bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regeneration of Floodplain Biotopes on the Upper Rhine – The “Polder Altenheim” Case
Authors: Siepe A.
Published: May 2018

The floodplain of the Upper Rhine and its biocoenoses have, through different river-regulatory activities over the last 175 years, undergone large scale degradation. At the same time flood protection for the downstream inhabitants has been greatly reduced. For reasons of flood protection, the “Polder Altenheim” in Baden-Württemberg, Germany southwest of Strasbourg, France, with so called retention flooding, was put into operation in 1987. The original floodplain had been diked for the previous 17 years, during which no flooding occurred. Since 1989 “ecological flooding” also is carried out. This has assisted in the regeneration of floodplain biotopes and promoted the floodplain biotic communities and the readaption of the bioceonosis to a regular flooding regime. The creation of new floodplain biotopes of early succession stages, particularly through geomorphodynamic processes, has followed the more than ten flood ocassions and typical biotic communities have colonised these sites. This will be presented together with selected examples of terrestrial and limnical species and communities. The following species and communities will be discussed: kingfisher Alcedo atthis, carabid communities (Coleoptera), the red alga Hildenbrandia rivularis (Rhodophyceae), the freshwater snail Theodoxus fluviatilis (Neritacea) and the freshwater bug Aphelocheirus aestivalis (Hydrocorisae).
Environmental Quality and Legal Protection of Floodplain Wetlands in the Dutch Part of the Rhine Basin
Authors: Lenders H. J. R. , Garritsen J. A. M. , Leuven R. S. E. W.
Published: May 2018

Large parts of the floodplains in the Dutch Rhine basin can be considered wetlands of international importance. Few data are available concerning the threats to these wetlands. Legal protection and the principle of ' wise use' of the wetlands, as stipulated in the Ramsar Convention, are hardly being implementated in national and local policies. Until 1993 none of the floodplains in the river basin has actually been designated as wetland of international importance. In zoning plans the ' wetland function' is hardly ever recognized as the main function. A relatively small part of the river floodplains is designated as nature reserves or protected areas. More research should be carried out concerning the environmental quality of and ecological standards for wetlands. The physical threats of deterioration, disturbance and fragmentation of habitats deserve special attention. Legal protection and 'wise use' of wetlands in the Rhine basin should be further implemented.
Fish Migration via the Shipping Lock at the Hagestein Barrage: Results of an Indicative Study
Authors: Klinge M.
Published: May 2018

In the Dutch part of the Rhine many hydraulic works (sluices, barrages, etc.) are situated which are considered to be barriers for upstream fish migration. Because of intensive shipping these works are always combined with big shipping locks. Until recently no data were available concerning fish migration via these locks. This was studied in the river Lek at the Hagestein barrage.

Due to the short length of the study period and few recaptured salmonids (salmon, sea trout, rainbow trout) no conclusive evidence about the effects of the shipping lock on salmonid migration was obtained. However, the results do suggest that the Hagestein barrage complex forms a serious barrier for upstream migration of salmonids. Several other fish species on the other hand were observed to migrate through the lock. Therefore, depending on target species and management goals, the presence of shipping locks should be taken into account when considering improving fish migration possibilities.
DESIGN AND DESIGN EV ALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Authors: Kroiss Helmut
Published: May 2018

We are facing a rapid development of more stringent effluent standards and new biological treatment processes during the last decade. At the same time we recognise strong differences between the actual water protection situation in different countries of the world, e.g. between the western and the eastern European or northern and southern American states. We are also aware of a trend towards privatisation of the water industry, resulting in turnkey bids including even operation of the treatment plants. This development results in a new challenge for a scientific based process selection and comparison. One of the basic questions to be answered by international co-operation is:

What information is necessary for the characterisation of the specific local problem to be solved, and how can the results of different design solutions be compared in regard to reliability and treatment efficiency?

Reliability and even treatment efficiency up to now have not been defined exactly enough for a sound comparison of different treatment processes or sequences of processes. If this problem cannot be solved on an international basis it will be very difficult to base such comparisons on a cost benefit (=water protection) calculation. As a consequence less important and inadequate criteria will play the decisive role. One of the methods to evaluate design procedures and process selections is a scientifically based evaluation of the results from full scale treatment plants. The actual standard of reports in literature on full scale experience is not sufficient to reach this goal in most of the cases. Two schemes try to show the complexity of the design procedure and the evaluation of full scale experience for design evaluation and could be used as a starting point of an international co-operation.
Establishing Wetland Plants in Artificial Systems
Authors: Chambers Jane M. , McComb Arthur J.
Published: May 2018

Emergent macrophytes selected for growth in artificial systems should be robust in habit, have a high biomass throughout the year, and be readily available in the local area. In south-western Australia potentially useful species fall either into the class of “sprouters”, which are readily established by rhizome transplants but not by seed; and ‘seeders ’, which can be readily established from seed but not rhizome transplants. Seeder species occur in large populations after disturbance of natural systems; sprouter species are often more desirable in the long term, but sufficient source material can be difficult to obtain.

