bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling of Flow and Transport Processes in Vyredox and Nitredox Subsurface Treatment Plants
Authors: Braester Carol , Martinell Rudolf
Published: May 2018

Vyredox plants are designed for in situ removal of iron and/or manganese, while Nitredox plants are designed for in situ removal of nitrates and nitrites. Both methods make use of bacteriological processes. A typical unit of a Vyredox plant comprises several injection wells, through which degassed aerated water is injected into the aquifer and a pumping well through which water, partly free of iron or manganese, is abstracted. A typical Nitredox plant comprises a number of injection-pumping wells located on the circumference of two concentric circles and a pumping well in the centre through which water, partly free of nitrates and iron and/or manganese, is produced. Water with the carbon nutrient is injected through the wells located on the outer circle, while the wells located on the inner circle play the role of the Vyredox injection wells. The Nitredox process is associated with the formation of nitrogen, which is removed through the wells located on the inner circle. Vyredox and Nitredox processes include flow phenomena, transport, chemical reactions and bacteriological processes. These phenomena are described and formulated mathematically as a first step in the mathematical modelling of such processes.
Problems in Czechoslovakia Regarding Methods of Removal of Nitrates from Drinking Water
Authors: Chalupa M.
Published: May 2018

Czechoslovak investigators have been studying the conditions necessary for active denitrifying organisms in the treatment of polluted groundwaters to be used for potable purposes. Heterotrophic denitrification has been investigated in artificial infiltration experiments at Tlumačov in South Moravia. Laboratory, model, pilot plant, and full scale experiments were carried out in situ in the natural rock aquifer of the headwaters of the Tři Dvory and Všetaty in Central Bohemia, and pilot plant experiments were undertaken using a biocatalyser in Břeclav. Polluted surface water and groundwater were applicated in the first stage of the experiments, and in the second stage, methyl and ethyl alcohol were tested. The experiments confirmed that more than 90% of the NO3-N could be removed, and up to 60% of the COD could be converted to biomass or CO2.
Migration of Soluble ASH Components from a Tip to Groundwater
Authors: Kempa E. S. , Jȩdrczak A.
Published: May 2018

An area used for storage of ash generated in a thermal power plant is located in an old gravel mine. The effluent from the ash pond is reclaimed and reused, without any treatment, for hydraulic transport of new ash. The pond has been used for about 12 years, and specific tests and groundwater analyses have been undertaken since 1975.

The concentration of inorganic constituents in the groundwater, measured at different distances from the pond, show that:–the concentration of inorganic substances decreases with distance from the pollution source;–an increase in the concentration of pollutants is found at the same points in consecutive years.

These patterns allow us to evaluate the influence of the ash pond on the soil environment and groundwater at the present time and in the future. With the help of the research mentioned and this specific case study, we are able to verify the model of migration of contaminants in soil.
Geochemical Modelling of Water-Rock Interaction in Deep Groundwater
Authors: Pitkänen P. , Pirhonen V. , Snellman M.
Published: May 2018

A deep borehole (1001 m deep) was drilled in a granitic intrusion in Lavia in southwestern Finland in 1984 within the framework of the site investigation programme for spent fuel disposal /1/. Groundwater samples were taken from five depths in the borehole in 1984-1985 /2/. This paper describes the attempts to evaluate the geochemical interaction between groundwater and bedrock minerals in the borehole.

The modelling of the water-rock interaction in the borehole was performed by using the geochemical codes PHREEQE and EQ 3/6. The modelling was principally performed with PHREEQE. For comparison some cases were also calculated with EQ3/6. Based on the chemical analysis of the water including also pH, Eh and temperature, the distribution of species in solution is solved by the aqueous model using mass action and mass balance equations. From the calculated distribution of species equilibrium partial pressures of gases are calculated, as well as the saturation state of the solution with respect to appropriate mineral phases. On the other hand based on the identified minerals the model was also used to calculate the dissolution of the minerals found in the borehole into water in order to test which minerals are the main sources of the elements in groundwater.

The major elements in groundwater were found to occur mainly in ionic form. The mineral saturation indexes (SI) are presented in Figure 1. Quartz is in equilibrium with water at every groundwater sampling level. The high saturation indexes found for kaolinite and muscovite are in agreement with the fracture minerals identified in the borehole. Calcite is dissolving at the depth of 94–99 m, which is in accordance with the distribution of calcite in factures. The behaviour of ores (pyrite, goethite and hematite) is analogous with mineral analyses of fractures. According to the fluid mineral stability diagram kaolinite is the stable mineral phase at the lower and upper sampling levels. At the depth 422–427 m the equilibrium is in the muscovite field.

Both SI- and fluid mineral stability diagrams indicate more stagnant groundwater conditions at the 422-427 m level than at the lower and uppermost sampling levels of the borehole.

According to the calculations based on the minerals found in the borehole the main sources for sodium and calcium are montmorillonite + albite and calcite + fluorite, respectively.

