bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance and Upgrading Alternatives for Water Pollution Control Plants Discharging to Severn Sound
Authors: Nutt Stephen G.
Published: March 2019

Discharges from municipal water pollution control plants have been identified as major point source inputs of phosphorus to Severn Sound. For the 2-year period 1989–90, the estimated total phosphorus loading from eight water pollution control plants discharging directly or indirectly to Severn Sound exceeded 6,200 kg/year. A review of options available and the relative costs of reducing total phosphorus loadings from these facilities was conducted. It was found that a 59% reduction could be achieved by process modifications at relatively small capital costs. Further improvements would require major capital investment. Large differences in the cost per kg of phosphorus removed were identified between plants. The cost data suggest that it would be more cost effective to impose more stringent effluent limits at some plants than at others. The most cost-effective strategy depends on the total phosphorus load limit which must be achieved to maintain the desired receiving water quality; however, this strategy may not involve the application of the same effluent limits at all facilities discharging to Severn Sound.
Water Currents and Exchange between Severn Sound and Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, during 1988
Authors: Kohli Balbir
Published: March 2019

Water exchange between Severn Sound and Georgian Bay was estimated by current measurements at 16 locations across the Severn Sound Channel from June to October 1988. An excursion episode model was employed to compute the exchange. The current measurements showed that the mean monthly speeds varied from 3.2 to 17.0 cm/s, while the maximum speed recorded was 95 cm/s. Vertical flows were found to be in the opposite direction at the upper and lower levels, particularly in the middle of the channel. A complex flow regime in the channel prevailed. The modelling showed that 0.31% of Severn Sound volume left the Sound daily towards Georgian Bay, while 0.26% of the volume entered the Sound through all inflows. The mean residence time for the Sound was estimated to be 69 days. In other words, water in the Sound is completely replaced in 69 days.
Zooplankton Seasonal Dynamics and Community Structure in Severn Sound, Lake Huron
Authors: Gemza A.F.
Published: March 2019

The limnetic zooplankton of Severn Sound, a eutrophic embayment, were studied between 1978 and 1989. Forty-one species of zooplankton were identified from samples collected in the sound. Total zooplankton biomass ranged seasonally from a minimum of 3.9 mg/m3 at less eutrophic stations to over 1,625 mg/m3 at the most eutrophic sites. Annual means ranged from 38 to 373 mg/m3. At the most eutrophic sites the zooplankton community was dominated by the cladoceran Bosmina longirostris. Cyclopoid and calanoid copepods increased in dominance as conditions approached mesotrophy. Calanoid copepods were insignificant contributors at the eutrophic sites, averaging less than 3% of the total zooplankton biomass.

Total zooplankton biomass declined with distance from shore and phosphorus point sources as conditions became less eutrophic. Significant empirical relationships (r>0.79) were measured between zooplankton biomass and total phosphorus and phytoplankton biovolume. Densities of several species, Eubosmina coregoni, Daphnia retrocurva and Diacyclops thomasi declined by over 50% during the 11-year period of study and may be related to a shift in fish community structure.
Organochlorine Contaminants in Avian Wildlife of Severn Sound
Authors: Martin Pamela A. , Weseloh D. Vaughn , Bishop Christine A. , Legierse Karin , Braune Birgit , Norstrom Ross J.
Published: March 2019

Organochlorine contaminants were measured in pooled egg samples of colonial waterbirds, red-winged blackbirds and tree swallows breeding in or near Severn Sound, Lake Huron, an area designated by the International Joint Commission as an Area of Concern, during 1991. Breast muscle samples of staging waterfowl were also collected the preceding autumn. PCBs, DDE and mirex were the most prevalent organochlorine contaminants present in eggs (concentration ranges of 0.065 to 5.452, 0.118 to 3.12 and 0.007 to 0.174 mg/kg, respectively), while oxychlordane, cis-chlordane, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, trans-nonachlor, cis-nonachlor, OCS, HCB and beta-HCH were also detectable at low levels in some egg samples. Tetra- and pentachlorobenzene, and alpha-and gamma-HCH were not detected in any of the samples. Generally, the following interspecific gradient in contaminant levels in bird eggs was found: herring gulls = Caspian terns > common terns > tree swallows > blackbirds. Concentrations in the eggs of piscivorous birds in Severn Sound were similar or slightly lower than those from other colonies in Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, and considerably lower than those from colonies in Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario. Mirex levels in herring gulls and Caspian terns from Severn Sound colonies were an exception in that they were substantially higher than levels from other Lake Huron colonies (0.174 and 0.167 mg.kg-1 for the two species, respectively, versus <0.12 mg.kg-1), although still much lower than those from Lake Ontario (0.50 and 0.719, respectively). It is probable that mirex was accumulated by gulls and terns during winter or migrational stopovers on Lake Ontario. Low contaminant levels in common terns may have been a result of their consumption of a smaller size class of prey fish. Higher contaminant levels in tree swallow eggs in comparison to red-winged blackbird eggs may have been due to the preponderance of aquatic insects in their diets, as opposed to the larger proportion of terrestrial arthropods in blackbird diets. Only PCBs and DDE were detected in the breast muscle of lesser scaup and mallards.
Étude expérimentale de traitement des eaux usées par des lagunes à hydrophytes libres au Niger
Authors: Laouali Garba , Delisle Claude E. , Vincent Gilles , Couillard Denis , Laouali Sani
Published: March 2019