Of nine species established in containers and then subjected to a range of water depths from 1 metre below to 0.75 metres above the sediment surface, best growth was obtained when mean water level coincided with the sediment surface. This was consistent with field observations on plantings at different mean elevations. In microsystems in plastic containers, at the same nutrient load, plant growth was reduced at slow flow rates when sediments became anaerobic.
BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER IN BERLIN, USING A 10 m DEEP BASIN AND FLOTATION FOR SECONDARY CLARIFICATION
Authors: Bennoit H. , Peter-Fröhlich A. , Schmidt V. , Schuster C.
Published: May 2018

For municipal treaunent of wastewater, the space-saving 10 m deep basins biological treaunent is an interesting alternative to conventional activated sludge basins of shallow construction. Results of pilot tests in the Berlin-Ruhleben wastewater clarification plant have shown that the biological P-elimination, nitrification and denitrification processes can be implemented as in shallow basins. However, the activated sludge did not settle satisfactorily. So flotation was implemented in the process for secondary clarification and in the meantime has shown to be a big advantage. In a year-long test with the pilot unit, the functional efficiency of the process could be proven. Energy requirements for both systems were found to be approximately the same. A cost estimate based on a preplan revealed a 10% advantage in favour of the 10 m deep biological treaunent basin. For these reasons and for the possibility to further improve this process, three large clarification plants using 10 m biological technology and flotation for secondary clarification will be built in Berlin in the near future.
INFLUENCE OF A HORIZONTAL FLOW ON THE PERFORMANCE OF FINE-BUBBLE DIFFUSED AIR SYSTEMS
Authors: Da Silva-Deronzier G. , Duchene Ph. , Ramel C.
Published: May 2018

The horizontal rotation of water in an oxidation ditch by separate agitation improves the oxygen transfer of diffused air aeration systems. This can be explained by the modifications. due to the horizontal flow. of several parameters that play a role in the oxygen transfer. An experimental study was performed on a 1400m3 annular ditch fitted with fine bubble diffusers and mixers to quantify this empirical knowledge. The initial findings of this research are presented. Compared to the absence of an imposed horizontal flow, the O2 mass transferred per hour, in clean water, is increased by 40% to 50% for a horizontal water flow of 0.4 to 0.5 m/s. This improvement may be explained by the prolongation of air bubble contact time (modification of spiral flow phenomena) for 10% at the most, by the increase of the exchange surface for the most part, due, not to the shear or to the elimination of the coalescence of air bubbles, (insignificant phenomena in this case). but to the deformation of air bubbles for 17% at the most and especially to the decrease of the diameter of the nascent bubbles. Moreover, the renewal of the liquid layer around the air bubbles could be considered as insignificant.
Growth Characteristics of Three Macrophyte Species Growing in a Natural and Constructed Wetland System
Authors: Adcock P. W. , Ganf G. G.
Published: May 2018

Total, above and below ground biomass, growth, and tissue nutrient concentration of three species growing in two contrasting environments (a horizontal flow, constructed wetland fed tertiary effluent at Bolivar, South Australia, and a natural wetland, Bool Lagoon, south-eastern South Australia) were compared to determine relative performance of each species.

Overall Baumea articulata and Phragmites australis performed poorly in trenches compared with natural wetland. Total biomass was 4.0 and 2.7, compared with 7.7 and 10.9 kg/m2 however, above ground (AG)/below ground (BG) ratios were similar at both locations (1 (Baum) and 0.42(Phrag)). Below ground mass was restricted to the top 25cm in the trenches but penetrated to > 50cm in the natural wetland. Phragmites showed a marked decline in standing biomass during the winter period in both environments but Baumea increased standing biomass in the trenches. Although the mean tissue nutrient concentrations of N and P for plants grown in trenches were higher than their natural counterparts [3.18(Baum), 2.56(Phrag) vs. 0.68(Baum), 0.49(Phrag) mg P/g DWt.; 12.99(Baum), 23.06(Phrag) vs. 5.39(Baum), 8.92(Phrag) mg N/g DWt.], this was offset by the lower biomass of the plants in the trenches.

In contrast, the semi-emergent Triglochin procerum performed exceptionally well in the trenches, compared with the other species, and with itself growing in Bool Lagoon. Total biomass was 15.4 kg/m2, AG/BG ratio was 6. Triglochin continued to grow vigorously throughout the winter and had a mean tissue concentration of 5.19 mg P, 22.63 mg N and 368 C/g dry weight.

