#CLEANWATER

The catchment of the river Ipeľ (CRI) is a basin of small rivers and streams exposed to anthropogenic pollution. Streams and rivers are the receiving effluents of many small wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The project aims to reduce water pollution by upgrading two WWTPs and establishing the efficient removal of persistent micropollutants with quaternary treatment.

1. Investigation of the micropollutant load of surface water, groundwater, and drinking water in the CRI, planning innovative fourth wastewater treatment steps (RCAES, HU)
Following the testing of samples from different waters, the technology developed in-house will be used to test green waste biosorbents that can be produced on-site. We will identify the most efficient filters and solutions to the most high-risk pollutants and carry out a cost-benefit analysis of these for the catchment’s WWTPs. We will identify, through an action plan, where and with which technology to intervene in order to have a tangible impact on the whole catchment, considering the solutions currently available, the impact of the reconstruction work carried out in the project, and the potential of the biosorbents tested. Concept plans are being prepared for a new treatment stage at the Nógrád and Vinica WWTPs.

2. Sewage sludge dewatering with a screw press (DMRV, HU)
A new screw press will be installed at the Nógrád WWTP to dewater the sludge. This will replace the current desiccation, which significant amounts of leachate filtrate into the Lókos stream and groundwater. The modern solution returns the leachate to the front of the treatment line, where it undergoes secondary purification. This is important because in drier periods the effluent water of the Nógrád WWTP is essentially the main source of the Lókos stream, which also feeds fishing ponds. The need to transport smaller quantities of dewatered sludge by road to the Balassagyarmat WWTP will be reduced, which will cause lower CO2 emissions. A new internal electrical network will be installed.
3. WWTP reconstruction (Vinica, SK)

The aim of this part is to modernize the technology of WWTP and plan the sewage network of Vinica connected to the reconstructed WWTP. During implementation, the current technology will be replaced by a new granular aerobic biomass-based solution, which will improve the operational parameters. The intervention shall reduce the contamination of the treated effluent discharged into the Vel’ky potok.