Sample size determination for soft‐bottom sampling in large rivers and comparison with the chironomid pupal exuvial technique (CPET)

Our objective in this study was to determine the adequate sample size for the use of grab sampling in the biomonitoring of large soft‐bottom rivers. We also compared two sampling methods, grab sampling and the Chironomid Pupal Exuvial Technique (CPET), in detecting anthropogenic impacts in a large boreal river and assessed the degree of concordance between the two data sets. Sample size determination showed that, at the lowest possible taxonomic level, a minimum of eight benthic samples was required to obtain a reliable picture of benthic communities. When using the CPET, the number of chironomid species was nearly twice that of all benthic macroinvertebrates in the grab samples. In addition, a majority of the chironomid species found in the grab samples was also detected using the CPET. Although both data sets indicated significant differences in benthic communities between the sampling sites in the river Kymi, a Mantel test showed that patterns in community composition were not concordant. This was mainly because benthic samples from the deep depositional areas of the river indicated poorer ecological status than did the CPET data, which integrate species from various depths and habitats. Thus, samples from a single macrohabitat may not adequately represent environmental conditions of large rivers. Overall, our results suggest that the CPET provides a reliable and cost‐effective alternative, or a supplementary assessment tool, to more traditional sampling methods when assessing anthropogenic stresses in large boreal rivers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Overestimated cod values for raw wastewaters extracted by vacuum sampling devices due to sedimentation effects

Automatic vacuum sampling devices are frequently used to obtain representative samples of raw wastewaters. As a relatively high frequency of sampling is desired to cover the full range of load fluctuations and the volume of a composite sample is generally limited, the volume used from each sampling event is significantly less than that actually extracted by the sampler. On S different wastewater treatment plants the authors have found that the COD concentration in the sample volume used for analyses was significantly higher than that in the sample volume wasted by the vacuum sampler. It is hypothesized that the observed change in sample quality after the excess sample volume has been wasted is due to the sedimentation of solids in the sample chamber. This leads to a significant overestimation of the COD in subsequent analyses. Subsequent tests, where samples from vacuum samplers were compared with samples drawn by hand and by a scoop sampler respectively, support this hypothesis.     

An investigation of agricultural use potential of wastewater sludges in Turkey--case of heavy metals.

Landfilling is one of the most common methods that are used in the final disposal of sludge world wide, as well as in Turkey. However, increasing sludge quantities and limited landfilling areas make this method difficult to apply. The use of sludge in agriculture presents a possible alternative for disposal. However, it also poses some risks to be evaluated. In this respect, it is important to identify the heavy metal content of sewage sludges because of its adverse health effects. This study aims to determine the heavy metal contents of sludges and wastewaters from three different wastewater treatment plants in Turkey. The selection of plants was carried out according to the different treatment technologies applied to wastewater and sludge in those plants. Heavy metal analysis of sludges and wastewaters was conducted using a microwave assisted digestion procedure. After sampling and analysis, the results show that all the related metal concentrations are below the values that are set in the Soil Pollution Control Regulation of Turkey. However, in two of the three plants, Zn and Ni concentration should be tracked carefully.     

Sampling for representative micropollutant loads in sewer systems.

Most commercially available auto-sampling devices do not support a continuous flow-proportional sampling mode, which would conceptually be the best for collecting representative composite samples. Instead different discrete sampling modes are available. Household chemicals can show considerable random short-term variations. With the anticorrosive benzotriazole, relating to a middle-frequent household activity, we show that, besides an accurate flow meter, mainly three factors are decisive for the representativeness of a substance's average load: the substance's load pattern, the sampling frequency and the length of the composite sample. When the sampling intervals are 10 minutes or longer, errors in the order of +/-40% (standard deviation) or more have to be accepted, if the substance of interest is contained in a low number of wastewater pulses (i.e., the level of household activity). This particularly holds true for specific pharmaceuticals e.g. carbamazepine. Ammonium would be less critical, because it relates to a larger number of sources in the same catchment.     

