Efficient Coagulant Dosing for Sustainable Water Treatment. An Empirical Study on Reducing Chemical Consumption in Swedish Drinking Water Treatment Plants.

Abstract

This abstract summarizes a research project focused on reducing chemical consumption in Swedish drinking water treatment plants (WTPs) by optimizing coagulant dosage and pH conditions. The project addresses societal, ethical, and ecological concerns associated with coagulant usage. The aim is to identify opportunities for reducing coagulant dose through real-time monitoring of current water conditions, and if opportunities exist, to further identify what barriers are currently preventing them from being realised. The study compares the current dosage used in WTPs with the optimum dosage determined through experiments. The focus is on achieving efficient removal of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) and Absorbance (ABS) while minimizing chemical consumption. The results show that in 9 out of 11 WTPs studied, the optimum dosage was lower than the current dosage, indicating potential for reducing chemical consumption and achieving cost savings. The study emphasizes that optimizing dosages does not compromise treatment efficiency; instead, it highlights the potential for sustainable and resource-efficient water treatment practices. However, the specific characteristics of each WTP need to be considered, and further research is necessary to ensure applicability on a broader scale. The research suggests that changing the coagulant itself could further improve the coagulation process. By evaluating and adopting more efficient coagulants, WTPs can potentially achieve higher removal efficiencies and reduce chemical dosage. However, careful evaluation, pilot-scale testing, and cost-benefit analysis are required for selecting suitable coagulants. Overall, the research contributes to the goal of providing cleaner and safer drinking water by reducing chemical consumption, improving treatment efficiency, and promoting sustainability in water treatment processes. Further research opportunities exist to enhance monitoring systems and continue improving the effectiveness of water treatment practices.