The results obtained so far are considered only tentative as they depend on several factors such as the correct thermodynamic constants, the accurate analysis of all dissolved species, the physico-chemical parameters and the composition of mineral phases, which all together control the solute content.
Waste Water Treatment at the WACKER CHEMIE Chemical-Petrochemical Plant, Burghausen, F.R.G.
Authors: Huber L. J.
Published: May 2018

Waste water treatment in larger chemical and petrochemical plants affords the application of all available technologies for pollution abatement.

Elimination of conventional and priority pollutants down to low concentrations in the effluent is necessary in the F.R.G. for the protection of surface waters. Special care is directed at chlorinated hydrocarbons.

The WACKER-CHEMIE plant at Burghausen which produces especially chlorinated and organic silicon compounds uses a great number of in-plant measures, pretreatment steps and finally a two-stage biological purification to attain a high effluent quality. Important in-plant measures comprise the perchlorination of all significant chloro-hydrocarbon residues and the conversion to tetrachloroethylene and the reclamation of hydrogenchloride in the production of vinylchloride. Waste waters from the manufacture of chlorinated hydrocarbons are pre-treated by steam stripping or adsorbtion to macromolecular resins. Final treatment is effected by purification in a high rate activated sludge plant followed by an aerated lagoon.
In-situ Adaptation of Activated Sludge by Shock Loading to Enhance Treatment of High Ammonia Content Petrochemical Wastewater
Authors: Alkhatib E. A. , Thiem L. T.
Published: May 2018

A unique method was developed to reduce high levels of ammonia in petrochemical wastewater by using a modified activated sludge process including both carbonaceous and nitrogenous oxidation. A pilot plant designed to control and measure dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and sludge age was constructed for this study. Petrochemical wastewater which was augmented by additions of ammonia to produce concentrations up to 390 mg/l was used as the influent waste to the pilot plant. The activated sludge biomass was adapted to the influent within the reactor by using a step-function shock loading procedure. After adaptation, the pilot plant was operated in the zero sludge wasting mode which resulted in a low excess sludge production rate and the prevention of nitrifier washout. After the biomass became adapted to the influent conditions, high percentage removals of ammonia, COD, BOD, and sulfide were measured.
Pollution Control – Regulation and Legal Provisions in India
Authors: Aggarwal A. N. , Karia V. K.
Published: May 2018

Immediately after independence in 1946, the Government of India resorted to rapid industrialization to minimize outside dependence and to improve the standard of living. This, while helping the country to grow, also created problems of environmental management. Rapid deterioration of natural resources forced the Government to enact a number of legislative measures and create regulatory agencies both at central and state government levels. These agencies were given powers to effectively implement various Acts. Severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, were envisaged for offenders of environmental Acts. Responsibilities were defined, to avoid a scapegoat approach. On the other hand, to reward industries showing a positive approach to environmental protection, a number of fiscal incentives and tax benefits were also offered. Recently, to provide more comprehensive legislation for the protection of all the components of the environment under a single agency, a new bill entitled the ‘Environmental Protection Bill, 1986' has been introduced in Parliament. This regulatory approach has started to show results, and more and more industries have started to provide pollution control facilities.
Energy Conservation at GNFC
Authors: Karia V. K. , Khamker R. K.
Published: May 2018

The conservation and recovery of energy have been given a very high priority at the Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Company Limited (GNFC), which owns the world's largest single stream ammonia and urea plants. Even smaller plants of the GNFC complex, such as the utilities section, are included in the energy conservation programme. After commissioning of the plants, a systematic study was made to identify those areas where the energy input could be reduced. A number of steps were taken, such as trimming pump impellers, synchronising timings of the operation of extra machinery with load needs, improving the quality of chemicals and the boiler feed water, reducing losses of compressed air, etc. As a result, the costs of energy inputs were reduced by nearly 25% in the utility plant, and 15% in the ammonia plant.
Recovery and Recycling of Liquid Effluent at GNFC – A Step towards Zero Effluent
Authors: Karia V. K. , Joshi V. S.
Published: May 2018

The Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Company Ltd (GNFC), a giant fertilizers and chemicals complex, owns the world's largest single stream ammonia and urea plants, and is located in the predominantly backward area of Bharuch District in Gujarat State, India. The company began commercial production on 1st July 1982. GNFC's performance as regards both capacity utilization and pollution control, has been good right from commissioning. Concerning pollution control, the company has adopted a productivity oriented approach which is entirely different from the usual ‘policeman' approach or ‘problem' approach. The company decided to find applications for each of the pollutants. Regarding liquid effluents, the company has successfully concluded a number of research and development projects as a result of which nearly 71% of the total volume of liquid effluent is put to productive use. This has helped the company to reduce the fresh water intake by about 18,000 m3/day (much more than the total volume of fresh water required by the whole of Bharuch city!). The remaining volume (29%) leaving GNFC premises completely conforms to irrigation standards and has been utilized by farmers for the last 5 years. This has resulted in a ‘mini green revolution' in the water-scarce area of Bharuch District. Since the entire effluent is either being recycled within the company or being used by farmers, the company has reached a stage of ‘zero effluent'. The company has also saved more than US$ 500,000 to date, by properly managing liquid effluent.
Optimizing Nitrification in Aeration Basins with Surface Aerators
Authors: Maier W. , Krauth Kh
Published: May 2018

The detailed evaluation of the data from the daily logbooks of municipal clarification plants led to the finding that the nitrification capability of the plants is in essence dependent on the BOD5- and nitrogen sludge load. The evaluation of the data showed that, above all, aeration units with surface aerators did not operate well in respect to nitrification. Comprehensive investigations of different clarification plants led to the identification of shortages in the oxygen content of the aeration basins as the main reason for these deficiencies.