Le traitement des eaux usées au Sahel est soumis à diverses contraintes socio-économiques, reléguant au second plan cette problématique, malgré les risques réels de santé publique. Cette réalité nous amène à opter pour un procédé, reconnu économique, composé d’un lagunage facultatif et de bassins à jacinthes d’eau (Eichhornia crassipes) et à laitues d’eau (Pistia stratiotes). Ces deux hydrophytes libres, d’origine tropicale, ont un potentiel d’épuration élevé. Une station pilote a été expérimentée durant l’année 1993 au Niger. Le procédé s’est révélé efficace et adapté aux conditions locales. Le lagunage assure des enlèvements appréciables sur la matière organique (70-240 kg/ha.d) et constitue ainsi une alternative fiable comme traitement secondaire. Les bassins à plantes agissent principalement comme traitement tertiaire. Les unités de traitement sont adaptées et surtout économiquement viables pour le traitement des eaux usées dans cette région. Pour la gestion de la biomasse végétale des bassins, la floraison est un critère de récolte fiable et facile d’application. L’exploitation de ces unités ne nécessite pas de main-d’oeuvre qualifiée.
Critique of Jar Testing for the Design of Coagulation-Flocculation Systems
Authors: Szpak Joseph P. , Woods Donald R. , Bouchard Kyle
Published: March 2019

The effects of clay type and concentration, jar shape, paddle shape, rapid mix time and flocculation velocity gradient on batch, bench-scale jar tests of turbidity were studied using a fractional factorial design. The two-parameter kinetic model for flocculation of Agraman, Kaufman and Bratby was used. This model provided a good fit of the data when they were log-transformed. The variables that had a statistically significant effect on the kinetics constants for floc agglomeration and breakup were the interaction of clay concentration and flocculation velocity gradient, plus clay type combined with rapid-mix time. The jar shape and the paddle shapes did not have significant effects. The kinetic constants measured in this analysis agreed with those reported previously by Agraman and Kaufman. The work assumes that turbidity is an acceptable measure of the number concentration. The results confirm the usefulness of the kinetic model and emphasize the importance of testing the goodness-of-fit of the model before analyzing the data.
Evaluation and Design of Peat Filter to Attenuate Landfill Leachate
Authors: Warith Mostafa A.
Published: March 2019

This study investigated the suitability of using peat as a filtering medium, capable of long-term attenuation of hazardous chemicals, such as heavy metals and organic compounds, which are usually present in landfill leachate. In addition, this study focused on establishing the necessary parameters required for the design of a peat filter which will offer a pretreatment to the migrating landfill leachate before its release to the environment. The experimental program was designed to establish the suitability of peat as an effective filtering media. It included the determination of adsorption isotherms, migration profiles and breakthrough characteristics of various species. The adsorption isotherms were established using a batch study, while the migration profiles and breakthrough characteristics were determined using continuous flow permeating through peat leaching columns. The leaching column study was carried out to simulate the continuous flow of leachate that would occur in the proposed peat filter. Lead, zinc, calcium, sodium and organic matter measured as BOD were examined. Batch and continuous flow tests demonstrated the effectiveness of peat to attenuate heavy metals and other contaminants.
Use of Semipermeable Membrane Devices for Monitoring Pulp Mill Effluents: a Preliminary Assessment
Authors: Rohr A.C. , Hall E.R. , Hall K.J.
Published: March 2019

The application of semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) to the monitoring of pulp mill effluents is described. SPMDs are comprised of triolein, a neutral lipid, enclosed by a low-density polymeric membrane, which together will concentrate hydrophobic aquatic pollutants. SPMDs were exposed under laboratory conditions to aqueous solutions of three model compounds with fish tainting propensity that are often found in kraft mill effluent. The model compounds were sequestered to varying extents by SPMDs during the laboratory exposures. A polar compound (guaiacol) did not appear to be amenable to monitoring by SPMDs. Static and continuous flow exposures to unbleached kraft mill effluent were also carried out, and many compounds were subsequently identified in the dialysates of exposed SPMDs. The uptake of these compounds was affected by the extent of biological treatment applied to the sample, the use of aeration during SPMD exposure, the wastewater concentration, and the exposure time. SPMDs were shown to be effective in sequestering candidate fish tainting compounds, thereby indicating their potential for application to aquatic off-flavour problems such as tainting of eulachon.
Chlorinated Organic Contaminants in Benthic Organisms of the Lower Fraser River, British Columbia
Authors: Richardson John S. , Levings Colin D.
Published: March 2019

