bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Activity in Sanitary Landfills–A Possible Source of the Humic Substances in Groundwater?
Authors: Filip Z. , Smed-Hildmann R.
Published: May 2018

Humic substances account for the main part of the dissolved organic carbon in groundwater. Since groundwater aquifers located near to sanitary landfills usually contain higher concentrations of dissolved organic carbon, we made experiments in the laboratory to determine whether humic substances can be formed from simple non-humified organic substances by a complex micro-flora of municipal refuse. In liquid cultures incubated for two months humic substances were produced, especially when casein or starch was added. The highest amounts of humic acid-like substances were yielded from cultures inoculated with the indigenous microflora from a rotted (aerobic) landfill. Minor yields were obtained when the inoculum originated from a compacted (anaerobic) landfill or from a five years old landfill containing refuse and sewage sludge. Spectral characteristics indicated some similarities but also differences in the UV and visible regions between the newly formed humic acids and a humic acid from groundwater.
The Potential of Free-Living Ground Water Bacteria to Degrade Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Arvin E. , Jensen B. , Aamand J. , Jørgensen C.
Published: May 2018

This study has documented that a considerable degradation potential related to aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic nitrogen-, sulphur- and oxygen- containing compounds is associated with the free-living ground water bacteria. All studies were performed under aerobic conditions and with surplus of nitrogen and phosphorus.

After a lag period, which differs considerably between locations upstream and downstream of hydrocarbon spills, the free-living bacteria are able to degrade the hydrocarbons to concentrations less than 1 µg/l. The bacteria from one site were able to degrade naphthalene according to a zero order reaction even at 1 µg/l.

Preliminary experiments indicate that the free-living bacteria may have a relatively high activity compared to the attached bacteria when compared on the basis of the same total bacteria numbers.

The hypothesis is put forward that, although the attached biomass concentration in the aquifer may be much higher than the free-living biomass, the latter is still very important for the degradation capability if the attached bacteria are fixed in the fine soil fractions (silt, etc), the reason being that the flow of water, and with this the flux of substrate, is relatively small to the attached bacteria due to low hydraulic conductivity in the fine soil fractions.
Microorganisms of Groundwater and Decomposing Refuse as Viewed by the Transmission Electron Microscope
Authors: Smed-Hildmann R. , Filip Z.
Published: May 2018

The chief problem in obtaining an objective view of native microbial communities is lack of suitable experimental techniques. In our laboratory a simple preparative method was used in order to make electron microscopical investigations of indigenous microorganisms from ground-water and decomposing municipal refuse possible. This method includes (i) suspension of the complex microflora from the refuse sample in a buffered water solution or a direct use of groundwater samples; (ii) embedding of microorganisms from the suspension on the surface of collodion filmed and carbon coated electron microscopical grids by direct centrifugation in the Beckman Airfuge; (iii) a one step staining with 1,5% phosphotungstic acid at pH 6.8 in centrifuge rotor chambers. The main advantage of our method is based on a supporting effect of the centrifugal force towards the concentration and adhesion of microbial cells at the surface of electron microscopical grids. Electron microphotographs of microorganisms from ground-water, and decomposing municipal refuse are presented.
Disturbances and Inhibition in Biological Treatment of Wastewater from an Integrated Refinery
Authors: Galil N. , Rebhun M. , Brayer Y.
Published: May 2018

Biological treatment of wastewater from an integrated oil refinery, containing hazardous contaminants, was studied in an on site pilot plant. The wastewater is pretreated by gravity separation, flocculation and dissolved air flotation. Biotreatment of such wastewaters poses several problems which have to be considered in planning, design and operation of the treatment system. The process rate is relatively slow, due to the inhibitory effects. The mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) could not be maintained at concentrations higher than 2000 mg/l. Sudden discharges of concentrated phenolic wastes disrupted the process first by impairing bioflocculation, followed by complete inhibition of the biological process.
Handling and Processing of Solid Waste at GNFC – An Approach to Zero Solid Waste
Authors: Karia V. K. , Sadliwala Z. S.
Published: May 2018

M/s Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Company Limited (GNFC), located in a backward District of Bharuch in Gujarat State of India, owns the World's Largest Single Stream Ammonia and Urea plants. GNFC uses 1000 MT of oil and 1000 MT of coal every day as raw material and generates huge quantities of solid wastes like fly ash, carbon soot, lime sludge, hard coke, and spent catalysts. For management of these solid wastes, GNFC has adopted a PRODUCTIVITY oriented approach. A number of Research & Development oriented projects were undertaken as a result of which most of the solid wastes could be put to productive use. GNFC is on the verge of achieving a state of ZERO solid waste.
Stimulated Bioseparation of Oil and Cuttings
Authors: Torleiv Bilstad
Published: May 2018

Successful biological separation of oil and cuttings was accomplished by-addition of nitrogen and phosporus to seawater in completely mixed aerobic batch reactors at 10 and 20°C. Substantial biodegradation in flow-through aquaria, however, was not accomplished.
Filamentous Bulking in Nutrient Removal Activated Sludge Systems
Authors: Wanner Jiri , Grau Petr
Published: May 2018

