Edoardo Bertone

Hybrid water treatment cost prediction model for raw water intake optimization

In order to reduce the total cost of a dual source drinking water treatment plant operation, a comprehensive hybrid prediction model was built to estimate the necessary chemicals dosage and pumping energy costs for alternative source selection scenarios. Correlations between the water quality parameters and the required treatment chemicals were estimated using historical data and the expected pH variations associated with each chemical addition, which was based on the Caldwell-Lawrence diagram. The pumping energy costs were also estimated using a data-driven approach that was based on historical plant data. The research has practical implications for water treatment operators seeking to minimize plant operational costs through selecting raw water intake volumes for their treatment plant based on multiple source options and offtake tower gate levels. Future research seeks to better link current and future water treatment dosage cost predictions directly to water quality measurements taken from vertical profiling systems. Prediction model built to estimate treatment costs for a dual source drinking WTP.Model optimises source selection proportions based on treatment and pumping costs.Model aids WTP plant operators to alter the source selection strategy in extreme events.Model utilisation for source selection optimization delivers life cycle monetary savings.

An autonomous decision support system for manganese forecasting in subtropical water reservoirs

Manganese monitoring and removal is essential for water utilities in order to avoid supplying discoloured water to consumers. Traditional manganese monitoring in water reservoirs consists of costly and time-consuming manual lake samplings and laboratory analysis. However, vertical profiling systems can automatically collect and remotely transfer a range of physical parameters that affect the manganese cycle. In this study, a manganese prediction model was developed, based on the profilers historical data and weather forecasts. The model effectively forecasted seven-day ahead manganese concentrations in the epilimnion of Advancetown Lake (Queensland, Australia). The manganese forecasting model was then operationalised into an automatically updated decision support system with a user-friendly graphical interface that is easily accessible and interpretable by water treatment plant operators. The developed tool resulted in a reduction in traditional expensive monitoring while ensuring proactive water treatment management. DSS developed for Mn forecasting and proactive treatment in water reservoirs.DSS enabled significant reduction in Mn sampling and laboratory testing costs.Graphical user interface enabled proactive Mn water treatment by operators.

Achieving energy efficiency in government buildings through mandatory policy and program enforcement

Government buildings are responsible for a significant proportion of energy consumption worldwide, for example, in Australia, up to 41.5 PJ energy was consumed by government buildings in 2011–2012. While the newly constructed buildings may be energy efficient, the existing buildings, which account for more than 85% of the total building stock, were built prior to the time when energy rating systems was put in practice and are consequently energy inefficient to a large degree. Reducing the energy consumption in existing government buildings is essential, as it will not only reduce the costs and environmental impacts, but also show governments’ strong commitment towards the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. Furthermore, successful building energy retrofit projects are the showcases to the general public, encouraging other sectors (e.g. commercial) to conduct building retrofits for energy savings. Recognising these benefits, several state governments in Australia have introduced building energy efficiency policies and programs. This paper reviewed the energy efficiency policies/programs in five States in Australia: Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland in terms of respective policies and targets, implementation methods and current progress. The lessons learned from these programs were also discussed. This research revealed that the key factors for a successful government building energy retrofitting program are 1) having a properly enforced energy efficiency mandate with clear energy saving targets, 2) establishing an expert facilitation team and 3) implementing suitable financing and procurement methods.

Analysis and modelling of powdered activated carbon dosing for taste and odour removal

A series of experiments were undertaken in order to understand and predict the dosage of powdered activated carbon required to remove taste and odour compounds in an Australian drinking water treatment plant. Competitive effects with organic matter removal by aluminium sulphate during coagulation were also quantified. Data on raw and finished water quality following jar tests, as well as chemical dosages and treatment performance, were statistically analysed, and a data-driven prediction model was developed. The developed powdered activated carbon dosage prediction model can be used by the plant operators for rapid dosage assessment and can increase the preparedness of the plant to sudden taste and odour events. It was also found that total organic carbon levels and properties greatly affect the ability of powdered activated carbon to remove taste and odour compounds; on the other hand, total organic carbon removal is not affected by high taste and odour levels, since these were still much lower than organic carbon concentrations.

Evaluating design alternatives of constructed storm-water treatment wetlands

In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in public awareness in regard to the issues related to climate change. This increase in awareness has led to the formation of the South East Queensland Climate Adaptation Research Initiative, with the primary objective to adapt the region for the impacts of climate change. As part of this initiative, this paper aims to select the best design alternatives for constructed wetland design for treatment of storm-water runoff in order to effectively treat storm-water runoff and subsequently to prepare the South East Queensland, Australia for the expected impacts of climate change. In this context, to identify and evaluate preferred adaptation alternatives, the authors have undertaken a multi-criteria analysis by using the AHP technique. The combined results of this exploratory study, display that across the three stakeholder groups; Public Health and Safety, Flooding and Drainage Control of highest priority respectively.