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MELBOURNE
BRUNSWICK
BUNDOORA
FISHERMANS BEND
POINT COOK
HAMILTON
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
Better, more usable greywater
Massive amounts of greywater flow through Australia’s drains every day from
domestic, business and industrial consumers. This water is wasted. But are there
better ways of treating it so that it can be recycled?
Research by RMIT University PhD graduate Wee Hong Chin has shown that
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have real potential in the treatment of
greywater for recycling and further use.
“I looked at greywater treatment via several Advanced Oxidation Processes
(AOPs) which generate a powerful oxidant called hydroxyl radicals to remove the
organic compounds in greywater effectively.
“Using AOPs is an attractive alternative to existing processes such as biological
treatment and filtration. For example, low biodegradability of greywater limits the
effectiveness of a biological treatment and using membrane filtration simply
concentrates the organic pollutants without destroying them,” he said.
The research explored issues regarding the operation, quality of effluent and
energy consumption. While these processes have relatively high energy
consumption, the research findings showed they have real potential in greywater
treatment and will provide a stepping stone for future investigation into such
applications.
“Currently, the processes are more suitable to larger scale recycling projects such
as for apartment blocks, hospitals and schools. In these larger facilities skilled
operators are required to ensure that the supply of effluent is suitable for reuse,” he
said.
As one of the hottest and driest inhabited continents on earth, Australia’s water
scarcity and usage is well documented and has resulted in many efforts and
campaigns to reduce, reuse and recycle water.
“I’m passionate about doing the right thing when it comes to issues of sustainability
and reducing our impact on the environment. To me it’s really important to be able
to make the best possible use of greywater in Australia and to be involved in
research that will help with this issue is really exciting,” he said.
Along with more than 5,500 other graduates, Dr Wee Hong Chin will celebrate his
achievements at RMIT’s spectacular Graduation Ceremony at Etihad Stadium on
Wednesday, 16 December.
For interviews or comment: Dr Wee Hong Chin, 0432 270 423.
For general media enquiries, RMIT University Communications, Deborah
Sippitts, (03) 9925 3116 or 0429 588 869.
9 December, 2009
NEWS 
