| Abstract: | Goal, Scope and Background One of the burning problems of our industrial society is the high consumption of water and the high demand for clean drinking
water. Numerous approaches have been taken to reduce water consumption, but in the long run it seems only possible to recycle
waste water into high quality water. It seems timely to discuss alternative water remediation technologies that are fit for
industrial as well as less developed countries to ensure a high quality of drinking water throughout Europe.
Main Features The present paper discusses a range of phytoremediation technologies to be applied in a modular approach to integrate and
improve the performance of existing wastewater treatment, especially towards the emerging micro pollutants, i.e. organic chemicals
and pharmaceuticals. This topic is of global relevance for the EU.
Results Existing technologies for waste water treatment do not sufficiently address increasing pollution situation, especially with
the growing use of organic pollutants in the private household and health sector. Although some crude chemical approaches
exist, such as advanced oxidation steps, most waste water treatment plants will not be able to adopt them. The same is true
for membrane technologies.
Discussion Incredible progress has been made during recent years, thus providing us with membranes of longevity and stability and, at
the same time, high filtration capacity. However, these systems are expensive and delicate in operation, so that the majority
of communities will not be able to afford them. Combinations of different phytoremediation technologies seem to be most promising
to solve this burning problem.
Conclusions To quantify the occurrence and the distribution of micropollutants, to evaluate their effects, and to prevent them from passing
through wastewater collection and treatment systems into rivers, lakes and ground water bodies represents an urgent task for
applied environmental sciences in the coming years.
Recommendations Public acceptance of green technologies is generally higher than that of industrial processes. The EU should stimulate research
to upgrade existing waste water treatment by implementing phytoremediation modules and demonstrating their reliability to
the public. |