Reuse of industrial wastewater for the irrigation of ornamental plants.

This paper describes the results of experimental activities carried out for verifying the possibility of reusing reclaimed wastewater originated from textile (70%) and domestic (30%) activities for the irrigation of container-grown ornamental shrubs. Aspects that concern the refinery treatment of reclaimed wastewater and the effect of irrigation on some ornamental plant species were investigated. An experimental site consisting of a refinery treatment pilot plant (filtration and disinfection) and an agronomic experimental area was set-up. The combined treatment of PAA and UV, used for the disinfection, showed to be very effective for inactivation of E. coli with most of PAA and UV dose combinations able to assure total inactivation. The plants (Buxus, Photinia, Pistacia and Viburnum), sprinkle and drip irrigated with well water (WW), reclaimed wastewater (RW) and a water mixed (MW) between reclaimed wastewater and well water (1:1 by vol), showed interesting results. A similar growth among different treatments was achieved for Buxus and Pistacia, while Viburnum and Photinia plants showed a higher sensibility to MW and RW. Photinia, in particular, turned out to be very sensitive to sprinkle irrigation with the reclaimed water, while the drip irrigation had no such bad effects, as reported in previous works.     

城市污水处理厂污泥热值及影响因素分析

以重庆市主城区城市污水处理厂污泥为研究对象,测定了污泥的热值并分析了影响污泥热值的主要因素,探讨了水分对热值利用的影响。结果表明:元素分析法和量热仪法测定的污泥热值较吻合;污水水质、排水体制、污水及污泥处理工艺通过影响污泥挥发分的含量而影响污泥热值,建议消化污泥和合流制区域污水处理厂污泥不宜采用焚烧处理。污水处理厂污泥具有自持燃烧特性时的最高含水率为68%;通过元素分析发现,不同污水处理厂污泥挥发分元素的计量组成基本一致,可用计量化学式CH1.72O0.55N0.12S0.03粗略地表示重庆市主城区污水处理厂污泥挥发分的组成。     

Ecophysiology and niche differentiation of Nitrospira-like bacteria, the key nitrite oxidizers in wastewater treatment plants.

Nitrite-oxidizing bacteria of the genus Nitrospira are key nitrifiers in wastewater treatment plants. Pure cultures of these organisms are unavailable, but cultivation-independent molecular methods make it possible to detect Nitrospira-like bacteria in environmental samples and to investigate their ecophysiology. Comprehensive screening of natural and engineered habitats and of public databases for 16S rRNA sequences of Nitrospira-like bacteria revealed a surprisingly high biodiversity in the genus Nitrospira, which comprises at least four phylogenetic sublineages. All Nitrospira-like bacteria detected in wastewater treatment plants belonged to the sublineages I and II. Subsequently, the population dynamics of different Nitrospira-like bacteria were monitored, by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization with rRNA-targeted probes, confocal laser scanning microscopy and digital image analysis, during incubation of nitrifying activated sludge in media containing different nitrite concentrations. These experiments showed that Nitrospira-like bacteria, which were affiliated with the phylogenetic sublineages I or II of the genus Nitrospira, responded differently to nitrite concentration shifts. Previously unknown properties of Nitrospira-like bacteria were discovered in the course of an environmental genomics project. Implications of the obtained results for fundamental understanding of the microbial ecology of nitrite oxidizers as well as for future improvement of nutrient removal in wastewater treatment plants are discussed.     

正确的政策导向是发展可持续污泥处理技术的保障

对污泥厌氧消化技术在国内外的应用及发展情况作了简单介绍.通过与其他污泥处理工艺对比,分析了污泥厌氧消化的优缺点、污泥厌氧消化工艺的费用与收益.指出污泥厌氧消化工艺是一种可持续的实用技术,理应成为城市污水处理厂污泥稳定化处理的首选工艺.认为应对现行的《城市污水处理及污染防治技术政策》进行修改,鼓励有条件的污水处理厂在选择污泥处理工艺时优先考虑厌氧消化技术.     