The detailed examination of the results of these investigations shows clearly that in order to maintain low levels of ammonia nitrogen in the effluent, more attention must be paid to the factors influencing the oxygen concentration and distribution.
Microscopic Evaluation of Carbon and Phosphorus Accumulation in Nutrient Removal Activated Sludge Plants
Authors: Lötter Laurraine H. , Murphy Margaret
Published: May 2018

Successful phosphorus removal by a nutrient removal activated sludge plant, depends ultimately on the ability of the biomass to store carbon in the form of polyhydroxybutyrate and phosphate as polyphosphate. This study has shown that floc-forming cells in the aerobic zone of an efficient phosphorus removing plant contain large polyphosphate inclusions, and are usually larger in size than anaerobic zone cells. Monitoring the development of biomass in a new activated sludge plant by seeding with mixed liquor from the Johannesburg Goudkoppies Works, demonstrated the rapid formation of a typical activated sludge floc. The distinct differences between polyhydroxybutyrate and polyphosphate storage in the anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic zones observed in Goudkoppies sludge were however, not evident in the new plant until two weeks after start-up and the large clusters of polyphosphate containing bacteria were not observed until even later. The formation of large clusters of bacteria observed in phosphorus removing plants was considered contingent on the production of extracellular slime. This was borne out by the examination of various plants for the presence of extracellular slime, which revealed that the presence of this material correlates well with satisfactory phosphorus removal.
The Role of Strategies in the Development of Large Sewage Treatment Works
Authors: Lowe Paul
Published: May 2018

The development of three strategies covering the three largest sewage treatment works owned and operated by Yorkshire Water is described. The first deals with the problems of sludge disposal in a large urban conurbation containing 51 sewage works and producing 75,000 dry tonnes of sludge per annum. The second describes the advantages of centralising sewage treatment facilities at larger works where the need to invest in the sewerage network is limited. The third deals with the method of evaluation used to derive the development plan for a large works at Sheffield. It assumes that an ‘ideal' solution can be achieved using a ‘greenfield site' concept and compares this with the more pragmatic solution of renovation.
Hamburg Plans Sludge Drying
Authors: Sickert E.
Published: May 2018

A brief history of Hamburg's sludge disposal methods, including sea disposal, and centrifuging lime treatment before landfill is given. The latter process has been an interim measure since sea disposal was prevented in 1983 and the installation of a permanent plant is planned for 1990. This will incorporate heated sludge drying using digester gas and some trials of two different dryers and the financial and practical bases for the decision are discussed in the paper.
Some Recent Developments in Sewage Sludge Pumping
Authors: Lohmann J. H. , Garber W. F.
Published: May 2018

The pumping of sewage sludge solids is reviewed in terms of handling high and low viscosity materials with solids concentrations varying from about 4 % to perhaps 50 %. Knowledge of rheological characteristics including thixotropy is necessary in designing pumping systems with sludge solids percentages, volatile content, particle size, abrasives content and temperatures being variables which could change pump types found suitable from facility to facility. The characteristics of a sewage collection system is also important in determining pumping parameters needed in a treatment plant. Solids handling equipment from other industries have made significant contributions to sewage solids pumping in recent years. Included are moyno-type progressing cavity screw-centrifugal, recessed impeller rotation piston positive displacement, and two cylinder piston S-transfer positive displacement pumps. Pumping equipment used in the F.R.G. and in Southern California in the U.S.A. is remarkably similar. These types of pumps offer the possibility of designing optimum solids dewatering and transfer systems.
Variability of Toxic Trace Contaminants in Municipal Sewage Treatment Plants
Authors: Melcer Henryk , Monteith Hugh , Nutt Stephen G.
Published: May 2018

The variability of toxic trace contaminants in influents and effluents at three full-scale municipal sewage treatment plants was measured by collecting grab samples of degritted raw wastewater and non-chlorinated secondary effluent at two hour intervals over eight consecutive days. The samples were analyzed for metals, conventional contaminants and a range of organic trace contaminants.

