Volume 5 [2003]

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000293

Abstract

The sustainable management of water resources often requires the identification of wastewater as a valued
source of water. Although the benefits of wastewater reuse and reclamation have increased significantly
in Europe because of the advances in effectiveness of wastewater treatment and disinfection technologies
there is currently no legislation nor guidelines regarding reuse. It is well known that there is a
great variation of wastewater reuse quality criteria applied, mainly related to significant differences in
socioeconomic conditions, environmental policies, available water resources. In this work the parameters
that affect the wastewater reuse criteria in Greece are evaluated, concerning among others reuse
priorities, available treatment plants and effluent characteristics and recommendations are made for
developing future guidelines or regulations for Greece in relation to reuse practices (agricultural, urban,
etc). The intention is not to propose an unquestionable and rigid set of standards, but to present them
on the basis of the rationale developed, in order to form a basis for further consultation, involving all the
interested parties. The recommendations are presented in relation to the different types of reuse, with
appropriate specific standards and recommended treatment systems wherever applicable.

Integrated Wastewater Management on a County Basis

Tzimas A., Gavalaki E. and Andreadakis A., Pages:15-22

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000263

Abstract

The paper discusses a methodology for integrated municipal wastewater management. In compliance
to the EU Directive 91/271, there is a legal binding to ensure that all agglomerations with populations
over 2000 are provided with wastewater collecting system and adequate treatment. The conditions for
optimum application of the Directive in Greece, especially in the light of the recent administrative reorganization,
and the management of small rural communities not covered by the Directive are
addressed, with reference to a case study application in the Achaia County. In compliance to the EU
Directive 91/271, it is estimated that collecting systems and treatment should expand to at least 70% of
the total population. However, due to the expanding touristic activity, the limited availability of land,
environmental considerations, and favorable population characteristics (high density, relatively large
communities) and morphological and socioeconomical conditions, it is proposed that coverage can
reach to 85% of the total population. As for the rest of the County population (15%), decentralized on
site wastewater treatment and disposal schemes were proved to be the most technically effective and
economically efficient alternative.

Treatment of Water Contaminated with DI-N-Butyl Phthalate by Foto-Fenton Process

Al-Tawabini B.S., Pages:23-28

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000267

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the removal efficiency of Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) from aqueous
medium using the photo-Fenton process. The Fenton's reagent that consists of a mixture of hydrogen peroxide
(H2O) and ferrous ions (Fe2+) was used to generate the hydroxyl radical (OH0) that attacks the target
contaminant and degrade it. An ultraviolet (UV) source was used to provide the radiation needed in
the photo-Fenton method (i.e. UV/H2O2/Fe2+). The results demonstrated that photo-Fenton process was
more effective and faster than Fenton's reagent in removing DnBP and that photolysis by UV irradiation
was the dominant mechanism in degrading the compound. The results also showed that enhancing the
removal via UV irradiation was achieved by increasing either the temperature or the H2O2 concentration.

Characterisation of Metal Retention Agents and Study of their Application in Liquid Wastes

Xirokostas N., Korkolis A., Diamantopoulou L., Zarkathoula Th. And Moutsatsou A., Pages:29-37

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000286

Abstract

A procedure that should be implemented for the evaluation of materials suitability, in terms of their
use as metal retention agents, is presented. It derives from a review of materials and waste treatment
mechanisms, which has been studied and is also presented. Lignite fly ash, agricultural ashes, lime and
sawdust were chosen for the experimental study of their metal uptake capacity, according to the proposed
stages, during the treatment of an acidic liquid waste loaded with metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Ni, Cd,
Cr). Fly ash, agricultural ashes and lime exhibited increased metal retention percentages through
adsorption and precipitation, as it was expected due to their structure, while sawdust acted as sorbent.

Corn Irrigation with Reclaimed Municipal Wastewater

Panoras A., Evgenidis G., Bladenopoulou S., Melidis B., Doitsinis A., Samaras I., Zdragkas A. and Matsis Th., Pages:39-45

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000290

Abstract

The effects of effluent from Thessaloniki, the second most populated Greek city, reclaimed either by
activated sludge or by stabilization ponds, were studied on field-grown corn. The experimental layout
was that of a split- plot design with six replications, three water qualities and two irrigation methods.
Potable water was used as the control. No significant differences in corn yield have been observed
among the three water-quality treatments. However, significant differences have been observed in corn
yield between the irrigation methods. Furrow irrigation has produced about 10% more corn yield than
trickle irrigation. There is a potential risk of facing problems related to soil salinity and alkalinity if no
consideration for soil reclamation is taken into account. The trace element concentration in the soil and
plant was low. The chlorinated effluent was free of pathogens, while the presence of pathogens was
detected in the non-chlorinated effluent reclaimed by the stabilization ponds.

