Prof Nora TAM 譚鳳儀 (CityU)

Abstract
The project investigated an integrated, small footprint, cost-effective, environmental sound and versatile wastewater treatment system for Hong Kong and Shenzhen, aiming to develop a high efficient, multi-functional, green, and vertical municipal wastewater treatment system to recycle water. The whole study also tried to combine wastewater treatment facility (something nobody wants to be around with as it is often believed to be smelly) with recreational and educational purposes. The system comprised primary treatment, biological treatment with anaerobic and aerobic zones, oyster-shell biofilters, and constructed wetland. The effluent data indicated that the system was effective in removing pollutants, such as COD, NH4+-N and TP. The system also demonstrated to have high removal abilities for heavy metals.

In this study, constructed wetland was of special interest. Constructed wetlands with mixed mangrove and non-mangrove plants provided effluent polishing as well as scenic landscape with green areas. The effluent was suitable for irrigation water reuse. The constructed wetland wastewater treatment facility could be an alternative or a supplement to the conventional treatment facilities.

About the Speaker
Prof Nora Fung-yee Tam received her MSc and PhD from University of Sheffield and the University of York, UK, respectively. She has more than 30 years of experience in conducting basic and mission-oriented applied research and development projects on biological waste treatment, bioremediation and wetland ecology, particularly mangroves. Prof Tam has an extensive publication record, with more than 250 original research articles in refereed international journals, 20 book chapters and has written/edited eight books in the fields of pollution control and conservation of mangroves and coastal wetlands. She has also served on many organizing committees for several international conferences.