Benthic insects, sediments and sculpins were collected from the Fraser River, British Columbia, in winter 1993 to assess concentrations of chlorinated organic contaminants. Concentrations of most chlorinated dioxins/furans and phenolics (phenols, guaiacols and catechols) analyzed were below detection limits. Concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran were 2.5 to 6.5 pg/g wet mass in four different taxonomic groupings of aquatic insects. Other chlorinated dioxins/furans detected were heptachlorodioxins and octachlorodioxin in sediments and detritivorous benthic insects, tetrachlorodibenzofurans (not including 2,3,7,8-TCDF) in insects, and pentachlorodibenzofurans. Some chlorinated phenolics, e.g., 3,4,5-trichloroguaiacol, were found in most taxa. Highest concentrations of phenolics were measured in prickly sculpins (Cottus asper) about an order of magnitude higher than in benthos, but all concentrations were less than 6 ng/g wet mass. Concentrations of the chlorinated organics measured were in the same range as those for juvenile chinook salmon collected at the same sites.
Évaluation du risque environnemental associé aux déversements d’hydrocarbures en mer : application au parc national Forillon, golfe du Saint-Laurent, Canada
Authors: Boivin D.J. , El-Sabh M.I. , Quenneville R. , Lauzier D. , Chassé R.
Published: March 2019

Le présent article décrit une méthodologie dévaluation du risque environnemental basée sur la caractérisation de la vulnérabilité des rives en relation avec un déversement d’hydrocarbures. Cette caractérisation a pour but d’identifier les secteurs du rivage du parc national Forillon qui sont les plus menacés par une marée noire. La méthode permet de classifier les bandes littorales selon la géomorphologie et la granulométrie des sédiments meubles en rapport avec lénergie cinétique des vagues. Puisque l’autonettoyage constitue un facteur de première importance lors des déversements de grande envergure, l’identification des secteurs où cet autonettoyage est plus lent constitue une approche intéressante pour prioriser les interventions de protection des rivages à l’aide d’estacades. Les habitats fauniques particuliers constituent également, à certaines périodes de l’année, des éléments dont la protection est prioritaire. Ces facteurs, jumelés à la probabilité d’accidents anticipés dans la région, ont permis de mettre en lumière les scénarios cumulant les plus hauts niveaux de risque pour les rives du parc national Forillon et d’orienter les stratégies visant la protection des ressources naturelles en présence.
Toxicity of the Herbicide Metolachlor, some Transformation Products and a Commercial Safener to an Alga (Selenastrum capricornutum), a Cyanophyte (Anabaena cylindrica) and a Macrophyte (Lemna gibba)
Authors: Day K.E. , Hodge V.
Published: March 2019

The toxicity of the herbicide metolachlor, three photodegradation products (CGA-40172, CGA-40919, CGA-37735), two metabolic products (CGA-50720, CGA-51202) and a commercial safener (benoxacor) was determined in plant toxicity tests. The species tested were the green alga, S. capricornutum, the blue-green cyanophyte, A. cylindrica, and duckweed, L. gibba. The endpoint measured for all three species was inhibition of growth determined as a decrease in cell biomass for the algae or a decrease in frond production and dry weight in duckweed. S. capricornutum was the most sensitive species to the parent compound (72-h IC50’s ranged from 37.2-55.8 µg/L) followed by L. gibba (7-day IC50’S ranged from 304-788 µg/L for decreased frond production or 766 µg/L for a decrease in dry weight). The blue-green alga, A. cylindrica, was not affected by any of the compounds tested at concentrations as high as 4.0 mg/L. None of the transformation products was toxic at concentrations up to 10 mg/L. The safener decreased growth of S. capricornutum at concentrations ranging from 1,730-2,050 µg/L (72-h IC50’s). It is recommended that the interim Canadian water quality guideline of 8 µg/L be reexamined in light of these and other data.
Pilot Studies and Assessment of Downstream Effects of UV and Ozone Disinfection of a Physicochemical Wastewater
Authors: Gehr R. , Nicell J.
Published: March 2019

UV radiation and ozonation were investigated as disinfection alternatives for the Montreal Urban Community physicochemical wastewater treatment plant. The final effluent flows through a 5-km-long outfall tunnel before discharge into the St Lawrence River; the critical point for microbial quality is 4 km downstream. The study, therefore, also examined possible biofilm growth in the tunnel and dilution behaviour in the river. For UV disinfection, a newly developed, high-intensity medium-pressure lamp unit was tested because of its space-saving features. Typical two-stage dose-response curves were obtained with the transition between disinfection of free-swimming and particulate-associated organisms occurring at approximately 25 mW s/cm2. Disinfection behaviour improved when alum was substituted for FeCl3 as the coagulant. Photoreactivation decreased with increasing UV dose. Ozonation was adversely effected by changes in COD and H2S in the wastewater. A dose of 17 mg/L was needed to reach target disinfection levels of <5,000 CFU/100 mL in 90% of the cases; the CT value was approximately 0.4 mg min/L. Replacement of FeCl3 by alum reduced the required dose by 35%. Effects of biofilm growth in the tunnel were inconsistent: effluent SS and microbial concentrations were sometimes higher at the exit than at the entrance and vice versa. Effective dilution of microbes in the river decreased as water temperature increased, reaching a minimum of approximately 20.
Release of Organic Carbon, Kjeldhal Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus from Flooded Vegetation
Authors: Morrison K.A. , Thérien N.
Published: March 2019