Assessment of odour and H(2)S impact in WWTPs by cryo-condensation

Stability of gaseous samples is a major concern when dealing with odours and airborne pollutants sampling. In terms of odours, the representativeness of the sample can be very seriously compromised, despite the rigorous application of the maximum storage time established by EN-13725. The present paper is focused on the use of the cryo-condensation technique (Cryocore) for time-weighted-average (TWA) sampling in waste water treatment plants (WWTPs), with the aim of comparing the values of TWA odour and H(2)S concentration when using the Cryocore system and other well established sampling methods, such as those described in EN-13725 and passive sampling. The study showed comparable results when comparing all the methodologies tested.     

Water reuse for irrigation from waste water treatment plants with seasonal varied operation modes.

Irrigation periods are usually limited to vegetation periods. The quality requirements for treated wastewater for disposal and for reuse are different. The reuse of water for irrigation allows partly the reuse of the wastewater's nutrients (N and P). Outside the irrigation period the water must be treated for disposal, thus nutrient removal is often required in order to avoid detrimental effects on the receiving surface water body. Only wastewater treatment plants with different operation modes for different seasons can realise these requirements. The nitrification is the most sensitive biological process in the aerobic wastewater treatment process. At low water temperatures the nitrifying bacteria need several weeks to re-start full nitrification after periods without NH4-removal. Therefore it is necessary to develop options for waste water treatment plants which allow a fast re-start of the nitrification process. Based on theoretical considerations and computer simulations of the activated sludge treatment process, one possibility for implementing a wastewater treatment plant with different seasonal operation modes is evaluated.     

南方山地丘陵区规模畜禽养殖对水环境影响及评价

选择南方山地丘陵区典型规模畜禽养殖集中地为研究区域,通过对该研究区域周边地表水及地下水的调查采样,分析主要污染物时空变异及污染物形态之间的变化,并对周边水环境进行初步评价。结果表明:规模化畜禽养殖区域的浅层地下水和地表水已经受到严重污染;养殖场的环保处理设施与养殖规模不配套造成大量污染物进入地表水环境;生物氧化塘的护堤和塘底未经防渗处理,造成下游地下水污染;养殖场排放的污水经厌氧和好氧生物处理后富含有机质、氨氮、可溶态有机磷,利于作物吸收和生长,应尽量循环使用。指出由于养殖污水变化较大,为避免二次环境污染,必须处理达标后结合配方施肥技术按需回用农田。     

Models to predict sunlight-induced photodegradation rates of contaminants in wastewater stabilisation ponds and clarifiers

Two kinetic models were established for conservative estimates of photodegradation rates of contaminants under sunlight irradiation,in particular for wastewater stabilisation ponds and clarifiers in conventional wastewater treatment plants.These two models were designated for(1) contaminants with high photolytic rates or high photolytic quantum yields,whose photodegradation is unlikely to be enhanced by aquatic photosensitisers;and(2) contaminants withstanding direct photolysis in sunlit waters but subjected to indirect photolysis.The effortlessly intelligible prediction procedure involves sampling and analysis of real water samples,simulated solar experiments in the laboratory,and transfer of the laboratory results to realise water treatment using the prediction models.Although similar models have been widely used for laboratory studies,this paper provides a preliminary example of translating laboratory results to the photochemical fate of contaminants in real waters.     

Application of ion-sensitive sensors in water quality monitoring.

Within the last years a trend towards in-situ monitoring can be observed, i.e. most new sensors for water quality monitoring are designed for direct installation in the medium, compact in size and use measurement principles which minimise maintenance demand. Ion-sensitive sensors (Ion-Sensitive-Electrode--ISE) are based on a well known measurement principle and recently some manufacturers have released probe types which are specially adapted for application in water quality monitoring. The function principle of ISE-sensors, their advantages, limitations and the different methods for sensor calibration are described. Experiences with ISE-sensors from applications in sewer networks, at different sampling points within wastewater treatment plants and for surface water monitoring are reported. An estimation of investment and operation costs in comparison to other sensor types is given.     