The metals and volatile organic compounds were the dominant contaminants found in the influents. In the effluents, organic concentrations were close to detectable levels and polyaromatic hydrocarbons were almost never detected. Some influent metal and organic contaminants varied diurnally while others appeared to fluctuate randomly with periodic spike inputs. The variability of most effluent trace contaminant concentrations was considerably attenuated in comparison to influent concentrations.
Removal of Heavy Metals from Sediments by Mangroves in Jiulong Estuary, Xiamen Harbour, China
Authors: Yuduan Wu , Changyi Lu , Jiandong Huang , Yuling Lin
Published: May 2018

Sediment samples were collected from Jiulong Estuary (Xiamen Harbour, Fujian, China), where five major species of mangrove grow quite well, even though the levels of the heavy metals Cu, Pb, and Hg from anthropogenic sources in the sediments of the region are as high as 18.1 ppm, 59.2 ppm, and 0.14 ppm, respectively. The concentrations of Cu, Pb, Hg, Mn, Fe, and P in leachate from sediment leached with 0.5 N HCl, as well as the total carbon (TC) content and the texture index of the sediments, were determined. Multivariable statistical analysis was used to assess the experimental data. The removal of such heavy metals as Hg from sediments by mangroves was estimated to be up to 6.5% of the weakly bound species. The authors suggest that mangrove ecosystems may be used as a cheap method of treating industrial waste containing low levels of heavy metals.
Natural Tracers to Determine the Origin of Sediments and Suspended Matter from the Elbe Estuary
Authors: Salomons W. , Schwedhelm E. , Schoer J. , Knauth H.
Published: May 2018

The clay mineral composition, the concentrations of carbonates, the proportions of carbon and oxygen isotopes in carbonates and organic matter as well as the concentrations of different elements have been used to determine the origin of several grain size fractions of the sediment and the suspended matter from the Elbe estuary.

The clay mineral composition, especially the smectite-kaolinite proportion, demonstrated that solid material ≤µ* from the North Sea is transported up the river, about 50 km beyond the average position of the salt wedge. As far as the fraction 2-20µ is concerned, the upward transport of North Sea material was proved by the calcite concentration, the Ca:Sr proportion in total particulates and the isotopic composition of the carbonates, demonstrating a transport of at least 40 km beyond the marine water limit. The transport behavior of the grain size fraction 20-63µ could be determined by the Hf concentration. In this case, the distance of the transport beyond the salt wedge was around 30 km. The isotopic composition of the carbonates confirmed the landward transport of this fraction. The organic matter in the coarser fractions was partly derived from debris of marsh vegetation. Due to the contribution of sources within the estuary, information obtained from this tracer pertained to the origin of the organic matter only.

The results demonstrate the mixing between marine and fluvial sediments and transport of marine sediments past the salt wedge. This physical process occurs with chemical processes responsible for the observed decrease of pollutants concentrations in solid matter along the estuary. Additionally, the different amounts of the upstream transport distances of the investigated grain size fractions support the hypothesis of settling and scour lag induced particulate transport.
Development of a New Simulation Method for Suspended Sediment Transport in a Tidal River
Authors: Futawatari Tohru , Kusuda Tetsuya , Koga Kenichi , Araki Hiroyuki , Umita Teruyuki , Furumoto Katsuhiro
Published: May 2018

A one dimensional simulation model of suspended sediment transport in a tidal river was developed with erosion, deposition, and thickening processes of sediments, and inflow from tributaries. This model uses the explicit leapfrog method and its lower end boundary of the river is extended into the sea to close the boundary for calculation. Laboratory experiments were performed to determine erosional and depositional rates of sediments and to study the sediment thickening process in the river under various concentrations of chlorinity and suspended solids. Numerical simulation results with the parameter values obtained experimentally did not show good agreement with observed data. Modifying the parameter values according to physical phenomena was necessary to obtain good agreement in between. After the modification, computation results during a fortnightly cycle explain satisfactorily the sediment transport phenomena in this river.
On the Role of Fine Sediment Behaviour in Pollutant Transfer Modelling
Authors: Parker W. R.
Published: May 2018

The role played by fine cohesive sediment in the transport and recycling of pollutants arises from the often reversible partition of pollutants between the dissolved phase and surface sorbed phase. Adequate prediction requires that a realistic understanding of the physical behaviour of the fine sediment population of an area is coupled with the kinetics of the sorbtion/desorbtion equilibria at crucial stages in the fine sediment transport cycle. This paper examines the physical basis underlying the prediction of fine sediment transport, identifying processes and phenomena which are important in affecting predictions. Parameterisation of source and sink terms are seen to be areas of great uncertainty and model calibration requires the deployment of new, but available, technology.
Twelve Years of Observations of Mercury Concentrations in Yatsushiro Sea (Japan)
Authors: Miyahara S. , Schintu M. , Kauri T. , Kudo A.
Published: May 2018

The fate of the mercury which caused the tragedy of Minamata disease has been monitored for a period of 12 years determining mercury contents in the surface sediment of Yatsushiro Sea. Twenty-four sampling stations were selected over an area of 636 km2. Mercury concentrations, both organic and inorganic, in water were also determined within the Bay and the Sea in 1985. Mercury has been dispersing from the Bay to the Sea. From 1975 to 1986 there was a considerable increase of mercury contents in the surface sediments. However, there is no alarming level of mercury in the sediments of Yatsushiro Sea and the level is mostly less than 1 ppm. Mercury concentrations in the water of Minamata Bay were as much as 6 times higher compared to those of Yatsushiro Sea. The highest level in the Bay was 125.3 ng/l (total mercury) whereas the highest level in the Sea was 25.8 ng/l. The proportion of organic mercury in the total mercury ranged from 0.9% to 13.7 % in the Sea. The proportion was lower than those found in river waters.
Application of Basin Wide Ecological Models (Bawems) to the Fate of LAS in Tokyo Bay
Authors: Tokai A. , Morioka T.
Published: May 2018

