Potential of using nonwoven polyester fabric (NWPF) as a packing media in multistage passively aerated biological filter for municipal wastewater treatment

The performance of a multistage passively aerated biological filter (PABF) packed with Nonwoven polyester fabric (NWPF) for municipal wastewater treatment was investigated under different operating conditions. The system was operated at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 2.3, 1.72 and 1.38 h and corresponding to organic loading rates (OLRs) of 1.77, 2.15 and 2.9 kg BOD/m³. d. Increasing HRT and decreasing OLR, increased dissolved oxygen (DO) and consequently increased the removal rate of organic matters (87%), suspended solids (95.8%) and ammonia (88%). Profile results from different compartments showed that the major part of organic and suspended matters was removed in the upper layers of the system, whereas most of the suspended solids were trapped, while the nitrification process took place in the lower part of the PABF system because of the increase in DO concentrations. The results proved the advantage of using NWPF. It has pleated and rough surface which retain more biomass compared with plain surface. Excess biomass produced from PABF was negligible compared to conventional treatment systems.     

Structural, physicochemical and microbial properties of flocs and biofilms in integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFFAS) systems

Integrated fixed-film activated sludge systems (IFFAS) may achieve year-round nitrification or gain additional treatment capacity due to the presence of both flocs and biofilms, and the potential for multiple redox states and long solids retention time. Flocs and biofilms are distinctive microbial structures and characterization of the physicochemical and structural properties of these may provide insight into their respective roles in wastewater treatment and contaminant removal in IFFAS. Flocs and biofilms were examined from five different pilot media systems being evaluated for potential full scale implementation at a large municipal wastewater treatment plant. Flocs and biofilms within the same system possessed different surface characteristics; flocs were found to have a higher negative surface charge (−0.35 to −0.65 meq./g VSS) and are more hydrophobic (60%-75%) than biofilms (−0.05 to −0.07 meq/g VSS; 19-34%). The EPS content of flocs was significantly higher (range of 2.1-4.5 folds) than that of biofilms. In floc-derived extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), protein (PN) was clearly dominant; whereas in biofilm-derived EPS, PN and polysaccharide (PS) were present in approximately equal proportions. Biofilm EPS had a higher proportion of DNA when compared to flocs. Biofilm growth was preferential on the protected internal surfaces of the media. Colonization of the external surfaces of the media was evident by the presence of small microcolonies. The structural heterogeneity of the biofilms examined was supported by observed differences in biomass content, thickness and roughness of biofilm surface. The biofilm on the interior surface of media was found to be patchy with clusters of cells connected by an irregular arrangement of interconnecting EPS projections. Biofilm thickness ranged between 139 μm and 253 μm. The pattern of oxygen penetration is expected to be complex. Nitrifiers and denitrifiers were predominantly associated with the biofilms, and the latter were found to be dispersed throughout the film and arranged in micro-clusters, suggesting partial oxygen penetration.     

Development of an innovative vertical submerged membrane bioreactor (VSMBR) for simultaneous removal of organic matter and nutrients

A novel vertical submerged membrane bioreactor (VSMBR) composed of anoxic and oxic zones in one reactor was developed in an attempt to reduce the problems concerning effective removal of pollutants from synthetic wastewater including glucose as a sole carbon source as well as membrane fouling. The optimal volume ratio of anoxic zone/oxic zone was found as 0.6. The desirable internal recycle rate and hydraulic retention time (HRT) for effective nutrient removal were 400% and 8h, respectively. Under these conditions, the average removal efficiencies of total nitrogen (T-N) and total phosphorus (T-P) were 75% and 71%, respectively, at the total chemical oxygen demand (T-COD)/T-N ratio of 10. In addition, the VSMBR showed high specific removal rates of nitrogen and phosphorus while the biomass growth yield from the reactor was about 20% of the conventional activated sludge process.     

Milestones in the Development of the Activated-Sludge Process Over the Past Eighty Years (Abridged)

The biological filter was introduced during the latter part of the last century but, in 1913, a radical new process was developed which resulted in a four-fold reduction in the size of sewage-treatment plants. This new method was called the 'activated-sludge process', and whilst biological filters are still in use - especially for small works - activated sludge is now the dominant secondary treatment process and is the 'engine'around which modern treatment systems are constructed.
This paper (a) reviews the milestones in the evolution of the activated-sludge process from 1913 to 1954, centering on reliable removal of BOD and suspended solids, (b) highlights the improvements in design capabilities (1955-74), with the emphasis on the attainment of consistent nitrification, and (c) discusses the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus (1975-97), with brief reference to computer modelling and the control of sludge properties.