Research Needs for Advanced Waste Treatment

Stringent water quality requirements demand that waste-water treatment technology be highly effective in removal of a broad range of contaminants. New separation technology in the physical-chemical processes and improvements or adaptations of old technology is rapidly being built into treatment plants to achieve high quality effluents. Advances have been made in the removal of suspended solids, organics, algal nutrients, dissolved minerals and bacteria. Processes in use or in an advanced state of research include filtration, microscreening, chemical coagulation, adsorption, chemical oxidation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis and disinfection. While much is known about the theory and application of these processes, very substantial research is needed to further the understanding and optimization of their use. The research needed on each of these processes is covered. Needs are listed for additional research and development to perfect or further improve all processes mentioned.