Behaviour of filamentous microorganisms under anaerobic, anoxic, and oxic conditions has been reviewed from the point of view of filamentous bulking in nutrient removal activated sludge systems. It was concluded that the growth of most filamentous microorganisms is considerably suppressed under anaerobic and anoxic conditions and that the filamentous bulking in nutrient removal systems is chiefly caused by the growth of filamentous microorganisms in oxic zones. The role of particulate substrate hydrolysis was also discussed and the necessity of compartmentalization of oxic zones was shown.
The Influence of Blade Height on the Removal of Sludge from Activated Sludge Settling Tanks
Authors: Billmeier Ernst
Published: May 2018

This paper describes the factors which influence the quantity of sludge settling on the floor of circular tanks and methods for determining this. The dimensions of the sludge thickening and collection zones are considered and the required sludge removal capacity is evaluated. Methods for the design of the scrapers necessary are given with particular reference to the height of the blades.

An example of the use of the design procedure is given.
Expansion of Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facilities at Washington, D.C.
Authors: Bailey W. F. , Shea T. G.
Published: May 2018

Advanced wastewater treatment facilities at Washington D.C.'s Blue Plains plant are being expanded and upgraded to provide increased capacity. In order to continue meeting the very stringent discharge limitations, modifications will be made to the secondary and nitrification activated sludge systems, wastewater filters, disinfection system, and plant instrumentation. Major upgrades are planned for sludge processing including construction of centrifuge and filter press dewatering facilities, mechanical composting and fluid bed incineration.
Field and Experimental Study of the Bioaccumulation of Some Trace Metals in a Coastal Food Chain: Seston, Oyster (Crassostrea Gigas), Drill (Ocenebra Erinacea)
Authors: Amiard-Triquet C. , Amiard J. C. , Berthet B. , Metayer C.
Published: May 2018

From March 1982 to May 1984, monthly sampling has been carried out in a comparatively un-polluted coastal area (bay of Bourgneuf, France), allowing the determination of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in water and in the different links of the studied food chain. Except for Pb, the higher the metal level, the higher the trophic level. In order to determine if this situation results from a real biomagnification in the food chain or from specific abilities to concentrate trace metals, oysters and drills were exposed to metals frcm different sources.

Young oysters were exposed for 4 weeks, simultaneously to Cu and Pb, through seawater and/or food. The metals were analyzed in phytoplankton in order to evaluate the daily food supply of metals to oysters. The body burden of Cu and Pb in oysters and their concentrations were evaluated after 12, 20 and 28 days of exposure. In controls and oysters contaminated via food the body burden of Pb decreased during the experiment. This indicates that the quantity of Pb eliminated was higher than the input of this metal. Moreover, the direct uptake from water led to body burdens approximately 100 times higher than those reached after contaminated food ingestion. Contaminated seawater + food did not induce any significant additional increase. For Cu, the body burden increased during the experiment in controls as well as in oysters fed with contaminated phytoplankton. This means that the quantity of Cu eliminated is lower than the input of this metal. However, the body burdens induced by exposure to contaminated seawater or seawater + food are at least ten times higher than those registered in oysters exposed via phytoplanktonic food. This result, as well as the high concentration factor of Cu in C.gigas (approximately ten times higher than in phytoplankton) emphasize the ability of oysters to concentrate Cu. This could explain the increase of Cu concentration in increasing trophic levels observed in the field study but the accumulation of Cu from food is significant and could play a role in chronic exposures.

Drills were placed for 6 weeks in plastic net bags containing no food or food with different levels of metals. No significant differences were observed between the levels of Cd, Cu and Zn in controls and in drills of the three groups, indicating that these levels do not depend on the food.
Dose-Related Toxicity of Copper and Cadmium in Striped Bass Larvae from the Chesapeake Bay: Field Considerations
Authors: Wright David A.
Published: May 2018

Copper and cadmium monitoring in Chesapeake Bay sediments indicates that metal contamination exists in nursery areas for striped bass (Moronesaxatilis), which has been in serious decline over the last 17 years. Whole water metal concentrations in one spawning river were within an order of magnitude of published acutely toxic concentrations. Larval striped bass were exposed in the laboratory to copper and cadmium concentrations which were acutely toxic over a 96h period (24 and 19 µg L−1, respectively), and to sub-lethal concentrations of these metals over a three week period. Larvae from acutely toxic metal treatments, sub-lethal metal concentrations and control tanks were analyzed for cadmium and copper and the frequency distribution of metal body burdens was compared with field data. The distribution of copper concentrations in laboratory-exposed larvae was completely within the range of field specimens, and there was considerable overlap in cadmium frequency distributions from laboratory and field larvae. These results together with other published data suggest that environmental metal concentrations in some spawning tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay may pose a threat to striped bass, and the suggestion is made that greater efforts should be made to link laboratory and field toxicological data.
Degradation of Tributyl Tin and Dibutyl Tin Compounds in Environmental Waters
Authors: Hattori Y. , Kobayashi A. , Nonaka K. , Sugimae A. , Nakamoto M.
Published: May 2018

