Maturation ponds, rock filters and reedbeds in the UK: statistical analysis of winter performance.

Wastewater treatment technologies suitable for serving large populations are generally reliable and reasonably cost-effective, yet they are almost always financially inappropriate for small communities (< 2,000 p.e.). Comparative cost data suggests that waste stabilization ponds should be an attractive option for small communities, yet perceptions relating to land costs, climate and effluent quality have limited their application in the UK. This paper details typical UK land costs, climate and winter performance data for a pilot-scale waste stabilization pond with various upgrading technologies: system A, two tertiary maturation ponds in series; B, two tertiary maturation ponds in series followed by a reed bed channel; C, a control rock filter; D, an aerated rock filter; and E, a constructed wetland. System D was found to perform best, closely followed by system B.     

Implications for physical design: The effect of depth on the performance of waste stabilization ponds.

Studies on experimental primary facultative ponds showed that varying the depth from 1.25 m to 2.3 m had no effect on the rates of BOD removal. In contrast k values for FC removal rates were higher in the shallower (1.25 m) facultative ponds. The risk of odour release via H2S production was higher in the 2.2 m ponds than the 1.25 m ponds and NH3 removal was much better in the 1.25 m facultative ponds. A comparison of the efficiency of shallow 5-pond series (1.0 m and 0.61 m deep) with a 2.2 m deep series showed that the shallow systems were more efficient at FC removal, but the deeper series actually saved land area for the same FC final effluent quality under tropical conditions. However, efficient nutrient removal (N and P) only occurred in the shallow series and effluent standards for nutrient concentrations are unlikely to be met by 2.2 m deep 5-pond series in contrast to the norms for pathogen removal.     

The effect of operational conditions on the performance of UASB reactors for domestic wastewater treatment.

In this investigation, the performance of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors treating municipal wastewater was evaluated on the basis of: (i) COD removal efficiency, (ii) effluent variability, and (iii) pH stability. The experiments were performed using 8 pilot-scale UASB reactors (120 L) from which some of them were operated with different influent COD (CODInf ranging from 92 to 816 mg/L) and some at different hydraulic retention time (HRT ranging from 1 to 6 h). The results show that decreasing the CODInf, or lowering the HRT, leads to decreased efficiencies and increased effluent variability. During this experiment, the reactors could treat efficiently sewage with concentration as low as 200 mg COD/L. They could also be operated satisfactorily at an HRT as low as 2 hours, without problems of operational stability. The maximum COD removal efficiency can be achieved at CODInf exceeding 300 mg/L and HRT of 6h.     

Symbiotic algal bacterial wastewater treatment: effect of food to microorganism ratio and hydraulic retention time on the process performance.

Algal incorporation into the biomass is important in an innovative wastewater treatment that exploits the symbiosis between bacterial activated sludge and microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris sp. Hamburg). It allows a good and easy algae separation by means of clarification. The effect of process parameters food to microorganisms ratio (F/M) and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on the process performance, evaluated by settleability, microalgae incorporation to biomass and nutrient removal, was studied. HRT hinted at a significant influence in the growth rate of algae, while F/M turned out to be important for stability when algae are incorporated into the biomass. This parameter also affects the total nitrogen removal of the treatment. Stable flocs with incorporated algae and supernatants with low free swimming algae concentrations were obtained at high HRT and low F/M values.     

Variations in BOD, algal biomass and organic matter biodegradation constants in a wind-mixed tropical facultative waste stabilization pond.

