Recycling Treatment Plant Residuals: Concerns Beyond Pathogens

Abstract

Key Takeaways As the practice of recycling water treatment residuals matures, additional contaminants beyond pathogens are becoming increasingly relevant to how facilities may recycle their residuals streams. Manganese recycling and residuals treatment will become more critical if the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) ultimately promulgates a primary drinking water regulation targeting manganese. If a facility implements onsite dewatering and subsequently recycles their residuals streams, they may need to reduce the polyacrylamide levels to comply with USEPA regulations.

Manganese: What Goes Around Comes Around

“…Manganese particulates cause turbidity and discolored water, and they accumulate in distribution piping. Because the various fractions of manganese require unique treatment, the overall processes, including residuals handling, are more complex than in conventional systems (Duke et al 2020).…”