The degradation of tri-n-butyl tin (TBT) and di-n-butyl tin (DBT) compounds in river and sea water samples was studied. In river water (Daini Neya River), TBT was degraded with time, and the concentration of inorganic tin increased. DBT was also degraded with time, and the concentrations of n-butyl tin (MBT) compounds and inorganic tin (the degradation products) increased. The half lives of TBT and DBT were about 11 days and 5 days, respectively. In seawater from Sakaisenboku Harbour (one of the most polluted areas in Osaka Bay), TBT and DBT were degraded in a manner similar to that in Daini Neya River water, but in seawater from other areas of Osaka Bay these compounds were little degraded.
The Effects of Sewage Sludge Disposal to Sea – The Outer Thames Estuary, U.K.
Authors: Whitelaw K. , Andrews M. J.
Published: May 2018

Sewage sludge disposal in the Outer Thames estuary is the largest operation of its kind in the United Kingdom. This paper reports interim results from a four-year study of the effects of this sludge upon the environment of the outer estuary. Using radiolabelled sludge and faecal bacteria, the sludge was shown to disperse widely soon after disposal. Dispersion in the sediments is being followed over a period of one year. Mussels placed in cages along the known dispersion path of sludge in the water column exhibited sub-lethal physiological stress. However, the benthic infauna distributions were shown to be related principally to sediment characteristics and no effect due to sludge could be detected. The incidence of epidermal diseases in fish was low and that from the vicinity of the disposal ground was similar to that from a nearby commercially-fished area to which the sludge did not disperse.
Dispersion Modelling for a Complex Estuary – The Case of the Tagus
Authors: Carmona Rodrigues A. , Cardoso da Silva M. , Câmara A. , Faria Fernandes T. , Gomes Ferreira J.
Published: May 2018

Estuarine dispersion models have been commonly used to define the pollutant loads permissible to achieve pre-defined water quality levels and improve our knowledge of estuarine phenomena. Those models for large estuaries with complex hydrodynamic and ecological processes usually have extremely high running times. This paper presents an approach based on the use of increasingly complex models, which attempts to circumvent the problem of initial lack of data, as well as to give some initial insight into the processes of the Tagus Estuary, within acceptable levels of precision. As a first stage, simple models were developed and applied to the estuary, one of the largest in Europe, with more than 300 sources of pollution and intensive use for recreation, fishing, and navigation. The computational exercises undertaken with these models were also used to accumulate information on the response of the Tagus Estuary to a number of forcing conditions. This information, synthesized in ‘if … then' rules, was integrated to form a data base on the estuary, which is currently being developed. The data base will organize existing information and, providing that learning mechanisms are included, it will also create new knowledge, as well as supplying the complex models under development with reasonable initial values.
Flavor-Profile Analysis: An Objective Sensory Technique for the Identification and Treatment of Off-Flavors in Drinking Water
Authors: Krasner Stuart W.
Published: May 2018

Flavor-profile analysis (FPA) is a sensory method utilizing a trained panel of four to six individuals. Reference materials are used to establish a common vocabulary for different odors found in drinking water. Known quantities of different taste- and odor-causing chemicals are evaluated to calibrate the panel on a consistent intensity scale. Each identifiable descriptor is assigned its own intensity. This method has been successfully applied in the analysis of musty-smelling compounds, e.g., 2-methylisoborneol (MIB). MIB samples and standards from 1 to 80 ng/l have been shown to observe the WeberFechner law (i.e., a plot of flavor intensity versus logarithm of concentration of MIB yielded a straight line). FPA has also been used to handle fishy/swampy odor problems. In many instances, specific causative organic compounds were not identified; however, FPA evaluations of water using different free-chlorine dosages and contact times made possible immediate resolution of these odor problems. FPA has yielded reproducible sensory data that have been useful in better understanding and handling off-flavors in drinking water.
Potent Odour-Causing Chemicals Arising from Drinking Water Disinfection
Authors: Hrudey Steve E. , Gac Alina , Daignault Susan A.
Published: May 2018

A search for the cause of Edmonton's spring time taste and odour events occurring in two successive years implicated four low molecular weight aldehydes: 2-methyl propanal, 2-methyl butanal, 3-methyl butanal and phenylacetaldehyde. Food science literature reports threshold odour values at µ.g/l levels for these chemicals. Observations of a more intense odour in treated than in raw water suggested the possibility of these compounds being produced in the treatment process. The chemistry literature suggests the likelihood that these chemicals could arise as oxidation products of corresponding amino acids. This expectation has been experimentally confirmed for chlorination and chloramination of water supplies.
Factors Influencing Geosmin Production by the Cyanobacterium Oscillatoria Brevis
Authors: Naes H. , Utkilen H. C. , Post A. F.
Published: May 2018

Environmental factors affecting geosmin production by Oscillatoria brevis have been investigated under laboratory conditions using continuous culture techniques. Transition from light to nutrient limited growth conditions caused a two-fold decrease in geosmin production. However, geosmin content increased relative to pigment content (chlorophyll a and carotenoids). It has been suggested that geosmin biosynthesis in O. brevis proceeds via the isoprenoid pathway as was found in actinomycetes. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of inhibitors of the intermediate stages in this synthetic pathway in order to study the regulation of geosmin production in relation to pigment synthesis. It was concluded that geosmin seemed to function as an overflow metabolite in this pathway. Due to the only modest changes in geosmin production per dry weight compared to changes in biomass levels during light- or nutrient limited growth, contamination of eutrophic fresh waters with geosmin appears to depend mainly on the species present and its biomass level and only to a limited extent on nutrient enhanced synthesis.
Odor Decomposition by the Yeast Candida
Authors: Sumitomo H.
Published: May 2018

