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Dilution of sewage in Flanders mapped with mathematical and tracer methods

2009; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 6; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/15730620802541615

1744-9006

Geert Dirckx, D. Bixio, Chris Thoeye, G. De Gueldre, Boudewijn Van De Steene,

Soil and Water Nutrient Dynamics

Dilution of wastewater in sewerage networks is a major concern for wastewater operators. To tackle this problem on a regional scale, the Flemish wastewater operator Aquafin developed software enabling the prioritisation of intervention, highlighting the so-called dilution wet spots in the region in a transparent and straightforward way. Quantitative assessment reveals that in 108 of the 194 investigated catchments more than 50% of the dry weather flow is due to dilution. In the search for a hands-on, accurate method that could reveal the major inputs of infiltration and inflow within a sewer system, a promising tracing method based on isotopes was tested on two different case studies. To verify the application potential of such a method on a regional scale (Flanders), the isotope contents of drinking water and groundwater were compared for 65 catchments, with contrasting results.