BACKGROUND

[0001] Wastewater management continues to play an important role in maintaining public health and environmental sustainability. The availability of sufficient water for irrigation is an increasing challenge for agriculture. Furthermore, industrial processes that use water can also benefit from reclaiming wastewater for reuse.

[0002] Traditional wastewater treatment processes include primary and secondary treatment to remove significant pollutants that include suspended solids, nutrients and organic matter, and often provide disinfection pnor to discharge. Achieving a secondary level of treatment using physical, biological, and chemical treatment meets basic regulatory requirements for discharge, but does not provide a sufficient level of treatment for wastewater reclamation or reuse.

[0003] Primary treatment processes typically treat raw wastewater influent and often include screening of larger solids, removal of discrete solids such as grit, flow measurement, and gravity settling of solids. These initial physical processes typically reduce solids and organic material in the order of 30 to 40 percent. Primary treatment, due to hydraulic limitations at a facility’s site, may also require the need to pump into subsequent stages of treatment.

[0004] Secondary treatment typically provides biological oxidation and additional physical and chemical processes to achieve approximately 85 percent removal of solids and organic matter. Prior to discharge, chemical or physical disinfection processes are used to remove coliform bacteria. These processes often include chlorine compounds or ultraviolet disinfection systems. Chemical processes for disinfection require a holding tank to provide sufficient contact time for effective chemical reactions for adequate levels of disinfection.

[0005] Additional treatment, often termed tertiary treatment, is necessary after secondary treatment to remove additional pollutants and provide a higher level of treatment for reclamation and reuse that secondary processes cannot achieve. Tertiary treatment processes may include advanced biological or chemical oxidation, filtration including carbon adsorption, ultrafiltration, nano-filtration or reverse osmosis. Regulatory requirements for wastewater reuse often require a higher level of disinfection. These advanced methods often require the use of temperature, pressure, and various chemicals, making tertiary treatment an expensive process requiring a higher level of operation and maintenance. The beneficial aspect of tertiary treatment is the ability to reclaim and reuse wastewater effluent which meets or exceeds regulatory' compliance requirements.

[0006] There exists a demand for wastewater treatment systems that can meet changing and more stringent legal and scientific requirements while addressing organic matter, complex hydrocarbons such as PF As, and pharmaceuticals breakdown in wastewater treatment, as well as prevent significant amounts of by-products such as THMs (tri-halomethanes) in a wastewater stream effluent.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure addresses this and other related needs in the art, by providing a cost-effective solution to providing tertiary treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater for reclamation and reuse.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a wastewater reclamation process comprising nano-bubble generator(s) after preliminary screening and before primary treatment to augment primary and secondary treatment operation. The use of nano-bubbles provides a higher level of secondary effluent by increasing the efficiency of existing solids separation and biological breakdown and oxidation. An electrostatic device adds frequencies within a secondary treatment process to reduce targeted pollutants and further improve the secondary' effluent. After the secondary treatment process, wastewater filtration is conducted to reduce turbidity and to remove particulates. Subsequently, a cold plasma unit disinfects filtered wastewater by generating reactive species (ROS) and ozone at ambient temperatures, producing higher concentrations of hydroxyls, peroxides and other reactive ROS. After plasma disinfection, water is filtered through a carbon filter, the carbon within the filter being expanded graphene. A depository is provided for final disinfection by application of chlorine, UV, or ozone.

[0009] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system, comprising: a primary screening system to screen wastewater and remove large solid waste clumps; a nano-bubbler to treat wastewater to reduce total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand; a depository to contain wastewater; an electrostatic device to reduce contaminants below maximum contaminant levels, the electrostatic device configured to emit voltage spike signals and radio frequency signals via antennas into a water body; a cold plasma unit configured to generate reactive species; a solid separation system to settle solids in the water body; a carbon filter, the carbon within the filter being expanded graphene; at least one pump and one or more conduits adapted to transport the fluid contents of the system between the units; sensors configured to collect data from different units of the wastewater reclamation system; and a controller configured to receive data from the sensors and adjust operating parameters of the wastewater reclamation system, wherein the nano-bubbler is configured to inject oxygen and/or ozone forming nanobubbles into the wastewater in the depository, wherein wastewater is recirculated from the depository into the nano-bubbler, and wherein water from the solid separation system is recirculated to the cold plasma unit.

[0010] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system as above, wherein the primary screening unit is a bar screen system.

[0011] According to often included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system as above, wherein the primary screening unit is a rotary wedge wire screening system.

[0012] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system as above, the system further comprises a primary biological oxidation unit between the nano-bubbler and the electrostatic device, the primary biological oxidation unit configured to provide retention time for continuing reaction with oxidants.

[0013] According to often included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system as above, the system further comprises a secondary biological oxidation unit between the electrostatic device and the cold plasma unit, the biological oxidation unit configured to provide retention time for continuing reaction with oxidants.