These data suggest that the effective removal of nitrogen and phosphorus by harvesting was 5 times higher for Triglochin than for Baumea or Phragmites in the trenches. The nitrogen concentrations in Triglochin suggest a protein content of 16–18% which compares favourably with lucerne.
DEGRADATION OF STARCH PARTICULATES IN A HYBRID REACTOR
Authors: Fang Herbert H. P. , Kwong Tin-Sang
Published: May 2018

The study was conducted over 265 days to study the feasibility of removing starch particulates from wastewater using an 8.5 L reactor which was a hybrid between the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and the anaerobic filter reactors. At pH 7.2-7.5 and 37°C, the reactor was effective for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) from wastewater containing starch particulates equivalent to 5000 mglL of COD with 12 hours of retention time, corresponding to a loading rate of 10 g-COD/L.d. Despite their insoluble nature, the starch particulates did not cause noticeable adverse effeels on the granulation of biomass, probably due to its easy-to-biodegrade nature and the cautious startup strategy. About 5.8% of COD in wastewater remained in the effluent, 82.5% was converted to methane, and the remaining 11.7% was converted to granular biomass with an average sludge yield of 0.09 g-VSS/g-COD. The granules exhibited a layered microstructure. The methanogenic activity of the granular biomass was 0.86 g-methane-COD/g-VSS.d in the reactor, which was considerably lower than the 1.96 g-methane-COD/ g-VSS.d measured in serum vials with an abundant supply of substrate, suggesting that further increase of loading rates was possible for the hybrid reactor.
Potential Use of Irrigation Drains as Wetlands
Authors: Bowmer K. H. , Bales M. , Roberts J.
Published: May 2018

There are over 6000 km of irrigation drains in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia. The maintenance of aquatic plants may be critical to the utility of the watercourses in scavenging nutrients, yet the plants are often removed by extensive herbicide spraying and large-scale mechanical excavation and desilting. Results for four out of five experiments showed that water clarity improved when vegetation was left unmanaged. High concentrations of inflowing nitrate from subsurface tile drainage was quickly dissipated. There was an unexpectedly poor correlation between turbidity and phosphorus concentration overall; but in four experiments concentrations of total phosphorus declined during transport through vegetated stretches of channel. There was an important interaction between plant cover and sediment bioperturbation, since in bare stretches of channel the roiling of carp increased the concentrations of suspended sediments and nutrients. Irrigation drainage water quality may be improved by management of aquatic plants to trap suspended paniculate load and reduce the effects of carp.
TREATMENT OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER BY A MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR: RESULTS OF A SEMI-INDUSTRIAL PILOT-SCALE STUDY
Authors: Trouve E. , Urbain V. , Manem J.
Published: May 2018

Membrane bioreactors (MBR) represent a new generation of processes that can be applied to the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater. Their main advantage is their ability to keep all biomass in the bioreactor, thus removing all suspended solids from the treated water and disinfecting it according to the membrane cut-off threshold. Perfect control as well as separation of hydraulic (HRT) and biomass retention times (SRT) also means better control of biological activity. Treatment of municipal wastewater on a semi-industrial aerobic pilot-scale MBR (HRT: 24 hr; SRT: 25 days) resulted in complete nitrification and from 93 to 99.9% removal of COD, N-NH3 and suspended solids. The COD removed loading rate was equal to 0.2 kg/kg VSS.day and the average sludge production was around 0.2 kgSS/kgCOD. Filtration through 0.1 µm ceramic hollow fibres (Surface = 1.1 m2) under moderate conditions (1.5 to 3.5 m/s; TMP < 2 bars) maintained good flow rates of 60 to 80 1/hr at 20°C for over 15 days without chemical washing. The performances shown here over a total period of 100 days emphasize perfect stability of the MBR process in treating municipal wastewater.
Microbial Ecology of Constructed Wetlands Used for Treating Pulp Mill Wastewater
Authors: Hatano Kazunori , Frederick Douglas J. , Moore James A.
Published: May 2018

Objectives were to evaluate microbial populations in two free-water surface (FWS) constructed wetland cells receiving secondary treated pulp-mill wastewater, identify the microorganisms having decomposition activity of selected organic substances and discuss diversity of actinomycetes isolated from soil, plant and wastewater samples.

The populations of microorganisms in soil samples in the two wetland cells showed similar size in both cells; 6–7 × 106 cfu/g, 0.7–1.0 × 106 cfu/g, and 0.8–1.0 × 104 cfu/g, respectively, for total bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi. The population of bacteria in wastewater was similar in size to bacteria isolated from soil, but those of actinomycetes and fungi exhibited a very small size: 2–3 × 103 cfu/ml and only about 10 cfu/ml, respectively. In the populations on the surface of bulrush stems, the number of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi found on the top portion of the stems was 4 × 105 cfu/cm2, 1.4 × 103 cfu/cm2 and 0.5 × 102 cfu/cm2, respectively. Actinomycetes and fungi occurred in very low numbers on the bottom of stems. More than 90% of actinomycetes isolated from the wetland cells had amylase activity, and 60 and 25% of them had chitinase and xylanase activity, respectively. Approximately 70 and 50% of fungi had protease and amylase activities, respectively. Fungi also had xylanase activity in about 40% of isolates. On the other hand, about 40% of bacteria exhibited protease activity, but a very low proportion of them had chitinase and xylanase activities. The number of actinomycete species isolated from wastewater and the surface of plant stems was restricted in comparison to that of actinomycetes isolated from soil.
Wetland Treatment of Pulp Mill Wastewater
Authors: Moore J. A. , Skarda S. M. , Sherwood R.
Published: May 2018

Ten wetland ponds, each 1430 m2 (1/3 acre) in area are being utilized to evaluate the treatment of wastewater from a pulp mill. The ponds are being operated at a depth of 46 cm (18″) and detention times are 2 and 10 days. Six of the ponds have been planted to cattails (Typha latifolia) and three to bulrush (Scirpus acutus). One of the ponds is filled with large (150 mm) stone to compare a subsurface non-plant system.

