Optimized design of wastewater treatment systems: Application to the mechanical pulp and paper industry: I. Design and cost relationships

Abstract Four different end‐of‐pipe waste‐treatment processes applicable to mechanical pulp and paper manufacture were modelled. Calculated costs for an average mill were capital $34–$44 million, operating cost $3.5–$6 million/year and discounted (10 years) $60–$85 million. Compared with mill reported values, capital and operating costs of activated sludge treatment (AST) were higher by 17 and 29%, respectively; those for aerated stabilization basin (ASB) were higher by 27 and 180%. Major variables affecting the costs were BOD and TSS levels and the wastewater‐to‐pulp ratio. It was concluded that ASB is more economical than AST and that anaerobic treatment plus AST could be advantageous at high BOD levels.