Tracer studies on an aerated lagoon

The city of Palmerston North, New Zealand, has two aerated lagoons as its secondary treatment facility. Interest about treatment efficiency led to an investigation into the hydraulics in the second lagoon to determine if further optimisation was viable. A tracer study using rhodamine WT was undertaken to ascertain the stimulus response output. Samples were also taken at 24 points within the lagoon to determine the tracer concentration profile throughout the lagoon. The mean residence time was determined to be 39.9 h compared with a theoretical residence time of 55.4 h. Peak concentration of the tracer at the outlet occurred at 0.44 of the mean residence time. The results of the tracer study pointed to 28% of volume being dead space. A subsequent sludge survey indicated that 26% of the design volume of the lagoon was filled with sludge. While the curved geometry of the lagoon did not appear to impact the hydraulics the fact that the first aerator is confined in a relatively smaller area will have locally boosted the mixing energy input in this inlet zone. From interpretation of the tracer response and the tracer distribution profiles it appears that the aerators are mixing the influent into the bulk flow effectively in the front end of the lagoon and that there was no evidence of any substantive short-circuiting path of concentrated tracer around to the outlet. The tracer distribution profiles gave direct insight as to how the tracer was being transported within the pond and should be used more often when conducting tracer studies. Comparison with the literature indicated that the lagoon's hydraulic efficiency was on par with a baffled pond system and it would be expected that addition of several baffles to the lagoon would provide minimal further improvement.     

Equations for designing tidally affected harbours and lagoons, and for calculating water exchange in coast-connected lakes

A three‐dimensional flow and transport model was used to simulate the flow of water and assumed conservative substance in a large number of hypothetical, sea‐connected lagoons and harbours experiencing tidal effects. The dimensions of the lagoons and harbours were selected to cover a wide range of widths, lengths, depths and entrance channel widths. The tidal flow in and out of each lagoon and harbour was simulated for durnal and semidurnal conditions for different tidal ranges. The water exchange for each lagoon and harbour was assessed on the basis of the exchange coefficient. The results of model runs and non‐linear multiple regression techniques were used to develop equations for calculating the average exchange, in terms of lagoon dimensions, depth and tidal range for durnal and semidurnal conditions. These equations can be used for a quick assessment of water exchange conditions in lagoons and harbours, upon which their water quality depends. In designing an artificial, sea‐connected lagoon and harbour, the developed equations can be used in the preliminary stages for testing options regarding the number and widths of entrances and the physical layout of the lagoon and harbour. This approach also allows for identification of unsuitable options, with the acceptable options being subjected to detailed mathematical modelling to assess their expected water exchange and water quality. The same approach can be applied to existing lagoons (natural or artificial) and harbours in designing layout modifications for improving water exchange and water quality conditions, as well as lakes directly connected to coastal waters and subject to tidal effects. The use of the equations presented in this report also can provide knowledge regarding the preferred water flushing conditions and/or improvements needed to enhance the water exchange in order to preserve the ecosystems in such water systems.     

Estimation of pesticide runoff from paddy fields to rural rivers.

The runoff characteristics of pesticides from paddy fields to rural rivers were investigated over a period of three years in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. High pesticide concentrations were usually observed in rivers during pesticide application periods. In one year, the growth of rice seedlings slowed down after transplantation owing to low temperatures and lack of sunshine, and many farmers delayed herbicide application. In that year, high-concentration runoff of herbicides in rivers was observed 1-3 weeks later than in average years. The pesticide runoff rates ranged from 0.3% for fenthion to 42% for benfuresate. The runoff rates of pesticides applied post-flood were large. Furthermore, the larger the water solubility of the pesticide, the larger the runoff rate. The highest concentrations of herbicides in paddy water were observed on the day of application or 1-2 days later, and the concentrations decreased exponentially afterwards. The half-lives of the herbicides ranged from 1.2 days for pretilachlor and esprocarb to 5 days for simetryn; the concentrations of the herbicides in paddy water had decreased to 1/10 of their initial concentrations by about 7 days after application. Therefore, the runoff amounts of pesticides from paddy fields could be decreased by improving irrigation-water management.     