The primary purpose of this study was to simulate the environmental fate of the homologues of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS). These were selected as representative chemicals with middle-range aquatic toxicity and environmental persistence, which are used in rather large amounts. A secondary purpose was to determine the composition ratio (i.e., the relative percentages of LAS homologues) of LAS products which results in the minimum risk potential in sediments. The following results were obtained from model simulations: 1. By applying basin wide ecological models (BAWEMs) to Tokyo Bay and the surrounding watershed, distribution patterns of LAS homologues in river water, river sediment, seawater, and sea sediment were relatively well simulated. 2. The minimum risk composition ratio of LAS, with the constraint of considering detergent cleaning capacity, is capable of reducing by about 60% the risk potential of the composition ratio of popularly supplied LAS. Reported composition ratios of LAS in existing consumer products are all in the same or rather low risk level categories. It can be concluded that one of the effective strategies of chemical risk management, particularly with reference to alkylbenzene-based synthetic detergents, is alteration of the composition ratio of LAS.
Development of the Flavor Profile Analysis Method into a Standard Method for Sensory Analysis of Water
Authors: Suffet I. H. , Brady B. M. , Bartels J. H. M. , Burlingame G. , Mallevialle J. , Yohe T.
Published: May 2018

The standard methods committee for the 1990 edition of Standard Methods for the Analysis of Water and Wastewater has decided to consider adding a new (provisional) method for the sensory analysis of drinking water - Flavor profile analysis (FPA). A series of issues must be addressed before FPA can become a standard method. The methodology (e.g., temperature of aroma samples, sniffing technique, use of cups vs. flasks, rest intervals between samples, maximum number of samples examined per session) must be standardized. Reference standards for odors must be developed and implemented in order to achieve consistent odor quality descriptions. Development of a flavor wheel can help aid the classification and identification of odors.
The Relationship between Concentration and Sensory Properties of 2-Methylisoborneol and Geosmin in Drinking Water
Authors: Ito T. , Okumura T. , Yamamoto M.
Published: May 2018

The study of the relations between the senses of smell and taste and odorant concentration is important for the solution of odor problems. The threshold concentrations of odor and taste (TOC, TTC) of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin were measured by the non-forced choice triangle method using 12-20 panelists. Both TOC and TTC were found to be functions of water temperature and the concentration of residual chlorine. The TOC and TTC of mixed samples were rather lower than the concentrations calculated from the mixing ratio. The sensitivities of the consumer panel and the number of musty odor complaints from consumers are related to MIB or geosmin concentration. The ratio of the number of complaints to MIB (or geosmin) concentration decreased after maximum complaint, but the sensitivity of the consumer panel remained the same.
The Detection of Taste and Odor in Osaka's Drinking Water
Authors: Sano H.
Published: May 2018

Laboratory and consumer panels were used to determine the threshold odor concentration(TOO of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin in water. The consumer panel was also used to assess the taste of tap water. The results showed that laboratory panel TOCs of MIB and geosmin were 4 and 94 ng/l respectively, while those of consumer panels were 12 and 360 ng/l respectively. In taste assessment, 8% of consumers assessed drinking water as offensive or bad even when the tap water wasn't contaminated by musty odor substances. However if it was contaminated by MIB at its TOC level, 17% of consumers assessed the water as offensive and bad.
Structure and Sensory Analyses of Tainting Substances in Finnish Freshwater Environments
Authors: Veijanen A. , Paasivirta J. , Lahtiperä M.
Published: May 2018

GC/MS/SNIFF/TASTE methods have been used in Finland to identify the causes of three tainting problems in water and one in fish nets. Structure determination was often verified by comparison with authentic compounds. Algal growth was implicated to be the source of geosmin and MIB in river water in Northern Finland and was associated with the appearance of tainting problems in raw water and reservoir water in Åland county. Terpenoids (e.g. camphor), degradation products of natural lipids (e.g. aldehydes, ketones and unsaturated aliphatic compounds) and volatile organohalogen compounds were frequently found in contaminated water but showed minor tainting effects compared to geosmin and MIB. Di-tert.-butyl-p-cresol and chlorobenzene also produced only minor tainting effects.
Chemistry of Off-Flavours in Marine Organisms
Authors: Whitfield F. B.
Published: May 2018

