Numerical and Laboratory Investigations of Closely-Spaced and Joint Infiltration of Precipitation and Treated Waste Water

Abstract

The closely-spaced infiltration of treated waste water and precipitation water may have advantages when compared to the single infiltration, such as reduction of construction costs and space requirements. Recent numerical works showed the theoretical applicability of this approach. A physical tank experiment has been set-up to study the processes in more detail and provide real data on the water flow as well as the purification potential during infiltration. Various scenarios of treated waste water infiltration with and without precipitation events have been technically realized. These data have then been used to implement a numerical model that supported the review of criteria for a proof of the principal applicability. A joint infiltration set-up is proposed and analyzed after successful evaluation of the closely-spaced, but separated infiltration of treated waste water and precipitation water. Again, both the laboratory and numerical works show the principal applicability of the proposed technique.