INGENIEUR
Figure 2: Sewer Inflow Infiltration Studies
to use of energy saving devices such as a variable
speed drive to enhance energy efficiencies of key
STP equipment as well as process optimization
strategies. Eco-friendly treatment systems are
being explored whereby sewage treatment will
need less space, produce less sludge and require
lower energy whilst purifying the sewage into
clean water. Some examples of on-going studies
on eco-friendly systems are pilot trials of hybrid
treatment systems, which is a combination of
biofilm (attached growth on media) and activated
sludge as well as pilot MBR systems at sewage
treatment facilities in the country.
R&D CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
R&D in the previous years has yielded much
data to support reuse initiatives whereby sewage
treatment can be transformed into a Resource
Recovery Process as described below.
R&D in Wastewater Reuse
R&D collaborative study between IWK and UTM
has established the benefits of treated sewage
effluent (bio-effluent) reuse in landscape plants
and for industrial applications. There are also
on-going studies to explore the potential of other
tertiary systems and pilot units which provide high
quality reclaimed water at lower operational cost
as the long term alternative to realize bio-effluent
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recycling. Such projects are in tandem with our
country’s Green Technology agenda as it will lower
our water footprint.
R&D in Sludge Reuse & Management
Apart from recycled water potential, R&D on
sewage sludge provides the scientific data
for reuse of biosolids as fertilizers or soil
amendment material. Local research has
shown that the typical proportion of nitrogen
(N):phosphorus (P): potassium (K) in the
biosolids is 3% whilst organic matter constitutes
more than 50% of the biosolids and presence
of micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium,
sulfur are beneficial for plant growth. Field trials
in collaboration with UPM on timber species
showed significant growth in terms of height and
basal diameter whilst improving the soil Cation
Exchange Equivalent (CEE). Research on rubber
trees with UPM & RRIM (Rubber Research
Institute of Malaysia) also showed that biosolids
were able to increase growth rate and have the
potential to double the wood yield and quality
suitable for furniture use.
Stabilization methods to further enhance
value of these biosolids were also explored
and range from traditional composting to
vermicomposting using earthworms. Based on
the research data collected, it would augur well to
establish reuse guidelines for Malaysia and precomp demo scale plants to support Malaysia’s
Green Agenda.