A Conceptual Zero-Discharge System for Water Quality Management of the Nak-Dong River

낙동강 수질관리 방안-하수분리 무방류시스템의 개념적 고찰

From water management point of view, the industrialization that we have achieved in the last decades brought out two major changes: water shortage and water quality deterioration. They are getting the big obstacles we must overcome to continuously pursue industrialization for further development in the next century. Many plans using dams and advanced treatment methods have been developed for control of quantity and quality, respectively. In this paper, an alternative is conceptually reviewed which is much different from the plans in regard that the alternative looks at system itself. It is based on an interceptor system coupling with a concept of zero-discharge. This system allows no discharge of wastewaters from point-sources to waterbodies which are very sensitive in terms of water quality. In addition reuse of treated effluents is emphasized to a maximum extent. The application of the system to the Nak-Dong river basin indicated that an interceptor system will need from the middle reaches of the basin where industrialization gets heavier. Since wastewaters are not directly discharged to the river, water quality of the down stream will improve. Treated effluents will be able to be reused at a number of industrial complex which currently get water from the Nak-Dong river. This reuse will help alleviate water shortage. The biggest problem anticipated is cost for building and operating such system. A cost-sharing plan among the beneficiaries is considered. Further research is suggested focusing on detailed engineering and technical matters for potential implementation.