Effective and sustainable solutions for treating tourist wastewater Tourism is a significant source of economic growth in many regions, but it can also lead to environmental challenges, particularly in terms of wastewater management. Treating tourist was

What is Tourist Wastewater?

Tourist wastewater is polluted water originating from tourist areas, resorts, restaurants, and hotels.

In Vietnam, there are many famous tourist destinations such as Nha Trang, Ha Long, Da Nang, Hoi An... These are places that attract a large number of visitors for sightseeing and vacationing every year. Therefore, the amount of wastewater generated is extremely large and requires an appropriate wastewater treatment system before being discharged into the environment.

The treatment of tourist wastewater is not only important for environmental protection but also enhances the landscape quality, attracting more domestic and international tourists to visit.

Origins of Tourist Wastewater

Tourist wastewater originates from various sources, including:

• Wastewater from the daily activities of tourists staying or employees working at tourist locations.
• Wastewater generated from food preparation, cooking, kitchen utensil cleaning in restaurants, hotels. This wastewater contains high levels of fats and chemicals from dishwashing, handwashing, floor cleaning...
• Sanitary wastewater from public restrooms in tourist areas, resorts. Additionally, there is wastewater generated from plant activities in eco-tourism areas...
• Wastewater generated from entertainment areas.

Tourist Wastewater Treatment Process

Tourist wastewater contains high levels of pollutants. Notably, it includes organic matter, nutrients such as N, P, fats, suspended solids, surfactants, pathogenic microorganisms...

If untreated, tourist wastewater can cause serious environmental pollution. Let's explore an effective tourist wastewater treatment process as follows:

Preliminary Treatment at Collection Tank

Wastewater is conveyed through pipes to the trash collection tank. Trash screens are installed at the beginning of these pipes to block and remove coarse impurities, large-sized waste. This helps reduce the risk of pipe blockages, pump failures, and relieves pressure on downstream facilities.

The collection tank serves to gather wastewater, stabilize flow rates for transfer to subsequent treatment facilities.

Grease Trap Tank

Tourist wastewater contains high levels of fats and oils. Therefore, a grease trap tank is used to remove oil scum on the water surface. This helps prevent system blockages.

In the grease trap tank, oil, scum, surfactants are removed to prevent system blockages.

Aeration Tank

The aeration tank is a crucial facility in most wastewater treatment systems. Its main function is to stabilize the concentration and flow rate of wastewater. Aeration systems are installed at the inlet and outlet of the tank to continuously mix the water source. This helps prevent anaerobic decomposition causing foul odors.

The aeration tank can treat 10% of COD and BOD in tourist wastewater.

Tourist Wastewater Treatment in AAO Tank Cluster

The AAO Tank Cluster effectively removes COD, BOD, N, P... in wastewater thanks to a group of aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic microorganisms.

After the AAO biological treatment process, there is a settling tank behind to treat the sludge formed from the AAO tank cluster. Here, the sludge settles to the bottom of the tank under the influence of gravity. The sludge is then collected using a suction method and transferred to a sludge holding tank for professional treatment.

Disinfection Tank

At this stage, there are still many microorganisms, pathogens remaining in the wastewater. Therefore, treatment is necessary before discharge into the environment. Here, chlorine chemicals are added to the tank in appropriate doses. The wastewater discharged will meet the QCVN 14:2008/BTNMT standard.

Above is the information about the origins and treatment process of tourist wastewater. Hopefully, this information has helped you understand this issue better. If you want further advice on the design and construction of wastewater treatment systems, please contact Toan A for consultation with experts.