Temporal and spatial variation of physical, biological, and chemical parameters in a large waste stabilisation pond, and the implications for WSP modelling.

The spatial and temporal variation of physical, chemical, and biological parameters was determined, in summer and winter, at nine sites in a large (112 ha) waste stabilisation pond (WSP) at the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant. Each site was extensively sampled over the course of one day, with the nine sites sampled over successive days at exactly the same times of day, progressing in the direction of bulk flow through the pond. Analyses of covariance were used to test the independent impact of site and climate on the way in which the mean values and stratification gradient of the physical, chemical, and biological parameters varied diurnally at each site. In both winter and summer studies there was a very strong correlation at all sites between changes in temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO). Mean pond temperatures were higher in summer than winter, and thermal stratification was more common in summer. In summer, during the day at each site, concentrations of chlorophyll-a, DO, suspended solids and pH increased with higher solar radiation levels. This relationship was less evident in winter. There was no systematic depth or temporal variation identified in either the summer or winter study for the broad range of chemical parameters measured. Mean values for these parameters, and to a lesser extent their stratification gradients, increased by varying extents throughout the day at the different sites in both summer and winter, irrespective of changes in climate when the different sites were sampled. Sites nearer the inlet to the WSP recorded lower NH4N and higher NO2N and NO3N concentrations than the rest of the WSP. This was indicative of nitrification. Somewhat surprisingly, high DO concentrations were also recorded at these sites near the inlets. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling, incorporating the predominant wind conditions, offers a rationale for these observations. Recirculation was evident, which may increase the residence time for the slow growing autotrophic nitrifying bacteria and recirculate oxygen rich water around these sites - conditions which would enhance nitrification. Understanding the effect of these variations, overlaid by the influence of hydraulic and temporal scenarios, assists in developing a mechanistic understanding of pond operation.     

Hydrology and Nutrient Enrichment at Two Coastal Lagoon Systems in Northern Greece

The lagoons of N.E. Greece, located on the western side of NestosRiver, and of N.W. Greece, located at the lower reaches of Kalamas River, are among the most important shallow, semi-enclosed ecosystems in Northern Greece. The temporal variability of nutrients at both lagoonal systems shows the strong influence of fresh water discharge on water quality. Nutrient enrichment factors showed that nitrites and ammonium were six times higher at the lagoons of N.W. Greece than those observed at N.E. Greece, while phosphates were forty times higherat Nestos River lagoons. The flushing half-life was calculatedbased on a combination of hydrological and tidal processes, foreach lagoon of these two systems, allowing for the assessment ofwater quality changes. Proper management measures for both systems should focus on the control of fresh water quality entering the lagoons, the reduction of phosphoric fertilizers used by agriculture and the better oxygenation of the water column. One way to eliminate massive fish deaths during the winter in N.E. Greece is also the transfer of fresh, warm groundwater, while bathymetric modifications and channel wideningare needed at the lagoons of N.W. Greece.     

折流式厌氧反应器水力特性分析

折流式厌氧反应器(ABR)的处理效果受水力特性的影响较大,而水力停留时间(HRT)又是影响反应器内水力特性的一个重要因素。运用欧拉双流体模型和标准k-ε紊流模型,对不同HRT下ABR反应器内的多相流流场进行三维数值模拟,并从反应器内水流速度、固含率两个方面探讨分析了HRT对反应器内部流场特性的影响。分析结果表明:HRT变化对各反应室内降流区水流速度的影响不大,升流区内的循环水流速度随HRT的减小而增大;反应器内污泥颗粒的分布范围受HRT影响显著,HRT过短或过长,均不利于提高反应器的处理效率,5~8 h时为ABR反应器的最佳水力停留时间,最有利于去除污废水中的污染物。     

