Treatment of industrial wastewater
A company in the Netherlands encountered the issue that their on-site wastewater treatment could not remove 1,4-dioxane, resulting in outgoing concentrations exceeding local regulations. The permitted maximum outgoing concentration was <1 mg/L, requiring a removal efficiency of >92% to meet discharge limits.
Reduced invironmental impact
Very effective removal of 1,4-dioxane with advanced oxidation technology.
Energy savings
By optimizing the dosage of UV-C light and hydrogen peroxide, the energy waste of the AOP installation is minimal, consuming 0.70 kWh/m3.
Stricter EU regulations regarding dioxane
Companies in the chemical industry are facing stricter EU regulations regarding dioxane, a common by-product of chemical processes. This is a positive development because dioxane is persistent and toxic, can easily spread in water, and is carcinogenic. 1,4-Dioxane is often found in cosmetic products, formed unintentionally as a by-product in the production process. To prevent dioxane from entering nature and even our groundwater, reliable removal is necessary. This poses a challenge for companies to develop robust water treatment methods that mitigate risks and avoid downtime.
UV Solution:
UV advanced oxidation reactor to purify water from dioxane. It combines UV-C light and (sustainable) hydrogen peroxide, reacting with the contamination and ‘burning’ it in the water, breaking it down into harmless particles.
UV Results:
Removal of 1,4-dioxane from industrial wastewater.
UValue Creation:
- Environmental impact: because AOP is an intensive treatment, the treatment is extremely effective.
- No chemicals: any residual hydrogen peroxide is not a problem for the subsequent wastewater treatment plant, in other applications it can be easily removed with minimal impact on treatment costs.
Case study facts:
Location: The Netherlands
UV system supplier: Van Remmen UV technology
Naturally purified water for Efteling theme park
Efteling requires 400,000 m³ of water annually for attractions, ponds, and irrigation, but groundwater extraction is no longer permitted due to scarcity. A sustainable solution was developed by sourcing an alternative supply from treated wastewater.
UV Solution:
A UV system with five low-pressure lamps treats 75 m³ per hour.
UV Results:
E. coli bacteria were successfully eliminated, making the reuse of the WWTP effluent possible.
UValue Creation:
- Water savings: 400.000 m³ per year
- Environmental impact: Reduced chemical use (chlorine) and less corrosion
Saving valuable water resources
By reusing effluent water at Efteling, 400,000 m³ of valuable water is saved annually. Additionally, this sustainable approach reduces environmental impact by lowering chemical consumption and minimizing corrosion.
Water savings
Instead of pumping 400.000 cubic meters of groundwater, effluent from the WWTP is now being reused.
Reduced environmental impact
The use of a sustainable UV system reduces chemical consumption (chlorine) and minimizes corrosion.
The challenge: groundwater extraction is not allowed
Efteling theme park has an annual water demand of 400,000 cubic meters. This water is used to maintain the levels of water attractions, ponds, and fountains. Additionally, water is needed for irrigating the park’s vegetation and golf course. Due to groundwater scarcity, extraction is no longer permitted in North Brabant. Therefore, Efteling, in collaboration with the province and the Brabantse Delta Water Board, has sought a sustainable water supply solution.
Situation before the UV installation
Since 1997, the Efteling has been purchasing treated domestic wastewater from the Kaatsheuvel wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), as an alternative to pumping up fresh groundwater that used to be treated with chlorine. To improve the water quality of the treated wastewater, a constructed wetland (helophyte filter) was installed. However, due to high phosphate levels—which stimulate algae growth—an additional treatment step was needed. As a result, the effluent was first passed through a sand filter with iron dosing at the WWTP.
Results after installation of the UV system
As a final treatment step, UV disinfection is now used to eliminate unwanted bacteria in the effluent. By treating 75 m³ of effluent per hour at 300 J/m², E. coli bacteria are successfully removed. UV disinfection enables the safe and healthy reuse of WWTP water, achieving a water quality comparable to the EU bathing water standard.
Case study facts:
Organization name: Efteling theme park | WWTP Brabantse Delta Water Board
Location: Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands
UV system supplier: Van Remmen UV Technology