[0014] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system as above, the system further comprises a multicell tertiary filtration system between the final oxidation unit and the cold plasma system configured to filter out particulates.

[0015] According to often included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system as above, wherein the tertiary filtration system has a plurality of cells, and each cell is configured to be capable of being backwashed to produce backwash water.

[0016] According to often included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system as above, wherein the backwash water from the cells of the tertiary filtration system is directed to the primary biological oxidation unit.

[0017] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system as above, the system further comprises a permeate tank configured to receive water from the multicell tertiary filtration system and supply the same water to the cold plasma unit.

[0018] According to often included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system as above, the system further comprises a receiving sump configured to receive water from the cold plasma system and supply the same to the carbon filter.

[0019] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system as above, wherein the carbon filter is configured to transfer backwash flow to the primary biological oxidation unit.

[0020] According to often included embodiments, there is provided a wastewater reclamation system as above, the system further comprises a graphic user interface configured to receive information from a user to control operation of the controller. [0021] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater in a wastewater reclamation system, the wastewater reclamation system comprising: a primary screening system to screen wastewater and remove large solid waste clumps; a nano-bubbler to treat wastewater to reduce total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand; a depository to contain wastewater; an electrostatic device to reduce contaminants below maximum contaminant levels, the electrostatic device configured to emit voltage spike signals and radio frequency signals via antennas into a water body; a cold plasma unit configured to generate reactive species; a solid separation system to settle solids in the water body; a carbon filter, the carbon within the filter being expanded graphene; at least one pump and one or more conduits adapted to transport the fluid contents of the system between the units; sensors configured to collect data from different units of the wastewater reclamation system; and a controller configured to receive data from the sensors and adjust operating parameters of the wastewater reclamation system, wherein the nano-bubbler is configured to inject oxygen and/or ozone forming nano-bubbles into the wastewater in the depository, wherein wastewater is recirculated from the depository into the nano-bubbler, and wherein water from the solid separation system is recirculated to the cold plasma unit; wherein the method includes as least the following steps: flowing wastewater into the primary screening unit to filter out solid waste clumps to produce water; flowing water from the primary screening unit to the depository and using the nanobubbler to generate nanobubbles in the body of water inside the depository using air or ozone; flowing water from the depository with the nano-bubbler to a pond equipped with an electrostatic device and using the electrostatic device to generate frequencies and emit the frequencies into the body of water in the pond; flowing water from the pond to the cold plasma unit and introducing plasma at low temperature to generate reactive species; flowing water from the cold plasma unit to the solid separation system; separating solid from the body of water in the solid separation system; flowing water from the solid separation system to the carbon filter and filtering water; and discharging water from the carbon filter.

[0022] According to often included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, wherein the primary screening unit is a bar screen system.

[0023] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, wherein the primary screening unit is a rotary wedge wire screening system.

[0024] According to often included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, wherein the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a primary biological oxidation unit between the nano-bubbler and the electrostatic device, the primary biological oxidation unit configured to provide retention time for continuing reaction with oxidants, and wherein water flows from the nano-bubbler to a pond for biological treatment prior to being treated with the electrostatic device.

[0025] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, wherein the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a secondary biological oxidation unit between the pond with the electrostatic device and the cold plasma unit, the secondary biological oxidation unit configured to provide retention time for continuing reaction with oxidants, and wherein wastewater flows from the pond with the electrostatic device to a pond for biological treatment prior to transferring to a cold plasma unit.

[0026] According to often included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, wherein the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a multicell tertiary filtration system configured to filter out particulates between the final oxidation unit and the cold plasma system, and wherein wastewater flows from the biological oxidation unit to the multicell tertiary filtration system.

[0027] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, wherein the multicell tertiary filtration system has a plurality of cells and each cell is configured to be capable of being backwashed to produce backwash water.

[0028] According to often included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, wherein the wastewater reclamation system is further configured to direct backwash water from the cells of the tertiary filtration system to the primary biological oxidation unit.

[0029] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, wherein the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a permeate tank configured to receive water from the multicell tertiary filtration system and supply the same water to the cold plasma unit.

[0030] According to often included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, wherein the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a receiving sump configured to receive water from the cold plasma system and supply the same to the carbon filter.

[0031] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, wherein the carbon filter is configured to transfer backwash flow to the primary biological oxidation unit.

[0032] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, wherein the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a pond for receiving water from the carbon filter and disinfecting water. [0033] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, further comprising discharging water from the pond after disinfecting the water.

[0034] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a method to reclaim wastewater as above, further comprising a graphic user interface configured to receive information from a user to control operation of the controller.

[0035] These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art when taken with reference to the following more detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

ABBREVIATIONS

[0036] BOD: biological oxygen demand

[0037] COD: chemical oxygen demand

[0038] MCL: maximum contaminant level

[0039] NTU: nephelometric turbidity units

[0040] PF AS: per- and poly fluorinated substances

[0041] PFOS: perfluoro octane sulfonic acid

[0042] ROS: reactive oxidative species

[0043] TDS: total dissolved solids

[0044] TSS: total suspended solids

[0045] UV: ultraviolet BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only.

