In the field of sanitary engineering, water, wastewater and sludge treatment plants play a key role in ensuring human health and environmental protection. Our team studies the application of new processes for water and sewage sludge treatment, as well as monitoring and evaluating the performance of existing plants. More specifically:
Application and optimisation of conventional and advanced processes for the treatment of drinking water, wastewater and sewage sludge
In our laboratories we carry out pilot scale tests of chemical, chemical/physical and biological processes, both conventional (e.g. clariflocculation, activated sludge, ...) and advanced (e.g. thermophilic membrane processes, AOPs, ...) in order to assess the removal performance of generic and specific pollutants from all the matrices characteristic of the integrated water cycle, i.e. drinking water, wastewater and sewage sludge. Furthermore, we are able to evaluate the most promising plant solution not only from the point of view of purification efficiencies but also of costs and reagent consumption in order to provide optimal process conditions.
Drafting of protocols for the study of functionality and optimisation of purification processes in water treatment plants (drinking water and wastewater)
Through the drafting and implementation of protocols for verifying functionality (hydrodynamics, sedimentability, respirometry, evaluation of energy consumption, ...) a complete diagnosis of the functional conditions of the various compartments can be achieved. In this case, laboratory activities are flanked by different types of tests that can be performed in the field directly on the plants involved.
Calculation of treatment plant performance including performance indices and identification of possible upgrades
Following an intensive monitoring phase, it is possible to assess the 'health status' of a plant, whether it treats water (potable or waste) or sewage sludge. Our team is able to assess the performance of a plant through the application of performance indices (some of which we have developed) in order to identify any dysfunctions and so as to define the most appropriate improvements to be implemented at a managerial (and possibly structural) level. This represents a useful decision-making tool for plant operators in order to prioritise interventions when up-grading their plants.