This study considered the impact of wind mixing on the efficiency of BOD removal and the first order biodegradation constant for organic matter in a primary facultative pond. Wind speeds of 1-4 m/s blowing from the effluent end of the pond towards the influent created surface-water flows of up to 0.94 m/s as determined by orange and coconut drogues moving in the opposite direction to the bulk hydraulic flow of 0.217 m/s. This was sufficient to cause mixing of the water column resulting in loss of stratification in terms of chlorophyll a, temperature and dissolved oxygen. BOD and chlorophyll a concentrations were spatially and temporally homogeneous throughout this large pond. BOD removal efficiency was only 50.30% as opposed to a projected value of 79% despite an acceptable surface organic loading of 350 kgBOD5/ha/d and an actual k value for BOD removal using influent sewage samples of 0.29 d-1 close to the projected value of 0.30 d-1. It would seem that wind mixing reduced pond efficiency by destroying stratification and thus reducing the microbial activity necessary to consume organic material. Mixing also increased the mean chlorophyll a concentration compared to stratified facultative ponds receiving similar loads and non-motile algae dominated the water column.     

Evaluation of agricultural reuse practices and relevant guidelines for the alba rancho WWTP (primary and secondary facultative ponds) in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Many cities in developing countries are experiencing high population growth, which is generating chaotic and unplanned development, reducing land areas available for agriculture, and polluting surface and groundwater. Consequently, the reuse of untreated or partially treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation is increasing in arid and semi-arid regions in developing countries. Cochabamba city in Bolivia also has a high population growth. The climatic characteristics and the lack of clean water sources in this city are forcing the agriculture sector to use treated and untreated wastewater for irrigation. We investigated the effluent quality of the Alba Rancho Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and the existing effluent reuse practices for irrigation of fodder crops in the surrounding agricultural land (La Mayca area). The plant uses primary and secondary facultative ponds, and does not achieve the required effluent quality (according to Bolivian environmental law) for effluent BOD, COD, TDS and faecal coliforms. This paper also includes a brief comparison of guidelines for wastewater reuse in agriculture from several developing and developed countries, comparing the parameters measured as pollution indicators. It appears that for developed countries, the main concern is the health risk that reuse can cause to the farmers and consumers. For developing countries on the other hand, pollution reduction is currently the major aim in their guidelines and standards.     

流速对藻类生长影响的试验研究

水华的发生除与营养盐、光照等条件有关外,还和水体的流速等水文条件有关.以故宫筒子河为例,分析了推流技术对水体水华的抑制效果,证明增加水体流速可以在一定程度上抑制水华.在此基础上介绍了水体流速对藻类生长影响的试验研究,探讨了水体流速与藻类生长的关系.     

Determination of the sedimentation constants for total suspended solids and the algal component in a full-scale primary facultative pond operating at high wind velocities under tropical conditions.

This study evaluated the amount, distribution and sedimentation constant of solids in a full-scale primary facultative pond operating mostly under high wind conditions and the contribution made by the algal biomass. Solids deposition rates were measured using sedimentation traps placed in the inlet and outlet zones of the pond. Most sludge accumulation occurred, not surprisingly, in the inlet zone A1 with a sludge volume of 9072.m3 accumulating over an operating time of approximately 3 years. However, sludge deposition within this zone was uneven and affected by wind action. Mean proportionality constant (K) values for solids sedimentation were 3.02 and 5.70 for depths of 50 cm and 100 cm respectively for A1. In contrast in zone A3, (the outlet zone), reduced K values of 1.38 and 3.22 were obtained for depths of 50 cm and 100 cm respectively. The algal sedimentation constant varied from 0.8 d(-1) in zone A1 to 0.02 d(-1) in A3. These data suggest that in this large facultative pond the wind, blowing predominantly from the direction of the outlets towards the pond inlets, had a greater influence on solids deposition than the bulk hydraulic flow and also kept the pond completely mixed for most of the time.     

Influence of CO2 scrubbing from biogas on the treatment performance of a high rate algal pond.