扬水曝气技术在河道型深水水库水质原位修复中的应用

以西安市地表饮用水水源—黑河金盆水库为研究对象,采用扬水曝气技术修复其受污染原水水质。结果表明,该项技术应用于大水深水库水质原位修复改善是可行、有效的;在扬水曝气器混合充氧作用影响下,金盆水库季节性缺氧/厌氧状况得到遏制,底泥表层DO浓度均维持在2mg/L以上;沉积物中氮、磷、有机质等内源释放过程明显减弱,藻类繁殖生长受抑;出水水质中TP、NH3—N、CODMn、叶绿素a等指标浓度较2008年同期分别削减46.7%、69.5%、22.4%及53.6%,水质改善效果明显。     

Assessment of element distribution and heavy metal contamination in Chilika Lake sediments (India)

Chilika Lake is situated on the Indian east coast. It is one of the largest lagoons in the world, with a unique assemblage of marine, brackish water and freshwater species. Due to the opening of new connections to the sea in the years 2000 and 2008, an environmental change is expected in the lagoon. The study gives an assessment of sediment contamination by heavy metals on the verge of this change (sampling campaign in 2000). Sediment samples from two surface levels (0–5 and 30–35 cm), and from depth profiles, were analysed for mineralogical composition, main and trace element concentrations, and element bonding forms. Background concentrations from a depth profile were also examined. The profile spans a time of ≈13 500 years. Age determinations by radiocarbon dating and the ¹³⁷Cs- and ²¹⁰Pb-method were carried out. The composition of the surface sediments is generally uniform. The heavy metals exhibit slightly decreasing concentrations from NE to SW, thus indicating the supply of contaminants from the Mahanadi River. The anthropogenic portion of the heavy metal supply is mainly bound to Fe-oxide-hydroxides. Phosphorus is enriched in the sediments of the southern lake sector. Changes in element concentrations in the last 13 500 years have occurred mainly in two steps. The long-term variations exceed the anthropogenic changes caused by the Mahanadi River inputs. The very sensitive response of coastal area fabrics on climate changes also causes fast geogenic changes in element concentrations in sediments (similar grain sizes). This prevents the use of element concentrations from deep sediment horizons to define contaminations in those areas.     

Effect of hydraulic retention time and pH on oxidation of ferrous iron in simulated ferruginous acid mine drainage treatment with inoculation of iron-oxidizing bacteria

The effect of hydraulic retention time(HRT) and pH on the biooxidation of ferrous iron during simulated acid mine drainage(AMD)treatment was investigated.The simulated AMD was highly acidic(pH 2.5),rich in iron(about 1700 mg/L) and copper(about 200 mg/L),and contained high concentrations of sulfate(about 4700 mg/L).The biooxidation of ferrous iron was studied in a laboratory-scale upflow packed bed bioreactor(PBR).The HRT was shortened stepwise from 40 h to 20 h,13 h,and 8 h under the acidic environment at a pH value of 2.2.Then,the influent pH value was changed from 2.2 to 1.2 at a constant suitable HRT.Physiochemical and microbial community structure analyses were performed on water samples and stuffing collected from the bioreactor under different conditions.The results indicate that the efficiency of ferrous iron oxidation gradually decreased with the decrease of HRT,and when the HRT exceeded 13 h,ferrous iron in AMD was almost completely oxidized.In addition,the best efficiency of ferrous iron oxidation was achieved at the influent pH value of 1.8.Microbial community structure analyses show that Leptospirillum is the predominant genus attached in the bioreactor,and low influent pH values are suitable for the growth of Leptospirillum.     

陈行水库水质模型与自净规律研究

应用WIN/DYNHYD+和WASP6建立了陈行水库水动力模型和水质模型,并对水质模型中水质参数进行率定和验证;应用建立的陈行水库水质模型研究了陈行水库的自净规律。研究表明,陈行水库的水温、水位、流场、水力停留时间对水库自净作用有很大影响;在水温正常变化范围内,水温越高,水力停留时间越长,陈行水库自净能力就越强,并提出陈行水库运行管理建议。     

洋河水库富营养化限制性因子分析

以洋河水库2001~2005年的监测资料为基础,运用回归统计方法,选择水温等8项环境理化指标与藻类叶绿素a进行回归分析。结果显示,总磷、水温、pH值和透明度与藻类叶绿素a呈显著相关,其中总磷和水温是洋河水库富营养化限制性因子。根据2003~2005年水库监测资料,建立多元逐步回归方程,预测水库藻类叶绿素a的变化情况。运用该回归方程,计算水库2001~2002年藻类叶绿素a变化情况并与实测值作比较,结果表明,该方程能基本预测洋河水库藻类叶绿素a的变化趋势。     

Population dynamics of anaerobic microbial consortia in thermophilic methanogenic sludge treating paper-containing solid waste.

