Sewage Treatment Upgrade by China Railway Group Cuts Emissions and Boosts Efficiency

Recent advancements in sewage treatment technology have significant implications for the construction sector, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency and mitigating carbon emissions. A study led by Yu Bo from the China Railway Water Group Co., Ltd. has shed light on the successful upgrade of a sewage treatment plant in Shandong, aligning it with stringent Class A water quality standards as outlined in the “Pollutant Discharge Standards for Urban Sewage Treatment Plants” (GB 18918-2002).

The renovation involved a sophisticated treatment process combining a high-efficiency sedimentation tank and a denitrifying deep bed filter. The facility’s capacity was expanded to handle 60,000 cubic meters of sewage per day, integrating a comprehensive system that includes pretreatment, anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (AAO) processes, and advanced disinfection methods utilizing ultraviolet light and sodium hypochlorite. This multi-faceted approach not only improved the removal efficiency of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) but also ensured that the effluent quality met the Class IV standards of the Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water (GB 3838-2002).

Yu Bo stated, “The transformation has significantly strengthened the pollutant removal effect, achieving an impressive average effluent TN and TP of 7.09 mg/L and 0.06 mg/L, with removal rates of 94.7% and 99.1%, respectively.” This level of efficiency is crucial for municipalities striving to meet environmental regulations while managing growing urban populations.

The study also highlights the carbon footprint associated with sewage treatment processes. Interestingly, while methane (CH4) remained the primary contributor to carbon emissions, the research revealed a notable shift in the carbon emission profile post-renovation. The proportion of emissions attributed to electricity consumption increased by 16.49%, indicating a greater reliance on energy-intensive processes. Conversely, emissions from water agent consumption decreased by 27.69%, from 0.585 kg/m3 to 0.423 kg/m3, showcasing a more sustainable operational model.

These findings underscore the commercial potential for construction firms engaged in wastewater treatment projects. As municipalities seek to upgrade existing facilities to meet regulatory demands, there is a growing market for advanced treatment technologies that not only enhance performance but also reduce environmental impact. The successful implementation of these upgrades could set a precedent for future projects across the nation.

As the construction industry grapples with sustainability challenges, innovations such as those presented by Yu Bo could pave the way for greener practices in wastewater management. The full study is published in ‘Gongye shui chuli’, which translates to ‘Industrial Water Treatment’, and can serve as a valuable resource for professionals aiming to integrate cutting-edge technology into their projects. For more information about the research and its implications, you can visit China Railway Water Group Co., Ltd..

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