Pathogen reduction requirements for direct potable reuse in Antarctica: Evaluating human health risks in small communities

Abstract

22Small, remote communities often have limited access to energy and water. Direct potable reuse of 23 treated wastewater has recently gained attention as a potential solution for water-stressed regions, 24 but requires further evaluation specific to small communities. The required pathogen reductions 25 needed for safe implementation of direct potable reuse of treated sewage is an important 26 consideration but these are typically quantified for larger communities and cities. A quantitative 27 microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was conducted, using norovirus, giardia and Campylobacter as 28 reference pathogens, to determine the level of treatment required to meet the tolerable annual 29

Small Scale Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) Project for a Remote Area

“…This indicates that most TrOCs were removed by the treatment process. For the 16 chemicals that were detected in the RO concentrate, the range of compounds included fragrances (3), fire retardants (1), pharmaceuticals (5), fatty acid methyl esters (2), antioxidants (1), and other miscellaneous organic chemicals (4). All TrOC concentrations were below the ADWG values and none of the TrOCs identified were listed in the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) and the Agricultural and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (ARMCANZ) guidelines [14] for marine discharge.…”

“…A quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was undertaken for Davis Station [1], to determine the minimum Log Reduction Values (LRV) required for the small station population. Minimum LRVs of 12.3 for bacteria, 12.1 for virus and 10.4 for protozoa were identified as necessary to achieve a disability adjusted life year (DALY) of <10 −6 , the disease burden specified by the Australian water recycling guidelines [2].…”

Physical, chemical, biological and ecotoxicological properties of wastewater discharged from Davis Station, Antarctica

“…As a consequence novel approaches may be required. New technologies and a move to high level tertiary treatment offer significant benefits for the Antarctic environment including the near zero discharge of contaminants or introduced micro-organisms and potential reuse of treated water of potable quality (Barker et al, 2013). On the basis of the findings reported here and related detailed studies conducted as part of the 2009 assessment at Davis Station (Leeming et al, 2015;Stark et al, 2011), the Australian Antarctic Division is developing a state-of-the-art advanced wastewater treatment system for the station (Pyper, 2013).…”

“…Effective treatment of wastewater in Antarctica requires an understanding of the properties of the wastewater, local conditions and the receiving environment, and of the constraints imposed by Antarctic environmental conditions on the efficacy of treatment technologies. Various mechanisms and pathways through which wastewater discharges may cause detrimental environmental impacts in Antarctica have recently been identified Hughes and Thompson, 2004;Smith and Riddle, 2009) and attention has turned to the development of new approaches to wastewater treatment specifically designed to prevent or mitigate these impacts (Barker et al, 2013;Connor, 2008;Gröndahl et al, 2009;Hughes, 2004).…”

Enteric Viruses as Contaminants and Bioindicators in Environmental Samples: A Review

“…Lately, several studies have been performed regarding risks estimations related to enteric viruses contaminating drinking water (Ter et al 2010) recreational waters (Ter et al 2010), wastewater to be reused in agriculture and wastewater for direct potable reuse (Barker et al 2013). …”