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    Separation of Cellulose fromWastewater and Valorisation via Pyrolysis: A Case Study in the Czech Republic
    (MDPI, 2024-04-05) Djordjevićová, Denisa; Miino, Marco Carnevale; Raček, Jakub; Chorazy, Tomáš; Hlavínek, Petr; Vranayová, Zuzana
    Currently, the recovery of resources from urban wastewater (WW) represents a priority. On this topic, the potential recovery of cellulose for its subsequent reuse in different sectors is gaining interest. In this work, a large-size conventional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was selected as a case study. A preliminary mechanical treatment was used, with the aim of separating, quantifying, and characterizing cellulose in WW. The results suggest that the per-capita production of dry primary cellulosic sludge (D-PCS) is equal to 1.46 ± 0.13 kgD-PCS PE1 y1, with an average calorific value of 21.04 MJ kg1DM. Cellulosic fibres have an average length of >100 µm and a thickness of 2–5 µm. The D-PCS was subsequently treated via medium-temperature pyrolysis; a total of 29.5% of the initial D-PCS was converted into pyrolyzed primary cellulosic sludge (P-PCS) and only 26% into pyrolytic gas. More than 44.5% of the dried cellulose can be converted into pyrolytic oil. Moreover, three different scenarios of recovery have been considered, and the impact of cellulose separation in terms of COD fluxes entering the WWTP and potential energy recovery has been studied. The results suggested that, in this case study, the potential separation of the primary cellulosic sludge from the influent water flux would have no significant impact on COD load entering the biological treatments and biogas production in the anaerobic digestion of the secondary sludge.
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    Comparison of Trenchless and Excavation Technologies in the Restoration of a Sewage Network and Their Carbon Footprints
    (MDPI, 2024-01-15) Chorazy, Tomáš; Hlavínek, Petr; Raček, Jakub; Pietrucha-Urbanik, Katarzyna; Tchórzewska-Cieślak, Barbara; Keprdová, Šárka; Dufek, Zdeněk
    The restoration of aging sewer networks is a fundamental remediation approach with the aim of renewing or improving existing systems. Remediation methods include repair, renovation, and replacement (renewal). The restoration of a sewer network itself can be performed using either excavation or trenchless technologies. While these technologies offer various advantages, they also present disadvantages. The choice of a restoration technology depends on numerous parameters, including economic factors and local conditions (such as the construction of the existing sewage network, available working space, traffic load, and environmental safety restrictions). In addition to the parameters influencing the choice of restoration technology, recent considerations have been given to constraints related to greenhouse gas emissions and the corresponding carbon footprint. Carbon footprint serves as an indicator of the restoration activity’s dependence on fossil fuels, both during implementation and operation. In the 21st century, concerns regarding carbon footprints have rapidly escalated. The reduction in carbon footprints is a crucial objective from both an economic and an ecological point of view. This article specifically addresses the prospects of monitoring the carbon footprint concerning the partial restoration of a sewer network within the historical core of the city of Brno, located in the Czech Republic.
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    Ecotoxicity of Wastewater in the Czech Republic
    (MDPI, 2023-12-08) Bogáňová, Ida Antonie; Hluštík, Petr
    The presented article deals with monitoring the ecotoxicity/toxicity of wastewater flowing into selected wastewater treatment plants in the Czech Republic. The sewage treatment plant was in a state of disrepair and was unable to treat the incoming sewage. In this critical period, the parameters – BOD5, CHSKCr, NL, N-NH4, N-inorg, N-total, P-total, RAS and pH were monitored at the inflow to the WWTP. BOD5, CHSKCr, NL, N-NH4, N-NO3, N-NO2, N-inorg, N-total, P-total and RAS were also monitored at the effluent from the wastewater treatment plant. Ecotoxicity (fish, barnacles, algae) and toxicity (Vibrio fischeri) were monitored at the inflow and outflow. The article considers the effects of wastewater ecotoxicity on individual wastewater treatment processes.
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    The use of biochar made from biomass and biosolids as a substrate for green infrastructure: A review
    (Elsevier, 2023-02-01) Novotný, Michal; Marković, Mihajlo; Raček, Jakub; Šipka, Milan; Chorazy, Tomáš; Tošić, Ivana; Hlavínek, Petr
    This paper reviews and summarizes various feedstocks for biochar production, pyrolysis technology and conditions, and physicochemical properties of selected types of biochar. Since biochar has a positive influence on plant growth, fertilizer efficiency, and rainwater capture, showing its use as a stable organic component of the substrate is the main objective of this research paper. Conclusion of the review considers the usage of biochar as a substrate for green infrastructure in pursuance of its characteristics, limiting pollutants concentration, potential benefits and risks for the environment, water sources and occurring climate change. The review is based on the analysis of selected papers on existing research and case studies related to the use of biochar and the evaluation of the impact of biochar on the characteristics of growing medium.
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    Methodology for the estimation of the technical condition in the case of water treatment plants
    (Elsevier, 2016-06-01) Kučera, Tomáš; Tuhovčák, Ladislav; Biela, Renata
    The paper presents the methodology for determining the operating and technical indicators for a preliminary assessment of the elements of water supply system (WSS) such as water treatment plants. The necessary data and system of technical indicators (TI) evaluation using the multi-objective optimization and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) are defined. The proposed methodology allows for the selection and ranking of WSS critical elements for more detailed analyses and suggestions of the type of renewal, including the estimated financial costs. Water treatment plants can be assessed by means of the specific part of the methodology. With respect to the water treatment plants the authors of the methodology realize that it is hard to generalize the entire audit since there are many types of water treatment plants as well as technological elements used. The proposed set of assessment indicators is based on the function of the water treatment plant, i.e. production of drinking water in the required quantity and quality. When assessing the technical condition of the water treatment plant this facility may not be viewed simply in structural and technical terms but it is absolutely necessary and much more important to assess it in technological terms.