Edible marine and fresh-water organisms are occasionally affected by off-flavours and taints. In coastal and estuarine areas near industrial sites the contamination is usually by compounds of industrial origin. However, unpolluted environments can also be a source of off-flavour compounds. For example, earthy/muddy off-flavours are caused by bioaccumulation of metabolites produced during algal blooms. Recent studies have also shown that garlic and iodoform-1ike off-flavours in marine crustacea are caused by compounds which can occur naturally in algae, bryozoa and debris. Compounds derived from these sources include the extremely potent trimethylarsine, 2-bromophenol and 2,6-dibromophenol. This paper examines the biological origins of such compounds, including their possible production from non-odorous precursors, and discusses their chemistry with special reference to their identification, quantitative analysis and sensory properties.
A Simple Extraction Procedure for Moderately Volatile Taste and Odor Compounds Such as Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol – Method and Applications
Authors: Brownlee B. G. , Gammie L. , Gummer Wm D. , MacInnis G. A.
Published: May 2018

An extraction procedure is described which is the basis for a convenient method for analysis of large numbers of water samples for 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin. The samples are extracted in a 2 1 volumetric flask by stirring with two small volumes of hexane or pentane. An internal standard is added to the dried extracts which are concentrated and analyzed by capillary gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector. Hexane gives better recoveries than pentane, and moderate to high stirring speeds are required. At 250 ng 1−1, hexane extraction is 49%±8% efficient for MIB and 59%±7% for geosmin at moderate stirring speeds. The detection limit is about 20 ng 1−1. This method has been used to analyze for MIB and geosmin in several Canadian water supplies and has been in use since 1984 at the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant to monitor geosmin for various studies: a preliminary survey prior to startup of granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration for taste and odor control, monitoring performance of the GAC filters, and measuring release of geosmin from algae during pre-chlorination.
Identification of Volatile Metabolites Produced by Blue-Green Algae
Authors: Tsuchiya Y. , Matsumoto A.
Published: May 2018

Some of the volatile metabolites of eight species of blue-green algae of the genera Oscillatoria, Phormidium, Aphanizomenon, and Anabaena were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). As a result, five sesquiterpene alcohols (C15H26O) and two sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (germacrene-D and γ-cadi-nene) were detected in the cultures of Oscillatoriasplendida. O. amoena, and Anabaenamacrospora. Three aliphatic hydrocarbons (n-heptadecane,1-heptadecene and 7-methylheptadecane) were also identified in the cultures of most of these algae. None of these compounds appeared to impart an unpleasant taste or odor to water supplies.
Odor Decomposition by an Immobilized Crude Enzyme
Authors: Sumitomo H. , Ohmura Y. , Ito S. , Takaya R.
Published: May 2018

A crude enzyme or protein which can decompose 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) was isolated by ultrasonic methods from a yeast of the Candidasp. The ability of this enzyme to decompose MIB was investigated under different chemical conditions and the effects of glucose, ethanol, and adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) on this decomposition reaction were tested empirically. The crude enzyme was immobilized in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) disk, which was used to study the decomposition of MIB at the laboratory scale.
Nitrogen and the Threshold Odor Number Produced by an Actinomycete Isolated from Lake Sediments
Authors: Lind Owen T. , Katzif Samuel D.
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study was to determine environmental factors which favor the production of Threshold Odor Number (TON) by an Actinomycete (Streptomyces sp.) isolated from a reservoir with frequent taste and odor problems. The isolate was cultured under varying conditions of form and concentration of nitrogen. Geosmin produced by the isolate was identified by GC-MS. The effect of form and concentration of nitrogen was measured as TON by an odor panel. ANOVA indicated that the TON and the cell biomass varied with the concentration of nitrogen but not the form of nitrogen supplied. There was a significantly greater TON with higher concentrations (75 to 600 µg N l−1) of nitrate and ammonia nitrogen but not organic nitrogen. Cell biomass increased with nitrate and organic nitrogen but not ammonia nitrogen. On the other hand, TON per unit biomass (specific TON) varied with the form of nitrogen but not the concentration. Specific TON was greater with ammonia nitrogen than with either nitrate or organic nitrogen. Although the differences in specific TON with concentration were not significant, rank correlation analysis showed that high values of specific TON were associated with higher values of nitrate and ammonia nitrogen. These laboratory data support field observations that taste and odor episodes occur in the reservoir after rainfall events that supply pulses of nitrogen to the system.
Odorous Algal Cultures in Culture Collections
Authors: Persson Per-Edvin
Published: May 2018

The IAWPRC Specialist Group on Tastes and Odours collected a list of odorous algal cultures available from culture collections around the world. A list of 42 algal strains is presented, supplemented by data on their odour, purity and where to obtain them.
Water Treatment Systems and Technology for the Removal of Odor Compounds
Authors: Hattori K.
Published: May 2018

Compounds responsible for a musty odor in Lake Biwa have been detected at Isoshima Point in the Yodo river, the intake point of the Murano Purification Plant of Osaka Prefectural Government. 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin have been measured at maximum concentrations in raw water of 103 ng/l and 362 ng/l, respectively (1983–1986). The rapid sand filtration system normally in use has a low efficiency for the removal of such odor compounds, so a study of the following removal technologies: powdered and granular activated carbon (PAC,GAC), ozone and bio-film, was undertaken. The most effective was GAC treatment (linear velocity: 10–22 m/hr, space velocity: 7–16/hr) which completely removed the musty odor compounds. However, when the removal rate of total organic carbon by the GAC system decreased below 30%, the system's ability to remove the odor from the water also decreased.
Offensive Tastes and Odors Occurring after Chlorine Addition in Water Treatment Processes
Authors: Levi Y. , Jestin J. M.
Published: May 2018

