A Murky Future

The end of the semester is coming up, and as I draw my blog to a close, I suppose it is fitting to discuss the cutting-edge of water treatment techniques in Singapore.

Innovation in Water Singapore is a yearly publication by PUB that highlights research and developments in water treatment technology that I would recommend you check out!

The 2018 and 2019 issues both featured algal blooming as a subject of concern and for good reason. Even without considering excessive nutrient loading from industries, a warming urban environment (Roth & Chow, 2012) still makes freshwater bodies an inviting place for algae to proliferate (Lai, Chua, Chan, 2018). One of our national taps source water from these water bodies; and the presence of algal blooms clog up NEWater’s signature reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, adding to RO’s already high energy usage and membrane maintenance (Ooi et al., 2019). I don’t think murky green waterways littered with dead fish (Ooi et al., 2019) would be very appealing, wouldn’t you agree?

In our discussions of eutrophication, treatment measures for algal blooms mostly revolved around reductions in nutrient loading. Alternatively, the 2018 issue showcased ultrasonic disinfection, where a pilot study was conducted on the Serangoon Reservoir (Lai et al., 2018). Its principle of operation is the exciting part: where cavitation bubbles form and implode, creating an environment where water decomposes and forms biocidal hydroxyl radicals that eliminate algal cells (Joyce, Wu, & Mason, 2010).

Operating like a floating fish tank filter, closed water systems like a catchment could conceivably be protected from algal blooms (Lai et al, 2018). Conversely, it would be a lost cause in open waters where desalination plants draw seawater from. Ultimately, the best solution lies in managing the growth factors of algae: nutrients and warmth. That would mean dealing with warming seas, urban heating, and anthropogenic nutrient inputs: each is a tall order in their own right.

Concerning last week’s post, PUB’s 2017 issue indicates that they already dabbled into Membrane Contactor technology! If you have not read last week’s post, Membrane Contactors are one of many liquid-phase extraction technologies, which also encompasses RO. In particular, Membrane Contactors offer opportunities for resource recovery: in this case, the recovery of methane from anaerobic bioreactors (Wang, Bae, 2017). Unlike VOC recovery which features a liquid extractor, either the property of pressure gradient force on gases is exploited by using a vacuum, or carrier gas(es) with high affinity for biogas are utilized.

This adds on to Ryan’s comment about political will for the implementation of such technologies in Singapore. The realisation hit me that there is a strong political will for the implementation of novel and critical technologies in wastewater treatment; just not in the places that need it the most! If this project tenure was awarded to point-source emitters of high-VOC wastewaters, widespread industrial adoption of wastewater resource-recovery and treatment technologies could have begun years ago!

Could the 2017 ECOSWM fire have been avoided with PUB’s research involvement? Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/tuas-plant-fire-eco-special-waste-management-fined-mom-11848164

While it is invigorating to know that such technological advancements are taking place, the reach of Singapore’s political will is not yet enough to provide holistic solutions to our water problems. We already have the research, now its time to implement them where they are needed.

^Back to the Top^

References

Joyce, E. M., Wu, X., & Mason, T. J. (2010). Effect of ultrasonic frequency and power on algae suspensions. Journal of Environmental Science and Health – Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineeringhttps://doi.org/10.1080/10934521003709065

Lai C. L., Chua C. Y. , Chan W. S. (2018). Managing microalgae growth with ultra-low frequency technology. Innovation in Water Singapore, Vol 10, 27. Retrieved from https://www.pub.gov.sg/Documents/Innovation_in_Water_Singapore_Vol10.pdf

Ooi S. K., Babovic V., Navarro L. M., Yim S. S. P., Wang M. Y. | NUS; Xia L. J., Gao R. M., Sim M., Mahadevan A. | PUB;

Tay S. H. X. | H2i (formerly NUS) (2019). An algal proliferation prediction system for Singapore’s coastal waters. Innovation in Water SingaporeVol 11, 40. Retrieved from https://www.pub.gov.sg/Documents/Issue%2011_Innovation%20in%20Water,%20Singapore_Full%20PDF.pdf

