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Project title

The Implementation of the European Pollution Emission Register (EPER) to Urban Waste Water Treatment Plants in Ireland

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT)

Lead Applicant

Josephine Treacy

Project Abstract

This research has been addressed due to pending regulations namely the introduction of the European Pollution Release and Transfer Register that will be implemented in January 2009. All urban Wastewater treatment plants in Ireland and Europe will have to assess effluent emissions. This study involved sampling and performing analysis on influent and effluent samples from three urban Wastewater treatment plants. The treatment plants in the study were Charleville County Cork Bunlicky Limerick and Ringsend Dublin. An introduction to each plant is provided as well as a comprehensive over view of the processes involved for each treatment plant and a geographical location for each. In addition to this an insight in-to the sampling process is also provided as is the method of preservation for the samples. Information on the treatment stages for domestic wastewater in Ireland is also discussed as is the regulating bodies in Ireland and Europe and the levels of compliance with these regulations. The metals of interest for this study as listed in Annex 1 of the European Pollution Emission Register (EPER) and Annex 2 of the European Pollution Emission Register (ePRTR) Arsenic Cadmium Chromium Copper Lead Mercury Nickel and Zinc were analysed by using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer a Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and ICP-OES. However alternative methods for the detection of these metals was also discussed. The metals were analysed under strict quality control parameters and both internal and external quality control was exercised. The organic compounds in the study were screened and analysed for using a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer with headspace and a Solid Phase Extraction method using a C18 bonded silica tube was also investigated. Flows from each plant were also investigated and the daily emission value for all compounds on the directive were calculated in relation to each plant individually. The metals on the directive that were found to be above the threshold limits studied were Copper Lead and Zinc. The organic compounds that are on the directive showed no significant levels under the parameters analysed. Chapter 6 is a brief description of the i'Beyond Endurance Educationi trip that I had the opportunity to pursue during the final stages of my M. Sc . research.

Grant Approved

�40,000.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Protecting our Water Resources

Start Date

n/a

Initial Projected Completion Date

n/a