The release of organic carbon, Kjeldahl nitrogen and total phosphorus from submerged terrestrial vegetation was measured. The vegetation examined was alder, spruce, lichen and sphagnum moss. Samples of the vegetation were placed in 26-L tanks into which water was added. At different time intervals, water samples were withdrawn for analyses and replaced with pure water. The tanks were kept aerobic and at 18°C. Two experimental series were carried out for all vegetation species, the second series using less plant material. Most release occurred in the first three months for both series. In comparison with the ground vegetation species, the two tree species released more organic carbon (30–-60 mg C/g dry weight versus 3–6 mg) and total phosphorus (0.4–0.5 mg P/g dry weight versus 0.07–0.15 mg). However, all four substrates released the same order of magnitude of Kjeldahl nitrogen (0.1–0.6 mg N/g dry weight). Within each species, the two experimental series gave similar results for organic carbon and total phosphorus, but gave different results for Kjeldahl nitrogen, especially for the tree species. Exponential equations were fit to the data, and the estimated coefficients should be useful for estimating effects on water quality of submerged vegetation when reservoirs are flooded.
Effects of Organic Suspended Solids on Biofilm Performance
Authors: Zahid Waleed M. , Ganczarczyk Jerzy J.
Published: March 2019

The presence of organic particles in the feed to an RBC unit influenced adversely the physical and attachment properties of the RBC biofilms as well as the unit performance. Biofilms, especially those in initial compartments of the RBC model, exhibited a fluffy, loose filamentous structure which was continually eroding. It is believed that the entrapment of the particulate organics by the biofilm matrix causes a subsequent development of oxygen-depleted zones and structural flaws within the biofilm.
Oxygen Requirements of Fishes in Northern Alberta Rivers with a General Review of the Adverse Effects of Low Dissolved Oxygen
Authors: Barton Bruce A. , Taylor Barry R.
Published: March 2019

Sublethal responses of fish to low dissolved oxygen (DO) include changes in cardiac function, increased respiratory and metabolic activity, alterations in blood chemistry, mobilization of anaerobic energy pathways, upset in acid-base balance, reduced growth and decreased swimming capacity. Lowered final temperature preferenda and avoiding low DO are behavioral responses, and under extreme conditions, fish may take advantage of oxygen-rich surface film water. Low DO can affect invertebrate communities by causing selective mortality or inducing drift, which may affect fish production. The presence of pollutants can exacerbate responses to low DO with the effect of raising the threshold DO at which such responses occur. Based on published literature, northern Alberta riverine fishes are grouped into four categories of acute lethal sensitivity. However, chronic DO requirements are far more important to long-term maintenance of healthy fish communities than acute tolerances. Defining chronic DO criteria for northern fishes is complicated by long periods of winter ice cover, possible presence of pulp mill effluent, and lack of information on many regional species. Although previously recommended criteria should provide a reasonable level of protection for fish, any reduction in DO below saturation will cause some production impairment within the aquatic community.
Implementation of Hamilton-Wentworth Region’s Pollution Control Plan
Authors: Stirrup M.
Published: March 2019

The Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth operates a large combined sewer system which diverts excess combined sewage to local receiving waters at over 20 locations. On average, there are approximately 23 combined sewer overflows per year, per outfall. The region’s Pollution Control Plan, adopted by Regional Council in 1992, concluded that the only reasonable means of dealing with large volumes of combined sewer overflow in Hamilton was to intercept it at the outlets, detain it and convey it to the wastewater treatment plant after the storm events. The recommended control strategy relies heavily on off-line storage, with an associated expansion of the Woodward Avenue wastewater treatment plant to achieve target reductions of combined sewer overflows to 1–4 per year on average. The region has begun to implement this Pollution Control Plan in earnest. Three off-line detention storage tanks are already in operation, construction of a fourth facility is well underway, and conceptual design of a number of other proposed facilities has commenced. To make the best possible use of these facilities and existing in-line storage, the region is implementing a microcomputer-based real-time control system. A number of proposed Woodward Avenue wastewater treatment plant process upgrades and expansions have also been undertaken. This paper reviews the region's progress in implementing these control measures.
Loadings of PCBs and PAHs from Hamilton Harbour to Lake Ontario
Authors: Fox M.E. , Khan R.M. , Thiessen P.A.
Published: March 2019

Large-volume water samples were collected from the ship canal connecting Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario while detailed simultaneous measurements of water speed and direction were made. The 10-day sampling period in July 1989 and a 14-day sampling period in March 1991 were considered representative of typical stratified summer and unstratified winter flow regimes. The water samples were analysed for PCBs and PAHs, which are known major organic contaminants in Hamilton Harbour. Supporting physicochemical measurements were also made. The water movement data were combined with the contaminant concentrations and the uniform channel dimensions to calculate annual loadings of 2.8 kg/ year PCBs and 37.5 kg/ year PAHs from Hamilton Harbour to Lake Ontario. These estimates were compared to other published estimates of loadings of these compounds from Hamilton Harbour and also from the atmosphere and the Niagara River. It was concluded that Hamilton Harbour is not a significant source of these compounds in comparison to the atmosphere and the Niagara River. The PAH export estimate was found to be small when compared to in situ sediment burdens of PAHs and also present day discharges to the harbour.
Data Animator — Software that Visualizes Data as Computer-Generated Animation on Personal Computers: an Application to Hamilton Harbour
Authors: Halfon Efraim
Published: March 2019

