bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virus Survival and Transport in Ground Water
Authors: Yates Marylynn V. , Yates S. R.
Published: May 2018

Viruses are a significant cause of waterborne disease in the United States; it has been estimated that they may be responsible for as much as 50% of the reported outbreaks. This fact has led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to propose a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for viruses in drinking water. Septic tanks, which contribute over one trillion gallons of waste to the subsurface every year, are a major source of viruses in soils and ground water. The purpose of this research was to develop a model which could be used to estimate safe distances between septic tanks, or other sources of contamination, and drinking-water wells. The model was based on ground-water flow characteristics and the length of time that viruses remain infective in the subsurface environment. Water samples were collected from 71 continuously pumping municipal drinking-water wells. Viruses were inoculated into the water samples, and the rate at which the viruses were inactivated was calculated for each sample. The inactivation rates were determined to be spatially correlated by calculating a semivariogram. Kriging, a geostatistical technique, was used to estimate virus inactivation rates at unsampled locations using the measured values at nearby locations. The measured and kriged virus inactivation rates were used in conjunction with the regional ground-water flow characteristics to calculate septic tank setback distances over a city-wide area. The setback distance was defined as the distance required for a 7-log reduction in virus number in the time that the water traveled from the source of contamination to a drinking-water well. The model has been extended to account for alterations in the flow field caused by the presence of pumping wells. Setback distances of less than 15 m to greater than 300 m have been calculated using these models. The results of this research may be useful for community planning purposes, because areas with higher potentials for viral contamination of ground water may be identified based on the maps generated by the model. In addition, the models may be useful in granting variances from the mandatory ground-water disinfection requirement under consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Removal of Cadmium (II) from Dilute Aqueous Solutions by Fungal Adsorbent
Authors: Huang C. P. , Westman Dean , Quirk Kenneth , Huang J. P.
Published: May 2018

The metal adsorption behavior of 12 species of fungi was investigated using batch reactors. Specific surface area and surface charge characteristics of the fungal biomass were determined. The metal adsorption capacity was assessed at various pH values. A modified Langmuir adsorption isotherm including competitive H+ ions was used to describe the adsorption characteristics. Physical-chemical treatment of fungal biomass does not affect metal adsorption behavior exemplified by Cd(II). The adsorption capacity of fungal biomass is also compared with other adsorbents such as activated carbon, oxide, soils and hydroxyapatite. Cd(II)-laden fungal biomass was regenerated.
The Bacteriological Quality of Tidal Bathing Waters in Sydney (Australia)
Authors: Bernard A. G.
Published: May 2018

The bacteriological quality of Sydney's tidal bathing waters has been regularly monitored during summer months over the past decade. Tests for faecal coliforms have been supplemented in the last 5 years with tests for faecal streptococci, Salmonella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results show that higher levels of faecal coliforms are associated with increased concentrations of faecal streptococci and P. aeruginosa and an increase in the incidence of Salmonella. The extent of bacteriological contamination of a bathing water is influenced by distance from the point of pollution discharge and the occurrence of rainfall. The availability of detailed survey data enables more effective recognition of incidents of significant pollution and the likelihood of an increased public health risk.
The Ecotoxicology of Shale Oil Components to Marine Bacteria
Authors: Warne M. St J. , Connell D. W. , Hawker D. W.
Published: May 2018

The toxicity of 32 shale oil components to a mixed marine bacterial culture and the mode of toxic joint action in mixtures of the components was assessed. The great bulk of shale oil (alkanes and alkenes) was of very low toxicity. The Pyridlnes were the most hazardous group of compounds tested. Based on differences in chemical structure It was not possible to predict the mode of joint action between compounds. The form of interaction in mixtures was both additive and synerglstlc. Thus the addition of the toxicity of Individual components of shale oil would greatly underestimate the oil's true toxicity.
Factors Affecting Bioconcentration of Trace Organic Contamination in Waters
Authors: Hawker D. W. , Connell D. W.
Published: May 2018

The influence of some important biological and physicochemical factors on the bioconcentration of hydrophobic organic chemicals is outlined. For non-ionizable, persistent compounds the bioconcentration factor can be related to a compound's octanol/water partition coefficient, aqueous solubility and molecular weight, while the lipid content of an organism also affects the bioconcentration potential of these compounds. The effect of ionization and biodegradation of organic chemicals on bioconcentration is also discussed.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sediments of the Brisbane River (Australia) – Preliminary Results
Authors: Kayal S. I. , Connell D. W.
Published: May 2018

Results of the analysis of twenty-three composite sediment samples revealed that PAHs are widely distributed in the Brisbane River estuary. Mean concentrations for individual compounds, on a dry weight basis, ranged from 0.03 µg/g for dibenz [ah] anthracene to 2.34 µg/g for fluoranthene. Observed PAH assemblages were rich in compounds having pyrolytic origins. However, the presence of petroleum derived compounds was indicative of the importance of petroleum as a PAH source in the estuary. Petroleum refineries, a coal loading terminal and a major treated sewage outfall located at the mouth were not indicated as major contributing sources of PAH pollution in the estuary.
Comparison of Techniques for Ascertaining the Impact of a Thermal Discharge on the Temperature of Tidal Receiving Waters
Authors: Ross C. W. , Curtis M. A.
Published: May 2018