[0047] FIG. 1 depicts the operation flowchart of an exemplary wastewater reclamation system according to the present disclosure, with solid lines indicating wastewater flow direction during treatment, and broken lines indicating recycled water flow during operation of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detailed description of the disclosure is divided into the subsections that follow.

[0049] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents, applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] As used herein, “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”

[0051] As used herein, the term “and/or” may mean “and,” it may mean “or,” it may mean “exclusive-or,” it may mean “one,” it may mean “some, but not all,” it may mean “neither,” and/or it may mean “both.”

[0052] As used herein, the term biological oxygen demand (BOD) refers to a measure of the amount of oxygen required by organisms to decompose organic matter under aerobic conditions.

[0053] As used herein, the term chemical oxygen demand (COD) refers to a measure of the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize the organic material and inorganic nutrients, such as ammonia and nitrate, present in water. [0054] As used herein, the term maximum contaminant level (MCL) refers to the level established by Federal or state regulations, at which a chemical content is allowed to be before corrective measures to lower such level through treatment are required.

[0055] As used herein, the term nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU) refers to the unit to measure the turbidity of a fluid or the presence of suspended particles in water from USEPA Method 180.1.

[0056] As used herein, the term reactive oxygen species (ROS) refers to highly reactive chemicals formed from diatomic oxygen. Examples of ROS include peroxides, superoxide, hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, and alpha oxygen.

[0057] As used herein, the term per- and polyfluorinated substances (PF AS) refers to chemicals having carbon-fluoride bond that can resist grease, oil, water, and heat.

[0058] As used herein, the term perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) refers to part of a class of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PF AS), which can resist grease, oil, water, and heat.

[0059] As used herein, the term total dissolved solids (TDS) refers to a measure of soluble organic and inorganic materials dissolved in water.

[0060] As used herein, the term total suspended solids (TSS) refers to a measure of particles that remain in water and have not precipitated.

[0061] As used herein, the term ultraviolet (UV) refers to light having shorter wavelengths than visible light.

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides a wastewater treatment system. Such exemplary wastewater treatment systems use, for example, biological oxidation, frequency treatment, and plasma disinfection to break down organic waste and reduce organic materials in wastewater. This wastewater treatment facility produces reclaimed water meeting all standards for reuse in agriculture, irrigation and potential domestic use.

[0063] According to certain embodiments, raw wastewater 100 from the sewage system is first treated through a primary screening system 200, which can be either standard bar screens or rotary wedge wire screening systems. Other screening systems are contemplated. The primary screening system removes large size matter present in the wastewater, such as large organic and inorganic objects, including branches, leaves, plastic objects, or other large objects.

[0064] In embodiments contemplated herein, after screening, water flows to a depository 300 configured to contain water, such as a stilling well, a pond, a container, or an in-ground pool, where a nano-bubbler system is present. Nano-bubble technology is being used, within this process for various purposes, to enhance and improve biological treatment of the wastewater. Conventional wastewater treatment in a pond generally uses floating aerators or fixed paddle units. Transfer of oxygen is performed within these systems by spraying the wastewater into the air. The sizes of the water drops are very large and contact with the air is only through the surface area of the drops. The use of nano-bubbles changes the contact surface between the wastewater and oxygen from the size of the water droplets to the surface area of the bubbles.

[0065] Water in the depository is constantly recirculated and oxygen and/or ozone can be injected to form nano-bubbles of size between 70 and 120 pm in the water body present inside the depository. At this size, the nano-bubbles count can be as high as 100,000 to 200,000 per millimeter of wastewater. Nano-bubbles concentration may be between 50,000 to 200,000 per millimeter, 70,000 to 200,000 per millimeter, or 90,000 to 200,000 per millimeter. The presence of nano-bubbles increases the settling rate of solids due to density change in the water having high concentration of nano-bubbles. As a result, oxygen concentrations can exceed standard levels of saturation by as much as twice. These nanobubbles generate oxygen reactive species (ROS) and hydroxyl groups (-OH) as well as promote oxygen transfer.

[0066] To generate ROS, nano-bubbles collapse when the zeta - potential (the electrostatic charge balance between the inner compressed gases and the externally charged bubble surface) is disrupted by particle collisions, energy exposure to UV or photons, or by mechanical means, causing the violent release of compressed oxygen and ozone with water. This violent collapse releases UV light, high temperatures, and shockwaves local to the collapsed nanobubble. This nanobubble collapse immediately kills nearby living organisms and degrades organic matter present in wastewater as well as reducing total dissolved solids (TDS). Nanobubble collapse may occur over hours and may extend to multiple days, depending on the conditions of the surrounding water, flow rates, air pressure, temperature and exposure to sunlight. Nanobubbles collapsing also turn the wastewater environment aerobic, thereby inhibiting anerobic microbial growth. After exposure to nano-bubbles, chemical reactions and solid settling will continue in wastewater.