Biogas produced by anaerobic treatment of wastewater can be collected and used for power generation. However, the biogas may require scrubbing to prevent corrosion by H2S and to improve engine efficiency by reducing the CO2 content. HRAP can be used to scrub biogas during the daytime when they are carbon-limited and have high pH. This study investigates the influence of the carbon dioxide addition from biogas scrubbing on high rate algal pond wastewater treatment performance (in terms of BOD, NH4-N, DRP and E. coli removal) and algal production (growth and species composition). Batch culture experiments were conducted in laboratory microcosms (2 L) and outside mesocosms (20 L). Results indicate that CO2 addition and reduced culture pH increased algal production and nutrient assimilation, decreased high pH mediated nutrient removal processes (phosphate precipitation and ammonia volatilisation), but had little influence on the ability of the culture to remove filtered BODs. Disinfection, as indicated by E.coli removal; was reduced, however, further research on virus removal, which is not affected by culture pH, is required. These preliminary findings indicate the potential to scrub C02 from biogas using high rate pond water without decreasing the effectiveness of wastewater treatment and enabling increased recovery of wastewater nutrients as algal biomass.     

复合倒置A~2/O工艺优化运行参数研究

结合污水处理厂升级改造开展中试研究,考察水力停留时间(HRT)、污泥龄(SRT)和回流比等运行参数对复合倒置A~2/O工艺处理性能的影响,优化工艺运行参数.试验结果表明,在常温和低温条件下,复合倒置A~2/O工艺所需泥龄较短,当SRT为12 d时,既可保证良好的硝化水平,又可提高除磷效果;当回流比为200%时,可获得良好的同步脱氮除磷效果.     

The effect of hydrodynamic flow regimes on the algal bloom in a monomictic reservoir

The effectiveness of a proposed curtain weir to be installed in the transitional zone of a eutrophic reservoir located in monsoon areas on the control of algal blooms in the lacustrine zone where drinking water withdrawals occur was assessed with various hydrodynamic flow regimes. A two-dimensional hydrodynamic and eutrophication model that can accommodate vertical displacement of the weir following the water surface changes was developed and validated using field data obtained from two distinctive hydrological years; drought (2001) and wet (2004). The model adequately reproduced the temporal and spatial variations of temperature, nutrients and phytoplankton concentrations in the reservoir. The efficacy of the curtain weir method found to be diverse for different hydrological conditions and dependent on the inflow densimetric Froude number (Fr(i)). Algal blooming was considerably mitigated by curtailing the transport of nutrients and algae from riverine zone to lacustrine epilimnion zone during the drought year as long as Fr(i) < 1.0. However, some flood events with Fr(i) > 1.0 transported nutrients and algae built upstream of the weir into the downstream euphotic zone by strong entrainments in 2004. Numerical experiments revealed that the efficiency of the weir on the control of algal blooming becomes marginal if the Fr(i) > 3.0.     

The development and calibration of a physical model to assist in optimising the hydraulic performance and design of maturation ponds.

A physical and a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model (HYDRO-3D) were developed to simulate the effects of novel maturation pond configurations, and critical environmental factors (wind speed and direction) on the hydraulic efficiency (HE) of full-scale maturation ponds. The aims of the study were to assess the reliability of the physical model and convergence with HYDRO-3D, as tools for assessing and predicting best hydraulic performance of ponds. The physical model of the open ponds was scaled to provide a similar nominal retention time (NRT) of 52 hours. Under natural conditions, with a variable prevailing westerly wind opposite to the inlet, a rhodamine tracer study on the full-scale prototype pond produced a mean hydraulic retention time (MHRT) of 18.5 hours (HE = 35.5%). Simulations of these wind conditions, but with constant wind speed and direction in both the physical model and HYDRO-3D, produced a higher MHRT of 21 hours in both models and an HE of 40.4%. In the absence of wind tracer studies in the open pond physical model revealed incomplete mixing with peak concentrations leaving the model in several hours, but an increase in MHRT to 24.5-28 hours (HE = 50.2-57.1%). Although wind blowing opposite to the inlet flow increases dispersion (mixing), it reduced hydraulic performance by 18-25%. Much higher HE values were achieved by baffles (67-74%) and three channel configurations (69-92%), compared with the original open pond configuration. Good agreement was achieved between the two models where key environmental and flow parameters can be controlled and set, but it is difficult to accurately simulate full-scale works conditions due to the unpredictability of natural hourly and daily fluctuation in these parameters.     

