ΑΝΕΛΙΞΗ

The project ANELIXI (www.anelixi.tuc.gr) aims to upgrade two overloaded extended aeration Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs), through the use of innovative technologies, allowing increased input load to be accepted by the WWTPs, while also reducing energy and operating costs in general. These are the WWTPs of Marpissa, Paros and Kyperounta of Limassol District. Both WWTPs are operating at or near their permitted capacities, while the expansion of the sewerage network is planned, and thus increase of the incoming hydraulic flow and BOD load.

The innovation of this project lies in early removal of solids and particulate BOD from raw sewage, using a special type of filter (microscreens/continuous backwash upflow media filter/disc filters), prior to their entry into the aeration tank. In this way, the total electricity consumption will be reduced by 30-35%. Upon completion of the project, each WWTP will be able to process increased input loads and produce reclaimed water suitable for irrigation applications. The produced biosolids (sewage sludge) with solids content at least 45% are ideal for the production of soil conditioner or energy utilization. At the same time, the project will upgrade the environment, both due to the cessation of incompletely treated discharges and due to the reclaimed water reuse.

Both WWTPs are expected to serve as pilots for the dissemination of the technology that will be developed. In addition, the process will be modeled, using the operational data that will be collected, in order to create a design tool that will be used for the design and construction of new facilities. Directly benefiting will be the public water supply and sewerage companies, the general public, local and national authorities, as well as bodies that will develop and export the technology (universities, joint ventures, etc.)

The project's individual objectives are summarized as follows:

• Protection of the environment.
• Upgrading of ecosystems and local settlements.
• More efficient treatment of wastewater and use of resources (water) and energy. Energy consumption is expected to be reduced by 35%, with improved effluent quality.
• Innovation in wastewater treatment of local WWTP with the development & application of new technologies.
• Energy saving, sustainability and added value for WWTPs, social-economic benefits, by the improved capacity and reduced operating costs.
• Reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation, reduction of groundwater exploitation.
• Recycling of biosolids for soil conditioner or biogas production.
• Dissemination of findings to bodies - Promotion of methodologies to improve the efficiency of WWTP.
• Capitalization of experience and the development of replicable models for the project in relevant areas.