Veolia Water uses Actiflo Carb technology to remove contaminants from wastewater

An eight week study has proved the removal of pharmaceuticals and phosphorus from wastewater by using Veolia Water’s Actiflo Carb technology.

The study was released at the annual WEFTEC conference held between 29 September and 3 October 2012 in Los Angeles, US.

Over the course of the study, Actiflo Carb was added to the traditional wastewater treatment process and the presence of phosphorus and a variety of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) such as ointments to medications were monitored.

Over 75% of the PPCPs were removed from the wastewater, and phosphorus concentration was reduced to 0.05mg per litre or less, well below the US EPA’s regulatory limit set at 1.0mg per litre.

The study was conducted by Veolia Water and its subsidiary Kruger as part of a multi-year partnership with a team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), the Milwaukee metropolitan sewerage district (MMSD) and the Water Environment Research Foundation.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee lead scientist Dr. Rebecca Klaper said, "There is mounting concern across the US about the impact of trace organics, such as hormones and pharmaceuticals, in our water systems and the potential threats they pose on human health, wildlife and the environment."

In the first phase of the project water samples collected over a period between 2009 and 2010, and found the presence of several trace organic compounds (TOrCs) after a secondary treatment process had been completed.

Veolia Water North America chief technical officer Jim Hurst said Actiflo Carb removes phosphorous, pharmaceuticals and other trace organics found in the water supply.

"We believe it will give wastewater facilities a way to stretch their treatment dollars while dramatically reducing pollution levels and achieving better water quality," said Hurst.

"The Clean Water Act initiated efforts to reduce water pollution in the US, and now this technology can take those efforts even further by addressing one of today’s emerging water pollution issues."

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Image: A file photo of wastewater effluent. Photo: Nigel Wylie.