Data Animator, V1.0, is a scientific visualization package for microcomputers. Its main purpose is to generate two-dimensional animations from any data set collected over time. Geographical references such as a shore and/or bathymetry information, etc., may be added for additional clarity. Visualization of data as animations greatly simplifies the interpretation of field measurements. Data Animator is designed (but not restricted) to display data collected in aquatic environments, lakes, rivers, estuaries, oceans, etc., in a clear, concise way using colour to represent ranges of data values. Data sets can also be displayed as static images (keyframes). A graphic user interface allows the user to choose viewpoint, fonts, colour palette, data and keyframes. All Data Animator's options can be accessed through a graphical user interface (GUI). Point-and-click mouse operations allow the user to manipulate many features, with immediate on-screen feedback. Animations are generated by defining keyframes of known data, each located at a specific time. The program can then interpolate over time, between keyframes, to create smoothly animated transitions (in-between frames). Two types of graphs can be rendered with Data Animator. Plane-type graphs are horizontal slices at a depth specified by the user. Transect-type graphs are vertical slices along a straight line defined by the user. Data Animator can make use of both shore outline information and three-dimensional bathymetry information. This allows for the generation of realistic-looking graphs that follow the shape of the aquatic environment. Animations can be displayed on a computer monitor or transferred to video tape. pH data from Hamilton Harbour have been visualized and the results are discussed.
Feasibility of Using Magnetic Properties for Assessment of Particle-Associated Contaminated Transport
Authors: Mayer T. , Morris W.A. , Versteeg K.J.
Published: March 2019

The desire to develop rapid tools for monitoring particle-associated contaminants transport in Hamilton Harbour has led the search for fast and inexpensive tests that could be used as screening procedures prior to labour- and time-intensive conventional analytical techniques. Magnetic property measurements promised to be a viable technique if it can be shown that there is a relation between this property and contaminant concentrations in suspended and bottom sediments. Correlation between magnetic susceptibility and heavy metal concentrations in suspended and bottom sediments from Hamilton Harbour is investigated. Analyses of results from six stations and two core samples indicate that magnetic measurements provide a meaningful proxy for heavy metal analyses, and that post-depositional processes produce only very limited changes in either the magnetic and/or chemical data. Comparison of the magnetic signature and chemistry of the suspended sediments suggests that susceptibility can be used to rapidly map plume patterns in the water column.
Evaluation of Potential Contamination of Groundwater Following Liquid Manure Application on Grassland in Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Morin P. , Ivany P.A. , Bishop G.
Published: March 2019

An experimental site representative of Newfoundland soil and climate conditions has been instrumented and investigated for possible groundwater contamination due to the disposal of liquid waste from farming operations. The data obtained from field observations and laboratory analysis for the 1992-93 period have been interpreted using non-parametric statistical methods. Background concentration levels and individual well signatures have been defined and used for subsequent detection of changes in chemical concentrations of selected contaminants. Present farming disposal practices as applied on this site, typical of climate and soil conditions in Newfoundland, Canada, seem to have no significant impact on groundwater quality.
Aerated Stabilization Basin Floc Size Treatment Application
Authors: Palmer Merv , Burelle Luc
Published: March 2019

A periodic toxicity non-compliance in the treated final effluent from a recycling paper mill was remediated after extensive investigations. The wastewater treatment system for the mill consisted of a primary clarifier and a cylindrical aerated stabilization basin (ASB) with a retention time of over 70 hours for normal operations. The investigations included toxicity identification evaluations, tracer studies and floc characterization studies. This paper discusses these investigations, in particular the floc characterization, which was found to be an important factor for reducing the number of occurrences of toxicity non compliance. Introducing nutrient control and reducing the short circuiting in the ASB did improve the final treated effluent quality, but these actions plus some floc control were required before the effluent toxicity non-compliance was eliminated.
Effect of Filter Thickness on Efficiency of Sand Filter Water Quality Structure
Authors: Amini F.
Published: March 2019

The primary objective of this study is to determine the relationship between the thickness of a sand filter and its effectiveness in removing fine particles suspended in water. To accomplish this objective, a physical model of a sand filter was built and designed to represent an underground confined water quality sand filter structure. Three types of sands, namely fine, medium and coarse, were used. The results indicated that the sediment removal efficiency for all sand thicknesses decreased with time. Within the range of variables studied, a thicker sand bed resulted in a more effective sand filter water quality structure.
Laboratory and Field Trial Evaluation of Three Methods to Detect Giardia in Drinking Water
Authors: Hay Deborah , Khan Idan , Lewis Lorraine , Isaac-Renton Judith L.
Published: March 2019