Application of ionic liquids for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater and activated sludge

This paper presents the results of adsorption studies on the removal of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn) from standard solutions, real wastewater samples and activated sewage sludge using a new technique of liquid-liquid extraction using quaternary ammonium and phosphonium ionic liquids (ILs). Batch sorption experiments were conducted using the ILs [PR4][TS], [PR4][MTBA], [A336][TS] and [A336][MTBA]. Removal of these heavy metals from standard solutions were not effective, however removal of heavy metals from the industrial effluents/wastewater treatment plants were satisfactory, indicating that the removal depends mainly on the composition of the wastewater and cannot be predicted with standard solutions. Removal of heavy metals from activated sludge proved to be more successful than conventional methods such as incineration, acid extraction, thermal treatment, etc. For the heavy metals Cu, Ni and Zn, ≥90% removal was achieved.     

On the use of non-negative matrix factorisation to characterise wastewater from dairy processing plants

A portable field spectrometer was used to record the time-resolved ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectrum of the effluent stream at two different dairy processing plants (a Drier Plant and Cheese Factory). The spectra exhibited significant variability. As an alternative to the partial least squares regression methods usually used in the online UV/Vis field a non-negative matrix factorisation technique was employed to compress the spectral data. One of the extracted basis vectors had a physical shape associated with protein absorption. The weightings associated with the basis vector explained 80% of the variability in protein concentration as measured with traditional grab sampling techniques (increasing to 94% with a further three vectors), allowing the spectrometer to be retrospectively calibrated to continuously measure protein.     

Semi-quantitative analysis of a specific database on priority and emerging substances in wastewater and sludge

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) has drawn attention to a series of metals and organic compounds because of their demonstrated or potential harmfulness for aquatic environments. The aim of our work was to build and to process a "practical" database focused on the role of wastewater treatment plants for the removal of the 37 priority compounds that have to be reduced or stopped by 2015, and of 34 additional relevant contaminants. About 11,000 concentration values in raw and treated wastewater and sludge, from more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and six French national screening programs, were integrated. A systematic approach showed the global low quality of data for most of the compounds, with missing information about the treatment process, sampling and analysis, leading to 10% of the data available for removal efficiency calculations. A semi-quantitative analysis allowed the identification of 20 priority and 10 additional relevant substances more frequently quantified at significant concentrations in raw wastewater and treated wastewater. Conventional activated sludge was able to remove more than 70% of half of the studied compounds, leaving only 10% of them with less than 50% removal. Physical-chemical treatments appeared to be about 30% less efficient than biological treatments. In addition, very few data are available concerning some compounds and some processes, especially sludge treatment and tertiary wastewater treatment processes. Therefore, complementary on-site measurements and modeling are required to propose adapted solutions for the treatment of priority and emerging substances in wastewater treatment plants.     

Organic and metallic pollutants in water treatment and natural wetlands: a review

A literature review shows that more than 500 compounds occur in wetlands, and also that wetlands are suitable for removing these compounds. There are, however, obvious pitfalls for treatment wetlands, the most important being the maintenance of the hydraulic capacity and the detention time. Treatment wetlands should have an adapted design to target specific compounds. Aquatic plants and soils are suitable for wastewater treatment with a high capacity of removing nutrients and other substances through uptake, sorption and microbiological degradation. The heavy metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb were found to exceed limit values. The studies revealed high values of phenol and SO(4). No samples showed concentrations in sediments exceeding limit values, but fish samples showed concentrations of Hg exceeding the limit for fish sold in the European Union (EU). The main route of metal uptake in aquatic plants was through the roots in emergent and surface floating plants, whereas in submerged plants roots and leaves take part in removing heavy metals and nutrients. Submerged rooted plants have metal uptake potential from water as well as sediments, whereas rootless plants extracted metals rapidly only from water. Caution is needed about the use of SSF CWs (subsurface flow constructed wetlands) for the treatment of metal-contaminated industrial wastewater as metals are shifted to another environmental compartment, and stable redox conditions are required to ensure long-term efficiency. Mercury is one of the most toxic heavy metals and wetlands have been shown to be a source of methylmercury. Methyl Hg concentrations are typically approximately 15% of Hgt (total mercury). In wetlands polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), bisphenol A, BTEX, hydrocarbons including diesel range organics, glycol, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), cyanide, benzene, chlorophenols and formaldehyde were found to exceed limit values. In sediments only PAH and PCB were found exceeding limit values. The pesticides found above limit values were atrazine, simazine, terbutylazine, metolachlor, mecoprop, endosulfan, chlorfenvinphos and diuron. There are few water quality limit values of these compounds, except for some well-known endocrine disrupters such as nonylphenol, phtalates, etc.     