[0067] Nano-bubbles provide additional treatment through the creation of hydroxyl groups, which aids in the oxidation process and the elevation of pH level in wastewater. Hydroxyl groups aid in the formation of metal hydroxide. For metals commonly present in wastewater, their h droxide forms are insoluble, and hence metal hydroxides in wastewater settle to the bottom of the wastewater body. The process of hydroxyl formation is a result of nanobubbles breaking, which releases the gas within the nano-bubbles to be exposed to water. Simultaneously, the bubbles breaking cause a concussion wave which puts out a high energy wave, which in turn kills bacteria. Within the immediate area of the bubbles breaking a high heat is released. All of these characteristics bring the oxygen levels to higher concentrations, which are greater than twice the saturation rate of oxygen in water at a given temperature. Finally, due to the small sizes, the nano-bubbles act like colloids and do not rise to the top of the water unless mixed, and consequently the nano-bubbles remain in wastewater longer than bubbles generated by conventional aeration equipment. It has been seen that the bubbles last as long as a week in some applications. This is the reason why oxygen level in the wastewater remains high and extends for long period of time as compared to standard oxidation using aerators or other existing methods to increase oxidation in wastewater treatment technology', when nano-bubblers are used.

[0068] The addition of nano-bubble generator(s) after preliminary screening and before primary treatment augments an existing facility ’s primary and secondary treatment operation. Introduction of nano-bubbles will provide a higher level of secondary effluent by increasing the efficiency of existing solids separation and biological breakdow n and oxidation.

[0069] From the nano-bubbler unit 300, wastewater flows to a primary pond for the next treatment step 400, which can be a primary' oxidation pond to begin biological treatment process and/or a solid settling process. The biological treatment section provides significant retention time, between 2 days to 3 months, where wastewater is allowed to continue reacting with oxidants generated by and in the nano-bubbler unit 300, thereby reducing bacterial content and settling organic and inorganic matter broken down in the oxidation and biological process. Organic and inorganic matter, after degradation from the oxidation process, are removed from the wastewater flow. The primary pond may comprise an additional solid settling unit for further solid settling.

[0070] The flow from the primary pond 400 is directed to a series of ponds to continue the biological and clarifying treatment process, along with another treatment process which introduces a defined frequency or series of frequencies. In step 500, water from the primary oxidation pond 400 flows to a secondary pond 600 and is subject to frequency input 500. An electrostatic device is used to generate and provide frequency input into the water body in the secondary pond 600. The electrostatic device generates voltage spike signals and radio frequency signals and emits them via antennas into the water body sitting in the secondary pond 600. As a result of this frequency input step 500, the breakdown of organic materials, BOD, reduction of salts, nitrogen products such as ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites occur, together with the reduction of phosphates. A high reduction of BOD is achieved with frequency treatment. For example, a reduction of up to 50% to 73% in BOD has been achieved.

[0071] In the electrostatic device, there is a voltage spike generator, two radio frequency generators, and one or more antennas. The voltage spike generator generates voltage spike signals and is conductively connected to the one or more antennas. The two radio frequency generators are conductively connected to the voltage spike generators as well as the one or more antennas. Radio frequencies generated by the two radio frequency generators combine with the voltage spike signals to form a combination signal received in the one or more antennas and emitted from the one or more antennas into a fluid body.

[0072] Voltage spike signals generated by the electrostatic device may be between 100 to 10,000 volts, between 1,500 to 5,000 volts, between 1,500 to 3,000 volts, or between 3,500 to 5,000 volts at a frequency of 10 cycles per second to 4,000 cycles per second, or between 50 cycles per second to 3,000 cycles per second, or between 100 cycles per second to 2,000 cycles per second.

[0073] Radio frequencies (Rf) generated by Rf signal generators known in the art can be used in the embodiments disclosed herein. It is only necessary that the Rf signal generator be able to generate an Rf signal having a predetermined and controlled frequency. Optionally, Rf signals generated by the Rf signal generators have a pre-determined amplitude or voltage. [0074] The use of an electrostatic device is done in part to introduce a frequency, or a series of frequencies, to react with substrate materials in the wastewater. The frequencies emitted into wastewater negatively charge ions in the wastewater body. Free electrons become abundant and act as energy for organisms in biological oxidation treatment. BOD, COD, phosphates, electric conductivity, turbidity, metals, and chloride within the wastewater react with a particular frequency of the compound. By establishing the correct frequency and its amplitude and period applicable to a particular molecule, one can weaken the molecular bond and covalent bond. The addition of an electrostatic device for introducing frequency into the wastewater within a facility’s secondary treatment process reduces pollutants and further improves a wastewater reclamation facility’s secondary effluent.