Roth, M., & Chow, W. T. L. (2012). A historical review and assessment of urban heat island research in Singapore. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjtg.12003

Wang R., Bae T. H., Y. Zhang (2017). Maximising biogas recovery for used water treatment. Innovation in Water SingaporeVol 9, 27. Retrieved from https://www.pub.gov.sg/Documents/PUB_InnovationinWater_Issue9.pdf

^Back to the Top^

 

262 thoughts on “A Murky Future

  1. If you’re looking to boost your Instagram following quickly, SMM Panel One is one Website that might interest you. Similar to insta followers.co, you can buy IG Followers immediately through our platform. However, one unique feature of ours is that we offer free followers and likes to new users, which can give you a taste of how the service works before committing to purchasing followers. This can be a great way to test out the quality of the followers and see if they are actually engaging with your content.

  2. When I read your article on this topic, the first thought seems profound and difficult. There is also a bulletin board for discussion of articles and photos similar to this topic on my site คาสิโนออนไลน์, but I would like to visit once when I have time to discuss this topic

  3. “Wow, what an inspiring blog post! Your positive outlook and uplifting words brightened my day. Thank you for sharing such valuable content. Keep spreading positivity, and I’ll eagerly await your next post!” 😊 Protección Orden Nueva Jersey

  4. Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI): This ETF aims to track the performance of the CRSP US Total Market Index, providing broad exposure to the U.S. equity market. invest here now

  5. While some lawyers can help you legally with a Delaware C Corp, Andrew personally did all of his company’s C Corp legal work including drafting bylaws, founders’ stock agreements, IP agreement and investor documents. tech attorney

  6. There are many website Bitcoin Profit websites that are claiming themselves as official Bitcoin Profit websites. We personally checked three websites, and they all were the official ones. bitcoin code

  7. I’m really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and internet and this is actually frustrating. A good web site with exciting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web site, I’ll be visiting it.
    비아그라파는곳

  8. Chatblink somehow takes care of your privacy. Platform informs you whenever they try to use your data. They ask for permission to use the microphone and camera. free chatblink

  9. Hi, i believe that i saw you visited my website so i came to go back the desire?.I’m trying to find issues to improve my website!I suppose its good enough to use some of your ideas!!

    토토

  10. These are songs that are relaxing and can be used to create a more chill atmosphere in a game. Some popular chill Roblox Music Codes include: read more

  11. Wherever you decide to live, we can ensure you’ll be living comfortably and securely. This container home is easy to deliver and assemble and comes complete with all you need to feel right at home expandable container house

  12. Discover the journey to radiant harmony through Korean Skin Care UK, a trend that celebrates your skin’s luminous allure. Explore the allure of age-defying serums, revitalizing treatments, and the magic of preserving your skin’s youthful vitality. Witness the transformation as your complexion becomes a symphony of renewed vibrancy and timeless radiance.

  13. normally in these places, far away from the network suppliers’ base station or space closed, the cell phone signal is weak even you might get no service. But people still can get good signal receipt and take a phone call, that’s all of the cell phone signal booster, some say repeater or signal amplifier. Gsm Extender

  14. Famoid’s legacy is one of innovation, commitment, and progress. Since its establishment in 2017, Famoid has been shaping the future of social media services. Their contributions across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube have not only elevated the digital journeys of countless clients but have also set new standards for excellence in the industry.

  15. The internet is rife with potential security risks, from data breaches to cyber attacks. If your online security is a priority, it’s wise to buy mobile proxy. By utilizing mobile proxies, your internet traffic is channeled through mobile IP addresses, effectively concealing your original identity. This added layer of security prevents malicious entities from tracking your online behavior, safeguarding your personal and financial information. Whether you’re browsing, shopping, or conducting business online, the decision to buy mobile proxy can provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.

  16. Navigating the Bitcoineer journey is not without its share of triumphs. Witnessing the value of their investments rise, some Bitcoineers have seen life-changing returns.  go to website

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *