Water companies will next month hear the results of groundbreaking trials into recycled glass as a media for treating drinking water and wastewater.
The independent trials, funded by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), and conducted by water treatment specialists Aqua Enviro have indicated recycled glass could reduce both the economical and environmental costs of filtration.
Around 100 senior figures from government, the Environment Agency, the Office of Water Services (OFWAT) and filtration equipment manufacturers are expected to attend Recycled Glass Filtration Media - The Facts, at the Royal Armouries, Brewery Wharf, on February 23.
Delegates will hear how Recycled Glass Filtration Media (RGFM) will not only improve the quality of water, but could also help the UK in meeting its target under the European Union packaging directive, which says 60 per cent of glass must be recycled by 2008. The country's current level is 42 per cent.
Trials have been underway since November 2004 with a variety of end users, including York-based vegetable processor, JE Hartley, and researchers believe the results could have implications for a wide range of industry sectors treating wastewater.
Aqua Enviro consultant Mark Lowe said results have been positive in a number of areas.
"The tests have shown RGFM is more effective than sand at removing suspended solids from effluent. This can be a huge benefit where phosphates are carried in the suspended solids. It is well-known that high levels of phosphates have a detrimental effect in rivers," he said.
RFGM is also capable of delivering a more effective backwash programme, and unlike sand does not clog up or blind systems when faced with high loadings of suspended material, he claimed.
WRAP's Materials Development Manager for Glass, Bronnie Allen, is also enthusiastic about the industrial potential for recycled glass.
"The Leeds event will be of interest to equipment manufacturers which supply filter media and managers responsible for effluent quality requiring a more consistent and sustainable solution to their treatment problems. The seminars will showcase the research projects and the exhibitions will highlight the large number of organisations currently looking to exploit this material," she said.
