Wastewater and its treatment
The Dutch have extensive experience in the development and use of wastewater treatment technologies. During the 1970s, for example, new techniques had to be developed to comply with Dutch legislation designed to protect suface waters. The boom in innovation that was triggered by this legislation resulted in the Netherlands becoming one of the first countries to treat municipal and industrial waste on a large scale. Now all wastewater has to be treated before it returns to the natural water system, in order to ensure that it meets modern, international water-quality standards. To ensure that they stay ahead of the game in this area too, the Dutch keep developing new ideas. Their innovative efforts also encompass capacity building and the use of environmental impact assessments. A good example of Dutch efforts is the new hybrid biological membrane technique that has been developed and tested using municipal wastewater. This so-called membrane bioreactor (MBR) technique has given very promising results, producing excellent quality wastewater.
However, the MBR technique is not only limited to use in the wastewater sector. It actually also shows promise in a number of areas, including the agricultural sector. As a result, one Dutch district water board has already begun scaling up the system for treatment of 300m3 of water per hour. It should also be remembered that Dutch expertise is not only used to treat municipal wastewater. Dutch businesses also provide technologies and installations able to provide water of the quality needed for food and beverage production around the world, as well as water for the energy and oil industries.
However, the MBR technique is not only limited to use in the wastewater sector. It actually also shows promise in a number of areas, including the agricultural sector. As a result, one Dutch district water board has already begun scaling up the system for treatment of 300m3 of water per hour. It should also be remembered that Dutch expertise is not only used to treat municipal wastewater. Dutch businesses also provide technologies and installations able to provide water of the quality needed for food and beverage production around the world, as well as water for the energy and oil industries.