[0075] After the frequency treatment step 500, wastewater stays in the second pond 600 for continued treatment by either biological oxidation or clarifying. Biological oxidation treatment is by retention of water in the pond to allow oxidation of biological matters from oxygen introduced in step 300. Retention time varies between 2 days to 3 months, depending on the need and the size of the treatment ponds. Additional oxygen may be added into the wastewater to promote biological oxidation. Biological oxidation provides reduction of biological matter along with the reduction of ammonia and nitrate compounds. The secondary pond may comprise an additional solid settling unit for further solid settling.

[0076] The wastewater may optionally then flow to a third pond 700 for continued biological reduction and oxidation and solid settling.

[0077] Wastewater from the third pond 700 flows partly to an advance filter for filtration 800 and partly to a flush water tank 750. The advanced filter is a multicell, tertiary filtration system 800 where the wastewater will be filtered remove particulates. A certain filter size can be chosen, such that particulates of more than 3 pm, more than 5 pm, more than 8 pmm, or more than 10 pm are removed. Other filter sizes are contemplated. The flush water tank 750 stores water from the final pond 700 for the purpose of backwashing cells in the advance filter 800. In the multicell tertiary filtration system 800, when one cell is exhausted it will be put into backwash for a period to remove the collected filtrate. The water from the backwash 850 will be directed to the primary oxidation pond 400 for biological treatment creating a lower cost of operation and a sustainable system. The water permeated through the multi cell filtration system 800 will be directed to a permeate tank 900 where the water will be pumped to a cold plasma system 1000 for final disinfection and reduction of complex compounds.

[0078] In the cold plasma unit 1000, water is disinfected and provided with additional oxidation and compound breakdown. After treatment in the cold plasma unit, water flows to a solid settling sump 1050. The solid settling sump 1050 provides a means for recirculation of a part of the initially produced plasma treated wastewater thereby increasing the concentration of ROS found in the final treated wastewater effluent as the added Os, OH, H2O2 saturate in sump wastewater.

[0079] Cold plasma is typically generated by varying pulsed coronas or arcs (at 10 ² -l 0 ³ Hz), which produces dielectric barrier discharge systems (approximately 0.5 to 1.0 Joule) of differing electrohydraulic types. In the cold plasma unit 1000, hybrid pulsed corona plasma generation causes an increase in hydroxyl radicals in the presence of oxygen and/or through the addition of oxygen, which increases ROS in the water passing through the reactor unit and creates ozone for better disinfection. This high presence of ROS causes final disinfection and oxidizes any residual TSS or TDS. A 4 LOG or 5 LOG reduction in bacteria is observed in the cold plasma unit. Test results during development of this process saw colony forming units (CFUs) drop from greater than 1600 CFUs/cm ² to less 100 CFUs/cm ² . Organic matters in the water body normally seen as turbidity are also degraded as exhibited during this process testing from 60 NTU to <10 NTU.

[0080] Plasma technology offers a variety of treatment processes within a single unit. The process utilizes an incoming flow of oxygen to form ozone. Cold plasma technology is used to generate reactive species, which interacts with water and produces UV light and shockwaves, which in turn kills living organisms and degrades organic matter present in wastewater. The ability to disinfect is a result of how' many kilowatts are applied per cubic meter. The level of disinfection required, and the number of kilowatts needed for disinfection is determined by the temperature in the wastewater, suspended solids, and the estimated bacterial counts. The reactive species generated aid significantly in the reduction of the remaining organic species in the wastewater. The process requires a rate of recirculation based on the number of bacteria present in the wastewater. The kill rate is in proportion to colony count, temperature, flowrate and how many kilowatts per cubic meter are applied. This will be controlled by oxidation reduction potential and temperature units. [0081] After treatment in the cold plasma unit, water is further processed in the solid settling system 1050. Additional reduction of microbial presence accomplished in the cold plasma unit results in an increase in suspended solids. These solids are collected and separated from the treated water by a solid settling system 1050, which can be an incline plate system. Solid material is collected at the bottom while clearer water rises to the top and overflows outside, then received in a receiving sump 1100. Clearer water may also flow to a polishing filter 1200 without going to a receiving sump first. The collected solid, in the form of slurry with high concentration of solid at bottom of the solid separation system, is monitored and at a prescribed level solid slurry is sent back to the primary pond, such as by activating a pump to pump the solid slurry back to the primary pond 400. After removal of solids, water from the solid separation system is recirculated into the cold plasma unit for further treatment. This recirculated flow is separate from the influent flow coming from the permeate tank 900 . The recirculated water increases the ROS concentration of the plasma system and is controlled through an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) instrument analysis.