In 24 stock tanks, 8 aquatic plant species (Cattail, Hardstem Bulrush, Bolander's Rush, Common Spike Rush, Water Mannagrass, Beaked Sedge, Water Parsley and Yellow Pond Lily) are being grown to evaluate the effect of plants in the wetland treatment of wastewater. These same species are being evaluated in a larger area for competitiveness and hardiness in the wastewater.

The ponds were planted in the winter of 1990/91. Results of this work on treatment of biochemical oxygen demand, solids and colour removal will be reported. Removals are in the range of 55%, 70% and less than 5% for the three parameters, respectively.
Factors Affecting Nitrogen Removal in Horizontal Flow Reed Beds
Authors: Platzer Chr , Netter R.
Published: May 2018

We have evaluated nitrogen removal at three treatment plants (mannersdorf, Germerswang, See) in order to determine the relationship between effluent temperature, evapotranspiration, substratum, loading rates and the different types of nitrogen.

The results showed a very high and almost complete denitrification. In most of the plants nitrification was the limiting factor. Evapotranspiration was found to be one of the strongest factors supporting nitrification. Influence of the effluent temperature was significantly lower. Investigations on influence of the substratum showed better results for nitrification and denitrification on fine material containing clay. Conclusions for research and plant design are given.
Upgrading municipal wastewater treatment by operational means, using chemical unit processes
Authors: Hahn Hermann H.
Published: May 2018

There is a need for alternative, less costly wastewater treatment concepts. Upgrading existing treatment units by the inclusion of a precipitating and coagulating stage has proven an economically attractive alternative. The technological boundary conditions are well known and can be described in terms of necessary chemical dosages and resulting reduction ratios in pertinent wastewater constituents. Decision makers can be convinced of the significant savings in economic and ecological terms when such upgrading or phase-wise construction of needed treatment capacity is effected by chemicals dosing, using existing installations for the necessary liquid-solid separation. The costs of such pollution control measures are well-known and can be calculated for given boundary conditions. The benefits in a broader ecological sense are difficult to quantify. Direct cash savings result, however, when wastewater charges, owed for the discharge of less treated wastewater streams can be significantly reduced by the addition of such chemical stages. If the incremental costs of such additional stages are lower than the saved wastewater charge expenses, then real net benefits result. These have been calculated for two proven concepts of treatment plant upgrading.
A water-quality history of the Blackstone River, Massachusetts, USA: implications for Central and Eastern European Rivers
Authors: Shanahan Peter
Published: May 2018

The Blackstone River is a relatively small river that drains the area around Worcester, Massachusetts, one of first industrialized cities in the United States. Until the 1970s, the river was highly polluted by industrial and municipal wastewaters--not unlike the current situation in degraded rivers in areas of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Today, the Blackstone enjoys considerably improved water quality as the result of two historical processes: continuing investment and improvement in municipal wastewater treatment in response to increasingly stringent U.S. federal water-quality laws, and the control or elimination of industrial discharges. A key factor in the river's restoration was the early development of and continued adherence to a comprehensive basin water-quality plan. A similar planning process is recommended for CEE countries. Nonetheless, achieving acceptable water quality in the Blackstone was a slow process, requiring decades of intensive improvement in wastewater treatment. A similarly slow process can be anticipated in the CEE countries unless cost-effective interim improvements in wastewater treatment are sought.
The environmental programme for the Danube River Basin
Authors: Rodda D. W.
Published: May 2018

The Programme has the objective of providing a regional approach to environmental management in the Danube River Basin where there is great pressure from a diverse range of human activities. Serious pollution problems exist from urban populations, from industry, and from intensive agricultural practices. Although the water quality of the main Danube river is probably better than the Rhine because of its greater flow, the same is not the case in the tributaries where there the problems are more serious. A factor which makes a compelling case for a regional approach is the deterioration of the Black Sea into which the main Danube river discharges significant loads of nutrients and a range of non-degradable contaminants. The application of limited financial resources will require fine judgement about the high priority pollution sources that will lead to cost-effective improvements. This action, and other technical assistance, also requires a considerable effort to strengthen the organisations having responsibility for environmental management, and to develop effective public participation. The paper emphasises the water pollution problems in the river basin.
The effect of Budapest on the water quality of the Danube
Authors: Benedek Pál , Darázs Atilla , Major Veronika , Oszkó Károly
Published: May 2018

The Danube flowing across Hungary is a moderately polluted river, at least in its middle stretch, where its greatest polluter is Budapest with 2 million inhabitants and a large industrial complex. Serving the river for drinking water supply, as well, it is obvious that the pollution control for the capital is of paramount importance. There is a 20 year planning concept for the improvement of the sewerage, wastewater treatment and storm water outfall. This long term plan, together with its impact on the water quality of the river and the review of the present conditions, are investigated in this paper.
Proposals for the integrated management of the shared transboundary water resources of the Jordan River Basin
Authors: Shuval Hillel
Published: May 2018

The Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians, Syrians and Lebanese share a common geography and a common hydrology on the Jordan River Basin. This paper presents proposals for the establishment of an International Jordan River Joint Commission to manage the water quantity and quality questions of shared transboundary water resources of the Jordan River Basin. The approach proposed is to base the solution of the quantity questions on the concept of equitable apportionment to meet the minimum human and social needs for survival as expressed in the Helsinki Rules drafted by the International Law Association. It is proposed that the method of a fair and equitable water allocation defined as the Minimum Water Requirement-MWR should be equal amount of water -- 125 cubic metres/person/year, for essential human survival needs including domestic consumption and urban/industrial use with only a minimal allocation for local production of fresh vegetables. It is proposed that all five riparians share in the responsibility of managing the environmental aspects of the shared waters as well as sharing in the obligation to assist, in proportion to their available resources, those riparians -- Jordan and the Palestinians, who will be unable, in the future, to meet their Minimum Water Requirement-MWR needed for survival.
Achieving pollution prevention goals for transboundary waters through international joint commission processes
Authors: Duda A. M.
Published: May 2018

Across the world, transboundary water pollution interferes with man's use of water, degrades aquatic ecosystems, causes human health impacts, and increases tensions between nations. While developing nations are just beginning to assess the extent of transboundary water quality degradation, developed countries have learned over the years that pollution prevention, not cleanup actions or end-of-pipe treatment is the most cost-effective approach to fighting water pollution. The extent of transboundary water pollution across the world is reviewed in the paper, and key elements are outlined for addressing pollution prevention needs through joint institutions as part of international commissions. The Great Lakes/St. Lawrence River basin in North America is used as an example of where multimedia pollution prevention initiatives are being implemented to resolve transboundary pollution problems. The joint institutions for the Great Lakes cleanup utilized under the auspices of the International Joint Commission (U.S. and Canada) are described. Lessons learned from this experience include: (1) significance of multimedia pollution prevention measures to address toxic substances, (2) use of ecosystem-based, watershed approaches targeted to high priority catchments, and (3) political advantages of employing joint institutions to facilitate progress, undertake oversight and verification functions, foster public participation, and establish credibility and trust among the parties through joint fact-finding.
Institutional and legislative structure of water quality management in Turkey
Authors: Burak Selmin , Gönenç I. Ethem , Erol Arzu
Published: May 2018

This paper examines the administrative and legal structure of the wastewater sector in Turkey, identifying its shortcomings and their causes, and suggests solutions. The study begins by outlining the existing administrative and legal structure, then focusing on the areas where difficulties are faced and seeking solutions to them. Those administrative and legal facets which have produced improvements and/or function effectively have been analysed so as to provide examples for other areas. When examining the sector it was observed that problems common to every area are the failure to adequately define powers and responsibilities, the lack of coordination between sectoral organisations, and the fact that attention is generally concentrated on routine matters of secondary importance. The fact that numerous organisations share powers in the same area causes confusion. Plurality also creates difficulties where enforcement is concerned. The existence of more than one set of regulations relating to the same area gives rise to loopholes. At the same time, unrealistic, and hence unenforceable standards undermine the effectiveness of sanctions. It has been concluded that a single organisation should be invested with the legal powers to lay down the principles of water management, that environmental courts should be set up to enforce legislation by means of sanctions; and that for this purpose existing legislation should be reexamined and revised as necessary and/or brought up to date.
High rate and compact single sludge pre-denitrification process for retrofit
Authors: Emori Hiroyshi , Nakamura Hiroki , Sumino Tatsuo , Takeshima Tadashi , Motegi Katsuzo , Tanaka Kazuhiro
Published: May 2018

For the sewage treatment plants near rivers and closed water bodies in urbanized areas in Japan and European countries, there is a growing demand for introduction of advanced treatment processes for nitrogen and phosphorus from the viewpoints of water quality conservation and environmental protection. In order to remove nitrogen by the conventional biological treatment techniques, it is necessary to make a substantial expansion of the facility as compared with the conventional activated sludge process. In such urbanized districts, it is difficult to secure a site and much capital is required to expand the existing treatment plant. To solve these problems, a compact single sludge pre-denitrification process using immobilized nitrifiers was developed. Dosing the pellets, which are suitable for nitrifiers growth and physically durable, into the nitrification tank of single sludge pre-denitrification process made it possible to perform simultaneous removal of BOD and nitrogen in a retention time equal to that in the conventional activated sludge process even at the low water temperature of about 10 °C. The 3,000 m3/d full-scale conventional activated sludge plant was retrofitted and has been successfully operated.
Study on phosphorus removal using a new coagulation system
Authors: Xie Weimin , Kondo Masao , Naito Yuzuru
Published: May 2018