Three methods for detecting Giardia cysts in drinking water were compared in laboratory and field trials. Results showed that the current ASTM-based method at the time of these experiments (1990–91) detected cysts more frequently and at consistently higher concentrations than the Payment- and Ongerth-based methods in the field and than the Payment-based method in the laboratory. Further, the ASTM and Payment methods, which use a large volume sample size, detected cysts more frequently in the field than the Ongerth method, which used a small volume sample size. Giardia strains isolated from different hosts showed no difference in recovery efficiency in laboratory trials. Two previously studied Giardia-positive drinking water systems were used for field trial comparisons. The variation in results is consistent with other comparable studies and identifies that there is a great need for improved methods of detection.
Toxic Contaminant Loadings from Municipal Sources in Ontario Areas of Concern
Authors: Schroeter H.O.
Published: March 2019

Annual flow volumes and contaminant mass discharges from such sources as stormwater runoff, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents were computed for 47 urban centres located in 17 Canadian Areas of Concern (AOCs). Urban centres were defined as entities with sewage treatment plants servicing populations greater than 1,000.

The relative annual flow volume contribution from individual sources varies significantly among AOC areas. By effluent type, stormwater runoff contributes 17 to 65%, CSOs 1 to 6%, and STP effluents about 35 to 80%. During wet weather, this distribution changes significantly, and stormwater runoff, CSOs and STP effluents contribute about 80, 7 and 13% of the total volume, respectively. In terms of annual solids loadings in the AOCs, stormwater runoff generates 49 to 96%, CSOs 2 to 20%, and STP effluents 4 to 39%. During wet weather, the solid loads are generated almost entirely by stormwater runoff and CSOs.

For calculation of contaminant loadings, the concentration data from large urban and industrial catchments and a few smaller communities with mostly residential land were pooled together and used to compute loadings for other areas. Therefore, the computed loads are considered order-of-magnitude estimates, which are sufficient for planning level analyses. More accurate estimates would require local contaminant concentrations and flow data. The highest annual loadings of toxic contaminants were found for trace metals, followed by total PCBs, and a few trace organic compounds. In general, stormwater runoff contributed the largest contaminant loading. In most cases, a detailed assessment of the relative contaminant contributions from various sources and for various trace organic compounds was not possible because most of the data were at or below the analytical detection limit.
Source Characterization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Street and Creek Sediments
Authors: Sharma Mukesh , McBean Edward A. , Marsalek Jiri
Published: March 2019

A receptor-source model is used to apportion source contributions for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in street and creek sediments for Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The receptor model is shown to overcome the problem of nonlinearity in system modelling. The modelling shows that although the estimated vehicular emissions have the lowest emission rate of PAHs in Sault Ste. Marie, they are a major contributor, along with the coke ovens, to PAH levels in street sediments. The result of source contributions are shown to follow the industrial activities and vehicular traffic densities, which in turn can be used to improve the cost effectiveness of urban runoff control strategies for mitigation of PAH inputs to receiving waterbodies.
Flow Pattern Characterization in an Urban Stormwater Detention Pond and Implications for Water Quality
Authors: Shaw J.K.E. , Watt W.E. , Marsalek J. , Anderson B.C. , Crowder A.A.
Published: March 2019

An assessment of flow patterns in an urban stormwater detention pond in Kingston, Ontario, was conducted using field measurement and computer simulation. Analysis of the field data and computer simulations revealed that the flow pattern in the pond is very dynamic and complex. The complexity of the flow behaviour results from wind stress on the pond surface. A combination of high wind and low inflow generates a circulation pattern dominant in the vertical plane of the pond. With relatively low wind stress, the velocity field is determined by inflow momentum and pond geometry (including bathymetry) and is characterized by circulation in the horizontal plane. Water quality becomes a concern during conditions of high wind and low inflow. The shear velocities associated with wind-generated current may be sufficiently large to prevent particle settling and, in extreme cases, to cause resuspension of uncon-solidated deposited contaminated sediment, which may then enter the receiving waters. Regardless of the magnitude of inflow, the length to width ratio of the pond studied (3:2) and inflow momentum promote short-circuiting of the flow and limit the efficiency of settling.
Pilot-Scale Study of Satellite Treatment Options for the Control of Combined Sewer Overflows
Authors: SCHMIDT J. , SETO P. , Averill D.
Published: March 2019

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) have been recognized for many years as a pollution problem within the Great Lakes ecosystem. CSOs were identified as a source of contamination in 10 of the 17 Canadian “Areas of Concern” designated by the International Joint Commission, and were considered a major problem in Hamilton Harbour and the Metropolitan Toronto Waterfront. Satellite treatment systems (located upstream in the sewerage system) were identified as being significantly more cost effective than other CSO control options in a feasibility study conducted for Metropolitan Toronto. Consequently, a multi-agency initiative was established in 1993 to examine the treatment of CSOs at a pilot-scale facility in the City of Scarborough. The technologies evaluated during two experimental seasons in 1994 and 1995 included a vortex separator, a circular clarifier, a horizontal-flow plate clarifier and an inclined rotary drum screen. Performance of the technologies is being assessed against a draft policy proposed by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy. Results to date have indicated that the vortex separator and the plate clarifier under “best conditions” were capable of 50% TSS removal and 30% BOD5 removal and should be capable of satisfying the policy.
Evaluation of a Combined Sewer Overflow Tank Cleaning System in the City of Sarnia
Authors: Parente Mario , Stevens Kenneth E.
Published: March 2019