[0082] Water after treatment in the cold plasma system may flow to the last step of processing. A receiving sump 1100 is present in some embodiments to hold water overflowing from the plasma unit before water flows to a polishing filter 1200. The polishing filter 1200 can be a pressure filter or a gravity filter. The media in the filter, either pressure filter or gravity filter, is expanded graphene. Graphene is an allotrope of carbon consisting of a single layer of atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice nanostructure. The pore size of the graphene can vary down to molecular weight size opening. Sheets formed with graphene are stacked to provide a fine filter effect. Some organic materials are attracted to the graphene material along with some dissolved solids which are trapped by the molecular size pores of the graphene sheet. Expanded graphene in other forms may also be used in the polishing filter. The objective use of graphene is to reduce the NTU levels below the MCL required by the applicable standards.

[0083] Expanded graphene has several advantages over carbon filter media. Its structure allows for better and finer suspended particle removal, which further reduces the turbidity or NTU level in the final effluent to <10. In some cases, expanded graphene reduces dissolved solids due to the pore size of the graphene being specific to a particular molecular weight. The expanded graphene is also important in removing any residual organic materials produced in the plasma, such as chemical remnants of PF AS, PFOS or other toxic pesticides, herbicides or pharmaceuticals as well as inorganic materials which were not fully oxidized. This will reduce the conductivity or TDS of the wastewater and can bring that into compliance with regulatory requirements.

[0084] The polishing filter 1200 may be backwashed as needed, and water from the backwash may be returned to the primary biological oxidation step 400 for treatment. After the water has been filtered through the polishing filter, water flows to another depository for final disinfection 1300 .

[0085] In embodiments, final disinfection 1300 can be performed by chlorine disinfection, ozone disinfection, or a UV ray system, or a combination of two or more of them. In chlorine disinfection, chlorine, 0.2-1 mg/liter typically lis added into water at a dose, specific to the type of chlorine used and the remaining interference in the wastewater. Chorine, preferably hypochlorous and hypochlorite ions, is known to eliminate any residual pathogens when the wastewater’s pH has been properly managed, and detention (contact) times established for the specific final effluent. Chlorine is added at a concentration of about 0.2 mg to 100 mg/liter, 0.2 to 50mg/liter, 0.2 to 20mg/liter, 0.2 to lOmg liter, or 0.2 - 1 mg/liter. In ozone disinfection, ozone is generated by imposing a high voltage alternating current across a dielectric discharge gap that contains an oxygen bearing gas, then infused directly into the water body for disinfection. UV ray disinfection uses ultraviolet rays at between lOOnm to 400nm, between 200nm to 315nm, or between 250nm to 270nm in wavelength and exposes water to such UV rays. Microbials are inactivated, or killed, upon exposure to UV rays on exposure. Final turbidity may also be retreated using an electrostatic device to generate and provide frequency input into the water body, further reducing any residual turbidity. Depending on the method of final disinfection, water may be retained in an additional step before discharge to dissipate any residual chlorine or provide optimal disinfection rates required by certain applicable regulations. Water is then discharged as final effluent 1400.

[0086] Within this water reclamation facility, water may flow from one container and/or sump and/or unit to another by gravity or by pump. Gravity flow is accomplished by designing the various containers/sumps/units at a location capable of using gravity for flow. Pumps can be used to move water where needed. Other means to move water may be used if required. [0087] Sensors are installed at different units to monitor temperature, pressure, water level, time passage, turbidity, flow rate, chlorine level, and other parameters as needed. Data collected by sensors is fed to a controller configured to control and operate the wastewater reclamation system according to embodiments.

[0088] A controller, for example a microprocessor-based controller (e.g., general purpose computer, special purpose controller, programmable logic controller, etc.) can control various operations of the wastewater reclamation system, such as activating flushing/washing and cleaning cycles, controlling pumps and valves, monitoring conditions such as turbidity, chlorine levels, liquid levels, monitoring equipment for normal operation and failures. The controller can monitor various equipment found in the wastewater reclamation system, such as turbidity meters, chlorine analyzers, flowmeters, level sensors, pressure sensors, etc. Further, the controller can provide remote telemetry and control capabilities, to allow the wastewater reclamation system to be monitored and controlled remotely, such as via the Internet, a landline or mobile phone connection, a radio link, or other connection means.

[0089] A graphic user interface (GUI) may be provided with the wastewater reclamation system. An operator can set and/or change operating parameters, turn on or off certain units, operate and terminate operation of the wastewater reclamation system through this GUI. Multiple GUIs, with each offering control and operation of specific units within the wastewater reclamation system may be provided.

[0090] Pumps, fluid conduits, pipes, valves, and other necessary equipment for operation of the wastewater reclamation system are provided and installed as part of the system set up. Access stairs, walkways, steps, roof, or building may be installed where needed to provide access and protect the equipment.

[0091] The sequence of operation of the wastewater reclamation system is provided as follows.