In this study, the conditions for coagulation and filtration to gain high phosphorus removal efficiency were investigated with a coagulation-filtration phosphorus removal system and its practicability was confirmed. Sand of 0.6 mm in diameter, anthracite of 1.2 mm in diameter and a mixture of both were examined as a filter media, and the dual filter bed proved to be superior in the aspects of pressure drop and breakthrough. This system can be operated continuously for over 20 hours. A blocked filter bed can be recovered by backwashing. Over 80% phosphorus removal efficiency is achieved at an LV of under 5.0 m·hr−1. when the PAC dose is controlled so that the A1/P mole ratio would be 3.0 for the first period, and then subsequently around 2.0. Flocs caught in the filter further adsorb the soluble phosphorus in the wastewater, thus the chemical requirement can be reduced compared to the chemical precipitation method.
Continuous high-rate removal of chromate in a fluidised bed without sludge generation
Authors: Aktor Henrik
Published: May 2018

The objective of the work presented here was to investigate the catalysing effect of iron oxyhydroxide on the redox reaction between ferrous iron and chromate. This was done in a bench-scale upflow reactor containing an expanded sand medium (fluid-bed reactor), where continous chemical addition, reaction and solid-liquid separation take place. Removal efficiencies of chromate in excess of 99% were attainable on spiked tapwater corresponding to an outlet concentration of 0.01 mg/l. Chromate polluted groundwater from a fly-ash disposal site was treated in the first full-scale plant (3 m3/h) with good results as well. The waste product generated by this method is a very compact granulate with a specific density of approx. 3 kg/l and low water content. Operation of the compact plant is simple and chemicals cost very little (approx. US D 1/400 per m3). The method (patent pending) is recommended for remediation purposes, but may also be applied in treatment of industrial wastewaters.
Enhancement of PCB congener biodegradation by pre-oxidation with Fenton's reagent
Authors: Yang Sheng Yao , Carberry Judith Bower
Published: May 2018

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were widely used in a number of industrial applications for about 60 years and became distributed extensively in the environment due to their insolubility and persistence. Biodegradability of some PCB congeners has been confirmed by previous work, indicating degradation mechanisms involving dechlorination and cometabolism. Slow microbial conversions can be enhanced by pre-oxidation with Fenton's reagent (FR) to assist microbial decomposition of PCB congeners. In this study two model PCB congeners, 4,4′-dichlorobiphenyl (DCB) and 2,2′,4,4′,6,6′-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) were used as model PCBs. Bioremediation of artificially PCB-contaminated soil was measured by gas chromotography using an electron capture detector. Soil samples, both treated with FR and untreated, were subjected to constant temperature degradation tests using a selected microbial consortium for PCBs. Statistically different biodegradation rate constants were obtained for the two model PCB congeners when FR pre-oxidation was carried out at an optimum pH of 3, compared with an unpretreated comparable system. The rate constant for HCB was 5 times greater for the pretreated system, and up to 3 times greater for DCB.
A Hypothesis for the Causes and Control of Anoxic-Aerobic (AA) Filament Bulking in Nutrient Removal Activated Sludge Systems
Authors: Casey T. G. , Wentzel M. C. , Ekama G. A. , Loewenthal R. E. , Marais GvR
Published: May 2018

From laboratory research and a literature review of the biochemical pathways of aerobic-facultative heterotrophic organisms, an hypothesis is proposed for the proliferation of anoxic-aerobic (AA) filamentous organisms in nitrification-denitrification (ND) and nitrification-denitrification biological excess phosphorus removal (NDBEPR) systems. In activated sludge, under anoxic conditions floc-forming organisms execute the denitrification of nitrate (NO3−) through each of the denitrification intermediates to dinitrogen (N2), in the process of which the intermediate nitric oxide (NO) is accumulated intracellularly. Intracellular NO is inhibitory to the utilization of oxygen in the subsequent aerobic zone. In contrast, the filamentous organisms execute only part of the denitrification pathway, i.e. the reduction of NO3− to NO2−; they do not accumulate NO and hence are not inhibited in the subsequent aerobic zone. Thus in anoxic-aerobic systems, floc-formers are placed at a disadvantage in the aerobic zone giving an advantage to the filaments in the competition for substrate. Experimental evidence to support this hypothesis is presented and a tentative proposal of a strategy for control of AA filament proliferation is described and tested experimentally.
Contact Zone: French Practice with Low F/M Bulking Control
Authors: Pujol R. , Canler J. P.
Published: May 2018

A study of twelve wastewater treatment plants in France confirms the effectiveness of the contact zone technique in controlling sludge bulking (with a reduction in the Sludge Volume Index in 91% of cases) and foaming (improvement of the situation in 75% of the cases). The study focused on low-F/M activated sludge units in which organisms such as Microthrix p. or type 0041 (characteristic of these plants) were identified. Contact zones do not entail any major limitations, a fact which advocates their use in this type of treatment facility. Rational operation of the plant (in terms of aeration and sludge production) and compliance with a few simple rules will ensure effective use of this technology.
Non-Filamentous Activated Sludge Bulking Caused by Zoogloea
Authors: Novák L. , Larrea L. , Wanner J. , García-Heras J. L.
Published: May 2018

An abundant growth of zoogloeal colonies was observed periodically during some experiments carried out on a bench-scale plant fed with a complex synthetic wastewater. The plant had a configuration with an enhanced regeneration-denitrification-nitrification (R-D-N) activated sludge process for low alkalinity wastewaters.

