PROJECTS
INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER
Treatment of leachate
Problem
Leachate is the water that has been in contact with waste stored in a landfill and is collected via a drainage system before treatment. Because each landfill receives different types of waste – from incineration residues to composted materials or long-closed deposits – the composition of the leachate varies significantly, and not two sites are alike. This variability, combined with strict local regulations, makes it challenging for landfill operators to select and invest in a reliable, efficient leachate treatment system without taking on considerable technical and financial risks.
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Solution
BioAqua specializes in designing and building customized treatment systems for leachate, always starting with a dedicated piloting phase. In close cooperation with the landfill operator, a pilot unit is installed that combines an array of technologies such as flocculation, flotation and screw press, allowing different treatment configurations to be tested under real operating conditions. During the test period, the process is continuously optimized, and individual technologies can be included or excluded to identify the most effective solution for the specific landfill. BioAqua has installed such customized solutions all over the world.
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Result
By basing the final design on pilot data, both the landfill and BioAqua significantly reduce risks associated with investing in a new leachate treatment solution. The selected full-scale system is then either integrated into an existing building or delivered as a fully insulated containerized plant, providing a robust, flexible and compliant treatment setup tailored to local requirements. This approach ensures stable operation, regulatory compliance, and long-term protection of the surrounding environment.
Containerized solution
Problem
Due to the unique characteristics of industrial activity in Iceland, heavy industries and fish processing plants face significant challenges in managing and disposing of waste streams such as wastewater, wet sludge, blood, and fats. These by-products typically contain high levels of organic material and therefore require specialized treatment to comply with strict environmental regulations.
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Solution
To enable testing of wastewater treatment technologies across different locations and industries, BioAqua has developed a containerized solution based on coagulation and flocculation processes. The system is housed in a standard 20-foot container, making it both compact and mobile.
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The BioAqua system consists of three mixing chambers dedicated to pH adjustment, coagulation, and flocculation. Each chamber is equipped with mixers featuring frequency control, as well as dosing pumps for the required chemicals. A polymer preparation unit is included for flocculant dosing.
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Following the treatment stages, the system incorporates a flotation unit consisting of a polyethylene (PE) tank with a dispersion water system and a surface skimmer. In this unit, flocculated wastewater is mixed with microbubbles, causing the flocs to rise to the surface. The floating sludge is removed by a scraper and collected in a funnel.
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The microbubbles are generated by a specialized pump and nozzle system that produces millions of micron-sized bubbles, ensuring efficient separation. The collected sludge is then transferred via a hose pump for dewatering. The screw press connected to the flotation unit produces sludge with a dryness of approximately 5–10%, depending on the characteristics of the wastewater and the scraping frequency.
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The system is expected to achieve a reduction in Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of approximately 60%, along with up to 95% removal of fats.
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Result
The BioAqua system is fully automated and features an advanced control system that monitors operation, process parameters, and alarms. The complete solution is delivered as a fully equipped container, including documentation, service, maintenance, and warranty. Supervision and start-up assistance can also be provided.
This containerized facility is easily transportable, space-efficient, and offers an effective solution for reducing industrial waste streams in regions with stringent environmental requirements.
Flotation tank
Nikuni microbubble generator with microbubble nozzles