Principles in the design of single-sludge activated-sludge systems for biological removal of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus

1997 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 1222-1231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark C. Wentzel ◽  
George A. Ekama
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Biological Removal ◽  
Activated Sludge Systems

The Selector Effect on Filamentous Bulking in Long Sludge Age Activated Sludge Systems

1991 ◽  
Vol 23 (4-6) ◽  
pp. 867-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. D. Gabb ◽  
D. A. Still ◽  
G. A. Ekama ◽  
D. Jenkins ◽  
G. v. R. Marais
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Phosphorus Removal ◽  
Sufficient Conditions ◽  
Extensive Investigation ◽  
Intermittent Aeration ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus Removal ◽  
Aeration System ◽  
Microthrix Parvicella ◽  
Activated Sludge Systems

A survey of long sludge age activated sludge plants in South Africa showed that bulking was widespread in nitrogen and nitrogen and phosphorus removal plants with the dominant causative filamentous organisms being the low F/M types 0092, 0675, 0041, Microthrix parvicella, 0914 and 1851. The literature suggests that in aerobic systems proliferation of the low F/M filaments can be controlled by aerobic selector reactors. From an extensive investigation into the selector reactors, and the effect these stimulate, it was concluded that in long sludge age systems, irrespective of whether or not a selector effect is present in the sludge, (1) under completely aerobic conditions low F/M filaments do not proliferate, (2) sequential or alternating anoxic-aerobic periods like intermittent aeration are necessary, though not sufficient, conditions for the proliferation of low F/M filaments, and (3) an aerobic selector installed on an intermittent aeration system did not control low F/M filament proliferation.

scholarly journals Twenty-five years of ASM1: past, present and future of wastewater treatment modelling

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 697-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. M. Van Loosdrecht ◽  
C. M. Lopez-Vazquez ◽  
S. C. F. Meijer ◽  
C. M. Hooijmans ◽  
D. Brdjanovic
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Urban System ◽  
System Level ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Historical Developments ◽  
Activated Sludge Processes ◽  
Activated Sludge Systems ◽  
The Ideal

Activated sludge systems have been applied for 100 years now. Over the course of the years, researchers have developed various models to describe activated sludge processes. The main aim has been to gain a better understanding of the conditions that favour the conversions of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus present in wastewater, and associated oxygen consumption and sludge production. The current paper presents a reflection on the historical developments, state-of-the-art of activated sludge modelling and future trends. Over the years, many wastewater research groups have benefitted greatly from the development of activated sludge models (ASMs). On one hand, modelling has been expanded through the development of novel theoretical concepts and their application in new fields. On the other hand, models have been used for practical projects. Although, scientists are still searching for the ideal model, one can say that ASMs are developed to the extent that they can be applied in practice with confidence. New developments are expected to be seen regarding plant-wide modelling, integration with other models at the (urban) system level, organizational and computational infrastructure, and interface and communication with various stakeholders and users.

Parameter estimation for activated sludge models with the help of mass balances

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 113-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Nowak ◽  
A. Franz ◽  
K. Svardal ◽  
V. Müller ◽  
V. Kühn
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Model Calibration ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Mass Balances ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
General Validity ◽  
Estimation Of Model Parameters ◽  
Operational Data ◽  
Activated Sludge Systems

Mass balances for carbon (as COD), nitrogen, and phosphorus are excellent tools for the evaluation of WWTPs in order to estimate fluxes of these substances, to compare operational data of different WWTPs with one another and, finally, to draw conclusions of general validity. In the case of activated sludge systems, mass balances can also be very helpful for model calibration, in particular for the ‘Activated Sludge Model No. 1’ (ASM1), because this model is consequently based on balances for COD and nitrogen. Hence, the results of mass balances can be utilised directly for the estimation of model parameters. Accordingly, it is recommended to evaluate the fluxes of COD and nitrogen, before the model calibration is started. By means of mass balances only the state of equilibrium can be described. Therefore, as regards model calibration, only parameters responsible for long-term behaviour can be estimated, i.e. the heterotrophic yield YH, the fraction of biomass yielding particulate organics fP, the heterotrophic decay rate bH and the concentration of particulate inert organics XI in the influent. A correct estimate of these parameters is a prerequisite for the validity of the simulation results, not only in regard to excess sludge production and SRT, but also with respect to the oxygen consumption for carbon removal and, therefore, to denitrification capacity.

Evolution of an ASM2d-like model structure due to operational changes of an SBR process

2006 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 237-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Sin ◽  
P.A. Vanrolleghem
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Pilot Scale ◽  
Model Structure ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus Removal ◽  
Biological Behaviour ◽  
System A ◽  
Biological Nitrogen ◽  
Hydrolysis Of ◽  
Activated Sludge Systems

To model biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal systems with an affordable complexity, the ASM2d model structure is based on many assumptions. In this study, some of these assumptions, however, were observed to become invalid when the biological behaviour in the system altered in response to changes in the operation of the system, a pilot-scale N and P removing SBR. Particularly, the three applied operational scenarios resulted in three distinctive responses in the SBR, namely pronounced limitation of the hydrolysis of the organic nitrogen, nitrite build-up during aerobic conditions and also nitrite build-up during anoxic conditions. This shows that even for the same system with the same influent wastewater composition, the model structure of the ASM2d does not remain constant but adapts parallel to dynamic changes in the activated sludge community. On the other hand, the three calibrated ASM2d models still lacked the ability to entirely describe the observed dynamics particularly those dealing with the phosphorus dynamics and hydrolysis. Understanding the underlying reasons of this discrepancy is a challenging task, which is expected to improve the modelling of bio-P removing activated sludge systems.