Several microorganisms which can decompose 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) were isolated from a slow sand filter. A yeast of the Candidasp. (Candida), which has rather limited ability to decompose MIB, was used as an effective microorganism, because of its safety and convenience of handling in the laboratory. After measuring the ability of the yeast to decompose MIB in a liquid medium, it was immobilized in a gel produced from 10% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Several materials, such as plastic and glass, were coated with the immobilized yeast, and were used in experiments on the decomposition of MIB.
Pilot Scale Studies of Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol Removal
Authors: Vik E. A. , Storhaug R. , Naes H. , Utkilen H. C.
Published: May 2018

Water blooms of O.bornettii, a producer of off-flavour compounds, occasionally occur in Lake Mjoesa. Accordingly a new water works is planned to alleviate the associated taste and odour problems. A pilot plant was constructed in 1985 and a continuous water treatment study was performed over a one year period. Granular activated carbon (GAC) was compared with ozonation-GAC. Filtrasorb-400 was used and the empty-bed contact-time of the GAC-filters was 21 min. The ozone dosage varied from 2 to 5 mg O3/l. To simulate water blooms, commercially produced geosmin and 2-methyliso-borneol (MIB) were added to the water in concentrations from 10 to 190 ng/l. A slightly higher TOC-uptake was seen in the ozonation-GAC combination. This may indicate that the ozonation process is forming organic oxidation products that are competing with the geosmin and MIB for adsorption sites in the GAC-filter.
Biological Degradation of Musty Odor Compounds, 2-Methylisoborneol and Geosmin, in a Bio-Activated Carbon Filter
Authors: Yagi Masakazu , Nakashima Susumu , Muramoto Shigeki
Published: May 2018

The musty odor compounds, 2-methylisoborneol(MIB) and geosmin, were degraded during filtration within a bio-activated carbon filter seeded with Bacillussubtilis. More than 50% of both compounds adsorbed on the carbon were degraded.
Legionella and Public Water Supplies
Authors: Colbourne J. S. , Dennis P. J. , Trew R. M. , Berry C. , Vesey G.
Published: May 2018

A survey for legionella in public water supplies in England failed to detect culturable L.pneumophila in all but samples from taps in buildings; however, the organism was detected in underground and surface water sources and distribution systems using an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) to L.pneumophila serogroup 1. Culturability was related to water temperatures above 20°C. In water mains L.pneumophila was associated with biofilms or sediment. Non-culturable L.pneumophila detected in potable waters by IFA were recovered by heat shock experiments demonstrating their viability. Although the strain found in potable water is rarely asociated with disease, monoclonal expression, a virulence marker, was altered by heat shock. These findings have implications for the prevention of legionellosis and may explain the sporadic nature of legionnaires disease in the community.
Mechanism of Volatile Fatty Acid Removal in a Fixed Biofilm Methane Fermentation Reactor
Authors: Inoue Y. , Koyama K.
Published: May 2018

It was found that hydrogen plays a most important role as an acceleration factor of acetate decomposition to methane; this was investigated based on the theory of catabolized reactions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate. To demonstrate the hydrogen effect, several batch experiments were carried out with the fixed biofilm methane fermentation reactor(FBMFR) using a sole substrate of acetate, propionate and butyrate or a mixture substrate(acetate-propionate,acetate-butyrate). While using each volatile fatty acid and the mixture, the experiment of continuous incubation was carried out to investigate biofilm biota and structure through a scanning electron microscope. From these experimental results, the authors present a new reaction rate equation of acetate decomposition.
Actinomycete Scum Problems in Australian Activated Sludge Plants
Authors: Blackall Linda L. , Harbers Anne E. , Greenfield P. F. , Hayward A. C.
Published: May 2018

The formation of extensive, biological foams or scums on the liquid surfaces of domestic activated sludge plants in Australia was investigated. A survey of the problem in Queensland and Australia was carried out; the dominant organisms in the foam were isolated and identified; their physiology was investigated and the intrinsic reasons for foam formation were explored in the laboratory. Foaming in activated sludge plants was found to be a significant problem in Australia. Greater than 90% of plants in Queensland have experienced biological foaming episodes, whilst in 38% of the plants the problem was continuously present. Nocardia amarae and a newly described actinomycete Nocardia pinensis were the dominant organisms isolated from the foam. Plants that contained N. pinensis in the scum were found to be operated at long sludge ages. Although technical problems were experienced with chemostat methodology when applied to N. amarae, a limited amount of information about their physiology was obtained. The cells of N. amarae were found to be hydrophobic and a surfactant(s) was produced in culture. These are properties which suggest an explanation for the mechanism of foam formation based upon adsorptive bubble separation theory.
Current U.K. Research into the Design and Operation of Long Sea Outfalls
Authors: Procter D.
Published: May 2018

