Monitoring Ecotoxicity and Nutrients Load in the Reverse Osmosis Concentrate from Bundamba Advanced Water Treatment Plant, Queensland Australia

Abstract

Bundamba Advanced Water Treatment Plant is one of three plants that contribute purified recycled water in the Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme. The plant is required to treat reverse osmosis concentrate and to monitor nutrients and metals concentration prior to release into the Brisbane River. In addition, whole effluent toxicity test in the ROC is done annually and the receiving water is monitoring in the discharge outfall for nutrients and metals monthly. Results of these monitoring programs have shown full compliance with toxicity limits imposed by the regulator, and no increase in concentration of metals such as iron, nickel and copper or nutrients such as phosphorus and ammonia in the near field of the discharge outfall in the Brisbane River have been detected. Contrary, data show that the Bundamba Advanced Water Treatment Plant has achieved nutrient reductions of phosphorus and nitrogen that would otherwise be release to the receiving water.