1. Trickling filter systems for sustainable water supply: An evaluation of eco-environmental burdens and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Author
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Abyar, Hajar and Nowrouzi, Mohsen
- Subjects
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GREENHOUSE gases , *TRICKLING filters , *WATER supply , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *WASTEWATER treatment , *MARINE eutrophication - Abstract
Despite the global water crisis, the significant potential of trickling filter systems as a crucial auxiliary option for sustainable water supply has received insufficient attention. Therefore, this study presents the first-ever evaluation of the environmental impacts of trickling filter application in wastewater treatment, focusing on eco-environmental burdens. Additionally, the study explores greenhouse gas emissions, energy, and exergy footprints, providing novel insights into the environmental implications of using trickling filters for wastewater treatment. The study's findings indicate that the consumption of heat and electricity in trickling filters has significant environmental impacts, particularly on land use (93.24%), freshwater/marine eutrophication (∼81.98%), and human health (45.36%). The majority of the energy required for trickling filter operation is supplied by fossil fuels (96.02%), resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions (65.58%). The exergy of trickling filters is highly efficient, accounting for over 95% of the system's energy. Mathematical modeling reveals that anaerobic digestion and secondary clarifier have the highest energy consumption, with contributions of 94.65% and 2.63%, respectively. Construction expenses account for almost 88% of the total cost, with anaerobic digestion (42.15%) and trickling filters (35.39%) being the most costly components. The cost of treating 1 m3 of wastewater is estimated at 0.52 $/m3. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that electricity (14.66%) and heat (18.65%) significantly impact terrestrial ecotoxicity and land use, respectively. This study presents a framework for future investigations in this field. • The most TF environmental burdens related to heat (54.24%) and electricity (10.26%). • More than 80% of the total costs were consumed for the construction phase. • The cost of 1 m3 wastewater treatment using TF was 0.52 $/m3. • The exergy analysis indicated a significant contribution of natural gas (60.88%). • The anaerobic digester was the main contributor to the energy footprint (94.65%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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