To identify and eliminate the causes of tastes and odors in drinking water,we have developed a new robot-assisted methodology for absolute threshold flavor determination called “up and down”. A study undertaken at an important biological treatment plant in the suburb of Paris (France) over a period of one year, allowed us to compare results from physico-chemical analyses with those of up and down threshold (UDT) values.This work also demonstrated the very important influence of chlorination on water quality.Furthermore, a number of physico-chemical parameters like POX-TOX and THM were shown to be unsuitable for the prediction of UDT values, but chromatographic finger printing after CLSA extraction and ECD detection showed a possible relationship with UDT.In addition, processes involving dechlorination, stripping and ozonation have been developed to remove chlorine-like odors from treated water supplies.
Microbial Transformations of Azaarenes in Creosote-Contaminated Soil and Ground Water: Laboratory and Field Studies
Authors: Pereira Wilfred E. , Rostad Colleen E. , Updegraff David M. , Bennett Jon L.
Published: May 2018

Azaarenes or aromatic nitrogen heterocycles are a class of compounds found in wood-preservative wastes containing creosote. The fate and movement of these compounds in contaminated aquifers is not well understood. Water-quality studies in an aquifer contaminated with creosote near Pensacola, Florida, indicated that ground water was contaminated with several azaarenes and their oxygenated and alkylated derivatives, suggesting that these oxygenated compounds may be products of microbial transformation reactions. Accordingly, laboratory studies were designed to investigate the fate of these compounds.

Under aerobic conditions, soil pseudomonads isolated from creosote-contaminated soil converted quinoline to 2(lH)quinolinone that subsequently was degraded to unknown products. A methanogenic consortium isolated from an anaerobic sewage digestor, in presence of ground-water and creosote-contaminated soil, converted quinoline, isoquinoline, and 4-methylquinoline to their respective oxygenated analogs. In addition, N-, C-, and O-methylated analogs of oxygenated azaarenes were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in anaerobic cultures. Under the experimental conditions, 2-methylquinoline was biorefractory. Presence of similar biotransformation products in anaerobic cultures and contaminated ground water from the Pensacola site provided further evidence that these compounds indeed were microbial transformation products.

Stable isotope labeling studies indicated that the source of the oxygen atom for this hydroxylation reaction under aerobic and anaerobic conditions was water. A mechanism was proposed for this hydroxylation reaction. Whereas parent azaarenes are biodegradable in both anaerobic and aerobic zones, oxygenated and alkylated analogs are more biorefractory and, hence, persistent in anaerobic zones of contaminated aquifers.
Enteric Virus: Risk Assessment of Ocean Disposal of Sewage Sludge
Authors: Gerba Charles P. , Goyal Sagar M.
Published: May 2018

Densely populated coastal regions of the world generate large quantities of domestic sewage sludge which is often disposed into the marine environment. Present in these wastes are human pathogenic viruses which are capable of surviving for prolonged periods of time in the marine environment and transmitting disease to humans by a number of potential routes of which swimming and consumption of marine foods are the most significant.

Hepatitis A virus and Norwalk virus outbreaks associated with shellfish consumption continue to occur in the United States. Three separate epidemiological studies have also shown an association between shellfish consumption and increased risk of hepatitis A infection in consumers. An epidemiological association between non-A and non-B hepatitis has also been demonstrated.

A review of the risks of infection, clinical illness and mortality associated with enteroviruses suggests that the presence of these viruses in shellfish and bathing waters presents a significant risk to the consumer.
Biochemical Methods for Automated Bacterial Identification and Testing Metabolic Activities in Water and Wastewater
Authors: Dott W. , Kämpfer P.
Published: May 2018

The improvements of computer-assisted identification were used to develop a new microplate system for characterization and identification of various gram-negative and gram-positive heterotrophic bacteria from the environment. In standard microtitration plates about 90 biochemical tests, some of them conventional tests, carbon substrate assimilation tests and enzyme tests using chromogenic substrates can be performed. Reading of the test results is done automatically by a photometer coupled to a computer. The applications of this identification system are shown by two waste water samples.
The Microbial Ecosystem in Petroleum Waste Land Treatment
Authors: Marshall Timothy R. , Devinny Joseph S.
Published: May 2018

Microbial populations, microbial activity and environmental conditions in an operating petroleum waste land treatment facility were monitored for eighteen months. Seasonal influences are apparent for both bacterial and fungal populations. During the cooler, wetter seasons, microbe populations were smaller, less variable and inhibited by the adverse environmental conditions. The hotter, drier months supported large, active populations which experienced large swings in numbers and respiratory output. Microenvironments within aggregates were investigated. Analysis of various aggregate sizes revealed differences in population, activity and distribution of microorganisms. Optimization of waste biodegradation in treatment soils requires monitoring the factors affecting the microbial community at the system level and an awareness of the microenvironmental influences.
Microbial Population Distributions and Benzoate Mineralization Kinetics in a Municipal Slow Sand Filter
Authors: Taylor Eighmy T. , Collins Michael R. , Spanos Stergios K. , Fenstermacher James
Published: May 2018