Several operational changes were undertaken in order to suppress the excessive growth of zoogloeal colonies. They included: (1) changes in the wastewater composition, (2) volume changes in the compartmentalization of the anoxic selector, (3) increase of D.O. concentration in the regeneration and nitrification tanks.

Conclusions from the plant operation observations give rise to a hypothesis that none of the operational changes provoked a significant restriction in the abundant zoogloeal growth. When a temporary improvement was observed, after acclimatization on the new operational conditions the microorganisms culture returned to its previous state and continued to grow in a wave-mode. The reason for the appearance of this type of sludge might be closely related to the composition of the synthetic wastewater.
Growth Characteristics of Activated Sludges Acclimated to para-Nitrophenol in Batch and Continuous Modes
Authors: Matsui Y. , Yamaguchi F. , Suwa Y. , Urushigawa Y.
Published: May 2018

Activated sludges were acclimated to p-nitrophenol (PNP) in two operational modes, a batch and a continuous. The operational mode of the PNP acclimation of activated sludges strongly affected the physiological characteristics of predominant microorganisms responsible for PNP degradation. Predominant PNP degraders in the sludge in batch mode (Sludge B) had lower PNP affinity and were relatively insensitive to PNP concentration. Those of the sludge in continuous mode (Sludge C), on the other hand, had very high PNP affinity and were sensitive to PNP. MPN enumeration of PNP degraders in sludge B and C using media with different PNP concentrations (0.05, 0.2,0.5 and 2.0 mM) supported the above results. Medium with 0.2 mM of PNP did not recover PNP degraders in sludge C well, while it recovered PNP degraders in sludge B as well as the medium with 0.05 mM did. When switching from one operational mode to the other, the predominant population in sludge B shifted to the sensitive group, but that of sludge C did not shift at the given loading of PNP, showing relative resistance to inhibitive concentration.
Influence of the digested cod concentration on the alkalinity requirement in anaerobic digesters
Authors: van Haandel Adrianus C.
Published: May 2018

pH value and stability in anaerobic digesters are governed by the carbonic system. An expression is derived to determine the alkalinity requirement for maintaining a desired pH value in an anaerobic digester. The requirement is calculated from stoichiometric relationships and depends on measurable parameters of the influent (notably concentration of digestible material, influent VFA, alkalinity, acidity and organic nitrogen concentration) and operational conditions (temperature, recycle of effluent and/or biogas). The derived expression is applied to three cases of anaerobic digestion: dilute waste water (sewage), concentrated waste water (vinasse) and sludge. In each case it was calculated if the influent alkalinity was sufficient to maintain an adequate pH for digestion and when it was not, what was the alkalinity requirement to maintain the desired pH value. The calculated values of pH and alkalinity demand compared well with experimental data.
The Clean Technology Incentive Scheme of the State of Victoria, Australia
Authors: Connor M. A. , Reeve D.
Published: May 2018

Over the past decade environment protection policies have placed increasing emphasis on waste minimisation and cleaner production techniques. The Environment Protection Authority in Victoria, Australia, has sought to encourage waste minimisation by establishing a Clean Technology Incentive Scheme. This Scheme makes available secured interest-free loans of up to $100,000 to selected small and medium-sized companies proposing to install proven yet innovative waste reducing technology. Applications are evaluated by a Review Committee drawn from a diversity of backgrounds. The technical feasibility, innovativeness, environmental benefits and financial soundness of proposals are assessed and a short-list of potential loan recipients prepared. The managerial competence and financial status of short-listed applicants is checked before loans are made. The Scheme was established in 1988 and since then 35 offers of loans have been made. Whilst the newness of the Scheme makes evaluation of its long-term effectiveness premature, results to date are encouraging. Case studies of three especially successful projects are presented.
Effects of sulfate concentration and sludge retention time on the interaction between methane production and sulfate reduction for butyrate
Authors: Mizuno O. , Li Y. Y. , Noike T.
Published: May 2018

The effects of sulfate concentration and COD/S ratio on the anaerobic degradation of butyrate were investigated by using 2.0 L anaerobic chemostat-type reactor at 35°C. The study was conducted over a wide range of the COD/S ratio (1.5 to 148) by varying COD concentrations (2500–10000 mg/L) and sulfate concentrations (68–1667 mg-S/L) in the substrate. The sludge retention time at each COD/S ratio was changed from 5 to 20 days. The interaction between methane producing bacteria (MPB) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was evidently influenced by COD/S ratio in the substrate. When COD/S ratio was 6.0 or more, methane production was the predominate reaction and over 80% of the total electron flow was used by MPB. At the COD/S ratio of 1.5, SRB utilzed over 50% of the total electron flow. A large amount of sulfate reduction resulted in not only the decrease of methane production, but also the rapid increase of the bacterial growth. The degradation pathway of butyrate and the composition of bacterial populations in the reactor were also dominated by COD/S ratio. In sulfate depleted condition, butyrate was degraded to methane via acetate and hydrogen by MPB. On the other hand, butyrate was firstly degraded into sulfide and acetate in sulfate rich conditions by SRB, and the produced acetate was then degraded by acetate consuming MPB and SRB. The methanogenesis from acetate was inhibited by the high concentration of sulfide.
SO2 Emission Reduction through the use of the “Humid Oxidation Process”
Authors: Fink Jurgen
Published: May 2018