Investigations were carried out over the period of 1975-85 to determine the extent and magnitude of changes in the thermal environment of the Calliope River estuary attributable to the operation of the Gladstone Power Station. A review is given of the relative advantages and limitations of the following techniques used in the investigations: intermittent monitoring at 30 sites on 500 days over 10 years; continuous monitoring at a small number of sites; remote sensing by aircraft; and intensive studies focussing upon determining tidal influences. Information is presented on the measured increase in river temperatures above natural background levels. The techniques provide different information and complement each other. A judicious mix of monitoring techniques is necessary to obtain a detailed assessment of thermal discharge effects due to the dynamic nature of tidal waters.
Water Quality Management at Palm Meadows Golf Course (Australia) by Limited Tidal Exchange
Authors: Milligan C. J. , McAlister A. B.
Published: May 2018

This paper describes the fulfillment of a design brief for a tidal exchange system for lakes within a golf course on the Queensland Gold Coast to maintain aesthetic appeal while retaining approximately constant water levels. Secondary objectives of minimal maintenance, yet ability of the system to support water based recreation were also defined.

To achieve the above, a simulation of potential lake layouts and their tidal hydraulics was achieved using ‘ESTRY', a hydrodynamic modelling program developed by Winders, Barlow and Morrison. Output from the model defined the necessary design criteria. This allowed significant cost savings in civil works to be achieved during construction and minimal ongoing maintenance costs in the developed golf course complex.

Confirmation of fulfillment of the design criteria has been provided by the satisfactory agreement between predicted model results and actual characteristics of the lakes and the results of a water quality monitoring program.
Evaluation of the Recreational Benefits of Major Dams in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Fahey G. L.
Published: May 2018

This paper describes the use of the “Final Clawson Demand Curve” method in the evaluation of the recreational benefits of four major dams in Queensland, Australia. The use of existing demand curves to predict the demand for recreational facilities at proposed sites was also investigated. The results indicate that the demand curves are sensitive to changes in variables such as travel costs. However, within the method is the potential to provide estimates of the recreational worth of proposed dams.
Recreational Use Considerations of the Sugarloaf Reservoir (Melbourne, Australia)
Authors: Howard N. H.
Published: May 2018

Sugarloaf Reservoir, one of Melbourne's newer storages, draws an increasing proportion of its water from the unprotected and polluted lower Yarra requiring all supply to be comprehensively treated before being supplied to consumers. Because of this special situation, compared to harvesting from protected catchments, a recreational use study of the reservoir and its small natural catchment was initiated.

The first phase of this study was undertaken by Dr J Forsyth of the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit, University of Melbourne which recommended that, from the public health point of view, the present nominal recreational use (passive) at Sugarloaf Reservoir could be extended to include shore based fishing, establishment of a catchment nature trail, sailing, rowing, youth club and model yacht sailing. A Phase 2 study reported on the financial, managerial aspects, etc, not addressed by Dr Forsyth, while the “implementation stage” is being currently considered in a third phase. A report on this last phase is to be submitted to the Board and Minister for Water Resources for consideration for the summer of 1988.
Water Quality and Management in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Authors: Baldwin C. L.
Published: May 2018

Use of the Great Barrier Reef Region for tourism, the economic value of Reef tourism to Queensland, and the value placed by society on natural settings has been increasing rapidly during the 1980's. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has the role of providing for reasonable use of this valuable resource. The concern for reefal water quality is discussed in terms of enhanced nutrient levels in the inshore GBR and the low tolerance of corals to nutrients. Findings of a recent Workshop on Nutrients in the Great Barrier Reef Region are described. This paper summarises the Authority's role in ensuring information exchange, appropriate research, and management in the area of water quality management and tourism.
Water Quality Management – A Total Catchment Management Approach
Authors: Hawkins W. J. , Geering D. A.
Published: May 2018

Water quality standards set in the past have not helped resource managers in the decisions that they face in seeking sustainable development. Resource managers are looking for meaningful information on water quality so as to evaluate the resource, set priorities for action, and to monitor progress. Resource managers need to know how water quality affects, and is affected by, catchment uses and activities. Examples of three wild and scenic rivers, the Nymboida, Murrumbidgee, and Hawkesbury/Nepean River systems, demonstrate how a ‘Total Catchment Management' approach to resource use and resource protection has advantages for water quality management.
Impact of Lagoon Effluent on an Inland Stream – A 10 Year Perspective
Authors: Skerry G. P. , Parker J. G.
Published: May 2018

The discharge of lagoon treated effluent to inland waterways has long been of contention in relation to the impact of residual algal cells and nutrients in the receiving water body, especially a water body used extensively for recreation.