The International Joint Commission has identified the St. Clair River in Sarnia as an area of concern requiring a remedial action plan in order to restore and protect the water quality. To attain this objective, the City of Sarnia has completed a Pollution Control Plan in March 1993 to develop the approach in resolving the pollution problems along the City of Sarnia waterfront and the St. Clair River. The Pollution Control Plan identified the following three areas for improvement: (1) upgrade the water pollution control plant to provide secondary treatment for three times the average dry weather flow; (2) install four tanks to intercept combined sewer overflows; and (3) intercept storm runoff discharges along the waterfront and provide their treatment through sedimentation and/or flow through a wetland. The City of Sarnia is presently installing the first of the CSO control tanks at Devine Street. During the operation of combined sewage or stormwater detention facilities, settling of solids will occur along the invert of the facility. These sediments have to be removed after every storage event to minimize future problems such as caking and/or odour. This paper presents the evaluation and selection process carried out in developing a cost effective cleaning system for the Devine Street detention tank.
The Role of the Neighbourhood in Rehabilitation of an Urban Aquatic Ecosystem
Authors: Dance K.W.
Published: March 2019

For the first 10 to 15 years following rehabilitation, the original goals at West Heights Pond, Kitchener, were attained. Monitoring over a 16-year period revealed that if ecosystem health and aesthetics goals are to be sustained in the future, management intervention is required. Required management includes on-going control of aggressive wetland plant pests; efforts to discourage waterfowl feeding so that numbers decline and water quality improves; and potential future control of exotic fish species goldfish and carp. The study has concluded that (1) periodic monitoring over the long term is required to determine whether rehabilitation plan goals are being met and to identify the nature of required management interventions; (2) human neighbours are a critical species in the ecosystem management process since they can be the agents of significant positive and negative actions which affect attainment of rehabilitation plan goals; and (3) the lead agency in rehabilitation implementation should ensure that a long-term dialogue with site neighbours capitalizes on the positive role neighbours can play and avoids negative actions such as feeding waterfowl, trampling banks and vegetation, and introducing exotic fish species.
Lake Management Based on Lime Application and Hypolimnetic Oxygenation: the Experience in Eutrophic Hardwater Lakes in Alberta
Authors: Prepas Ellie E. , Murphy Tom P. , Dinsmore W. Paul , Burke Janice M. , Chambers Patricia A. , Reedyk Sharon
Published: March 2019

Many water bodies in western Canada experience high internal phosphorus recycling rates and excessive primary production, with associated water column anoxia and restricted fisheries habitat. Lime (Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3) application and hypolimnetic oxygenation were investigated in Alberta as nontoxic, inexpensive management alternatives. In hardwater lakes, multiple Ca(OH)2 applications at dosages <100 mg L-1 reduced chl a and TP concentrations by up to ~30 and 50%, respectively, often for several years. In contrast, high flushing rates in stormwater retention basins made repeated Ca(OH)2 treatment necessary. Hypolimnetic oxygenation in Amisk Lake from 1988-93 increased hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen concentrations from 0.9 to 4.6 mgL-1 in the treated basin while maintaining thermal stratification. Epilimnetic whole-lake chl a and TP concentrations were reduced by 55 and 13%, respectively. Deep-water habitat was improved for fish, zooplankton and macroinvertebrates. Our research shows that water quality can be improved in lakes that are naturally eutrophic (i.e., due to internal P cycling) and has implications for lake management projects worldwide.
The Watershed Restoration Program of British Columbia: Accelerating Natural Recovery Processes
Authors: Slaney P. A. , Martin A. D.
Published: March 2019

Until recently, in British Columbia, there was no mechanism to ensure the rehabilitation of resource values adversely impacted by logging-induced landslides, erosion from logging roads, and harvesting of mature riparian trees to the stream-bank. In 1994, the Watershed Restoration Program was initiated under the province’s Forest Renewal Plan to provide an opportunity for diverse stakeholder partnerships to accelerate the recovery of watersheds impacted by logging practices of the past. Several decades of research on watershed processes, limitations to salmonid production in streams and rehabilitation techniques, combined with provincial training initiatives, provide the technical basis for application of a set of integrated restorative measures linked to the new Forest Practices Code. As first priority, the conditions of roads, slopes, gullies, riparian areas, stream channels and fish habitat are assessed. Roads are storm proofed by either reestablishing natural drainage patterns or by deactivation. Hillslope scars are revege-tated with grasses, shrubs and trees to control erosion, thus increasing fish stock productivity, while also improving water quality, forest regeneration and biodiversity. Riparian silvicultural treatments eventually (one to two centuries) restore recruitment of large coniferous woody debris to stream channels and restabilize streambanks. Large wood, boulder clusters and other structural elements that emulate nature are installed in stable stream channels to restore summer habitat and critical overwintering refuges in streams, thus rehabilitating and maintaining fish habitat until logged riparian areas naturally supply mature windfalls. Restoring of fish access and replenishing of nutrients for the food chain are also provided where assessed as beneficial to the functional recovery process. Rehabilitation of off-channel fish habitat, including creation of channel-pond complexes, is one of the primary techniques to offset habitat degradation in hydrologically unstable or non-functional stream channels within logged flood-plains. The program provides an opportunity for innovation and evaluation, as well as a challenge to cost-effectively implement rehabilitation on a sufficient scale to accelerate the recovery of watershed processes to the benefit of fisheries, aquatic and forest resource values in British Columbia’s forested watersheds.
The Return of Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar to Trout Lake, North Bay, Ontario
Authors: Maraldo Dave , Bowman Brad , Gillies Mike
Published: March 2019