The paper describes the scale of the UK Water Industry's use of the marine environment for the treatment of sewage, and briefly outlines the comprehensive research programme it has instigated to ensure that its outfalls are designed and operated in such a way as to adequately protect the environment. Brief details are provided of the engineering content of the overall UK research programme including work on hydraulic design, initial dilution, structural design and operation, maintenance and inspection. Development of hydraulic performance monitoring procedures and equipment are dealt with in detail and typical results from early fieldvork described.
The Impact of Marinas on Water Quality
Authors: McMahon P. J. T.
Published: May 2018

Four salt-water marinas were studied in an attempt to ascertain their impact on water quality. Analyses of water, sediment and biological samples showed no evidence of dissolved oxygen depletion or nutrient enrichment of the water column and no nutrient enrichment, organic pollution, toxic pollution or bacterial degradation of the sediments. Analyses of organotin compounds from antifouling residues were inconclusive due to problems in interpreting the results and comparing them with overseas results. The major impact was found to be the build-up of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Hg) and petroleum hydrocarbons. The accumulated levels of these, however, were similar to those in other areas affected by human activity and were not indicative of significant water pollution. Nevertheless, water quality within marinas can be improved and guidelines for marina construction were developed based on the results of this study and a literature review.
Study of Recreational Use of Sydney Water Board and Fish River Water Supply Storages (Australia)
Authors: Sharp I. H. , Schell M. A.
Published: May 2018

Existing and potential recreational uses in a number of very different water supply catchments managed by two major N.S.W. authorities were investigated. Community attitudes to recreational use of both land based and water based activities were analysed together with reactions to increased charges to cover costs of ensuring safe water quality. Threats to water quality were studied and additional management and water quality control measures formulated.
A New Form of Water Quality Index for Rivers and Streams
Authors: Smith David G.
Published: May 2018

To assist in the dissemination of water quality information to lay-people in particular, four suitability-for-use water quality indexes have been developed. The water uses are: General, Bathing, Supply, and Fish Spawning although in the Bathing and Supply Indexes protection of aquatic life is also considered. To ensure that they tell us something useful and do not ‘hide' important information as current indexing systems tend to do, the Minimum Operator has been employed as the sub-index aggregation mechanism. This is a robust, sensible, and flexible method and seems more appropriate for this type of index than the more commonly used techniques (e.g. additive and multiplicative). Index development has been keyed into proposed New Zealand water legislation although this is not a pre-requisite for their use.
Incompatible Recreation-Oriented Benefits in a Residential Tidal Canal Estate and Marina, Victoria (Australia)
Authors: Nuttall P. M. , Richardson B. J.
Published: May 2018

Wide ranging recreation-oriented benefits identified from a two-year study on a residential tidal canal estate and associated marinas were rationalised into six groups consisting of active user, passive user, commercial user, ecological benefits, antagonistic and synergistic. The nature of conflict between activities was investigated in terms of their environmental impact and management. Pathways showing the degree of conflict illustrated the incompatabilities of many recreation-oriented benefits associated with these types of coastal developments.
A New Technique for the Enumeration of Rotaviruses in Wastewater Samples
Authors: Oragui J. I. , Mara D. D. , Silva S. A. , Konig A. M.
Published: May 2018

Rotaviruses are generally excreted in large numbers in diarrhoeal stools, but in wastewaters their numbers are subject to variations. Detection and enumeration of these viruses involve a concentration step followed by an assay method. Enumeration in wastewater concentrates is complicated by the presence of toxic substances which are often concentrated with the viruses. These toxic substances often cause the destruction of cells during rotavirus assay, thus leading to underestimation of viral numbers. Such concentrates were detoxified by a simple and effective method using polyacrylamide (Biogel P-6DG) or dextran (Sephadex G50) beads. Concentrates (10 ml) were mixed with 0.5 g gel and the mixtures were allowed to stand for 2 h at room temperature during which time the beads swell by the passage of water into them along with inorganic ions and substances with molecular weights of less than 30,000. The supernatants were then decontaminated with antibiotics and assayed for rotaviruses by the indirect immunofluorescent technique. Most untreated ultrafiltrates of raw sewage and those from anaerobic ponds were found to be too toxic to MA104 and LLC MK2 cells, whereas the above treatment rendered over 90% of wastewater concentrates non-toxic to cells. This technique was used to study virus removal in samples from deep waste stabilization ponds in northeast Brazil.
Recreational and Amenity Use of Surface Waters: The Public Health Implications
Authors: Jones F. , Godfree A. F.
Published: May 2018

Rivers, lakes and coastal waters in the United Kingdom are increasingly being used for water sports and recreation. These waters may receive treated and untreated sewage, storm water, trade effluent and agricultural waste. The potential for harmful health effects exists. Relatively little medical or scientific information is available which allows sound health guidance to be given in this respect. Current advice regarding the suitability of UK waters for contact pursuits remains conditioned by the results of a national retrospective epidemiological and bacteriological survey carried out some thirty years ago. Moreover this study was concerned only with the use of sewage-contaminated coastal waters for bathing. The practical difficulties experienced in giving advice has led to the development of a scheme designed to assess health effects in a consistent manner. This scheme is illustrated by reference to a case study which clearly demonstrates its value as a management tool.
Microbiological Quality Control in the Provision of Safe Drinking Water*
Authors: Hayes C. R.
Published: May 2018

The legislation from the European Commission and various other guidelines are discussed in the context of microbiological standards for drinking water. Difficulties in applying these standards are identified and reference is given to the quality control procedures adopted by Anglian Water. Pressures to achieve other drinking water standards, especially trihalomethanes, and the possible need to achieve higher microbiological quality objectives than those regulated currently, could lead to major changes in UK treatment practice.

