Upgrading Wastewater Treatment Plants Based on Reuse Demand, Technical and Environmental Policies (A Case Study)

Reclamation and reuse programs are an indispensable part of integrated water resource management, particularly in arid and semi arid regions. Yet, the feasibility of sustainable application not only is relied on design, operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants, but also could be influenced by the economical and environmental aspects of reuse demands. This study is aimed to illustrate different policies applicable for upgrading wastewater treatment plants with emphasize on nutrients management in the reclaimed water. For this purpose, 6 domestic wastewater treatment plants in Tehran were analyzed and discussed based on effluent characteristics and reuse demands. As a result, it was recommended that in a framework of demand based policy, and due to economical, practical and environmental limitations, Shahrake Ghods and Mahallati wastewater treatment plants should be upgraded with flexible operated tertiary units. To compare and select the most appropriate unit, the value function was defined and the attached growth based method was determined as a solution. Subsequently, to ensure the environmental protection, the implementation of floating plants treating surface waters, in association with assignment of dynamic trading discharge permit market in reuse program were suggested. Consequently, it was implied that all these solutions would simply be achieved through integrated water and wastewater management.