To maintain a stable thermophilic (55 degrees C) anaerobic digestion treating toilet paper-containing garbage, it is necessary to operate the digester at long hydraulic retention time (HRT) and low organic loading rate (OLR). Critical conditions of the digestion were investigated by operating the digester at HRT 23 days and OLR 3.4 gCOD(Cr)/L/d (R1) or HRT 14 days and OLR 5.6 gCOD/Cr)/L/d (R2) separately. Characteristics of methanogenesis of the two digesters were examined by measuring gas generation volume and volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, and the populations of four anaerobic acidogens and three methanogens were analyzed using quantitative PCR method. In digester R1, methanogenic activity was unstable but it could be recovered by stopping feeding as though VFA accumulation occurred. The population of acidogens and two methanogens were maintained at 10(11) - 10(13) copies/L, however, the population of Methanoculleus could not be recovered after methanogenesis recovering. In digester R2, the period of methanogenesis was significantly shorter than that in digester R1. Both the acidogens and the methanogens could not be maintained at a stable concentration. It is suggested that the critical HRT to sustain the population of acidogens in this process should be longer than 14 days and for all kinds of methanogens, HRT should be longer than 23 days.     

Effects of nitrobenzene concentrations and hydraulic retention time on the treatment of nitrobenzene in sequential anaerobic baffled reactor and continuously stirred tank reactor system.

The effects of increasing nitrobenzene (NB) concentrations and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on the performance of anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) and aerobic completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) were studied. In the first step the NB concentration was increased from 30 to 700 mg/L at constant COD and flowrates. Maximum COD removal efficiencies in ABR varied between 88-92% as NB concentrations increased from 30 to 210 mg/L. After this dose, COD removal efficiency decreased to 85 and 79% at NB concentrations of 550 and 700 mg/L, respectively. Removal efficiencies of NB were nearly 100% for all NB concentrations in ABR reactor effluent. In the second step, COD and NB concentrations were kept constant while HRT decreased from 10.38 days to 1 day. As HRT decreased from 10.38 to 2.5 days the COD removal efficiencies in the anaerobic and anaerobic/aerobic reactor effluents were 92-94% and 97-98%, respectively. As HRT decreased from 2.5 days to 1 day COD removal efficiencies in the anaerobic and anaerobic/aerobic reactor effluents decreased to 83 and 95%, respectively. This study showed that HRT is a more important operation parameter than increasing NB concentration in ABR/CSTR sequential reactor system. Although ABR/CSTR system exhibited good COD and NB removal efficiencies, the lower HRTs slightly decreased the removal efficiencies compared to increasing NB concentration.     

RTD (residence time distribution) predictions in large mechanically aerated lagoons.

Mechanically aerated lagoons (used for wastewater treatment in the pulp and paper industry) are typically very large (>500,000 m3) and have complex three-dimensional fluid flow patterns due to mechanical agitation, sludge accumulation, internal baffling, and confined inlet/outlet flow channels. RTD data is frequently used for evaluation of hydraulic performance, however, obtaining accurate data with traditional dye measurements is a difficult and time-consuming process. Moreover, the mixing impact of factors such as aerator positions, sludge accumulation, and internal baffles would require a significant and costly number of local field measurements. Recent applications of CFD to mechanically aerated lagoons have helped engineers to understand the complex flow interactions. This paper provides a practical method for the evaluation of the hydraulic performance of large mechanically aerated lagoons using CFD. A method, based on random-walk Lagrangian particle tracking, has been developed to significantly shorten the computational time needed to produce RTD curves for these lagoons. Comparison of the particle method with the more conventional scalar transport yields excellent results. These methods allow wastewater engineers to combine their existing knowledge and expertise with the established power of CFD. The results quantify the hydraulic impact of different inlet/outlet configurations, aerator configurations, influent flow rates, and bottom sludge profiles.     

