On-line monitoring for improved wastewater system management: applications of UV-visible spectroscopy

Abstract

The value of on-line UV/vis spectroscopy for wastewater quality monitoring in two different sewage management situations was confirmed. For decentralised wastewater treatment, spectral on-line monitoring of key quality parameters (COD, organic N) at the WWTP inlet was found to be possible, at two plants of different sizes and inflow characteristics. The produced data allowed the dynamic modelling of the treatment processes and the testing of control scenarios. In situ spectral monitoring in sewers was also successfully tested, with high potential in the management of drainage networks subjected to storm water inflows. In both situations, on-line UV/ vis spectrophotometry can thus become a key technology for real-time system management, leading to better use of infrastructures and resources and the achievement of environmental objectives more consistently and at lower costs.