[0092] To begin, wastewater flows to the primary screening unit. The screening unit is activated at the same time and capture solids. The flow level to the screening device is monitored by a level transmitter to control the flow. [0093] Wastewater then flows to a nano-bubbler unit where nano-bubbles enter the wastewater. The wastewater is then released to a retention area or pond for solid settling and other reactions with the nano-bubbles. Wastewater then flows to a second pond.

[0094] When wastewater is being retained in the second pond, the frequency input unit is activated to apply voltage signals and radio frequency signals to the wastewater inside the secondary pond. The frequency application step is conducted for a pre-set amount of time or flow rate.

[0095] After the frequency application step is completed, water remains in the second pond for biological treatment. A sensor monitors the rate of flow or time. At the proper time or rate of flow, wastewater flows from the secondary pond to the next step.

[0096] If the second pond comprises an additional settling unit, the sludge level is monitored. There is, for example, an alarm set point for maintaining the sludge level, where the operator will discharge the sludge. Alternatively, sludge level is monitored by a stick or other means. When a certain retention time or flow rate is met, wastewater flows from the second pond to the next step.

[0097] In embodiment with a third pond, after treatment in the second pond wastewater flows from the second pond to the third pond. In the third pond, water continues with biological treatment.

[0098] After treatment in the series of ponds, water flows to a filtration system and a flush water tank. After filtration, water flows to a permeate tank. When necessary, valves on the filter in the filtration process are opened and a pump is activated to draw water from the flush tank into the filter for backwashing. Pipes direct backwash water to the primary pond.

[0099] Wastewater flows from the permeate tank to the plasma reactor. The plasma unit provides signals for flow, pressure, water level and pump frequency. After plasma treatment, water flows by gravity to the solid settling unit.

[00100] In the solid settling unit, a sensor monitors the solid level (in slurry form) and at a certain level, activates a pump to pump the solid slurry back to the primary pond. Water from the solid settling unit is allowed to overflow into a receiving sump or directly into a polishing filter. If water flows into a receiving sump, when a water level is reached, water flows to the polishing filter.

[00101] In the polishing filter, water is filtered in through expanded graphene. When the polishing filter is backwashed, the backwashed water flows to the primary pond. Water filtered in the polishing filter flows to the final disinfection step.

[00102] In the final disinfection step, chlorine is added to the water body. Alternatively, ozone is added to the water. As another alternative, a UV system may be provided to disinfect the water. From the final disinfection step, water is discharged by gravity or by pumping into the environment.

[00103] In a first embodiment, a wastewater reclamation system is provided, the wastewater reclamation system comprises: a primary screening system to screen wastewater and remove large solid waste clumps; a nano-bubbler to treat wastewater to reduce total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand; a depository to contain wastewater; an electrostatic device to reduce contaminants below maximum contaminant levels, the electrostatic device configured to emit voltage spike signals and radio frequency signals via antennas into a water body; a cold plasma unit configured to generate reactive species; a solid separation system to settle solids in the water body; a carbon filter, the carbon within the filter being expanded graphene; at least one pump and one or more conduits adapted to transport the fluid contents of the system between the units; sensors configured to collect data from different units of the wastewater reclamation system; and a controller configured to receive data from the sensors and adjust operating parameters of the wastewater reclamation system, wherein the nano-bubbler is configured to inject oxygen and/or ozone forming nano-bubbles into the wastewater in the depository, wherein wastewater is recirculated from the depository into the nano-bubbler, and wherein water from the solid separation system is recirculated to the cold plasma unit.

[00104] In a second embodiment, the first embodiment includes the primary screening unit is a bar screen system.

[00105] In a third embodiment, the first embodiment includes the primary screening unit is a rotary wedge wire screening system. [00106] In a fourth embodiment, the first embodiment further comprises a primary biological oxidation unit between the nano-bubbler and the electrostatic device, the primary biological oxidation unit configured to provide retention time for continuing reaction with oxidants.

[00107] In a fifth embodiment, each of the first to fourth embodiment further comprises a secondary biological oxidation unit between the electrostatic device and the cold plasma unit, the biological oxidation unit configured to provide retention time for continuing reaction with oxidants.

[00108] In a sixth embodiment, each of the first to fifth embodiment further comprises a multicell tertiary filtration system between the final oxidation unit and the cold plasma system configured to filter out particulates.

[00109] In a seventh embodiment, the sixth embodiment includes a tertiary filtration system having a plurality of cells, and each cell is configured to be capable of being backwashed to produce backwash water.

[00110] In an eighth embodiment, the seventh embodiment includes the backwash water from the cells of the tertiary filtration system is directed to the primary biological oxidation unit.

[00111] In a ninth embodiment, the sixth embodiment further comprises a permeate tank configured to receive water from the multicell tertiary filtration system and supply the same water to the cold plasma unit.

[00112] In a tenth embodiment, each of the first to ninth embodiment further comprises a receiving sump configured to receive water from the cold plasma system and supply the same to the carbon filter.