The microbial populations within the media of a slow sand filter were evaluated with regard to distribution and activity. The filter that was investigated was one of ten filters providing water for Springfield, MA. Cores from the filter were used to quantify with depth acriflavine direct cell counts (AFDC) using epifluorescence microscopy, and nutritionally specific heterotrophs (R2A), aquatic organic matter (AOM) utilizers, benzoate utilizers, catechol utilizers, heterotrophic iron precipitators, and manganese oxidizers using various spread plate techniques. Extractable Fe and Mn, as well as Folin-reactive material (FRM) were quantified with depth. The ability of schmutzdecke populations to mineralize [U-14C] benzoate was also examined. AFDC counts revealed that the schmutzdecke contained the highest counts (109 to l010/g dry wt) with counts declining by one to two orders of magnitude with depth in the filter media. All nutritionally specific plate counts exhibited similar trends with depth; R2A plate counts were generally less than 1% of the AFDC. A significant percentage of the colonies on the R2A media were pigmented. AOM, benzoate, and catechol utilizers were more prevalent in the schmutzdecke (as a percentage of the AFDC) than with depth in the cores. Small, opaque-white colonies were observed on the AOM, benzoate, and catechol media; suggesting the same bacterium (small flagellated rod) was responsible for growth on the three media. FRM correlated well with the AFDC with depth; the data suggests that the Folin reagent complexed with bacterial aromatic amino acids and was thus a good measure of microbial biomass. Extractable Fe and Mn correlated with AFDC, FRM, and with heterotrophic Fe precipitator and Mn oxidizer plate counts. The data strongly suggest that extractable Fe and Mn is complexed to the bacterial biomass in the filter. All schmutzdecke samples were able to rapidly mineralize benzoate in the 1.0 to 1000 ng/ml range. Typically, over 50% of the label was converted to 14CO2 after 20 h of incubation. Mineralization was usually biphasic at 100 and 1000 ng/ml. Typical first order rate constants were 3 to 8/d. Non-purgeable dissolved organic carbon (NPDOC) removal in the filter was only 15%. Based on NPDOC and UV absorbance removals, the AOM fraction that was removed was hydrophobic and aromatic. The data suggests that while NPDOC removals are low, the microbial populations present in the filter are capable of promoting bioadsorption and biodegradation of certain fractions of the AOM in the raw water during winter operation.
Biological Elimination of Dichloromethane from Contaminated Groundwater – Interference by Components of the Groundwater
Authors: Scholz-Muramatsu H. , Schneider V. , Gaiser S. , Bardtke D.
Published: May 2018

The aim of the work presented was the identification of the inhibiting factors for the biological elimination of dichloromethane (DCM) in the leachate of a lacquer sludge landfill. About 50% of the inhibiting substances belong to the volatile fraction of the leachate. This fraction was analysed by mass spectrometry. Selected compounds from this chromatogram were examined in regard to their inhibiting effect on the DCM elimination rate. A distinct inhibition was caused by 1,2-dichloroethane, ethylbenzene, and xylene. The DCM elimination was most sensitive against 1,2 dichloroethane. The compounds can be classified in the following order of decreasing interference: 1,2-dichloroethane > ethylbenzene > p-xylene > toluene > trichloroethene. Besides this the leachate contains nonvolatile inhibitors which could not be identified.
Aftergrowths in Drinking Water Systems: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Power K. , Cooper B. , Watts H. , Nagy L. A.
Published: May 2018

Aftergrowths in drinking water distribution systems were investigated in Sydney Australia. The microbiological monitoring results, collected over a 2 year period were used to provide information on interactions between various parameters. Results indicated that microorganisms and total coliforms were usually absent in waters with total chlorine levels over 0.2 mg/L. Results also indicated inhibition between plate count organisms (at 20 and 35°C), and total coliforms, particularly once plate count levels exceeded 100 CFU/mL.
A Unified Theory for Microbial Growth Controlled by Multiple Limiting Substances
Authors: Chen Chung-Yuan
Published: May 2018

Generally speaking, models dealing with multiple limiting substances have mainly been derived from three different categories of studies, namely, multiple toxicity, multiple nutrient limitation and inhibition of enzyme catalysis. As different basic mechanisms were assumed by these models, a simple and unique theory which handles all these types of multiple-substance limited growth does not appear to exist. This paper presents a unified theory, based on a probabilistic foundation, for microbial growth controlled by multiple limiting substances (including both nutrient and toxicant). Most of the existing kinetic models in the aforementioned three areas can be generated using one theory. The theory has a broad application in many aspects, e.g. wastewater treatment, eutrophication studies, risk assessment, etc.