The Effect of Metallic and Ionic Species on the Performance of a Biological Effluent Treatment System

1977 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-212
Author(s):  
B. Volesky ◽  
Q. Samak ◽  
P. Waller
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Inorganic Ions ◽  
Industrial Effluents ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Ionic Species ◽  
Threshold Concentration ◽  
Effluent Treatment ◽  
Organic Load ◽  
Metallic Ions ◽  
Activated Sludge Systems

Abstract Review of the available results appearing in the recent literature is presented focusing particularly upon the effects of metallic ions such as Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, V, Zn, Ni and Co. Some original data involving the effects of Na are presented and discussed. Development of parameters used in evaluating the influence of toxic or inhibitory species on the mixed microbial population of an activated sludge system is of crucial importance and different techniques employed such as BOD-COD-TOC-removal rates, Oxygen Uptake Rate, and others are discussed, showing relative inadequacy of currently applied assays. From the data available, certain trends can be discerned. There is a definite threshold concentration for each metallic ion, depending on the organic load of the feed. In the order of increasing toxicity to activated sludge systems reflected in lower BOD removals the following metals have been listed as inhibiting factors at concentrations starting from 1 ppm applied on a continuous basis: hexavalent chromium, cobalt, zinc, cadmium, trivalent chromium, copper and nickel. Metals in combination have not been reported to exhibit any significantly different effects as compared to those observed with individually introduced metallic ions. Tolerance of some activated sludge systems to shock loadings by various inorganic ions and metals is reviewed. The conclusions are of particular importance for estimating the performance of biox systems handling industrial effluents which are likely to contain toxic components of inorganic or metallic nature.

On the Problem of “Two-Phase” Activated Sludge

1991 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 59-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. W. Szetela
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Single Phase ◽  
Phase System ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Process ◽  
Sludge Stabilization ◽  
Technological Advantage ◽  
In Series ◽  
State Models ◽  
Activated Sludge Systems

Steady-state models are presented to describe the wastewater treatment process in two activated sludge systems. One of these makes use of a single complete-mix reactor; the other one involves two complete-mix reactors arranged in series. The in-series system is equivalent to what is known as the “two-phase” activated sludge, a concept which is now being launched throughout Poland in conjunction with the PROMLECZ technology under implementation. Analysis of the mathematical models has revealed the following: (1) treatment efficiency, excess sludge production, energy consumption, and the degree of sludge stabilization are identical in the two systems; (2) there exists a technological equivalence of “two-phase” sludge with “single-phase” sludge; (3) the “two-phase” system has no technological advantage over the “single-phase” system.

The Use of Anoxic Selectors for the Control of Low F/M Activated Sludge Bulking

1989 ◽  
Vol 21 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 609-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y.-J. Shao ◽  
David Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Pilot Plant ◽  
Detention Time ◽  
Substrate Removal ◽  
Batch System ◽  
Sludge Bulking ◽  
N Removal ◽  
Soluble Substrate ◽  
Activated Sludge Systems

Laboratory and pilot plant experiments on anoxic selector activated sludge systems were conducted on two wastewaters in some cases supplemented with nitrate, acetate or glucose. To prevent bulking sufficient anoxic selector detention time and nitrate levels must be available to reduce selector effluent soluble COD to below 100 mg/l and to reduce readily metabolizable organic matter to virtually zero (< 1 mg/l). Soluble COD/NO3-N removal stoichiometry is in the range 6.0-6.7. Selector systems have elevated soluble substrate removal and denitrification rates compared to CSTR systems. These rates are not affected greatly by temperature (20-25°C) for CSTR sludges but are for selector sludges. Upon exhaustion of nitrate in a selector soluble COD leaks out of the activated sludge in significant amounts. Thiothrix sp. and type 021N denitrify only to NO2 and at much slower rates than Zoogloearamigera does to N2. A sequencing batch system provides an optimistic estimate of the SVI that can be obtained by an anoxic selector system.

Quantification of the kinetic differences between communities isolated from completely mixed activated sludge systems operated with or without a selector using a novel respirometric method

1994 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 255-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barth F. Smets ◽  
Timothy G. Ellis ◽  
Stephanie Brau ◽  
Richard W. Sanders ◽  
C. P. Leslie Grady
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Biodegradation Kinetics ◽  
Substrate Removal ◽  
Biomass Yields ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Single Oxygen ◽  
Activated Sludge Systems

This study quantified the kinetic differences in microbial communities isolated from completely mixed activated sludge (CMAS) systems that were operated either with or without an aerobic selector preceding the main reactor. A new respirometric method was employed that allowed the determination of biodegradation kinetics from single oxygen consumption curves, thereby minimizing physiological changes to the examined communities during the assay. Results indicated that increased values for Ks and μmax for acetate, phenol, and 4-chlorophenol degradation were measured in the CMAS system operated with a selector. The biomass yields on acetate, phenol, and 4-chlorophenol were very similar in both systems. These findings indicate that the operation of CMAS systems with aerobic selectors may result in the selection for degrading populations with higher Ks and μmax values for both biogenic and xenobiotic organic compounds, and that substrate storage in the selector only partially contributes to increased substrate removal rates.

High rate and compact single sludge pre-denitrification process for retrofit

1994 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 31-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyshi Emori ◽  
Hiroki Nakamura ◽  
Tatsuo Sumino ◽  
Tadashi Takeshima ◽  
Katsuzo Motegi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Activated Sludge Process ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Conventional Activated Sludge ◽  
Treatment Techniques ◽  
Conventional Activated Sludge Process ◽  
Denitrification Process

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

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