|
Abstract
|
Despite the global water crisis, the significant potential of trickling filter systems as a crucial auxiliary option for
sustainable water supply has received insufficient attention. Therefore, this study presents the first-ever evaluation of the environmental impacts of trickling filter application in wastewater treatment, focusing on ecoenvironmental burdens. Additionally, the study explores greenhouse gas emissions, energy, and exergy footprints, providing novel insights into the environmental implications of using trickling filters for wastewater
treatment. The study’s findings indicate that the consumption of heat and electricity in trickling filters has
significant environmental impacts, particularly on land use (93.24%), freshwater/marine eutrophication
(~81.98%), and human health (45.36%). The majority of the energy required for trickling filter operation is
supplied by fossil fuels (96.02%), resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions (65.58%). The exergy of
trickling filters is highly efficient, accounting for over 95% of the system’s energy. Mathematical modeling reveals that anaerobic digestion and secondary clarifier have the highest energy consumption, with contributions
of 94.65% and 2.63%, respectively. Construction expenses account for almost 88% of the total cost, with
anaerobic digestion (42.15%) and trickling filters (35.39%) being the most costly components. The cost of
treating 1 m3 of wastewater is estimated at 0.52 $/m3. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that electricity (14.66%)
and heat (18.65%) significantly impact terrestrial ecotoxicity and land use, respectively. This study presents a
framework for future investigations in this field.
|