[00113] In an eleventh embodiment, each of the fourth to tenth embodiment includes the carbon filter configured to transfer backwash flow to the primary biological oxidation unit.

[00114] In a twelfth embodiment, each of the first to eleventh embodiment further comprises a depository for receiving water from the carbon filter and disinfecting water. [00115] In a thirteenth embodiment, each of the first to twelfth embodiment further comprises a graphic user interface configured to receive information from a user to control operation of the controller.

[00116] In a fourteenth embodiment, a method to reclaim wastewater in a wastewater reclamation system is provided, the system comprising: a primary screening system to screen wastewater and remove large solid waste clumps; a nano-bubbler to treat wastewater to reduce total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand; a depository to contain wastewater; an electrostatic device to reduce contaminants below maximum contaminant levels, the electrostatic device configured to emit voltage spike signals and radio frequency signals via antennas into a water body; a cold plasma unit configured to generate reactive species; a solid separation system to settle solids in the water body; a carbon filter, the carbon within the filter being expanded graphene; at least one pump and one or more conduits adapted to transport the fluid contents of the system between the units; sensors configured to collect data from different units of the wastewater reclamation system; and a controller configured to receive data from the sensors and adjust operating parameters of the wastewater reclamation system, wherein the nano-bubbler is configured to inject oxygen and/or ozone forming nano-bubbles into the wastewater in the depository, wherein wastewater is recirculated from the depository into the nano-bubbler, and wherein water from the solid separation system is recirculated to the cold plasma unit; wherein the method includes as least the following steps: flowing wastewater into the primary screening unit to filter out solid waste clumps to produce water; flowing water from the primary screening unit to the depository and using the nano-bubbler to generate nanobubbles in the body of water inside the depository using oxygen and/or ozone; flowing water from the depository with the nano-bubbler to a pond equipped with an electrostatic device and using the electrostatic device to generate frequencies and emit the frequencies into the body of water in the pond; flowing water from the pond to the cold plasma unit and introducing plasma at low temperature to generate reactive species; flowing water from the cold plasma unit to the solid separation system; separating solid from the body of water in the solid separation system; flowing water from the solid separation system to the carbon filter and filtering water; and discharging water from the carbon filter.

[00117] In a fifteenth embodiment, the fourteenth embodiment includes the primary screening unit is a bar screen system. [00118] In a sixteenth embodiment, the fourteenth embodiment includes the primary screening unit is a rotary wedge wire screening system.

[00119] In a seventeenth embodiment, the fourteenth embodiment includes the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a primary biological oxidation unit between the nano-bubbler and the electrostatic device, the primary biological oxidation unit configured to provide retention time for continuing reaction with oxidants, and wherein water flows from the nano-bubbler to a pond for biological treatment prior to being treated with the electrostatic device.

[00120] In a eighteenth embodiment, the seventeenth embodiment includes the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a secondary biological oxidation unit between the pond with the electrostatic device and the cold plasma unit, the secondary biological oxidation unit configured to provide retention time for continuing reaction with oxidants, and wherein water flows from the pond with the electrostatic device to a pond for biological treatment prior to transferring to a cold plasma unit.

[00121] In a nineteenth embodiment, the eighteenth embodiment includes the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a multi cell tertiary filtration system configured to filter out particulates between the final oxidation unit and the cold plasma system, and wherein water flows from the biological oxidation unit to the multicell tertiary filtration system.

[00122] In a twentieth embodiment, the nineteenth embodiment includes the multicell tertiary filtration system has a plurality of cells and each cell is configured to be capable of being backwashed to produce backwash water.

[00123] In a twenty first embodiment, the twentieth embodiment includes the wastewater reclamation system is further configured to direct backwash water from the cells of the tertiary filtration system to the primary biological oxidation unit.

[00124] In a twenty second embodiment, the twenty first embodiment includes the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a permeate tank configured to receive water from the multicell tertiary filtration system and supply the same water to the cold plasma unit. [00125] In a twenty third embodiment, the twenty second embodiment includes the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a receiving sump configured to receive water from the cold plasma system and supply the same to the carbon filter.

[00126] In a twenty fourth embodiment, the fourteenth embodiment includes the carbon filter is configured to transfer backwash flow to the primary biological oxidation unit.

[00127] In a twenty fifth embodiment, the twenty third embodiment includes the wastewater reclamation system further comprises a depository for receiving water from the carbon filter and disinfecting water.

[00128] In a twenty sixth embodiment, the twenty fifth embodiment further comprises discharging water from the depository after disinfecting the water.

[00129] In a twenty seventh embodiment, each of the thirteenth to twenty' sixth embodiments further comprises a graphic user interface configured to receive information from a user to control operation of the controller.

[00130] Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description, and from the claims.

[00131] The above examples are included for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Many variations to those described above are possible. Since modifications and variations to the examples described above will be apparent to those of skill in this art, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the scope of the appended claims