초록 ▼

A low-cost water and wastewater treatment system having several embodiments achieves efficient contaminant removal in an environmentally "friendly" manner. The technology couples biological and passive chemical unit processes, and relies largely on pH changes to remove contaminants. A first embodime

A low-cost water and wastewater treatment system having several embodiments achieves efficient contaminant removal in an environmentally "friendly" manner. The technology couples biological and passive chemical unit processes, and relies largely on pH changes to remove contaminants. A first embodiment focuses on a sequential two-unit treatment process consisting of a submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) cell followed by a limerock (LR) bed. A second embodiment merges the two sequential treatments into one compartment where the LR bed is coincident with the SAV unit. A third embodiment describes the replacement of the SAV unit with a periphyton raceway unit, which is then followed sequentially by a LR bed. All three embodiments contain control elements for determining when and how much recycle within and flow between the treatment systems should occur, and if and when chemical addition should be performed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A treatment system for the removal of a contaminant from water comprising:a biological treatment module having an inlet for admitting water to be treated and an outlet, the biological treatment module comprising submerged aquatic vegetation having biological means for rem

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A treatment system for the removal of a contaminant from water comprising:a biological treatment module having an inlet for admitting water to be treated and an outlet, the biological treatment module comprising submerged aquatic vegetation having biological means for removing the contaminant from the water and for elevating the pH of the water;a chemical treatment module having an inlet in fluid communication with the biological treatment module outlet, the chemical treatment module comprising a chemical compound having a property suitable for removing the contaminant from the water and for lowering the pH of the water;a sensor positioned in at least one of the biological and chemical treatment modules for sensing at least one of a hydraulic or a water quality parameter; andmeans for recirculating treated water from the chemical treatment module back to the biological treatment module responsive to a sensed parameter.