* The full version of this article will appear in Water Science and Technology, 21(6/7), 559-566 (1989).
Hepatitis a Virus Concentration from Experimentally Contaminated Distilled, Tap, Waste and Seawater
Authors: Biziagos Evangélos , Passagot Jacques , Crance Jean-Marc , Deloince Robert
Published: May 2018

The concentration of cell-culture-adapted hepatitis A virus (HAV) from experimentally contaminated distilled, drinking, waste and seawater was performed by using a filter adsorption-elu-tion method in the following conditions: HAV seeded in water was adsorbed at pH 4.0 to two nitrocellulose membranes (1.2 and 0.45 µm porosity for distilled and tap water or 8.0 and 3.0 µm porosity for waste and seawater), then eluted by 3% beef-extract at pH 8.5 and further concentrated by polyethylene glycol 6000 precipitation. Thus, HAV in 5 to 50 liters of seeded waters was concentrated approximately 1,700 to 17,000 fold with greater than 70% recovery of the initial virus added to the samples.
Microbiological Evaluation of Copper : Silver Disinfection Units for Use in Swimming Pools
Authors: Landeen Lee K. , Yahya Moyasar T. , Kutz Susan M. , Gerba Charles P.
Published: May 2018

The bactericidal effects of electrolytically generated copper:silver ions on pathogenic bacteria of concern in swimming pools, hot tubs and cooling towers were evaluated in disinfection experiments. Copper:silver ion concentrations generated in well water were 400:40 µg/L, respectively. Pure cultures of Legionellapneumophila, Staphylococcusaureus, Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Escherichiacoli, and Streptococcusfaecalis, were individually tested in water containing copper:silver ions alone, copper:silver ions with free chlorine, and free chlorine alone. Greater numbers of organisms were killed after exposure to copper: silver ions with 0.2 mg/L free chlorine than in either the copper:silver ions or free chlorine alone. L. pneumophlla showed greater than a 5 log10 reduction in numbers after 7 minutes exposure to copper:silver ions with 0.2 mg/L free chlorine. In comparison, less than a 2 log10 decrease was obtained after exposure to free chlorine alone. E.coli numbers decreased over 4 log10 after 1 minute exposure to copper:silver ions with 0.2 mg/L free chlorine and less than a 3 log10 decrease after exposure to free chlorine alone. The majority of the other organisms tested showed the same effect. Electrolytically generated copper:silver ions with low levels of free chlorine appear to have greater bactericidal activities than either disinfectant alone.
Anaerobic Fluidized-Bed Treatment of Brewery Wastes and Bioenergy Recovery
Authors: Ozturk I. , Anderson G. K. , Saw C. B.
Published: May 2018

This paper presents the results of a pilot plant study using an Anaerobic Fluidized Bed Reactor (AFBR) for treatment of brewery wastes. A COD removal efficiency of greater than 75% was observed at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 9.5 kg COD/m3-day for a Deriod of 82 days from start-up. COD removal efficiency was greater than 74% at an OLR of 14.6 kg COD/m3 expanded bed (e.b)-day. A COD to methane conversion of 87% was achieved. Experimental results have suggested that the COD removal efficiency of an AFBR is only a function of COD loading, and neither the feed COD nor HRT alone significantly affect the performance of the reactor. A linear relationship was found between the specific substrate utilization rate and the specific methane production rate. It was observed that the distribution of the biomass along the height of the reactor is not uniform, and the biomass hold-up near the top of the reactor may reach concentrations of greater than 20,000 mg/l.
Evaluation of Chemical and Thermal Regeneration of Activated Carbon
Authors: Chiang P. C. , Wu J. S.
Published: May 2018

Nine typical aromatic compounds, i.e., Phenol, 2-Aminophenol, Aniline, 2-Chlorophenol, Chlorobenzene, β -Naphthol, Naphthalene, α -Naphthylamine and α -Chioronaphthaiene were introduced to evaluate the effects of the chemical characterization of these selected adsorbates on the desorption efficiency of the activated carbon. Both the thermal and chemical regeneration methods were employed to compare the regeneration efficiencies, operation and maintenance costs among these adsorbates and adsorbent.
Development of Dialog System Model for Eutrophication Control between Discharging River Basin and Receiving Water Body – Case Study of Lake Sagami (Japan)
Authors: Suzuki M. , Chihara K. , Okada M. , Kawashima H. , Hoshino S.
Published: May 2018

A computer program based on expert system software was developed and proposed as a prototype model for water management to control eutrophication problems in receiving water bodies (Suzuki etal., 1988). The system has several expert functions: 1. data input and estimation of pollution load generated and discharged in the river watershed; 2. estimation of pollution load run-off entering rivers; 3. estimation of water quality of receiving water bodies, such as lakes; and 4. assisting man-machine dialog operation.