Waste stabilisation ponds in France: state of the art and recent trends.

Waste stabilisation ponds represent 20% of the total number of wastewater treatment plants in France. Practical expertise acquired during these last 20 years has led to modification in the design of the first facultative basin of WSP systems. Its active surface area is now dimensioned at 6 m2(p.e.)(-1) in order to limit the risk of malfunctioning. The cumulated surface of the 2nd and 3rd basin is maintained at 5 m2(p.e.)(-1). Another practical point is also that WSPs must receive mainly diluted influents. Globally, the plants are on average far from their nominal loadings, which explains why the first sludge removals took place on average 13 years after being put in operation. Based on a representative sample of plants, i.e. 1 5% of the French WSPs, it has been possible to estimate the time, material means and cost needed for sludge removal as well as the amount of sludge accumulated. The sludge removed at the 1st yields on average 110 L (p.e.)(-1) which represents 12 kg DM (p.e.)(-1). The current trend of increasing the quality levels necessary for discharge into sensitive receiving bodies has led to adaptive solutions of polishing treatments by intermittent sand filter systems with or without the plantation of reeds.     

The effect of temperature on the performance and stability of thermophilic anaerobic digestion.

Sustainable operation of an anaerobic sewage sludge digester requires the effective shuttling of carbon from complex organic material to methane gas. The accumulation of intermediates and metabolic products such as volatile fatty acids and hydrogen gas not only reveal inefficiency within the digestion process, but can be detrimental to reactor operation at sufficiently high levels. Eight anaerobic digesters (1 mesophilic and 7 thermophilic) were operated in order to determine the effect of steady-state digestion temperature on the operational stability and performance of the digestion process. Replicate reactors operated at 57.5 degrees C, the highest temperature studied, were prone to accumulation of volatile fatty acids (4052 and 3411 mg/L as acetate) and gaseous hydrogen. Reactors operated at or below 55 degrees C showed no such accumulation of intermediate metabolites. Overall methanogenesis was also greatly reduced at 57.5 degrees C (0.09 L CH4/g VS fed) versus optimal methane formation at 53 degrees C (0.40 L CH4/g VS fed). Microbial community assessment and free energy calculations suggest that the accumulation of fatty acids and hydrogen, and relatively poor methanogenic performance at 57.5 degrees C are likely due to temperature limitations of thermophilic aceticlastic methanogens.     

The effect of polymeric flocculants on floc strength and filter performance.

Polymeric flocculants are widely used throughout the water industry as flocculant aids, they are known to increase floc density and aid settlement in the clarification stage of the water treatment process. In this research, polymeric flocculants were used to improve floc strength prior to filtration on a dissolved air flotation (DAF) plant in an attempt to prevent filter breakthrough. A modified jar test procedure using a PDA (photometric dispersion analyser) optical flocculation monitor was developed in order to evaluate the system floc strength. Filtration trials were carried out on a pilot filter rig situated on a surface water treatment works in Yorkshire. The filter feed originated from the main plant filter channel. Filter performance was assessed by continuous online monitoring of effluent particle counts, turbidity and headloss over the period of the filter run. Results indicated that low doses of polymeric flocculants had a beneficial effect on filtered water quality, as measured by particle counts, turbidity, UV254 absorption and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Polymeric flocculants also had the effect of extending filter run length. The modified jar test results indicated that the flocculants used improved the floc strength and enhanced reflocculation of the micro flocs present after the flotation process.     

Effect of baffles on nitrification in aerated facultative lagoons in a cold climate.