This paper examines the pre lagoon and post lagoon discharge effects on water quality in a major inland river over a ten year monitoring period. The impact of a lagoon discharge flow of up to 20 ML/day during summer conditions is assessed in relation to effect on receiving stream physical, chemical and biological water quality indicators and implications for management are assessed and evaluated.
Impact of Water Quality on Fish Production Based on Egyptian and Israeli Practices
Authors: Fattal B. , Eisawy A. M. , Dotan A. , Shuval H. I. , Mancy K. H.
Published: May 2018

This study deals with an Israel-Egypt-USA collaborative project on the health risks and technological options for fish grown in polluted waters.

The fish were grown in aquaculture either with wastewater–enrichment or without. The study included one effluent polishing pond, two fish ponds and two water reservoirs. The fish stock in the ponds and reservoirs consisted mainly of tilapia (usually hybrids of Sarotherodonniloticus × S. aureus). The results of Israeli and Egyptian studies indicated that, on the average, the yields for wastewater aquaculture were higher than the yields without wastewater. However the Egyptian study showed that in areas with inadequate dilution of wastewater by freshwater near to a sewage outfall, there were negative effects on fish production.

Microbiological assays (E.coli and Aeromonas) of water and fish tissues, indicate that the Aeromonas counts were high in the water as well as in the fish tissue. The bacterial count was higher in the digestive tract than in the water in which the fish were grown. In most cases only Aeromonas was detected in muscles. There was no difference between wastewater-enriched and nonwastewater aquacultures for both E.coli and Aeromonas concentrations in fish tissues.
The Incidence of Waterborne and Water-Associated Disease in Scotland from 1945 to 1987
Authors: Benton C. , Forbes G. I. , Paterson G. M. , Sharp J. C. M. , Wilson T. S.
Published: May 2018

A review of the incidence of waterborne disease in Scotland from 1945 to 1987 has been undertaken in conjunction with the Communicable Diseases (Scotland) Unit and the Scottish Home and Health Department. Primarily, these relate to contamination of private and public supplies by microbiological and chemical agents, but incidents in which water such as river water was ingested deliberately or accidentally were included. Water-related infections such as legionellosis and leptospirosis which are acquired by non-alimentary routes have been excluded. During the period of the review there were 57 outbreaks of water-borne disease comprising of over 15,305 cases of illness. A total of 18 outbreaks occurred in public supplies and 21 in private supplies. Microbiological contamination gave rise to the greatest number of cases of water-borne disease which were caused by viral gastroenteritis and shigellosis followed by outbreaks of gastroenteritis of unknown aetiology.

The highest number of outbreaks were due to chemical poisoning,caused mainly by lead and copper, followed by outbreaks of gastroenteritis of unknown aetiology. The type of deficiency giving rise to incidents of waterborne disease were described for private and public water supplies. In public supplies the need for hygenic storage of water in distribution and effective catchment control practices in conjunction with adequate water treatment facilities is emphasised. In private supplies the need to, at minimum, apply rudimentary disinfection to untreated source water is highlighted by the large numbers of people who have been affected by water-borne disease.
Rapid Detection of E. Coli in Water Using Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Joret J. C. , Cervantes P. , Levi Y. , Dumoutier N. , Cognet L. , Hasley C. , Husson M. O. , Leclerc H.
Published: May 2018

The specificity of three polyclonal and eleven monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) directed against either an external constitutive protein of the outer membrane of E. coli (porin O mpF) or an enzyme localised into the periplasmic space of this bacterium (alkaline phosphatase) was tested. Among 251 gram-negative bacteria tested, one MoAb was selected as being able to recognize specifically periplasmic enzyme extracts of E. coli (118 strains isolated from different sources i.e. medical, fecal and environmental) and Shigella species (12 strains). This MoAb allows the recognition of whole cells of E. foli seeded in drinking water by using an immunofluorescent technique after preconcentration of bacteria on polycarbonate filters. The potential applications of this technique for rapidly detecting E. coli from fecally polluted drinking water (less than three hours) without the need of extended subcultures is discussed.
DNA-Restriction Enzyme Analysis of Adenoviruses Isolated from Waters
Authors: Krikelis V. , Markoulatos P. , Spyrou N. , Govari V. , Karabatsas P.
Published: May 2018

Adenoviruses can often be isolated from waters in Greece. Among them, serotype adenovirus 7 (Ad 7) was found most frequently, accounting for nearly 55% of all adenovirus isolates from water, with the protamine sulphate precipitation method used. The corresponding isolation rate of the Ad 7 serotype from humans was even higher, approaching 85% of all human isolates. This high frequency of occurrence of the Ad 7 serotype prompted us to perform a DNA restriction enzyme analysis of Ad 7 strains, so as to find their genome type. Twenty eight strains, 14 from waters and 14 from humans, were grown in Hep2 cells in the presence of radioactive phosphorus.