Predicted Atrazine Concentrations in the Great Lakes: Implications for Biological Effects

Atrazine is an herbicide used extensively throughout the Midwest corn belt, including the agricultural regions within the Great Lakes basin watershed. Measurements of atrazine concentrations in the Great Lakes are few, however, so knowledge of its current concentrations, persistence, and trends in this ecosystem is limited. A dynamic annual time step model was used to predict atrazine concentrations over time in the Great Lakes based on varied atrazine loading rates to the lakes (“most-likely” and “high” loading conditions). Four degradation scenarios were evaluated: no degradation, and atrazine degradation with half-lives of 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years. Predicted steady-state concentrations for all of the scenarios and all the Great Lakes ranged from 0.0024 to 0.88 μg/L. The number of years until steady-state conditions were achieved ranged from 4 to over 400 years. The most-likely loading rate and two-year half-life scenario had the lowest concentrations (0.0024 to 0.13 μg/L) and the fewest years (4 to 13 years) to achieve steady-state conditions. Available monitored atrazine concentrations in the Great Lakes are very similar to the most-likely loading rate and 2-year half-life scenario predicted values. Monitored and predicted concentrations in the Great Lakes indicate atrazine does not currently pose a toxicological risk to humans or aquatic organisms, and under current and expected lower loading rates should remain well below criteria values.     

Anaerobic digestion of blackwater from vacuum toilets and kitchen refuse in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR).

The objective of this research was mesophilic anaerobic digestion of blackwater from vacuum toilets (BW) and kitchen refuse (KR) in a CSTR within an ecological sanitation system. A detailed investigation of the BW characteristics was carried out. Research on anaerobic digestion was performed with CSTR of 101 volume at HRT of 10, 15 and 20 days. The digestion of BW at 20 days HRT showed stable performance without inhibition effects, in spite of relatively high ammonium concentrations. The removal of total and particulate COD was 61% and 53%, respectively, and the methane yield 10/CH4/cap/day. The addition of kitchen refuse (KR) improved the performance of the CSTR in terms of COD removal efficiency and methane yield. At 20 days HRT the removal of total and particulate COD increased up to 71% and 67%, respectively, and the methane yield to 27/CH4/cap/day. The results at 15 days HRT showed similar performance. At HRT of 10 days, the anaerobic treatment was limited but reached steady state conditions at higher VFA concentrations in the effluent, with a decrease of COD removal of 30 to 33% and of methane yields of 19 to 21%.     

A modelling study of residence time and exposure time in the Pearl River Estuary,China

This paper presents an investigation into two transport timescales, i.e. the residence time and exposure time, of a conservative matter in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) using a depth integrated hydrodynamic-dispersion model. The model has been verified against field measured tidal and salinity data in three typical seasons, including the wet, dry and average rainfall seasons. The model predicted distributions of tidal wave amplitude and salinity level agree generally well with the field measurements. The model is then enhanced by including capabilities for calculating the two timescales. The numerical model predictions show that both the freshwater discharge and tidal water elevation affect significantly the values of residence time and exposure time. The return coefficient is found to be about 0.5. Using a regression analysis, an exponential function has beenderived to correlate the timescales to the freshwater discharge. In the dry season the average residence time and exposure time are up to about 6 days and 12 days, while in the wet season these values are reduced to 3 days and 5 days, respectively. Generally, in all three types of seasons, the exposure time is about two times greater than the residence time, which demonstrates that there is a high possibility for water to re-enter the PRE after leaving the estuary. Both the residence time and exposure time decrease as the initial water elevation increases, which indicates that a contaminant will stay in the PRE for a longer time if it is released at a low tide. The effects of monthly averaged wind forcing on the resident time and exposure time are also investigated.     