The program can be used with MS-DOS BASIC and assembler in a 16 bit personal computer. Five spread sheets are utilized in calculation and summation of the pollutant load, using multi-windows. Partial differential equations for an ecological model for simulation of self-purification in shallow rivers and simulation of seasonal variations of water quality in a lake were converted to computer programs and included in the expert system. The simulated results of water quality are shown on the monitor graphically.

In this study, the expert system thus developed was used to estimate the present state of one typical polluted river basin. The river was the Katsura, which flows into Lake Sagami, a lake dammed for water supply. Data which had been actually measured were compared with the simulated water quality data, and good agreement was found.

This type of expert system is expected to be useful for water management of a closed water body.
Incidence of Sphaerotilus Natans in Laboratory Scale Activated Sludge Systems
Authors: Gabb D. M. D. , Ekama G. A. , Jenkins D. , Marais G. v. R.
Published: May 2018

Bulking in activated sludge systems due to proliferation of Sphaerotilus natans is very common in laboratory-scale but rare in full-scale systems. From two laboratory-scale studies it is concluded that a cause for proliferation was attached growth of S.natans on the walls of the feed lines and reactor surfaces continuously seeding the mixed liquor. It is suggested that S.natans bulking in laboratory-scale systems is common compared to full-scale systems because the surface area/volume ratio of the former is orders of magnitude higher than that of the latter so that the potential for seeding from attached growths in laboratory-scale plants is correspondingly higher. It would appear that in laboratory-scale activated sludge systems regular cleaning of the feed lines and daily scrubbing of the reactor and other wetted surfaces will eliminate S.natans bulking due to seeding of the mixed liquor from these surfaces.
Effects of Thermal Pretreatment of Sewage Sludge on Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Pinnekamp J.
Published: May 2018

The study examines the constraints on thermal pretreatment of sludge at temperatures in excess of 100 °C and its effects on subsequent anaerobic digestion. The table below summarizes the maximum measured increase rates and the corresponding optimum pretreatment temperatures as a function of the type of sludge tested. The influence of the sludge type is considerable.Sludge TypeGas Yield without/with PretreatmentMaximum increase RateOptimum Pretreatment Temperaturel/kg VSinfl%°CDigested Sludge60.4223.0+ 269.2180Excess Sludge SLR = 0.03124.7278.1+ 123.0135Excess Sludge SLR = 0.15314.7546.7+ 73.7170Excess Sludge SLR = 2.00234.7334.2+ 42.4135Primary Sludge259.0326.6+ 20.3170Excess Sludge SLR = 0.60596.8600.0+ 0.5135

Calculation of detailed energy balances for various sludge treatment systems with and without thermal pretreatment revealed a clear economic advantage for thermal pretreatment. The excess heat for an overall system composed of thermal pretreatment, anaerobic stabilisation and digester-gas electricity generation is significantly higher than that for a system without pretreatment. Sludge pasteurisation represents an additional advantage of thermal pretreatment.

In general, it may be stated that, provided certain conditions are satisfied, thermal pretreatment of sewage sludge prior to anaerobic stabilisation can positively affect the energy balance of the treatment plant.
Operational Control of an Anaerobic GAC Reactor Treating Hazardous Wastes
Authors: Nakhla G. F. , Suidan M. T. , Pfeffer J. T.
Published: May 2018

An expanded-bed GAC anaerobic reactor was employed to investigate the effect of empty bed detention time, sludge age, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) loading on process performance during the treatment of a coal conversion wastewater. The toxicity of the wastewater to the anaerobic culture was overcome by periodic partial replacement of the reactor medium with fresh GAC. The first phase of this study determined the minimum GAC replacement rate required to successfully treat the wastewater at a COD loading of 11 g-COD/kg-GAC-day. The second phase investigated the dependance of the system performance on hydraulic retention time and the volumetric COD loading rate. Very high organic removal efficiencies, as well as approximately fifty percent conversion of the influent COD to methane gas were achieved even at empty-bed hydraulic retention times as low as 7 hours.
Activated Sludge Treatment of Coal-Gasification Effluent in a Petrochemical Plant – II. Metal Accumulation by Heterotrophic Bacteria
Authors: Kasan H. C. , Baecker A. A. W.
Published: May 2018

The metal-tolerant bacterial population of an activated sludge process treating coal gasification effluent in a zero-effluent water reclamation system was studied. Atomic absorption analyses of liquid and solids fractions of sludge showed that Fe, Cr, Zn, Ag, Hg, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Co were present in decreasing concentrations respectively, and that in all cases solids fractions contained highest metal concentrations. Seventeen metal-tolerant bacteria were isolated from the sludge and were shown to remove metals from broths in which they grew. In further broths also containing 100 mg ℓ−1 of metal ions, Pseudomonascepacia, Flavobacterium sp., Ps. sp., and Enterobacteraerogenes effected biosorption of iron; Ps. maltophila and Ps. paucimobilis (Strain 2) biosorbed copper; Ps. cepacia (strain 1) and Aeromonashydrophila biosorbed zinc; Ps. pseudomallei and Ps. cepacia (strain 1) biosorbed chromium, and Ps. cepacia (strain 2) and Zoogloea sp. effected biosorption of nickel.
Precipitation of Ferric Phosphate in Activated Sludge: A Chemical Model and Its Verification
Authors: Luedecke Cornelia , Hermanowicz Slawomir W. , Jenkins David
Published: May 2018