Viruses were harvested after 24 hours incubation, the DNA was extracted and digested with the endonucleases of Bam HI and XhoI. DNA restriction digests were electrophoresed in agarose gels, vacuum dried and autoradiographed. The comparison of the restriction digests showed that all strains from waters and 12 out of 14 from humans belong to the genome type Adeno 7b, which is the most prevalent in other European countries as well.
Disinfection of Polluted Water by Chlorine-Flocculant Tablet
Authors: Kfir R. , Bateman B. W. , Pitout B. A. , Coubrough P.
Published: May 2018

Two water treatment tablets were evaluated for their efficacy of removal of E. coli bacteria, coliphage V1 and polio 1 from water. The activity of both tablets is based on flocculation as well as disinfection with additional straining. The tablets differ from each other only in their disinfectant source, i.e. Chlor-floc A contains Halazone and Chlorfloc B contains dichloro-S-triazine-trione. Tests were carried out using simulated hard and coloured water at room temperature. Results indicated both tablets to be efficient but showed tablet B to be of superior quality. Tablet B was shown to eliminate all bacteria and viruses from the test water after 4 minutes at room temperature (22 °C). Studies on partial removal of the test organisms by filtration or flocculation without chlorination showed that both steps partially removed the organisms, but the combined process of flocculation chlorination followed by filtration proved to be the most effective treatment.
Plasmid-Determined Resistance to Silver in Enterobacter cloacae Isolated from Sewage
Authors: Nakahara Hideomi , Yonekura Ikumi , Sato Akio , Moriyama Kiyoshi , Kobayashi Yutaka , Mori Tadahiro , Chino Mitsuo
Published: May 2018

Microbial silver toxicity is found in situations of industrial pollution, especially those associated with the use of photographic film. In hospitals, silver salts are the preferred antimicrobial agents for burns. It is well known that silver-resistant bacteria with plasmids (extrachromosomal DNA molecules) encoded for silver resistance can be isolated from polluted industrial sites and hospitals.

The silver resistance of five strains of Enterobactercloacae isolated from contaminated sewage was investigated. In one of these strains, a high frequency of inactivation of silver resistance was achieved by treatment with ethidium bromide and acriflavine (inactivation frequencies of 23.3% and 17.7%, respectively). The maximum concentration of AgNO3 at which plasmid-less Ag-sensitive strains could be grown was 20 mg/l. The maximum concentration of AgNO3 at which Ag-resistant strains were able to grow was 10 000 mg/l, i.e., 500 times that for silver-sensitive strains. Agarose gel electrophoresis profiles showed that the DNA with higher mobility, i.e., plasmids, present in the silver-resistant cells was inactivated by the treatment with ethidium bromide and acriflavine.

Viable organisms of Ag-resistant and Ag-sensitive strains at about 108 colony-forming units (CFU) per ml were inoculated into broth containing AgNO3. The concentrations of AgNO3 in the supernatants were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A decrease in the concentration of AgNO3 was observed. The concentrations decreased to below 50% of the initial value after 24 h, and to almost 0% (trace) after 1 week.
Microbiological Aspects of Fish Cultured in Wastewaters–The South African Experience
Authors: Slabbert J. L. , Morgan W. S. G. , Wood A.
Published: May 2018

Health risks associated with the utilization of wastewater for fish production were studied by investigating the possible incorporation of pathogenic microorganisms into fillets of fish. Fish were cultured in cages in stabilization ponds at two municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and in a flow through and recirculating system receiving humus tank effluent. Water and fish were analysed for total and faecal coliforms, Salmonella and coliphages. Even though high numbers of faecal coliforms (2.0 x 105/100 ml) and coliphages (1.2 x 106/100 ml) were detected in the wastewater, and in some instances Salmonella were isolated, none of these microorganisms were found in fish fillet. Results of this study indicate that fillets of fish grown in such wastewater pond systems are microbiologically safe for human consumption, provided that simple precautions are maintained in food handling and processing, and that ponds are restricted to domestic wastes.
Performances of Charcoal Chip and Sand Packed Anaerobic Reactors
Authors: Kean Chin Kee
Published: May 2018

Performances of anaerobic fixed film reactors were studied using 200 litre field units packed with 20 mm equivalent diameter charcoal chips and 7 litre laboratory units packed with charcoal chips and 0.35 mm sand particles. Wastewaters from edible oil refineries were used as feed. Treatment efficiency was greater than 80% at organic loading rate of 7 kg COD/m3-d and 60% at 12 kg COD/m3-d. The systems were able to withstand a shock loading of over 22 kg COD/m3-d. Efficiency dropped when wastewaters contained a high concentration level of SO4− and Na+. Gas production rate was in general greater than 0.26 m3/kg COD removed of which 80% by volume was methane gas. The fixed film anaerobic reactors were shown to be effective in treating high strength organic wastewaters.
Sprat – A Simple River Quality Impact Model for Intermittent Discharges
Authors: Crockett C. P. , Crabtree R. W. , Markland H. R.
Published: May 2018

The detrimental influence of storm sewer overflows on urban river quality has been widely recognised for many years. One objective of the WRc River Basin Management programme is the development of a river impact model capable of predicting the transient quality changes in receiving waters due to intermittent storm sewage discharges. The production of SPRAT (Spill Pollution Response Assessment Technique) is the first step in the development of such a model.

SPRAT incorporates a number of significant simplifications, most notably plug flow and instantaneous mixing, and does not implicitly take into account the effects of dispersion. These simplifications reflect the large errors associated with the model inputs. These errors severely limit the potential accuracy of any river impact model.

The model has been applied to the Bolton river system in North West England. The development and application of SPRAT has enabled the requirements for a more sophisticated river quality impact model to be clearly defined, in addition to highlighting the problems associated with gathering suitable data with which to build and calibrate such a model.
The Treatment of Wastewaters from Sugar Cane Alcohol Production with Modified Bentonites
Authors: Büchler P. M.
Published: May 2018

The recent use of hydrated ethanol as an alternative automotive fuel in Brazil has created a major environmental problem to the country. The final product of sugar cane juice fermentation is a ten percent ethanol solution. In order to reach the concentration of the hydrated ethanol (96%) the weak solution has to be distilled. Therefore for each liter of alcohol produced ten liters of liquid residue will be generated. This residue, known as vinasse, is a 5 to 10% solution of mostly organic molecules. Therefore the BOD of vinasse can be as high as 50,000 mg/l.

The present work is a study of the adsorption of some organic components of vinasse in a tetra methyl ammonium derivative of Wyoming bentonite. A sodium Brazilian bentonite was also studied. The hydrophobic nature of this ammonium quaternary cation makes the silicate surface of the clay more receptive to organic molecules and, above all to polar organic molecules. Several organic compounds, beyond vinasse, at temperatures close to ambient were tested. Isotherms were plotted and their shapes were compared with Freundlich isotherm. The adsorption is higher at lower temperatures. This means that the treatment is less effective at hot climates.

The adsorption of phenol at 1,000 ppm and 20°C has shown a removal effectiveness of 85%. For lower concentrations and higher temperatures the adsorption was less effective. Other organics tested were glucose, glycine, dextran, ethanol, glycerol and fructose. All showed a lower adsorption pattern.
Determination of Volatilization Coefficients of Trihalomethanes from Waters
Authors: Okouchi S. , Saegusa H.
Published: May 2018

The volatilization rates of trihalomethanes (CHCl3, CHBrCl2, CHBr2Cl, and CHBr3) were measured under various mixing conditions concurrently with those of oxygen and water. The volatilization coefficients of trihalomethanes were determined from their volatilization rates as the ratios of mass-transfer coefficients in respective liquid and gas phases between trihalomethanes and oxygen or water by new and conventional methods. The new method was indicated to be effective for the determination of the volatilization coefficient of a chemical with dimensionless Henry's constant lower than about 0.1. The volatilization coefficients of trihalomethanes obtained can be applied for estimating their volatilization rates under the conditions in which either the water-or gas-film resistances dominate or both film resistances are significant.
Dimensioning of Aerated Grit Chambers and Use as a Highly Loaded Activated Sludge Process
Authors: Londong Jorg
Published: May 2018

The aerated grit chamber has long been used to separate sand from sewage. Nevertheless, there are no definite and uniform recommendations for dimensioning, and there is little information in the literature about the degree of separation attainable. Thus, principles for dimensioning and the possible degree of separation are derived from measurements of large pilot scale plants, two-dimensional models, and existing aerated grit chambers. The following values for dimensioning were found in this work: a detention period of about 20 minutes; a width to depth ratio (w/d) of about 0.8; a minimal and maximal cross section area between 1 and about 7 m2; a flow velocity of 20 cm/s at the bottom of the aerated grit chamber.

Simple formulae for the determination of the required amount of air can be given in relation to the w/d ratio, the depth of air injection and the kind of aeration used (fine or coarse bubble). The simultaneous use of an aerated grit chamber as an adsorption stage (highly loaded activated sludge process) is possible without additional air being required to maintain the velocity at the bottom of the grit chamber. For purely aerobic operation, however, the amount of air has to be increased.
Vacuum Operation for Overloaded Anaerobic Treatment Systems
Authors: De Santis J. , Friedman A. A.
Published: May 2018

Overloaded anaerobic treatment systems are characterized by high concentrations of volatile fatty acids and molecular hydrogen and poor conversion of primary substrates to methane. Previous experiments with fixed–film reactors indicated that operation with reduced headspace pressures enhanced anaerobic treatment. For these studies, four suspended culture, anaerobic reactors were operated with headspace pressures maintained between 0.5 and 1.0 atm and a solids retention time of 15 days. For lightly loaded systems (0.4 g SCOD/g VSS-day) vacuum operation provided minor treatment improvements. For shock organic loads, vacuum operation proved to be more stable and to support quicker recovery from upset conditions. Based on these studies and a companion set of bioassay tests, it was concluded that: (a) a loading rate of about 1.0 g SCOD/g VSS-day represents a practical loading limit for successful anaerobic treatment, (b) a headspace pressure of approximately 0.75 atm appears to be an optimum operating pressure for anaerobic systems and (c) simple modification to existing systems may provide relief for organically overloaded systems.
Sludge Character and Role of Sulphate in a UASB System Treating a Paper Plant Effluent
Authors: Russo S. L. , Dold P. L.
Published: May 2018

Effluent from a paper plant (4500 mg COD/l; 250 mg SO4−/l) was treated in 9 litre laboratory scale UASB reactors operated at 25°C and 35°C. COD removals of 85 percent were attained in both reactors at loading rates of 26 kg COD/m3/d. Observations on concentration changes through the reactor from inlet to outlet yielded interesting information in terms of the hypothesis on sludge pellet formation of Sam-Soon et al (1987). Only limited pelletisation is likely with this waste because a high H2 partial pressure zone is not created at the base of the reactor: the influent substrate available for acidogenesis; with its associated H2 production, is limited; rapid-growing sulphate reducing organisms utilise H2 at the reactor inlet.
A Kinetic Study on the Methanogenesis Process in Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Lin C. Y. , Noike T. , Furumai H. , Matsumoto J.
Published: May 2018

Results obtained from experiments on two-phase anaerobic digestion using a high concentration of a volatile fatty acid (VFA) mixture were used to elucidate the kinetic mechanism of the methanogenesis process. The mixture consisted of the major intermediate products of anaerobic digestion, i.e., acetic acid (HAc), propionic acid (HPr) and butyric acid (HBu). The relationship between the rate of substrate utilization and substrate concentration in the digesters was in the form of a Michaelis-Menten equation. The rate-limiting step of the methanogenesis process, i.e., the conversion of HAc to methane, was speeded up in the digesters and this was proved kinetically. A method for determining kinetic constants for substrate-specific microorganisms was suggested. A simulation model for predicting the effluent substrate concentration was demonstrated. The effluent substrate concentration of an anaerobic digester fed by a multisubstrate was found to be simulatively predictable from its influent component substrates.
Seasonal and In-Mill Aspects of Organic Halide Removal by an Aerated Stabilization Basin Treating a Kraft Mill Wastewater
Authors: Bryant Curtis W. , Amy Gary L.
Published: May 2018

Levels of total organic hallde (TOX) in a Kraft mill wastewater ranged from 26,000 to 60,000 µg/l. An aerated stabilization basin (ASB) proved capable of removing one-third to one-half of both the total TOX as well as lower molecular weight (<l,000) TOX. Influent. TOX levels varied as a function of in-mill production activities. Removal of specific size fractions of of organic halide were influenced to different extents by influent variations and seasonal effects. The major removal mechanism appears to be biosorption of TOX onto settling biomass, followed by anaerobic dehalogenation within the benthal layer of the ASB.
An Aerobic Piggery Slurry Treatment System with Integrated Heat Recovery and High-Rate Algal Ponds
Authors: Svoboda I. F. , Fallowfield H. J.
Published: May 2018

A piggery with an integrated slurry removal and treatment system with heat recovery and two algal raceways for a secondary treatment of settled treated slurry has been built. Piggery slurry from about 250 fattening pigs and 100 weaners has been aerobically treated in a continuous culture reactor at 36°C. Metabolic heat and heat from the aerator after upgrading by a heat pump was utilized for space heating in a weaner house and in one of the algal raceways. Intermittent heating had little effect upon algal productivity and effluent treatment since the system was essentially light limited. Characteristics of treated slurry and quantity of heat evolved are in good agreement with predicted values by a mathematical model.
Modelling of Nitrification at the Mogden Treatment Works
Authors: Lumbers J. P. , Cook S. C. , Thomas G. A.
Published: May 2018

An application of a dynamic model of the activated sludge process is described within the context of real-time river basin management. The model has been calibrated and validated on independent data and then applied to investigate losses of nitrification at the Mogden Works. Monte Carlo simulation and generalised sensitivity analysis were found to be effective ways of identifying appropriate parameter values and their importance. The prediction of unmeasured states such as the autotroph population enabled the effects of alternative control actions to be better understood and the most suitable measures found.
Dynamic Modelling of Trace Contaminant Removal in a Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant
Authors: Melcer H. , Monteith H. , Newbigging M. , Nutt S. G. , Stephenson J. P.
Published: May 2018

The variability of influent and effluent concentrations of trace contaminants at a full-scale municipal sewage treatment plant (STP) was measured by intensive sampling at two hour intervals for eight consecutive days. From these data, the technique of time series analysis was used to generate predictive models describing the process response. The data indicated that municipal STPs are capable of efficient trace contaminant removal and significantly attenuate the variability of these contaminants in the raw influent. Significant correlations were identified between influent characteristics and effluent concentrations for selected contaminants. For three metals and three trace contaminants, adequate time series models were developed. Such models are valuable tools for the development of strategies to control trace contaminants in discharges from municipal STPs.
Metabolism of Carboxylic Acids Located in and around the Glycolytic Pathway and the TCA Cycle in the Biological Phosphorus Removal Process
Authors: Arun Viswanath , Mino Takashi , Matsuo Tomonori
Published: May 2018