Restoring native vegetation in a Eurasian water-milfoil dominated plant community using the herbicide triclopyr

In an effort to evaluate the selective control of the exotic weed Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) and to assess the recovery and restoration of the native submersed plant community, a 6-ha river and 4-ha cove plot were treated with the herbicide triclopyr at application rates of 2·5 and 1·75 mg/l, respectively, in the Pend Oreille River, WA, in August 1991. Water exchange half-lives within the plots were measured using rhodamine WT dye (river, t_1/2=20 h; cove, t_1/2=52 h), and triclopyr dissipation rates were also calculated (river, t_1/2=19 h); cove, t_1/2=53 h). Triclopyr concentrations were below the proposed potable water tolerance level (0·5 mg/l) within the river treatment plot by 3 days after treatment (<0·01 to 0·41 mg/l), and 675 m downstream of that plot by 1 day after treatment (<0·01 to 0·47 mg/l). Following the cove treatment, triclopyr residues ranged from 0·12 to 0·29 mg/l by 7 days after treatment, and from<0·01 to 0·06 mg/l as close as 150 m downstream from the plot. Eurasian water milfoil biomass was reduced by 99% in the treated plots at 4 weeks post-treatment, remained low one year later (river treatment, 28% of pretreat levels; cove treatment 1% of pre-treat levels) and was still at acceptable levels of control at two years post-treatment (river treatment, 47% of pre-treat levels; cove treatment, 24% of pre-treat levels). The four-week post-treatment efficacy results verified triclopyr concentration/exposure time relationships for controlling Eurasian water milfoil developed under laboratory conditions. Non-target native plant biomass increased 500–1000% by one year post-treatment, and remained significantly higher in the cove plot at two years after treatment. Native species diversity doubled following herbicide treatment, and the restoration of this robust community delayed the re-establishment and dominance of Eurasian water milfoil for three growing seasons. ©1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anaerobic digestion of catering wastes: effect of micronutrients and retention time.

Source-separated foodwastes collected from a campus catering facility were processed in bench-scale single-stage anaerobic digesters. The feedstock contained a varied mix of fruits, vegetables, meats and fried foods. A constant organic loading rate (OLR) was maintained with differing hydraulic retention times (HRT). Regular addition of trace elements or prolonged retention time allowed stable digestion at high total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) levels. Reactors on HRT of 25, 50, and 100 days with no micronutrient supplementation exhibited methanogenic failure after approximately 40, 100 and 90 days respectively, while duplicate reactors with micronutrient supplementation maintained stable digestion. An extended HRT of 180 days has so far allowed continued digestion (for reactors with and without micronutrient supplementation) at levels of ammonia nitrogen exceeding 5.7 g l(-1) and volatile fatty acid levels exceeding 15 g l(-1), usually considered inhibitory or toxic.     

Nitrogen fluxes on catchment scale: the influence of hydrological aspects.

In two catchment areas with altogether eight subcatchments characterising different site-specific situations the interaction between anthropogenic activities (e.g. agriculture, nutrition and waste water management), nitrogen emissions and in stream loads as well as concentrations were studied in detail. Groundwater is the most important pathway for nitrogen inputs into surface waters. Denitrification in the soil/subsurface/groundwater system controls the amount of this input to a high extent. Key factors influencing this process are organic carbon availability, geology, precipitation and groundwater recharge rates as well as residence time in groundwater. The MONERIS emission model is a useful tool to quantify these relationships on (sub-)catchment scale. Areas where concentrations in groundwater (e.g. nitrate) tend to be higher due to little dilution with water and might be problematic in respect to limit values for drinking water, are much less relevant in respect to the loads transported to river systems and receiving seas, than regions with high precipitation. In cases with high water availability mainly high loads transported downstream and finally to the receiving sea are a considerable problem. Within a region mainly areas close to river systems contribute to nitrogen discharges to the river system because of the short residence times of the groundwater from these areas and--related to this--a lower influence of denitrification in the groundwater.