for over a century, initially focusing on disinfection, but has since evolved to address a wider range of inorganic and organic pollutants. The efficacy of ozonation in improving […]
Circular clarifiers are a critical component in the wastewater treatment process, serving an essential function in both municipal and industrial treatment systems. They are designed primarily to remove solid particulates by sedimentation. The process exploits the density difference between the suspended solids and water, allowing the solids to settle at the bottom of the tank, […]
Drum filters play a crucial role in the wastewater treatment process, providing a mechanical filtration solution that is both effective and reliable. These filters work by trapping solids as wastewater passes through a rotating drum that is covered with a filtering screen or fabric. Designed to handle a wide range of waste streams, drum filters […]
Hopper bottom clarifiers play a crucial role in the wastewater treatment process. They are designed to facilitate the sedimentation and removal of solids from the wastewater, a critical step in ensuring the cleanliness of water released back into the environment or onto the next stage of treatment. The distinct feature of a hopper bottom clarifier […]
Light-emitting diode (LED) UV systems are revolutionizing the approach to disinfection in wastewater treatment facilities. By harnessing the power of ultraviolet (UV) light, these systems offer a chemical-free method for effectively inactivating pathogens in wastewater. Compared to traditional UV sources, LEDs operate with greater energy efficiency and possess a longer lifespan, enabling more sustainable and […]
Electrochemical ion exchange (EIX) is an innovative approach to wastewater treatment that harnesses electrical energy to remove contaminants. This method borrows principles from both electrochemistry and ion exchange technology, creating a synergistic process that improves efficacy and efficiency in treating wastewater streams. By applying an electrical potential, EIX can selectively target and remove ionic species […]
Subsurface Release Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) is a water treatment process that enhances the removal of fine particles and suspended solids. The process involves the dissolving of air into water under pressure and then releasing the air at atmospheric pressure in a flotation tank basin. The released air forms tiny bubbles that adhere to the […]