Adsorption pilot system
Adsorption columns
AOP Pilot plant
Instrumentation for the digitalisation of the sewer network
Adsorption pilot system
Description
The ARETUSA Consortium has been established in 2001 and associates an urban water utility (ASA Azienda Servizi Ambientali Spa) in PPP with industry (Solvay Chimica Italia Spa) and technology provider (TME Termomeccanica Ecologia Spa). Thanks to ARETUSA water reclamation facility, Solvay replaces high-quality groundwater with fit-for-purpose treated municipal wastewater for industrial use, while groundwater is more exploited for drinking water production to serve the coastal areas. Up to 3.8 Mio. m3 per year of treated municipal wastewater is already reused by the industrial partner Solvay, freeing up Solvay private industrial wells for drinking water use. Currently, the Solvay plant has highly expanded both in terms of production and variety, which further increases the water demand. The plant produces sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate (also for pharmaceutical use), calcium chloride, chlorine, hydrochloric acid, chloromethane, plastic materials, peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The ARETUSA water reclamation facility was designed to treat the secondary effluent coming from the two municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) of Cecina and Rosignano by chemical, physical, and biological processes in order to reach the quality requirements of Solvay. The catchments of Cecina and Rosignano WWTPs are impacted by currently unpredicted and relevant seawater intrusion that increases the chloride up to levels higher than acceptable and agreed by the contract in force among the ARETUSA partners. In addition, other parameters (e.g., surfactants and COD) can irregularly and unpredictably exceed the quality standard required for industrial reuse in Solvay. The successful results of ULTIMATE will be integrated in the definitive and executive design and implemented in full scale for real long-term operation. Three million euros investments to revamp, upgrade and digitalize the reclamation plant and system are currently envisaged by ARETUSA PPP.
Applied technologies
Outcome of assessments
Total cost of ownership (TCO)
The TCO assessment for the ARETUSA system, which manages treated wastewater for industrial processes, suggests that integrating the new system results in significant improvements in water quality, particularly by reducing salinity, which is crucial for its reuse in industrial applications. Over a 30-year period, the new system, despite requiring a capital investment of around 6.7 million EUR, considering the same quantities of water supplied to Solvay before the investment is projected to generate a profit of 15.2 million EUR. Nevertheless, the introduction of the new system enhances operational efficiency and water quality, increasing the volume of water supplied to Solvay and justifying the investment. Major cost items include operational costs, particularly electricity, with a significant portion of energy supplied at a favourable rate due to a pre-existing contract with Solvay. A sensitivity analysis shows that electricity prices as such have a limited impact on the TCO due to this contract, while interest rates on capital loans have a more pronounced effect, indicating that more favourable financial incentives could improve the technologies attractiveness.
Legislation and policy recommendations
Clarifying responsibilities and developing consistent guidelines for water reuse licensing and service provision across the EU are essential to ensure effective practices. The strategic agenda proposes comprehensive coverage of all water reuse types, emphasizing safety, environmental impact assessment, and the integration of reclaimed water into local water balances based on regional circumstances. Future regulations should establish minimum standards for non-agricultural uses, enhance risk assessment, and promote research on innovative water reuse technologies and practices. (see also D1.10)
Assess the opportunity of eco-labels and certification schemes for circular by-products. This may be an opportunity to foster material recovery purposes in Europe through the promotion of best practices to the consumers.