Evaluation of Treatment Schemes Appropriate for Wastewater Reuse in Greece

Andreadakis A., Mamais D., Gavalaki E. and Panagiotopoulou V., Pages:1-8

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000266

Abstract

The scope of this paper is the evaluation of wastewater reuse quality criteria and treatment specifications,
appropriate to Greek conditions. The parameters that affect wastewater reuse criteria were taken
into consideration, concerning among others reuse priorities, available treatment plants and effluent
characteristics. The proposed wastewater reclamation criteria were verified by a series of lab-scale
experiments, designed to study the feasibility and effectiveness of the following treatment schemes to
produce treated wastewater suitable for reuse: a) disinfection of secondary effluent with UV radiation
and chlorination and b) tertiary treatment and disinfection of wastewater with UV radiation and chlorination.
The experimental data were analyzed using a stochastic statistical model that employs Monte
Carlo simulation. The main scope of the stochastic approach was the regeneration of a greater set of
data, based on the defined by the experimental information mathematical distribution of each parameter
involved and the determination of relative probability distributions. Following this approach the
standards proposed are realistic and feasible and in the case of restricted reuse can be readily achieved
by the existing wastewater treatment plants in Greece. Even in the case of unrestricted reuse the additional
treatment required can be achieved at a moderate cost, through upgrading of the existing plants
with tertiary treatment.

GIS Integration of Aster Stereo Imagery for the Support of Watershed Management

Chrysoulakis N., Diamandakis M. and Prastacos P., Pages:47-56

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000264

Abstract

In this study, ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) stereo
imagery was analysed in combination with Global Positioning System (GPS) data and field observations,
using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques to examine the potential of satellite
remote sensing to support watershed management. Terrain elevation data were derived for the region
of Heraklion, Crete. The accuracy of the ASTER derived DEM (Digital Elevation Model), was better
than 20 meters (planimetric) and better than 15 meters (elevation). Supervised classification techniques
were applied for land cover production using ASTER multi-spectral imagery and filed observations
at predefined application sites. The determination of training areas required in the supervised
classification scheme was based on these observations. Finally, GIS methods were applied to estimate
watershed characterization parameters for the study area offering the advantages of spatial data handling
capabilities and automatic extraction of thematic information. The drainage pattern, which was
derived, provided a generally representative depiction of the watershed. The output pixel spacing of 15
m of the produced DEM as well as the high spatial resolution of ASTER imagery found to be quite satisfactory
for the watershed characterization of the study area, indicating the high potential of ASTER
imagery to support watershed management.

GFIS (Geographic Forecasting Information System): A Case Study in Water Resources Management

Pagourtzi E., Nikolopoulos K. and Assimakopoulos V., Pages:57-63

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000273

Abstract

The current study presents the development of a Forecasting Information System for geographic data
(cross-sectional time-series for different geographic regions). GFIS, Geographic Forecasting
Information System, was developed with MS Visual Basic (User Interface), ArcView (GIS) and MS
Access (DBMS) during the MSc thesis of one of the authors in 2000.
GFIS is suitable for the management and forecasting for all time-series that present a geographic
dimension and can be illustrated in a Geographical Information System (GIS). The forecasting capabilities
of the system extend from classical time-series extrapolation methods (exponential smoothing,
regression) (Assimakopoulos, 1994) to more complex methods (Theta model).
The applicability of the system was tested with a case study in Water Resources Management. GFIS
was used in order to create rainfall forecasts for the watersheds in Lakonia, a region in southern
Greece. The estimation, forecasting, planning and management of hydrological resources are of great
importance and prerequisite for sustainable development.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Decision Analysis System for Irrigation Systems

Manoliadis G.O. and Vatalis I.K., Pages:65-70

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000277

Abstract

In this paper an Environmental Impact Assessment Multicriteria Decision Analysis System for irrigation
projects (EIAMDAS) used as a comprehensive tool that enables comparison between irrigation
project alternatives is presented. The comparison is based upon all relevant aspects of the surrounding
environment during irrigation systems operation. The decision is case dependent, and relies on the
compromise between positive and negative impacts associated with the project, and the relative importance
(weights) of the different factors involved. Inputs to the EIAMDAS include are information of
the existing system operation derived from selected answers for a set of multiple choice questions that
provide sufficient information to describe the baseline conditions and the general design for several
project alternatives. On the other hand, the EIAMDAS outputs, in the form of positive and negative
scores, allow the user to evaluate different impacts criteria on neighbouring and project areas. The user
is also required to input importance weights to these categories of impacts. The different impacts criteria
are categorised as environmental social and economic impacts using compromise programming.
The final output is an overall environmental index for each project alternative. Two years of real time
control data are used to illustrate system performance. Conclusively the EIAMDAS is an efficient tool
for supporting the decision making process, especially in the trade-off between project alternatives
according to anticipated environmental impacts including economic aspects. Although this EIAMDAS
was developed for irrigation projects applications, the software was designed in a flexible manner to
allow for future adaptation to other applications using the same technique.

Application of the SWAT model in the Pinios river basin under different land-use scenarios

Pikounis M., Varanou E., Baltas E., Dassaklis A. ans Mimikou M., Pages:71-79

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue: