bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable management of the Ohio River (USA) by an interjurisdictionally represented commission
Authors: Vicory Alan H. , Tennant Peter A.
Published: May 2018

In 1948 the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) was established to abate pollution of a major river basin in the United States. The commission consists of representatives of eight states in the Ohio River Valley and the United States Government. The necessity of such an interstate commission, representing multiple jurisdictions, reflects the nature of the Ohio River which is approximately 1,580 km in length, transverses six states, and is extensively used for public and industrial water supply, wastewater disposal, transportation, power generation and recreation. ORSANCO's programmes include coordination and communication, setting and enforcing wastewater discharge standards, operating key water quality monitoring programmes for the Ohio River and major tributaries, data assessments and studies to evaluate problems and programmes for remediation, and monitoring when spills occur. The Commission's approach to achieving improved water quality, while at the same time balancing the needs of the users of the river, is accomplished by successfully involving and integrating the various interests in river management (governmental agencies, industry, public utilities, other river users and the general public) into its programme planning and implementation. Thus an intergovernmental agency which encourages co-operation with non-governmental entities can be an effective approach to sustainable management of a major river.
Water quality management in the Crocodile River catchment, Eastern Transvaal, South Africa
Authors: Ashton P. J. , van Zyl F. C. , Heath R. G.
Published: May 2018

The Crocodile River catchment lies in an area which currently has one of the highest rates of sustained economic growth in South Africa and supports a diverse array of land uses. Water quality management is vital to resource management strategies for the catchment. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to display specific catchment characteristics and land uses, supplemented with integrative overlays depicting land-use impacts on surface water resources and the consequences of management actions on downstream water quality. The water quality requirements of each water user group were integrated to optimise the selection of rational management solutions for particular water quality problems. Time-series water quality data and cause-effect relationships were used to evaluate different water supply scenarios. The GIS facilitated the collation, processing and interpretation of the enormous quantity of spatially orientated information required for integrated catchment management.
Managing rivers for conservation and ecotourism in the Kruger National Park
Authors: Venter F. J. , Deacon A. R.
Published: May 2018

Six major rivers flow through the Kruger National Park (KNP). All these rivers originate outside and to the west of the KNP and are highly utilized. They are crucially important for the conservation of the unique natural environments of the KNP.

The human population growth in the Lowveld during the past two decades brought with it the rapid expansion of irrigation farming, exotic afforestation and land grazed by domestic stock, as well as the establishment of large towns, mines, dams and industries. Along with these developments came overgrazing, erosion, over-utilization and pollution of rivers, as well as clearing of indigenous forests from large areas outside the borders of the KNP.

Over-utilization of the rivers which ultimately flow through the KNP poses one of the most serious challenges to the KNP's management. This paper gives the background to the development in the catchments and highlights the problems which these have caused for the KNP. Management actions which have been taken as well as their results are discussed and solutions to certain problems proposed. Three rivers, namely the Letaba, Olifants and Sabie are respectively described as examples of an over-utilized river, a polluted river and a river which is still in a fairly good condition.
Towards a Water Management Strategy for an environmentally sensitive and popular tourist region
Authors: Kapp J. F. , Fijen A. P. M. , van Zyl F.
Published: May 2018

This paper describes the development and implementation of an Integrated Water Management Strategy for the catchment of the Wilderness Lakes in the Southern Cape, South Africa. The area is a popular tourist destination due to its environmental variety and scenic beauty.

The main land uses in the catchment are: agriculture, forestry, tourism, residential settlement and the natural environment. These land uses compete for a share of the available water resources and have different water quality demands, while at the same time each has an impact on the water quality and quantity and also on other land uses. The water management strategy developed for Wilderness aimed at the responsible management and fair distribution of the available water resources (both quantity and quality) and on the sustainable use of these resources, taking full cognisance of the wishes and opinions of all interest groups in the area. The natural environment played a very important role in the development of the strategy and it was found that a more natural management of the estuary mouth would assist in maintaining the natural characteristics of the Wilderness system. The paper also addresses the structures and management body proposed to implement the Water Management Strategy.
In situ replication studies of somatic and male-specific coliphages in a tropical pristine river
Authors: Hernández-Delgado E. A. , Toranzos G. A.
Published: May 2018

The present study was carried out in order to evaluate coliphage survival and their ability to replicate in tropical aquatic environments. Results showed that coliphages survived for extended periods of time, however, neither sewage isolates nor laboratory phage strains replicated in the environment. Neither one of the bacterial strains tested were permissive to phage replication under environmental conditions. These observations indicate that replication of “fecal coliphages” does not occur in the tropical aquatic environment and suggest that either somatic or male-specific coliphages may be considered as potential indicators of fecal contamination in tropical aquatic environments.
Sand, soil, and pigeon droppings: sources of indicator bacteria in the waters of Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
Authors: Oshiro Robin , Fujioka Roger
Published: May 2018

To investigate the deteriorating bacteriological water quality of Hanauma Bay, Hawaii, samples of shoreline water, sand, land runoff, and mongoose and pigeon droppings were analysed for fecal coliforms, E. coli and enterococci. The results indicate that the major sources contributing to periodic high levels of bacteria in the waters of the Bay are contaminants of the beach sand, such as pigeon feces.
Improved recovery of chlorine-stressed coliforms with pyruvate supplemented media
Authors: Sartory D. P.
Published: May 2018

The addition of sodium pyruvate to standard membrane-filtration media for enumeration of coliforms and E. coli is shown to improve the recovery of chlorine-stressed viable organisms.
Comparative performance of colisureTM and accepted methods in the detection of chlorine-injured total coliforms and E. coli
Authors: McFeters G. A. , Broadaway S. C. , Pyle B. H. , Pickett M. , Egozy Y.
Published: May 2018

Studies were done to examine the comparability of ColisureTM and accepted reference methods to detect low numbers of total coliform bacteria and E. coli subjected to chlorine stress. ColisureTM is a medium designed to concurrently detect coliform bacteria and E. coli in drinking water by the specific action of β-galactosidase (total coliforms) and β-glucuronidase (E. coli). The methods used to compare the performance of various media followed a protocol established by the USEPA. Samples (31) of sewage from six different regions of the US were treated with sufficient concentrations of chlorine (1.2-2.5mg/l) to reduce viability 1-3 logs (39% average injury) and diluted with drinking water to achieve ca. 3 viable coliforms/100ml. The mean log reductions in viable bacteria, determined with various media following disinfection of the 31 samples were: mEndo = 1.87 (TC), ColisureTM = 1.55 (TC), mTec = 3.63 (E. coli) and ColisureTM = 2.01 (E. coli). When ColisureTM was compared with accepted methods to detect total coliforms in the dilute, disinfected samples, ColisureTM yielded results that were 1.6 times greater than LTB confirmed in BGLB at 28h. ColisureTM also detected 1.7 times greater levels of E. coli than LTB confirmed in EC/MUG at 28h. Sensitivity and specificity of ColisureTM were between 96 and 100% when positive and negative tests were verified. These findings indicate that ColisureTM is superior to certain accepted reference methods in the detection of chlorine-injured coliforms and E. coli under conditions that resemble contaminated drinking water.
Validity of serological methods (ELISA) for detecting infectious viruses in water
Authors: Nasser A. M. , Tchorch Y. , Fattal B.
Published: May 2018

Detection of cultivable enteric viruses in environmental water samples in tissue culture is time consuming and expensive. Moreover, some important enteric viruses grow very slowly (Hepatitis A virus) or do not grow as yet (Norwalk) in tissue culture. Therefore, sensitive serological and molecular methods have been developed to simplify and speed the detection of viruses in environmental samples. This study was conducted to test the reliability of serological methods to monitor the presence of viable viruses in natural waters. The study was performed with poliovirus purified in CsCl gradients and impure virus. Poliovirus 1 either purified or impure was seeded in raw wastewater, groundwater and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and incubated for 20 days at 4°C, 20°C and 30°C. Virus survival was monitored by a nylon filter A-ELISA and plaque-assay in BGM cells. In all water samples at 4°C, no die-off was observed neither by A-ELISA nor by plaque-assay. In wastewater and groundwater at 20°C and 30°C, greater die-off was observed with A-ELISA than with plaque-assay. Purified poliovirus was undetectable by the A-ELISA after two days of incubation at 20°C in wastewater and groundwater, whereas under the same conditions, only 2log10 reduction were observed in the titer of poliovirus 1. The data of this study have shown that in all cases, a positive test by A-ELISA was also positive by the plaque-assay. Therefore, a positive result of A-ELISA indicates the presence of viable virus in natural waters.
Optimization of a PCR method for the detection of astrovirus type 1 in environmental samples
Authors: Marx F. E. , Taylor M. B. , Grabow W. O. K.
Published: May 2018

An improved technique is described that uses the polymerase chain reaction in the detection of astroviruses with much greater sensitivity than existing methods. It is demonstrated to detect human astrovirus serotype 1 in environmental waters from the Pretoria area.
Comparison of two rapid tests for the detection of legionellaceae in water: a microbiological-immunological method and a commercial gene-probe testkit
Authors: Frahm E. , Obst U.
Published: May 2018

Two recently developed Legionella detection tests, a microbiological-immunological method based on monoclonal antibodies (carried out as a colony-blot assay) and a commercial gene-probe testkit (the EnvironAmp Legionella Kit), are compared with the standard method. The colony-blot assay is faster than the conventional method; the gene-probe test is much faster still and is the most sensitive, but in consequence is at greater risk of false-positive results.
Helminth eggs in wastewater: quantification technique
Authors: Gaspard P. G. , Schwartzbrod J.
Published: May 2018

In the framework of agricultural wastewater reuse, the W.H.O. has defined a parasitological quality for sewage with less than one nematode egg per liter. The purpose of this work is to define an effective method to detect helminth eggs in wastewater. Seven techniques have been applied to waste water analysis, with a comparison of their respective results, varying from 26 to 74 %. Be it in the framework of artificial contamination or on site, the best results were obtained with the diphasic technique perfected at the laboratory including a treatment with antiformine at 8 % + ethylacetate followed by a flotation with zinc sulphate at 55%. The validation in the laboratory of the methods performance on treated wastewater allowed us to show that the yield of the method is significantly independent of the egg concentration as well as giving good homogeneity of results with a concentration of 1 egg/litre.
Development of regional coastal water quality standards in the Mediterranean
Authors: Saliba L. J.
Published: May 2018

Under the terms of the 1976 Convention for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution, and the 1980 Protocol for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution from land-based sources, the coastal states of the region have to develop criteria and standards for various aspects of coastal water quality. These are being progressively developed within the framework of the Mediterranean Action Plan, specifically within the Long-term Programme of Pollution Monitoring and Research in the Mediterranean Sea (MED POL Phase II).

The impact of specific Mediterranean ecological conditions on health and related risks arising from specific uses of the sea, in relation to those risks arising from the same types of water use in regions with different conditions, and the effects of such differences on quality requirements, are discussed.

The current situation in the Mediterranean region regarding national and international legislation for ensuring coastal water quality is described, together with the normal procedures for regional assessments of the situation with regard to specific pollutants and the formulation of proposed measures.

The legal and technical problems involved in (a) the actual preparation of criteria and standards combining ecological and health requirements with political acceptability and (b) their adoption by Mediterranean states are described. These problems essentially arise out of the heterogeneous character of the states bordering the Mediterranean Sea, especially regarding the state of existing infrastructures for pollution prevention and control, including the availability of trained manpower and technical facilities, the degreee of priority accorded to marine pollution within the overall framework of national requirements, the type of legal and administrative machinery for the enactment and enforcement of statutory provisions, and the implications of new or amended legislation vis-a-vis already-existing international obligations.
The Israeli experience of using marine and coastal pollution monitoring as a basis for environmental management
Authors: Cohen Y.
Published: May 2018

A number of marine and coastal pollution monitoring programs were undertaken in Israel since the mid 1970's. The contribution of monitoring to environmental management is discussed in relation to three environmental problems: the presence of tar balls and litter on the coastline and the accumulation of anthropogenic heavy metals in the coastal ecosystem. The results of the monitoring coupled with the results of relevant research were used as a basis for decisions on pollution control and abatement programs and for assessment of their effectiveness.
Two-stage chemical-biological treatment at Thessaloniki greater area WWTP - experiences and potentials
Authors: Andreadakis A. D. , Kristensen G. H. , Papadopoulos A. , Oikonomopoulos C.
Published: May 2018

The wastewater from the city of Thessaloniki is discharged without treatment to the nearby inner part of the Thessaloniki Gulf. The existing, since 1989, treatment plant offers only primary treatment and did not operate since the expected effluent quality is not suitable for safe disposal to the available recipients. Upgrading of the plant for advanced biological treatment, including seasonal nitrogen removal, is due from 1995. In the mean time, after minor modifications completed in February 1992, the existing plant was put into operation as a two-stage chemical-biological treatment plant for 40 000 m3 d−1, which corresponds to about 35% of the total sewage flow. The operational results obtained during the two years operation period are presented and evaluated. All sewage and sludge treatment units of the plant perform better than expected, with the exception of the poor sludge settling characteristics, due to severe and persistent bulking caused by excessive growth of filamentous microorganisms, particularly M. Parvicella. Effective control of the bulking problem could lead to more cost-effective operation and increased influent flows.
Pollutant dispersion in the nearshore region: modelling and measurements
Authors: Rodriguez A. , Sánchez-Arcilla A. , Redondo J. M. , Bahia E. , Sierra J. P.
Published: May 2018

Some results on pollutant dispersion modelling and tracer measurements for the Mediterranean Spanish coast are presented. Two hydrodynamic models have been used to simulate wind and wave induced circulation in the nearshore and surf zones respectively. A “near field” model has been used in order to simulate the initial conditions for the local “far field” dispersion model. Two study cases are presented: The first one shows the mixing of conservative tracers in a Mediterranean surf zone from an experimental and numerical models used to predict bacterial dispersion from the main sea outfalls of Barcelona City. The comparison between dye dispersion experiments and model in the surf zone is good, while the outfall predictions show the importance of accurately modelling the effects of buoyancy on the plume.
A simulation model for the description of a eutrophic system with emphasis on the microbial processes
Authors: Tsirtsis G. E.
Published: May 2018

A mathematical model was constructed trying to describe the dynamics of a coastal eutrophic system, with emphasis on the processes of phytoplanktonic exudation and bacterial mineralization. The model is two-dimensional with two compartments, the one characteristic of eutrophication and the other one of oligotrophy. Five state variables were chosen characterizing eutrophication, phytoplankton, bacteria, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), nitrate and ammonia concentration. The nutrient and organic load from sewage outfalls was also estimated from data available for the city of Mytilini. For the evaluation of the model, data available for the coastal area of Mytilini, Lesvos were used, collected from April 1991 to December 1993. A general pattern of low values in winter and higher in summer was predicted for phytoplanktonic carbon, whereas bacterial populations showed a significant seasonality with low numbers in winter time and early spring and higher in late summer and autumn. The model indicated close dependence of bacterial and phytoplanktonic growth and emphasizes the importance of eutrophic conditions in the survival and growth of the marine microbial flora. This model seems to be a useful methodological tool for the evaluation of different scenaria concerning water quality in coastal management studies.
Toxic metals removal from dilute solutions by biosorptive flotation
Authors: Zouboulis A. I. , Solari P. , Matis K. A. , Stalidis G. A.
Published: May 2018

Toxic metal ions (cadmium, nickel and zinc), considered as priority pollutants, were removed from dilute aqueous solutions by sorption onto non-living (sterilized) anaerobically digested sewage sludge. The desorption of cadmium from metal-laden sludge was also examined. Flotation was subsequently applied as an effective solid/liquid separation process. The dissolved-air flotation technique was applied for the generation of fine bubbles and, in parallel, electrokinetic measurements were carried out. Promising results were succeeded from the combined process of biosorption/flotation (termed biosorptive flotation).
Chemical pollution from urban and industrial sewages in Augusta Bay (Sicily)
Authors: Magazzù G. , Romeo G. , Azzaro F. , Decembrini F. , Oliva F. , Piperno A.
Published: May 2018

The Augusta Bay is a complex area where heavy industrialization and dense urbanization have promoted a very high state of degradation. This basin has already been studied for several years because of various eutrophication phenomena which induced a massive fish mortality.

In order to deepen our knowledge on the state of chemical pollution due to Dissolved/Dispersed Petroleum Hydrocarbons (DDPH), detergents and N- and P-salts as well as on the eutrophication of the bay, three campaigns have been carried out. The results (from 0.0 to 96.6 μg/l in chrysene equivalents) have indicated that the distribution of DDPH is characterized by an extreme spatial and temporal variability linked to occasional localized spills and to the wind's action which influences the surface water circulation in the bay.

The concentration of non ionic (BiAS) and ionic (ABS) detergents averages respectively 63 and 55 μg/l with a predominance of BiAS in the waters affected by the urban discharges, while high ABS values have been also measured in correspondence of a cooling water effluent.

Finally, the PO4 (max 0.3 μ/l) and NO2 + NO3 (max 4 μl) levels were relatively low and constant in comparison with previous results, while NH4 remains at a high level (max 14.6 μ/l) with supplies located in the urban discharge as well as in the industrial ones, indicating that both types of effluents are equally responsible for eutrophication and the distrophic crisis observed in the bay.
Description and test of a new generation of nutrient sensors
Authors: Lynggaard-Jensen A. , Eisum N. H. , Rasmussen I. , Svankjær Jacobsen H. , Stenstrøm T.
Published: May 2018

Sensor prototypes for measurement of ammonium, nitrate and phosphate in wastewater treatment plants are described together with the results obtained in laboratory and pilot scale wastewater treatment plants.

A functional description of the sensor principles is presented together with the installation and operation procedures. Basically the measurements are done using membrane technology in combination with semi-micro Continuous Flow Analysis (μCFA) with classic colorimetry. Because of this the sensors can be installed directly in the aeration tanks without any need for sampling, filtration, etc. Furthermore, the semi-micro scale is used in such a way, that handling of chemicals and waste is a closed loop in a package to be changed once a month.

The sensors have been tested thoroughly in a pilot scale waste water treatment plant (recirculation) using real raw wastewater as well as artificial wastewater. The sensors have been placed directly in the aeration tank or in the anoxic tank of the pilot plant. The tests show very little, if any, fouling problems due to the membrane material used. The test results show a good reproducibility and most important, compared to other available sensors/analyzers on the market, very low response times, less than 5 minutes. Owing to these low response times, experiments with direct measurement of nitrification and denitrification rates were carried out.
Optimization of a nutrient-removing wastewater treatment plant using on-line monitors
Authors: Sørensen John
Published: May 2018

Marselisborg WWTP is designed for 220,000 population equivalent as an AB process i.e. biosorption followed by a BIO-DENITRO plant. The plant was designed to remove nitrate in summer only. It was designed to remove phosphorus by pre-precipitation in the biosorption process and by simultaneous precipitation in the biological tanks. Introduction of an on-line control system for the nitrogen removal made it possible to remove nitrate all year to effluent values 1-3 mg N/l below the effluent standard of 8 mg N/l. The control system automatically introduced about 50% longer denitrification time in the tanks. During the last 4 years, the amount of filtered COD has through optimization increased from 65% to above 80% in relation to total COD. This in combination with the longer time without aeration in the biological tanks has made it possible to optimize biological phosphorus removal at the plant. It is possible to remove about 400 kg P/d biological out of about 500 kg P/d. Strategies to run the biological P removal simultaneously with the nitrogen removal in the same biological tanks has been tested. It seems possible to control the biological phosphorus removal by modifying the on-line control system for the nitrogen removal.
Real-time control of nitrogen removal using three ORP bending-points: signification, control strategy and results
Authors: Plisson-Saune S. , Capdeville B. , Mauret M. , Deguin A. , Baptiste P.
Published: May 2018

The necessity to achieve nitrogen and phosphorus removal in wastewater, according to the European Directive (EEC 1991), leads to the conception of new methods to control the aeration of low-loaded activated sludge plants. The behaviour of N.NOx concentrations and of ORP during a complete nitrification-denitrification cycle is described by a typical profile with 3 bending-points: α, β and χ. The goal of this study is to get more insights into the biological and chemical signification of the bending-points. This leads to the conception of new real-time control systems able to be adaptive to the influent load variations and free from ORP drift problems. The results obtained on pilot-scale plant using a three bending-points based control strategy show a real advantage through a decrease of the global aeration duration.
Respirometry for determination of the influents SS-concentration
Authors: Witteborg A. , van der Last A. , Hamming R. , Hemmers I.
Published: May 2018

A method is presented for determining influent readily biodegradable substrate concentration (SS). The method is based on three different respiration rates, which can be measured with a continuous respiration meter which is operated in a cyclic way. Within the respiration meter nitrification is inhibited through the addition of ATU. Simulations were used to develop the respirometry set-up and decide upon the experimental design. The method was tested as part of a large measurement programme executed at a full-scale plant.

The proposed respirometry set-up has been shown to be suitable for a semi-on-line determination of an influent SS which is fully based on the IAWQ #1 vision of the activated sludge process. The YH and the KS play a major role in the principle, and should be measured directly from the process.
Identification of processes regulating sulphate content in upland catchment waters: the role of empirical models
Authors: Hutchins M. G. , Wheater H. S. , Beck M. B. , Reynolds B.
Published: May 2018

A conceptual hydrological model has been extended to incorporate empirical relationships permitting the prediction of storm event sulphate response in a small headwater catchment in Mid-Wales. Results from simulation of transient events have highlighted inadequacies in hydrological conceptualisation and a need for incorporation of preferential pathway and in-stream processes. This has led, for example, to an investigation into the effects of Sphagnum spp. which has enhanced process understanding and yielded a plausible explanation of performance mismatch. Specific additional data requirements permitting the further verification of empirical functions have been pinpointed. The modelling has thus been successfully used to refine field investigations as a basis for improved process understanding.
Insecticide and metal contamination of a mixed cover agricultural watershed
Authors: Knight Scott S. , Cooper Charles M.
Published: May 2018

Although pesticides used to control detrimental insects have changed since the wide spread use of highly persistent organochlorine insecticides in the 1940s through the 1970s, pesticides still present environmental problems. Random sampling of major watershed features of Otoucalofa Creek was conducted to study the distribution and concentration of residual and current use insecticides and metals in a mixed cover agricultural watershed. Samples of water, soil, sediment and fishes were taken from Otoucalofa Creek watershed and tested for 23 contaminants, including persistent organochlorine and current-use insecticides, PCBs and metals. Otoucalofa Creek watershed was chosen because of its location in the loess hills of northern Mississippi, USA, and the fact that its drainage includes 10,100 hectares of forest, 6,100 hectares of rowcrops, 4,900 hectares of pasture, and the small town of Water Valley (pop. 4,147). The greatest concentrations of insecticides were found in fish, but the highest concentrations of metals were found in soil and sediments. Six of 7 metals and 11 of 15 insecticides tested were present in fish samples. Arsenic and mercury averaged 0.67 μg/g and 0.31 μg/g, respectively, in soil samples and 0.25 μg/g and 0.03 μg/g in sediment samples, but were in lower concentrations in fish tissue. Relatively high concentrations of zinc were found in soil and sediment. DDT and its metabolites averaged 118 ng/g in fish, averaged only 1.90 ng/g in sediments and were undetectable in soil. Contamination of water was dependent upon storm related discharge and is therefore a transient phenomenon. Water samples taken during normal flow had the lowest concentrations of both metals and insecticides. Storm flow (High Stage) samples had significantly higher concentrations of insecticides and metals than did normal flow. Since arsenic is the only persistent contaminant still being applied to agricultural land, concentrations of residual insecticides should steadily decline. Current use insecticides were only detected seasonally and in extremely low concentrations, however, this transient, short term exposure, which may not have been as detrimental with less toxic organochlorine pesticides, is more significant with acutely toxic current use compounds.
Areas of intervention for cleaner technology in the Danish printing industry — focus on wastewater problems
Authors: Larsen Henrik Fred , Tørsløv Jens , Damborg Axel
Published: May 2018

The objective of the project was to point out and prioritize areas of intervention for cleaner technology in the Danish printing industry, with a focus on wastewater problems. The processes, chemicals etc. included are estimated to cover more than 90% of all professional printing production in Denmark today. The main tool used for appointing and prioritizing areas of intervention for cleaner technology was a scoring model combining environmental hazard identification of the chemicals with estimated potential amount of matching chemicals emitted to municipal wastewater treatment plants. Seven areas were pointed out as high priority areas and two of these were identified as highest priority areas. These two areas are “the screen frame cleaning in screen printing” and “the cleaning of flexographic printing/packaging gravure printing machines after use of water dilutable inks”.
Determination of aluminum, barium, molybdenum, scandium, berylium, titanium, vanadium, fluoride and boron in highly salinated waters
Authors: Bebek Malgorzata , Mitko Krzysztof , Kwapulinsk Jerzy
Published: May 2018

Boron was determined in strongly salinated waters by ion exchange with selective ion exchanger AMBERLITE IRA 743 using a bath technique. Modified colour reaction with carminic acid was used to the final determination in 3 cm cuvettes at 615 nm. Limit of detection was 0.02 mgB/dm3 and no interference was observed during ion exchange in natural strong salinated samples.

Determination of trace metals was carried out by flame AAS with N2O as oxidizing gas. Elaborated method allows to analyze water samples of each value of salinity. In the case of samples with TDS of more than dm3 it is necessary to dilute samples prior to analysis and with TDS in range from 10 to 20 g/dm3 standard addition is applicable as a rule and limit of detection is about 2 to 3 times worse than in non salinated samples. Presented method is very usable in place of uncomfortable, time-consuming and environment contaminating methods with organic extraction and it still allows to determine concentration at levels required in water pollution normatives.

Colour reaction with SPANDS and zirconyl ions was used for determination of fluoride in the concentration range from 0.02 to 2 mgF−/dm3. Measurement of absorbance was carried out at 570 nm using 2 cm cuvettes. In the case of middle or highly salinated waters it is essential to preliminarily dilute sample and use the method of standard addition.
Process performance of an experimental deep effluent storage reservoir under different organic loadings in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Mara D. D. , Pearson H. W. , Silva S. A. , de Oliveira R. , Araujo A. L. C. , de Oliveira R. E. , Soares J.
Published: May 2018

The performance of a pilot-scale effluent storage reservoir was evaluated on the basis of data from two experiments carried out at EXTRABES in northeast Brazil. The reservoir was filled with the effluent of an anaerobic pond in 35 and 18 days for Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Once full, the reservoir was allowed to rest until the faecal coliform level reached 100 per 100ml, that is 10 times below the WHO guideline for unrestricted irrigation. After a rest period of 33 and 52 days, in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively, faecal coliform numbers throughout the water column were <100 per 100ml, and the unfiltered BOD was also reduced to <25 mg/l.
Low cost wastewater treatment
Authors: Grau Petr
Published: May 2018

One of the key roles of water quality scientists and engineers is to develop affordable wastewater treatment systems, as efficient as required by applicable legislation, error and nuisance free, environment-friendly, fault-tolerant and easy to operate. The concepts of affordability and appropriateness are considered. A number of “classic” errors in the implementation of supposedly low cost treatment systems are outlined. Finally the features of three successful types of treatment technology are described.
Aerobic thermophilic composting of piggery solid wastes
Authors: Bhamidimarri S. M. Rao , Pandey S. P.
Published: May 2018

Aerobic static pile composting of piggery solids was investigated at a 5 m3 scale. Sawdust was used as the bulking agent to provide additional carbon and to increase the porosity of the substrate. The temperature profiles indicated that the solid waste could be pasteurised completely. The nutrient analysis showed that 79% of initial nitrogen was conserved in the compost while there was no significant change in phosphorus concentration. The microbiological assays revealed that there was a four orders of magnitude decline in Enterococci counts while the MPN counts decreased by three orders of magnitude suggesting there may be spore-forming bacteria surviving the composting process.
Biosorption of lead from aqueous solutions by marine algae Ecklonia radiata
Authors: Matheickal Jose T. , Qiming Yu
Published: May 2018

Experimental studies showed that brown marine algae, Ecklonia radiata, can be used for the development of an efficient biosorbent material for heavy metal removal from wastewater. E. radiata exhibited high uptake capacities for lead, cadmium and copper. In particular, lead sorption was very marked. The equlibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model. Within a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5, the uptake capacity of E. radiata for lead is 1.36 mM/g (282 mg/g), which is much higher than those of powdered activated carbon and natural zeolite. Studies indicated that sorption of lead increases as pH increases and reaches a plateau at pH 5. The lead uptake process was rapid, with 60% of the sorption completed within 10 minutes. Presence of light metal ions in solution did not affect lead sorption significantly. Breakthrough curves of fixed bed operations were obtained to illustrate the process of lead removal in a continuous flow system.
Heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of organic compounds by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Lin S.-S. , Gurol M. D.
Published: May 2018

The mixture of hydrogen peroxide and iron oxide (goethite, α-FeOOH) particles was investigated as a potential chemical oxidant for treatment of waters contaminated with synthetic organic pollutants. The oxidation rate of a model organic compound, n-butyl chloride (BuCl) was measured by laboratory experiments at various dosages of hydrogen peroxide and iron oxide particles and pH and alkalinity conditions. The oxidation rate of BuCl was correlated with decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide. The stoichiometric ratio and the optimum chemical dosages were established for oxidation of BuCl. The results indicated that BuCl was oxidized effectively by hydroxyl radical generated from the interaction of hydrogen peroxide with FeOOH particles. The oxidation rate remained independent of the solution pH and alkalinity. Therefore, this heterogeneous oxidation process promises to be more effective than other radical processes including O3/UV, H2O2/O3, H2O2/UV and H2O2/Fe+2 which are adversely affected by varying pH and high alkalinity levels.
Influence of bacterial extracellular polymers on the membrane separation activated sludge process
Authors: Nagaoka H. , Ueda S. , Miya A.
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study is to elucidate influence of bacterial extracellular polymers (EPS) on the performance of the submerged membrane separation activated sludge process (SMAS). Hollow fiber membrane modules were submerged in laboratory-scale reactors and the permeate was pulled out from the modules by suction pumps. Acetic acid was used as a carbon source and peptone or ammonium nitrogen was used as a nitrogen source in the substrate. The change of EPS amount both in the mixed liquor and on the membrane was measured and its influence on the permeability of the membrane was studied. EPS was accumulated in the aeration tanks and also on the membrane, which caused an increase of viscosity of the mixed liquor and an increase in the filtration resistance. Specific resistance of EPS was calculated to be of the order of 1016 to 1017 m kg−1. Change of the filtration resistance was explained as a function of viscosity of the mixed liquor, which is caused by rapid attachment of the suspended EPS and rapid detachment of the attached EPS. Detachment rate of the attached EPS was calculated to be nearly constant during the operation.
Enhanced biodegradation of organic nitrogenous compounds in resin manufacturing wastewater by anoxic denitrification and oxic nitrification process
Authors: Sheng-shung Cheng , Yuh-Tarng Lin , Sheng-Kun Chen
Published: May 2018

In this study, a stream of resin manufacturing wastewater with high contents of organic nitrogenous compounds was treated by a conventional activated sludge process with extended aeration and a modified anoxic denitrification unit followed with two oxic activated sludge units respectively. Performance comparison of these two processes showed that the enhanced biodegradation of organic nitrogen in the modified process was attained with 69.0% of organic nitrogen removal that related to 39.0% removal in the conventional process. The anoxic/oxic process also promoted the removal efficiencies of COD, TKN and TN (total nitrogen) from 91%, 49.6% and 7.4% to 95.3%, 83.8% and 74.4% respectively, in comparison with the conventional extended activated sludge process.

These cheerful results also corresponded to the acceptable averaged effluent quality: 82 mg/l of CODs, 48 mg/l of Org.-N, 11 mg/l of NH4+-N, and 42 mg N/l of NO3−-N, that could meet the national effluent standard of ROC-EPA in 1998. The successful investigation also demonstrated that about 50% of the total organic nitrogen removal was achieved in the anoxic unit associated with denitrification, while the residual organic nitrogen was removed in the oxic unit.

The pilot-study results suggested that the resin manufacturing wastewater containing high concentration of organic nitrogen should be treated by the anoxic denitrification and oxic nitrification process instead of the conventional activated sludge process with extended aeration.
Drying and low temperature conversion - a process combination to treat sewage sludge obtained from oil refineries
Authors: Steger Martin Th. , Meißner Wolfgang
Published: May 2018

Sewage sludge from oil refineries poses special problems in the disposal of solid, and often hazardous waste. Drying followed by low temperature conversion (i.e., pyrolysis at 400°C) renders sludge to fuel oil and char. This process was operated in full scale, using an input of 40 tonnes. An overall oil yield of 35% and a rate of 45% of char referring to the input of dried solids was achieved during the conversion process using a sludge having 16% dried solids concentration. Halogenated organics and PAH present in the the feed sludge were reduced during the conversion process by 98.4% and 83.7% respectively. Mercury was completely removed from the fuel oil and char through adsorption to the residue of oil/water separation (centrifugal sludge). The conversion oil produced meets fuel oil standards and can be used for industrial purposes. The char produced can be used as a reducing agent in steel manufacture.
Dynamic removal of uranium by chitosan: influence of operating parameters
Authors: Jansson-Charrier Marielle , Guibal Eric , Roussy Jean , Surjous Robert , Le Cloirec Pierre
Published: May 2018

New wastewater treatments involving biosorption processes are being developed. This work focuses on the dynamic removal of uranium using chitosan in fixed-bed reactors and investigates the main operating parameters: particle size, column size, flow velocity and metal ion concentration. The results confirm the predominant effect of diffusion on the control rate. The optimization of the process should take into account both sorption performances and hydrodynamic behaviour. The process is successfully applied to the treatment of leachates at an abandoned mine site. This study shows that chitosan is an effective sorbent for the treatment and recovery of uranium from dilute effluents.
Impact of rain runoff on oxygen in an urban river
Authors: Harremoës P. , Napstjert L. , Rye C. , Larsen H. O. , Dahl A.
Published: May 2018

The river Harrestrup is an urban river in the western region of Greater Copenhagen, Denmark. It has been subject to intensive on-line investigation of the oxygen regime in the river, both during dry weather and during rain runoff from the neighbouring urban areas. The oxygen fluctuations have been modelled both deterministicly and statisticly. The statistical features turned out to be as important as the deterministic. The final evaluation of the performance was done by comparison of extreme statistics as measured over one year with results generated by the calibrated deterministic model, superimposed with calibrated statistical properties. The result was a clear demonstration of non-compliance with oxygen standards both during dry weather and during wet weather. The technical measures are river restoration to decrease daily oxygen fluctuations and construction of detention basins in the urban catchments to decrease the impact of rain runoff.
Evaluation of nutrient runoff from the kako river by continuous daily sampling
Authors: Komai Yukio
Published: May 2018

A water sample was taken once a day for 15 months at a site near an estuary of the Kako River, Japan, to estimate nutrient loads from rivers to the sea. Total phosphorus (T-P), total nitrogen (T-N), suspended solids (SS) and electronic conductivity (EC) were measured. T-P and SS concentrations varied in proportion to the discharge, and T-P concentrations increased with those of SS, too. EC varied inversely with the discharge, but the fluctuations of T-N concentrations were less than those of T-P and SS concentrations. Water quality remained, for the most part, constant throughout the day. T-P, T-N and SS load were 181t/year, 2320t/year and 51000t/year in 1992, respectively, 54% of T-P load, 47% of T-N load and 80% of SS loads outflowed in those cases where the discharge was more than 100 m3/s, which were 36 days in 1992. 79% of T-P load, 69% of T-N load and 92% of SS load outflowed in periods of high water discharge, which were 88 in 1992. T-P and T-N loads calculated by using one day's data in every month were 151t/year and 2450t/year. But nutrient loads calculated by using the average value of data from an ordinary discharge were two or three times lower than calculated yearly loads. These results showed the importance of estimating the yearly load considering the discharge condition and sampling at a time of high water discharge.
Experiences with sludge settleability in different process alternatives for nutrient removal
Authors: Andreasen Kjær , Sigvardsen Lars
Published: May 2018

SVI and DSVI were measured three times at almost 100 Danish nutrient removal plants and the filamentous microorganisms were subsequently characterized in the laboratory. Information about the plant layout and the operation was collected by means of a questionnaire. In general, the sludge settleability index becomes worse by the introduction of nutrient removal. Among nutrient removal plants the best settling characteristics are found among plants with biological P removal and the poorest among the plants that perform simultaneous denitrification. When compared to iron products, aluminium products in some cases seem to reduce the filament number and improve the settling characteristics in plants that apply simultaneous precipitation for P removal. Selectors may have a positive effect on the filament number but the effect may not be enough to prevent bulking.
Institutional development in the water and wastewater sector: the Alexandria, Egypt experience
Authors: Jankel Eric , Williamson Herb
Published: May 2018

In an effort to protect and extend the life of a system, institutional development programs have become an integral part of many water and wastewater projects around the world. This paper focuses on the institutional development work being done in Alexandria, Egypt, with the Alexandria General Organization for Sanitary Drainage (AGOSD). It begins by identifying the utility's institutional problems, and then goes on to describe the program tasks being implemented to remedy these problems. It closes with a discussion of the constraints affecting project implementation and strategies for overcoming these constraints.
Environmental ethics in engineering education: a missing fundamental
Authors: Wareham David G. , Elefsiniotis Panagiotis
Published: May 2018

This paper reviews the way in which engineers interact with the environment. It argues that future engineering should be part of a paradigm shift in which engineers are seen as responsible stewards rather than negligent trustees of the environment. This can be accomplished by education in environmental ethics, defined here as a set of obligations to nature characterised by a mindset geared towards pollution prevention and pollution remediation. It is argued that training in environmental ethics should be considered as a fundamental skill taught in all engineering programmes. The paper closes with a suggested outline of a first course in environmental ethics.
An educational water quality management game
Authors: Jehng-Jung Kao , Ying-Jie Chen
Published: May 2018

An educational game for water quality management is developed to assist a novice engineer or student to learn the compromises among three major objectives to manage water quality: cost, water quality, and equity. A window-based interface is developed on a microcomputer. A hypothetical example with four dischargers is used in the program, and the initial scenario is based on a uniform treatment scheme. The player acts as the manager of a water quality authority to design the best compromise policy. The friendly interfaces allows one to exercise judgment in selecting and in modifying discharge permit programs. The design and development of the game and related computer program are described. Network accessibility has provided a novel environment for remote education. A prototypical multimedia network interface is provided for local or foreign remote access to the game.