A Comparative Study for Water Reuse in an Urban WWTP with a Novel Non-thermal Plasma Technology

Currently, the scarcity of potable water is a worldwide problem that makes it necessary to explore alternative sources for non-potable uses, such as the reuse of treated wastewater. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the application of several tertiary treatment technologies, and its combinations, in the production of reusable wastewater (RWW). A novel advanced oxidation technology in the water treatment field, Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP), was also studied and included in this comparative study. Pilot and industrial scale tests were carried out under real conditions in an urban WWTP. RWW were obtained with diverse qualities fitted to different urban uses. NTP applied in best operating optimized conditions allowed for a 3.2 log-reduction in Escherichia coli present in secondary effluent. A comparative cost analysis also showed that NTP is a competitive technology for disinfection in comparison with the other tested.