DUTCHAM Trade Award for Norit

Aquamec Haztec developed a unique and innovative solution for zero discharge leachate treatment using Norit Crossflow MBR technology. The first phase of the CTR Nova Iguaçu’s leachate treatment plant located in Nova Iguaçu, RJ - Brazil and implemented by Aquamec Haztec began operation in May 2009 with expansion of leachate treatment to 600 m3/d of leachate projected for January 2010. This is the first leachate treatment plant in Brazil using Norit MBR Crossflow technology and it is the only one in the world with zero discharge.

The new facility will produce high quality water, meeting the 4-log virus removal level, the highest public safety standard. When treating leachate (liquid that drains or 'leaches' from a landfill) purified water is produced together with a concentrate containing several pollutants. This concentrate is normally directed to the sewers. In Nova Iguaçu, there were no sewers for discharge. The solution found is that the concentrate is treated by means of a chemical oxidation/flocculation/precipitation, and then returned to the main process. Norit had a strong participation in the project including making engineering reviews and providing on-site support of local technicians during the commissioning and start up phases.

The OEM chose for Norit Crossflow MBR technology because of the stringent discharge and footprint requirements by the customer – the system had to be very compact and reliable. In addition, Norit’s technology excelled by means of the lowest cost per treated cubic meter of leachate.