Direct potable reuse using full advanced treatment versus ozone biofiltration: A cost comparison

Abstract

The cost of direct potable reuse (DPR) using reverse osmosis (RO) and full advanced treatment (FAT) based on advanced oxidation process was compared with a non‐RO‐based treatment train with ozone and biologically active filtration (BAF). Costs were calculated assuming a blend of 15% advanced treated water with the current potable water supply, Lake Lanier. The 30‐year amortized capital and operational costs were US$4,830/mil gal for FAT and $1,900/mil gal for ozone‐BAF. The primary additional cost associated with FAT was due to the mechanical evaporation of RO brine concentrate disposal. The costs for producing water using FAT integrating a vibratory shear‐enhanced processing‐RO (VSEP‐RO) to further concentrate the RO brine were lower than those for mechanical evaporation alone ($3,510/mil gal). While VSEP‐RO improved overall costs, ozone‐BAF‐based treatment was less than half the cost of FAT. Thus, ozone‐BAF may provide a more economical alternative compared with FAT for inland facilities considering DPR.

Online monitoring of bromate in treated wastewater: implications for potable water reuse

“…6 However, thus far, RO membrane treatment has remained as the only reliable process used for the removal of bromate ions from wastewater. 7,8 Therefore, controlling bromate ion formation is a significant challenge for AWTPs without an RO membrane treatment process, which has gained attention as an alternative of RO-based AWTP for potable reuse in inland locations. [9][10][11] Online monitoring of bromate ion concentrations after ozonation can help improve the safety of recycled water, which will aid the implementation of countermeasures such as reduction of ozone doses up to the guideline-prescribed values.…”

“…6 However, thus far, RO membrane treatment has remained as the only reliable process used for the removal of bromate ions from wastewater. 7,8 Therefore, controlling bromate ion formation is a significant challenge for AWTPs without an RO membrane treatment process, which has gained attention as an alternative of RO-based AWTP for potable reuse in inland locations. 9–11…”

Introduction to the topical collection on potable reuse

“…Summers et al (2020) investigated ozone/BAF and GAC for the removal of trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids, and total organic carbon (TOC) in a laboratory-scale study, finding that higher fractions of brominated, iodinated, and nitrogenous DBPs may occur in treated wastewaters compared with freshwater sources and that adding GAC to an ozone/BAF system was necessary for achieving THM removal targets. Noibi, Hooper, Bell, and Funk (2020) added to the knowledge on ozone/BAF by comparing its costs with those of RO for a specific facility in Georgia.…”