A chemical model of ferric phosphate precipitation was developed describing ferric hydroxy-phosphate precipitation either alone or together with ferric hydroxide. Conditions for formation of one or two precipitates are examined. The model also incorporates an additional mechanism for phosphate removal through adsorption of PO43− ions on the precipitate. Experimental verification of the proposed model was carried out in lab-scale batch and continuous activated sludge units fed with municipal primary effluent and at five pH values in the range of 6.5 to 8.0. Solubility of ferric phosphate in the activated sludge system was significantly different from that reported in the literature for distilled water systems and was pH-dependent with a minimum at pH of approx. 7.0. It is proposed that the composition of precipitating ferric hydroxy-phosphate can be represented by the empirical formula Fe2.5PO4(OH)4.5. Corresponding solubility product was estimated at pKsp=96.7. The adsorption mechanism has an important effect on total phosphate removal, especially at low residual phosphate concentrations.
Evaluation of Kinetic Parameters for the Ozonation of Organic Micropollutants
Authors: Yurteri Coskun , Gurol Mirat D.
Published: May 2018

This paper is focused on the use of ozone for the removal of dissolved organic micropollutants from natural waters. The overall kinetics of the ozonation reactions is described in terms of two key process parameters: (i) specific ozone utilization rate, w (1/hr), for the raw water to be treated, and (ii) total oxidation rate constants, kT (l/mole-s), of organic chemicals to be removed from the water. A simple experimental methodology is presented to measure the kinetic parameters in natural water samples. We have also provided tools for the estimation of w and kT based on the pH, alkalinity, and total organic carbon (TOC) content of the water. These predictive tools can be used for preliminary design purposes.
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Technology Transfer Activities of the United States Environmental Protection Agency
Authors: Convery J. J. , Kreissl J. F. , Venosa A. D. , Bender J. H. , Lussier D. J.
Published: May 2018

Technology transfer is an important activity within the ll.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Specific technology transfer programs such as the activities of the Center for Environmental Research Information, the Innovative and Alternative Technology Program, as well as the Small Community Outreach Program are used to encourage the utilization of cost-effective municipal pollution control technology. Case studies of three technologies including a plant operations diagnostic/remediation methodology, alternative sewer technologies and ultraviolet disinfection are presented. These case studies are presented retrospectively in the context of a generalized concept of how technology flows from science to utilization which was developed in a study by Allen (1977). Additional insights from this study are presented on the information gathering characteristics of engineers and scientists which may be useful in designing technology transfer programs. The recognition of the need for a technology or a deficiency in current practice are important stimuli other than technology transfer for accelerating the utilization of new technology.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Sulfide Generation in Sewerage Systems
Authors: Holder G. A. , Van Oorschot R. , Hauser J.
Published: May 2018

The measurement of sulfide generation rates from sewer slimes using a rotating-drum reactor is described. The practical utility of this procedure for assessing the contribution to sulfide production which arises from the admission of industrial wastes into domestic sewage is demonstrated. The use of the reactor for more theoretical purposes such as the determination of the zero-order rate constant for a particular sewage is also described.

The effect of flow velocity on sulfide generation rate was investigated by pumping sewage at controlled rates through a ‘model' sewer which ‘flowed full'. Under turbulent flow conditions (Re>4000) the rate of sulfide production (expressed as a mass flux g m−2day−1) was relatively high and the effect of flow rate on the rate of production was positive but small. In the laminar region (Re<2100) the situation was reversed i.e. the sulfide mass flux was relatively low but the effect of flow rate on sulfide production was relatively large.

Theoretical studies of sulfide generation are outlined. The zero order rate constant, determined using the rotating drum reactor, was utilised to predict sulfide generation rates in the model sewer. Agreement between experiment and prediction was satisfactory for conditions of turbulent flow. For laminar flow the agreement was less satisfactory. However the predictions for laminar flow were qualitatively correct in as much that a significant drop in sulfide generation rate was observed on moving into the laminar flow region.

The results of the studies show that it is possible to develop a predictive design procedure for sulfide production based on established engineering principles rather than relying on empirical correlations.
Sewage Sludge Melting Process by Coke-Bed Furnace: System Development and Application
Authors: Takeda N. , Hiraoka M. , Sakai S. , Kitai K. , Tsunemi T.
Published: May 2018

A sewage sludge melting process by coke - bed furnace, which is an application of cupola melting technology, was developed. The outline of the course of the development from the bench - scale experiment to the construction of a commercial plant is described. The process is a more sophisticated one which enables high volume reduction, stabilization and utilization of sewage sludge. The slag produced by the process has a volume reduction ratio of 1/9 to 1/40 compared with dewatered sludge, and potential to be utilized as road subbase material and concrete aggregate. The operational cost of the process is estimated to be comparable to that of the conventional ones.