Anaerobic batch experiments were performed to measure the profile of various parameters when phosphorus accumulating sludge acclimatized under anaerobic-aerobic operation is fed with malic, lactic, pyruvic, propionic and succinic acids - carboxylic acids that lie in the vicinity of the Glycolytic pathway and the Tricarboxylic acid cycle - two pathways central to the utilization of organics as sources of energy and carbon in most microorganisms. Carbon dioxide gas produced during substrate uptake was also measured. In most cases, intra-cellular carbohydrate reserves are consumed and the NADH2 that is consequently produced requires that there be some subsequent reaction that utilizes it.
The Isolation and Characterization of Volutin Granules as Subcellular Components Involved in Biological Phosphorus Removal
Authors: Heymann J. B. , Eagle L. M. , Greben H. A. , Potgieter D. J. J.
Published: May 2018

Volutin occurs in numerous microorganisms as spherical granules ranging from 0.01 to 2 µm in diameter and displaying the special property of metachromacity when stained with basic dyes such as methylene blue and toluidine blue. The main compounds occurring in the granules from Acinetobacter calcoacetieus were found to be polyphosphate and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) together with nucleic acids, metal cations and some protein. Two types of granule have been found based on the predominant compound and have been denoted as P- and L-volutin granules. P-volutin granules are phosphorus-rich while L-volutin granules consist largely of PHB. L-volutin was found to be formed in a medium supplying sufficient nutrients, while P-volutin formed after induction of the phosphorus-accumulating apparatus by phosphorus-starvation. In biological phosphorus removal, PHB is synthesized under anaerobic conditions and degraded during aeration, while phosphorus accumulation follows a complimentary pattern. The exact significance of the formation of the two types of granules is not clear, although their formation under different conditions in Acinetobacter suggests a similar mechanism to that operational in activated sludge.
Coagulation of Submicron Colloids by Supramicron Silica Particles
Authors: Kebler David G. , Bales Roger C. , Amy Gary L.
Published: May 2018

The coagulation of submicron colloids (hydrous aluminum oxide or chrysotile) by supramicron silica particles was studied in settling columns and fluid shear experiments. The purpose was to provide insight into the fate of submicron colloids in lakes. Values of α, the sticking factor, were near 0.01 for both particles.
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 Clogging of Sewage Lagoon Aerators
Authors: Davis E.
Published: May 2018

The Lagoon method of waste water treatment was introduced into Canada in the mid 1950's. At present, of the 2019 waste water treatment systems in Canada, 1163 are Lagoon systems and 265 of these include aeration equipment.

Continuing difficulties associated with the plugging of the aerators have led to a study of this maintenance problem.

Physical factors have been identified as the major cause of the plugging of large bubble aerators; whereas chemical solution and deposition under high algal growth conditions have been set forward as the causes of fine bubble aerator plugging.

Selected field investigation data collected indicate that the proposed push-pull system of precipitation of calcium carbonate and silica dioxide may in fact be responsible for the plugging of fine bubble aerators with these materials.
Research Applications in the Field of Wastewater Treatment Technology in Japan
Authors: Murakami Ken
Published: May 2018

Three case studies of research applications in the field of wastewater treatment technology in Japan are presented. The technologies being dealt with in the case studies are the two-stage dewatering of sewage sludge, the use of prefabricated panels for the construction of oxidation ditches and the multi-stage reversing-flow bioreactor (MRB) process. The main organizations in charge of development of these technologies are a city, a public corporation and a national research institute, respectively. The processes of research application as well as the associated problems are described and discussed through the case studies.

The technology evaluation system that started in 1986 is also described here. This system was established in order to promote the actual use of new technologies, particularly those developed by the private sector.
Application of Preliminary Denitrification to Aerated Sludge Treatment
Authors: Krauth Karlheinz
Published: May 2018

Upstream denitrification is a technologically operable process in all treatment systems aimed at maximum nitrification (limited by the supply of organic carbon compounds). This paper considers the design and engineering of the facility, plant arrangements and the results obtained.
Research Applications
Authors: Rouse M. J.
Published: May 2018

This paper covers the approach taken by WRc to the practical application of research results. WRc works on an annual programme of research paid for collectively by the UK water utilities totalling ₤15m. In addition contract research is carried out for government largely on environmental matters and for utilities and others on a confidential basis.

The approach to the implementation described here deals with the application of results across the whole of the United Kingdom where there are a large number of users of the results but with varying degrees of interest in any particular topic. The requirement is to inform all of the outcome of the work and then to provide the facility of rapid implementation for those who have an immediate requirement to apply the new knowledge and technology.
Biofilm Structure – An Important and Neglected Parameter in Waste Water Treatment
Authors: Christensen F. R. , Holm Kristensen G. , la Cour Jansen J.
Published: May 2018

Experimental investigations on the kinetics of wastewater treatment processes in biofilms were performed in a laboratory reactor. Parallel with the kinetic experiments, the influence of the biofilm kinetics on the biofilm structure was studied at macroscopic and microscopic levels. The close interrelationship between biofilm kinetics and structural changes caused by the kinetics is illustrated by several examples. From the study, it is evident that the traditional modelling of wastewater treatment processes in biofilm reactors based on substrate removal kinetics alone will fail in many cases, due to the inevitable changes in the biofilm structure not taken into consideration. Therefore design rules for substrate removal in biofilms used for wastewater treatment must include correlations between the removal kinetics and the structure and development of the biological film.
Evaluation of Composted Sewage Sludge/Straw Mixture for Horticultural Utilization
Authors: Lopez-Real J. M. , Witter E. , Midmer F. N. , Hewett B. A. O.
Published: May 2018

Collaborative research between Southern Water and Wye College, University of London, has led to the development of a static aerated pile composting process for the treatment of dewatered activated sludge cake/straw mixtures. The process reduces bulk volume of the sludge producing an environmentally acceptable, stabilised, odour and pathogen-free product.

