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Operational Criteria and Challenges in Management of Liquid Waste Treatment Facility Based on Chemical–Physical Processes and Membrane Biological Reactor in Thermophilic Conditions: A Case Study

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  • Maria Cristina Collivignarelli

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
    Interdepartmental Centre for Water Research, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Stefano Bellazzi

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Laura Maria Rita Calabria

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Marco Sordi

    (ASMia Srl—ASMortara SpA, Via Tiziano Vecellio 540, 27036 Mortara, Italy)

  • Barbara Marianna Crotti

    (ASMia Srl—ASMortara SpA, Via Tiziano Vecellio 540, 27036 Mortara, Italy)

  • Alessandro Abbà

    (Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy)

Abstract

This study investigates the operation and management of an advanced Italian liquid waste treatment platform, focusing on its dual-line configuration and the challenges posed by increasingly heterogeneous waste streams. The main objectives are to (i) characterize the technological and operational features of the system, (ii) evaluate strategies for dealing with variable waste compositions and non-compliant inputs, and (iii) propose governance measures to strengthen cooperation between producers and operators. The methodology integrates the analysis of operational data from 2022 to 2024 (waste volumes, European Waste Catalogue Codes, reagent consumption, sludge production, and energy use) with a critical assessment of acceptance procedures and monitoring protocols. Results show a 10% increase in liquid waste treated over the study period, a growing predominance of complex EWC codes, higher oxygen demand in the thermophilic reactor, and seasonal fluctuations in sludge production. At the same time, the plant achieved stable or improved performance indicators, with specific energy consumption decreasing to 2.08 kWh/kg COD removed in 2024. The study concludes that modular, flexible treatment systems, supported by rigorous waste characterization and real-time decision-making, are essential to ensuring efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term environmental sustainability in liquid waste management.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Cristina Collivignarelli & Stefano Bellazzi & Laura Maria Rita Calabria & Marco Sordi & Barbara Marianna Crotti & Alessandro Abbà, 2025. "Operational Criteria and Challenges in Management of Liquid Waste Treatment Facility Based on Chemical–Physical Processes and Membrane Biological Reactor in Thermophilic Conditions: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7928-:d:1741318
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nusrat Jahan & Mohammed Tahmid & Afrina Zaman Shoronika & Athkia Fariha & Hridoy Roy & Md. Nahid Pervez & Yingjie Cai & Vincenzo Naddeo & Md. Shahinoor Islam, 2022. "A Comprehensive Review on the Sustainable Treatment of Textile Wastewater: Zero Liquid Discharge and Resource Recovery Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-38, November.
    2. Mukhtar Ahmed & Shakeel Ahmad & Fayyaz-ul-Hassan & Ghulam Qadir & Rifat Hayat & Farid Asif Shaheen & Muhammad Ali Raza, 2019. "Innovative Processes and Technologies for Nutrient Recovery from Wastes: A Comprehensive Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(18), pages 1-20, September.
    3. Xu Xu & Jie Wang & Chan He & Xuting Jiang & Qianru An, 2024. "Sewage Treatment Equipment Supply Chain Collaboration and Resilience Improvement Path Analysis: Collaborative Decision-Making, Information Sharing, Risk Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-22, October.
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