초록 ▼

The invention provides an integrated water treatment system suitable for use in the treatment of contaminated water, wastewater, potable water, aquaculture, industrial water and polluted water bodies. An integrated water treatment system according to at least one embodiment of the invention comprise

The invention provides an integrated water treatment system suitable for use in the treatment of contaminated water, wastewater, potable water, aquaculture, industrial water and polluted water bodies. An integrated water treatment system according to at least one embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of modules adapted to float in a body of water integrating a plurality of different attached growth biofilm media types positioned within a plurality of water flow paths and circulations. The conditions provided by a multiple of media types and plurality of flow paths creates a multiplier effect increasing the number of treatment zones and an increased diversity of interconnected treatment process zone types. Embodiments of the invention provide a diversity of conditions and biological habitats establishing a poly-culture of producers, consumers and higher organisms in an ecosystem of biological treatment processes, with complex metabolic pathways and food chains increasing treatment efficiency and the range of pollutants which may be effectively treated. Modules comprised in the system are adjustable in operational rate, series, and timing, and are movable in configuration and/or proximity providing a new type of adaptable, re-configurable and adjustable multi-zone, integrated ecological biofilm water treatment system.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An integrated water treatment system for use in the treatment of contaminated water, wastewater, potable water, aquaculture, industrial water and polluted water bodies, the system comprising: at least one module adapted to float in a body of water;at least one attached growth media element suspen

1. An integrated water treatment system for use in the treatment of contaminated water, wastewater, potable water, aquaculture, industrial water and polluted water bodies, the system comprising: at least one module adapted to float in a body of water;at least one attached growth media element suspended from the at least one module in the body of water; andat least one aeration device suspended from the at least one module for aerating the body of water;wherein the at least one aeration device is arranged to generate at least one water flow path;wherein the at least one attached growth media element is disposed within the at least one water flow path;wherein the at least one module comprises a buoyant structure comprising a buoyant framework comprising three or more sealed lengths or sections of pipe that are connected to one another;wherein ends of the sealed lengths or sections of pipe are pinch welded to form flanges at the ends of the sealed lengths or sections of pipe such that the flanges are integrally formed with the sealed lengths or sections of pipe;wherein the sealed lengths or sections of pipe are arranged such that the flanges are vertically oriented; andwherein the flanges are bent to a pre-specified angle relative to a length of the sealed lengths or sections of pipe. 2. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one aeration device comprises at least one of: a multi-directional aeration device configured to generate water flow paths in a plurality of directions; and a directional aeration device configured to generate one or more water flow paths in substantially a single direction. 3. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the attached growth media elements are selected from the group consisting of: the submerged roots of a first species of aquatic plant; the submerged roots of a second species of aquatic plant; a partially submerged horizontal media structure comprising one or more layers of elongate elements; a submerged artificial media comprising elongate elements; a textured textile surface; and a mineral aggregate media. 4. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one attached growth media element comprises a plurality of types of attached growth media elements disposed upon the at least one module, disposed within a plurality of water flow paths so as to define a corresponding plurality of water treatment zones. 5. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1, comprising at least two modules, connected together or separate and adjacent to one another, and configured so as to provide first and second water treatment zones that are interlinked, adjacent or overlapping. 6. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the attached growth media elements comprises a plurality of attached growth media surfaces and a semi-rigid elongated core; wherein the attached growth media surfaces extend from the elongated core; wherein the attached growth media surfaces are arranged in a helical or angled array along a longitudinal axis of the elongated core, and wherein the elongated core is affixed only at one end allowing multiple axis of movement. 7. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1, further comprising a cover mounted upon the at least one module and comprising a multi-layer planted floating bio-filter to absorb odours and aerosols released from the water by the at least one aeration device. 8. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1, further comprising an elongated impermeable membrane trough suspended from a flotation support structure so as to provide a floating flow channel. 9. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1 adapted to draw water through a gravel filter or extended area of aquatic vegetation disposed in or at the edge of the body of water. 10. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1, wherein at least one aeration device is arranged to produce at least one recirculation flow path that coincides with a plurality of water treatment zones. 11. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1, configured to provide one or more zones selected from the group consisting of: a macro scale extended cycle recirculation zone; a micro scale short cycle recirculation zone; a primary flow zone; a benthic zone; a mineral filter zone; a live substrate zone; a partially submerged media zone; and/or a dynamic media zone; wherein the zones are provided by appropriate selection of attached growth media elements and/or water flow rates. 12. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one module comprises a platform. 13. The integrated water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one aeration device is suspended from the at least one module by an adjustable mount adapted to vary the depth and/or flow angle of the aeration device. 14. A water treatment system comprising plurality of integrated water treatment systems according to claim 1, the plurality of integrated water treatment systems being arranged so as to circulate water from one integrated water treatment system to another. 15. The plurality of integrated water treatment systems of claim 14, arranged so as to define one or more of: zones of fully and/or partially treated water; zones where suspended solids are settled; denitrification zones; and/or a plurality of processing loops. 16. The plurality of integrated water treatment systems of claim 14, configured to operate in response to one or more measured or determined water content values.