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==Wastewater in an energy resource== | ==Wastewater in an energy resource== | ||
The [[wastewater treatment|treatment]] of [[wastewater]] using conventional methods consumes significant amounts of [[energy]].<ref>According to one estimate, " [http://www.engr.psu.edu/ce/enve/mfc-Logan_files/mfc-Logan.htm Microbial Fuel Cells], B.E. Logan, 2005. Does this include the cost of contructing colleciton and treatment facilities, including the [[embedded energy]]{{wp sup|embedded energy}} in the materials?{{sp}}</ref> | The [[wastewater treatment|treatment]] of [[wastewater]] using conventional methods consumes significant amounts of [[energy]].<ref>According to one estimate, "In the USA... 5% of electricity we produce is used to treat water and wastewater." - from [http://www.engr.psu.edu/ce/enve/mfc-Logan_files/mfc-Logan.htm Microbial Fuel Cells], B.E. Logan, 2005. Does this include the cost of contructing colleciton and treatment facilities, including the [[embedded energy]]{{wp sup|embedded energy}} in the materials?{{sp}}</ref> | ||
However, wastewater actually contains biochemical energy, which is normally thrown away, or worse, discarded as pollution. [[Biochemical oxygen demand]]{{wp sup|Biochemical oxygen demand}} is a measure of pollution, but also indicates the energy content of the wastewater. | However, wastewater actually contains biochemical energy, which is normally thrown away, or worse, discarded as pollution. [[Biochemical oxygen demand]]{{wp sup|Biochemical oxygen demand}} is a measure of pollution, but also indicates the energy content of the wastewater. | ||
Revision as of 14:05, 16 October 2007
Wastewater in an energy resource
The treatment of wastewater using conventional methods consumes significant amounts of energy.[1]
However, wastewater actually contains biochemical energy, which is normally thrown away, or worse, discarded as pollution. Biochemical oxygen demandW is a measure of pollution, but also indicates the energy content of the wastewater.
Methods of extracting energy
Biogas is one method with the potential for use as an appropriate technology.
Various waste-to-energyW technologies including incinerationW can be used to dispose of solid waste. This includes dried sewage sludge.W
Footnotes
- ↑ According to one estimate, "In the USA... 5% of electricity we produce is used to treat water and wastewater." - from Microbial Fuel Cells, B.E. Logan, 2005. Does this include the cost of contructing colleciton and treatment facilities, including the embedded energyW in the materials?[expansion needed]