Tracer studies performed in two aerated facultative lagoons indicate some bypass and an overall hydraulic regime close to completely-mixed. Results were used to calibrate a hydraulic model based on the tanks-in-series approach. The hydraulic model was combined with a simple "death-regeneration" biokinetic model to simulate seasonal nitrification as observed over a three year period. Modifications were made to the hydraulic model to represent the effect of baffle installations to 1) eliminate bypass and 2) impose a plug-flow regime. Simulation results indicate there is some gain to eliminating bypass but that imposing a plug-flow regime would increase biomass washout rates and hinder nitrification.     

Benchmarking of BAF plants: operational experience on 40 full-scale installations in Germany.

For some years, bio-filtration has been used in municipal wastewater treatment as a relatively new method. Within a German DWA research project, the method of benchmarking was used to compile and scientifically evaluate performance data and operation experiences with this technology on municipal wastewater treatment plants in Germany. This report presents selected partial results from the project. Generally, it becomes apparent that bio-filters as supplementary technology allow for additional improvements in regard to the COD and nitrogen effluent values. Bio-filtration is a compact method which combines biological purification processes with the filtration process. Apart from sound results in regard to the operation costs, operational problems (MSR technology, filter material losses) are described. In terms of energy balances, dimensions of the biological main stages can be compared to other biological purification methods. In regard to the sludge production, further research is necessary.     

The effect of the scale of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands on flow and transport parameters.

Horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands have proven their efficiency in treating wastewater and removing the pollutants of concern. Treatment efficiency depends on the wastewater residence time, which is a function of the hydraulic loading and the physical conditions of the constructed filter system, which can be described with effective parameters such as: hydraulic conductivity, porosity, dispersivity etc. Because spatial variability is often scale dependent, these effective parameters may be affected by the scale of the system being studied. In this paper the results of tracer experiments in constructed filters using saturated horizontal flow at three scales (small and medium lab scales and full-scale system) using the same filter media is reported. Light-weight aggregate (filter media termed Filtralite-P) was used at all scales. Increasing the scale was associated with increasing dispersivity, meanwhile hydraulic conductivity experienced dramatic reduction and variation by increasing the examined scale. Observed changes in the hydraulic parameters indicate that heterogeneity at different scales should be taken into account when the performance of LWA filters are evaluated from small-scale experiments.     

再生水回用于景观水体磷营养盐对叶绿素a和藻密度的影响研究

以北京市某再生水厂出水为研究对象,人工配制各浓度梯度的营养盐,试验研究补给再生水后景观水体水质指标的变化,重点考察磷对叶绿素a和藻密度的影响情况.试验结果表明叶绿素a和藻密度主要受水体中氮磷比和磷酸盐浓度的影响.在磷酸盐保持在1 mg/L以下,氨氮在2 mg/L以下,硝酸盐氮在8 mg/L以下,将再生水一次性补给景观水体是完全可行的,不会产生藻类暴发;当磷酸盐浓度增加至1.5 mg/L,藻密度将显著增加.     

Escherichia coli removal in waste stabilization ponds: a comparison of modern and classical designs.

Two PC-based waste stabilization pond design procedures, based on parameter uncertainty and 10,000-trial Monte Carlo simulations, were developed for a series of anaerobic, facultative and maturation ponds to produce < or = 1000 E. coli per 100 ml for both 50% and 95% compliance. One procedure was based on the classical Marais equations and the other on the modern von Sperling equations. For the range of parameter variations selected the classical design procedure required less land area and had a shorter hydraulic retention time than the modern design procedure. For both procedures the design for 90% compliance required substantially more land and a longer retention time than the design for 50% compliance. Regulators and designers should seek a balance between system reliability (as set by the percentage compliance specified or adopted) and system costs, especially (but not only) in developing countries. It is recommended that new waste stabilization pond (WSP) systems be designed for compliance with a given E. coli effluent requirement by the classical procedure and that existing overloaded WSP systems be upgraded using the modern procedure.