물 환경 연구 재단(Water Environment Research Foundation)이 최근 하수와 하수 폐기물을 탄소를 기반으로 한 경제성있는 자재로 재활용하는 현존, 부상 기술들에 대한 광범위한 리스트를 제작 및 보급하겠다는 제안을 하였다. 위 연구는 탄소기반 경제적 자재에 대한 수요, 시장 분석 및 미래 가격, 트렌드 전망을 담고 있을 것으로 예상된다. 위에서 언급된 부상 기술들은 다양한 규모의 하수처리 플랜트에서 적용이 가능해야 한다.

WERF는 현재 처리된 하수 슬러지에서 거대 영양소나 각종 경제재들을 복원, 재활용하는 기술 연구를 금전적으로 지원하고 있다. WERF는 이전에도 하수처리 슬러지와 같은 바이오 고형물 재활용등의 연구를 지원한 바 있다. 이번 연구는 진행되고 있던 연구에 다른 물질의 친환경 재활용을 추가적으로 촉진하는 형태로 시작되었다.

ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 1, 2013 -- The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is seeking proposals to identify and provide a comprehensive list of existing and emerging technologies that can realistically be used to recover carbon-based commodities from wastewater or wastewater byproducts. The research seeks to include a market analysis of current and estimated future potential market pricing, trends, and demand for these carbon-based commodities. These emerging technologies should be applicable at wastewater treatment plants of various sizes.

WERF is currently funding ongoing research to investigate the recovery of macro-Nutrients (NTRY1R12) and other material commodities such as energy and treated wastewater. WERF previously funded research on biosolids (appropriately treated sewage sludge) as a resource (e.g., nutrient-rich soil amendment). This research builds upon the prior and ongoing research by focusing on other commodities or products and the technologies that produce them.

Several carbon based materials are present in domestic wastewater and perhaps biosolids. However, the value and demand for these products is unknown. Many scientific papers have been published on the availability of these products in wastewater. The industry, however, needs to get an objective and unbiased view of the value and current and future demand for these products. This research project seeks to provide that unbiased view.

Proposers are strongly encouraged to seek additional partners, collaborators, test sites, case studies, etc. to further leverage the level of effort and funding, as well as to successfully complete the research. Additional in-cash and in-kind contributions, for example, through technology providers, wastewater plants, personnel, and laboratories are also encouraged.

[출처: Waterworld / 2013년 8월 1일]