BAYER A.G. in Germany developed the “HUMID OXIDATION PROCESS” to reduce SO2 emissions which was first implanted industrially in their factory at Uerdingen in 1981. From that time the plant has operated successfully complying to German environmental law requirements. The unit to be installed in TIBRÁS consists of six reactors supplied with activated carbon beds which will remove the SO2 (0.11 volume percent) contained in the residual gases (150,000 cubic meters per hour) produced in three rotary calciner kilns. The SO2 reacts with water in the carbon pores forming diluted sulfuric acid. The activated carbon is fabricated from coke from peat. The “Weak Acid” of approximately 10 to 15 per-cent H2SO4 concentration is reused in the titanium dioxide pigment process. The project will be concluded by December 1993 and will start up in January 1994. The realization of this investment of approximately US$8,500,000 (eight and one half million dollars) will reduce TIBRÁS SO2 emissions by 50 (fifty) to 85 (eighty-five) per-cent in addition to eliminating two stacks.
Approaches and Practices Related to Hazardous Waste Management, Processing and Final Disposal in Germany and Brazil
Authors: Passos J. A. L. , Pereira F. A. , Tomich S.
Published: May 2018

A general overview about the actual management and processing of hazardous waste in Germany and Brazil is presented in this paper. Emphasis has been given to the new technologies and practices adopted in both countries, with a comparison of the legislation, standards and natural trends. The case studies of two large industrial hazardous waste sites are described in detail: ZVSMM - Zweckverband Sondermull Entsorgung Mittelfranken at Schwabach in Germany and CETREL Industrial Landfill and Incineration Unit at Camaçarí - Brazil.
Monitoring of Fugitive Emissions in Petrochemical Plant
Authors: Figliuolo Brandão Rozilda
Published: May 2018

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a third of the emissions into the atmosphere in some industrial plants is due to Fugitive Emissions. It defines Fugitive Emissions as the diffuse release of volatile organic compounds (VOC) or hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, through pumps, valves, connections, open-ended lines, compressors, etc., establishing emission patterns and monitoring frequency. COPENE Petroquimica do Nordeste S/A has been implanting a program of fugitive emissions adapted to the reality, trying to promote a continuous improvement in its employees' working conditions and in environmental protection. This paper presents the methodology for the elaboration of this program and the conclusions of some surveys which were already completed.
Independent Environmental Audit at Copene – First Results of a Partnership
Authors: de Abreu Pereira Vera L. , de Magalhães Luiz Eduardo R. , Costa Jorge Tadeu S.
Published: May 2018

This paper presents the first experiences and results in the implantation of a pioneer model in environmental monitoring. The program consists of the partnership agreement between COPENE PETROQUíMICA S.A and the PROMON ENGENHARIA LTDA and SGS DO BRASIL S.A consortium, for wastewater and groundwater monitoring. With the implantation of a laboratory and the development of analytical and sampling methods some practical results, such as flow reduction in the organic wastewaters and organic load in the final effluents, were obtained in the very first year of activities. A complete follow-up system was installed and a sophisticated data base was developed and implanted for complete and quick information updating. Team work between the consortium, the COPENE (GESIMA/DENAM) environmental department and the operational and process areas wasdecisive in obtaining the first and future results.A physical chart showing the next activities to be accomplished is presented in this paper, as well as the results and objectives of this program.
Technical Standards for the Construction of Hazardous Waste Landfills in Germany Documented at the Hazardous Waste Landfill Site at Raindorf
Authors: Schneck Werner
Published: May 2018

The most important German administrative regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste are described. In addition, some constructions at the landfill at Raindorf are introduced which have been installed to meet the demands of these regulations. Resulting from these experiences, several recommendations for the design and the construction of a modern, hazardous waste landfill are given.
Ecotoxicology of Waters under the Influence of a Petrochemical Complex
Authors: Noll R. , Zandonai V. , Ries M. A.
Published: May 2018

SITEL, Integrated Wastewater Treatment System of South Petrochemical Complex, operated by CORSAN, the State Sanitation Company, has been conducting toxicity tests since 1986 in order to complement the physico-chemical analyses which had been showing unsatisfactory results. These tests were to assess the performance of the tertiary stabilization ponds where fishes have been found with deformities since 1983.

Ever since then, toxicity tests have been a routine in SITEL's monitoring procedures, and although they do not indicate the agents, they inform the effects of the discharge of petrochemical effluents on the local biota, being one further step to secure and preserve local water resources.

This paper summarizes the regular monitoring and studies SITEL has conducted until now to evaluate the full environmental impact on waters in the area of influence of the effluents of the South Petrochemical Complex.