Characteristics of the compost make it a suitable general purpose medium for container grown plants, providing the salt concentration is reduced by washing the compost prior to planting. Compared with peat the compost has a higher bulk density, a lower waterholding capacity, a lower cation exchange capacity, a high content of soluble salts, and a higher content of plant nutrients. A compost mixture was successfully developed in the growing trials containing equal quantities of compost, Sphagnum peat, and horticultural vermiculite.

The compost has been used successfully to grow a wide range of plants. Plants grown in mixtures based on the compost were in general similar to those grown in peat-based growing media. The compost is a valuable soil conditioner and slow release fertilizer.
Polymer Characteristics and Attachment Sites in the Sludge Matrix
Authors: Tyagi Upendra N. , Bowen Paul T.
Published: May 2018

This study identified polymer attachment sites in three types of sludge for different molecular weight and charge density cationic polymers. Conditioned and unconditioned sludge samples were treated with cationized ferritin (CF) to label anionic charged sites on the surface of sludge particles. Sludge surfaces were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The presence of CF indicates an anionic site not attached to polymers. For increasing polymer molecular weight, comparison of micrographs of samples conditioned with similar polymer doses showed an increase in CF attachment. Therefore polymer attachment was seen to decrease with increasing polymer molecular weight. At extremely high polymer dosages, the presence of CF indicates that anionic sites have not been saturated by polymers. These results imply the molecular weight (chain length) and structure of polymers may determine the mechanisms of polymer action. No appreciable differences were observed for sludges conditioned with polymers of various charge densities.
Effects of Various Sewage Sludge Treatment Processes on the Survival of Potato Cyst-Nematodes (Globodera spp.) and the Implications for Disposal
Authors: Spaull A. M. , McCormack D. M. , Pike E. B.
Published: May 2018

Samples of sewage sludges, taken over a 12-month period from 9 Scottish sewage works, contained on average 0.24 cysts of Globodera spp. (potato cyst-nematodes) of which 11% were viable. The incidence was not significantly related to season or to the presence of vegetable-processing effluent. Exposure of cysts in sludge to mesophilic anaerobic digestion (35 °C, 30 min) cold anaerobic digestion (9 weeks), pasteurisation (70 °C, 30 min) and aerobic thermophilic digestion (60 °C, ld) reduced viability of eggs within the cysts by almost 100%. Sludges so treated can therefore be considered to be free from infection risk to potato crops, although the non-infective cysts may still be recovered. Treatment with lime at pH 11.5 (20 °C, 24 h), by aerobic stabilisation in an oxidation ditch (7 weeks) and by activated-sludge treatment (5d) did not reduced viability acceptably. Accelerated cold digestion did not reduce viability sufficiently after the usual 15 weeks but rendered eggs completely non-viable after 21 weeks. The results show that even sludge treated to destroy viable cysts should not be applied to land used for growing seed potatoes and subject to testing for freedom from infestation. Treatment destroying viability should increase the acceptability of sludge for ware potato growers, although the numbers of cysts applied in untreated sludge would be unlikely to increase significantly levels of cysts in soils already infested.
The Application of Robotics in the Water Industry and the Development of a BOD Robot
Authors: Hawkins J. , Lloyd A.
Published: May 2018

The application of robotics in water authority laboratories is reviewed and the development of a robotic biochemical oxygen demand analyser is described. Problems encountered during commissioning are discussed and subsequent modifications are described. The performance of the robotic system is compared with the manual technique. It is concluded that the robotic technique is the more precise and that no significant bias exists between data produced by the two methods. The cost effectiveness of the system is discussed. Means of increasing the speed of operation and reducing operator involvement are considered.
Determination of Biodegradation Kinetics through Use of Electrolytic Respirometry
Authors: Grady C. P. L. , Dang J. S. , Harvey D. M. , Jobbagy A. , Wang X.-L.
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this work was to demonstrate that it is possible to determine the kinetics of biodegradation of single organic compounds by using only measurements of oxygen consumption in batch reactors. Batch experiments were conducted using acclimated biomass growing on aniline or benzoic acid in which simultaneous determinations over time were made of oxygen consumption, substrate removal (by SCOD, DOC and 14C) and cell growth. Kinetic parameters were estimated by applying nonlinear curve-fitting techniques to each of the data sets. There were no important differences between the parameter estimates determined from oxygen consumption data and any of the measurements of substrate removal. In general, parameter estimates made with cell growth data were the least reliable.