Sampling Benthic Communities for Sediment Toxicity Assessments Using Grab Samplers and Artificial Substrates

In this study we compared macrobenthic communities collected from the Saginaw River (Michigan), Buffalo River (New York), Indiana Harbor (Indiana), Little Scioto River (Ohio), and Mill-town Reservoir (Montana) at the same locations using artificial substrates and grab samplers. Oligochaete worms (Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri) were the predominant benthic organisms in sediment samples collected with grab samplers. Artificial substrates also collected nothing but oligochaetes, but only at the stations with the most contaminated sediment in Indiana Harbor and the Little Scioto River. Artificial substrate samples from the Saginaw River, Buffalo River, and Milltown Reservoir generally contained a more diverse assemblage of benthic taxa. Routine assessments of sediment toxicity based on analyses of benthic macroinvertebrate communities should sample all available benthic habitats. Sediment samples collected with a grab sampler and artificial substrates should both be used for evaluating benthic communities in sediment toxicity assessments.     

Control of odour emission in wastewater treatment plants by direct and undirected measurement of odour emission capacity

Odour emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered to be the main causes of disturbance noticed by the exposed population and have relevant impacts on both tourism economy and land costs. Odour impact from WWTPs is generated by primary and secondary odour emissions. Primary odour emissions are related especially to the wastewater type and variability discharged into the sewer and directed to the WWTP, and to the wastewater collection and sewage system. Secondary odours are related to the treatment units of the plant. Several studies describe the key role of primary odour emissions and how they are strongly related to odour impacts of WWTPs. In this way, a opportune characterization of the emission capacity of primary odour could be an effective way to control odour emission in the WWTPs. In this study the odour emission capacity (OEC) of different domestic sewers was described and investigated; a correlation between the OEC and the main physical-chemical parameters of wastewater quality was also carried out. Results of this study identify the optimum conditions for sampling and measuring OEC in wastewaters and define its dependence by wastewater quality. These results can contribute to setting the standards for the maximum odourant content of wastewater that are discharged into the publicly owned sewage system.     

Evaluation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in drinking water originating from Lake Erie

This project evaluated pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) concentrations in drinking water originating from Lake Erie. Raw and treated water samples were collected from the local water treatment plant in Erie, Pennsylvania over a 10 month period. Along with grab samples, long-term samples were collected using Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers (POCIS). The samples were analyzed for 17 PPCPs (acetaminophen, ampicillin, atrazine, bisphenol-A, caffeine, carbamazepine, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, digoxin, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, metformin, naproxen, simazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfathiazole, trimethoprim) in raw and treated drinking water. For grab samples, six of the 17 PPCPs were found at detectable levels in raw or treated drinking water including atrazine, bisphenol-A, caffeine, ibuprofen, metformin, and simazine. Detectable PPCP levels in treated water samples were usually lower than those in raw water. For long-term samples, an additional four PPCPs (ten total) were found at detectable levels including gemfibrozil, naproxen, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim. Aqueous phase concentrations of PPCPs were estimated using sampling rates, deployment periods, and analytical results of POCIS samplers.