The Role of Particle Characterization in Advanced Wastewater Treatment

This article discusses the application of particle size analysis to better understanding and improved design of the direct filtration process (no chemical pretreatment) of secondary municipal effluents. Particle size distributions (PSD) of various plant effluents are described and interpreted. Results from laboratory experiments are presented, pointing out a major divergence of effluent filtration from classical water filtration theory. A mathematical model introducing the PSD function into a “classical” filtration model is presented exemplifying PSD application to improved wastewater filtration.