In 1935, landlocked Atlantic salmon or ouananiche Salmo salar were introduced into Trout Lake, a 1,674-ha oligotrophic lake. The salmon reproduced in Four Mile Creek and became the only naturally reproducing population in Ontario. Anglers reported good catches of salmon in the 1950s and 60s, with fish up to 6 kg taken. In 1967, a train derailment resulted in the spillage of an unspecified volume of zinc concentrate into the Four Mile Creek watershed. Water quality monitoring completed in 1979 documented zinc levels in Four Mile Creek downstream of the derailment area ranging from 130 to 340 µg/L. In retrospect, it was believed that this elevated level of zinc resulted in adult salmon avoiding Four Mile Creek. Since this was the only stream suitable for spawning, reproduction ceased and salmon disappeared. The last known catch of Atlantic salmon in Trout Lake occurred in the early 1970s. In 1980, approximately 250,000 tonnes of zinc-contaminated soil was excavated from the area. In situ toxicity studies in 1981 produced 20% mortality of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss yearlings during a 48-hour exposure period downstream of the derailment area. In-stream zinc concentrations ranged from 110 to 160 µg/L during the exposure period. Rainbow trout stocked into Four Mile Creek from 1983-88 survived. Atlantic salmon were first reintroduced in 1989 as fall fingerlings. Adult salmon appeared in the creek in November 1992, and again in 1994 and 1995. Electrofishing studies confirmed the presence of naturally reproduced juvenile salmon in 1994 and 1995. As yet the population of adult salmon in Trout Lake is low but may increase as naturally reproduced salmon smolt and enter the lake. Zinc concentrations in Four Mile Creek have continued to decline as a function of time. In 1994, they ranged from 7 to 48 µg/L.
A Case Study of Combined Sewer Overflow Pollution: Assessment of Sources and Receiving Water Effects
Authors: Sztruhar Daniel , Sokac Marek , Marsalek Jiri , Frankova Eleonora , Hyanek Lubomir , Rusnak Dusan , Stanko Stefan , Ilavsky Jan , Namer Juraj
Published: March 2019

Combined sewer overflow (CSO) pollution was assessed in a medium size community (the Town of Malacky) in western Slovakia by means of field monitoring and computer modelling. CSO samples were analyzed for suspended solids, total chemical oxygen demand, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb), and biological and microbiological constituents. Study results identified CSOs as a major source of biodegradable organic pollution impacting on dissolved oxygen in the receiving streams. Cumulative effects of CSO discharges were also observed in the receiving streams, in the form of high organic content of benthic sediments, which indicated the deposition of wastewater-derived sediments flushed out from the sewer system during storm events. These findings have also been confirmed by analyses of biological constituents in the sediment samples collected from the receiving waters. A comparative analysis of various pollution sources indicated that pollution problems in the receiving waters were caused not only by the municipal effluents from the Town of Malacky, but also by diffuse agricultural pollution and release of heavy metals, especially Zn, from the native soils in the surrounding area.
Persistence of Volatile Organic Compounds in Sludge Treated Soils
Authors: Webber M.D. , Goodin J.D. , Fowlie P.J.A. , Hong-You R.L. , Legault J.
Published: March 2019

Laboratory incubation studies were conducted to assess the persistence of ten volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in seven soils treated with 3% dw of anaer-obically digested municipal sludge. The VOCs were probable municipal sludge contaminants and the soils represented wide ranges of constituents likely to sorb organic compounds, e.g., organic carbon (1.3 to 12%) and clay (7 to 50%). The VOCs were spiked into soils at 50 mg kg-1 dw of soil, except for trichloro-ethylene and chloroform which were at 2.5 mg kg-1 dw. Three general patterns of VOC losses from soils were identified: (1) complete volatilization at room temperature within 24 h, (2) complete volatilization/degradation within 144 to 288 h, and (3) incomplete volatilization/degradation within 288 h. All VOC losses were consistent with first-order kinetics and indicated a combination of a rapid initial kinetic (0 to 4 h) followed by a slower kinetic. The slower kinetic was assumed to be more relevant to field VOC losses than the rapid kinetic, and first-order half-lives were calculated using the 4- to 288-h experimental data. The half-lives ranged from 5.5 to 1,926 h with a median value of 70 h, and generally increased with increasing boiling points of the VOCs and with increasing organic carbon contents of the soils. These laboratory findings indicate that VOCs in land-applied sludge are unlikely to represent a hazard to agriculture.