scholarly journals The Impact of Aluminium Salt Dosing for Chemical Phosphorus Removal on the Settleability of Activated Sludge

Environments ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Ojo ◽  
Augustine Ifelebuegu
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Settling Velocity ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Sem Images ◽  
Sludge Flocs ◽  
Floc Structure ◽  
Aluminium Salt ◽  
Dose Concentration ◽  
The Impact

The use of metal salts like aluminium in the precipitation of phosphorus in activated sludge plants has increased considerably in recent years due to the need to achieve tighter discharge consents for phosphorus in treated wastewater effluent. The impact of aluminium salt (Al3+) dosing on the settleability of activated sludge as a function of zone settling velocity (ZSV) and stirred specific volume index (SSVI) were investigated in batch settleability tests over a three-year period. The results showed that ZSV increased with increasing dose of aluminium salt as SSVI decreased. This trend was observed for dosing concentrations of less than 100 mg/L. At a dose concentration >100 mg/L, the trend was reversed as ZSV decreased and SSVI increased. At dose concentrations of <100 mg/L, Al3+ helped in the bioaggregation of dispersed activated sludge flocs, thereby improving settleability. The surface morphology from the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated that the initial potential of interfloc bridging, open floc formation, and spindly bulking noticed in the undosed activated sludge flocs were remarkably reduced as the flocs became more compacted after Al3+ treatment. At >100 mg/L of Al3+, the sludge settleability started to disintegrate due mainly to surface charge reversal linked to the formation of aluminium hydroxides and the resultant disintegration of the activated sludge floc structure.

On-line measurements of settling characteristics in activated sludge

1997 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-312
Author(s):  
Michael R. Rasmussen ◽  
Torben Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Settling Velocity ◽  
Continuous Measurement ◽  
Batch Reactor ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Sludge Volume Index ◽  
Dynamic Variations ◽  
On Line ◽  
Settling Column ◽  
Settling Characteristics

An on-line settling column for measuring the dynamic variations of settling velocity of activated sludge has been developed. The settling column is automatic and self-cleansing insuring continuous and reliable measurements. The settling column was tested on sludge from a batch reactor where sucrose was added as an impulse to activated sludge. The continuous measurement of settling velocity revealed a highly dynamic response after the sucrose was added. The results were verified with simultaneous measurement of the initial settling rate. A 200 hour experiment showed variations in settling velocity, which was not apparent in the DSVI (Diluted Sludge Volume Index).

Effects of Temperature and pH on the Settleability of Activated Sludge Flocs

1990 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 249-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Dilek Çetin ◽  
Gülerman Sürücü
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Aeration Tank ◽  
Effluent Quality ◽  
Sludge Flocs ◽  
Secondary Clarifier ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Effects Of Temperature ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
Physiological And Biochemical

In efficient and economical treatment of wastewaters,the settleability of activated sludge is of prime importance. Efficient settlement in the secondary sedimentation tank is required, both to keep the desired effluent quality and to sustain the necessary amount of microorganisms in the aeration tank. On the other hand, the settleability of microorganisms in the secondary clarifier is very dependent on the physiological and biochemical nature of activated sludge flocs, which are determined by the conditions of the aeration tank. In this research, effects of temperature and pH of aeration basin on settleability of activated sludge were studied. Settleability was measured by zone settling velocity and sludge volume index (SVI). Five different temperatures and four different pH values were operated in the aeration basin. It was found that the settleability of activated sludge is greatly affected by these two parameters.

Evaluation of phytotoxicity of effluents from activated sludge and constructed wetland system for wastewater reuse

2019 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 656-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana María Leiva ◽  
Adrián Albarrán ◽  
Daniela López ◽  
Gladys Vidal
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Treated Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Epicotyl Elongation ◽  
Petri Dishes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Seeds Germination

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxicity of wastewater treated with horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) constructed wetlands (CWs) and activated sludge (AS) system using disinfection treatment such chlorination and ultraviolet (UV) system. To assess the impact of the reuse of different effluents (HSSF-Cl, HSSF-UV, AS-Cl and AS-UV), bioassays using seeds of Raphanus sativus (R. sativus) and Triticum aestivum (T. aestivum), were performed on both Petri dishes and soil. Different treated wastewater concentrations were varied (6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100%) and the percentage of germination inhibition (PGI), percentage of epicotyl elongation (PEE) and germination index (GI) were determined. Positive effects (PGI and PEE &lt;0% and GI &gt;80%) of HSSF-Cl, HSSF-UV, AS-Cl and AS-UV effluents on germination and epicotyl elongation of R. sativus and T. aestivum were observed in Petri dishes bioassays. However, toxic effects of HSSF-Cl, HSSF-UV and AS-Cl on seeds germination and epicotyl elongation of both plant species were detected in soil samples (PGI and PEE &gt;0% and GI &lt;80%). Only R. sativus seeds to be irrigated with AS-UV achieved GI values above 86% for all concentrations evaluated. These results indicated that AS-UV effluent had a positive effect on seeds germination and can be recommended for treated wastewater reuse in agricultural irrigation.

Stroboscopic determination of settling velocity, size and porosity of activated sludge flocs

1987 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Da-Hong Li ◽  
Jerzy J. Ganczarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Settling Velocity ◽  
Sludge Flocs

Evaluation of the impact of single-walled carbon nanotubes in an activated sludge wastewater reactor

2008 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 623-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Yin ◽  
X. Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Sludge Flocs ◽  
Single Walled Carbon ◽  
Activated Sludge Reactor ◽  
Solids Retention ◽  
Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
The Impact

This paper evaluated the impact of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on the performance and activated sludge properties in an activated sludge wastewater reactor. The reactor was shock loaded with 270 mg/L of 90% purified SWCNTs after the reactor reached quasi-steady state and the reactor was monitored for 18 days after the shock loading. Various experimental parameters were measured and compared. Overall the addition of SWCNTs did not negatively impact the performance of the activated sludge reactor; on the other hand, SWCNTs improved sludge settleability and sludge dewaterability. The cake solids of the sludge were increased and the activated sludge flocs became less negatively charged. The positive impacts were more significant in Phase II (after running the reactor for one solids retention time, SRT) than that in Phase III (after running for additional 1.5 SRT).

Effect of phosphorus limitation on microbial floc structure and gene expression in activated sludge

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 247-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.R. Liu ◽  
C.T. Liu ◽  
E.A. Edwards ◽  
S.N. Liss
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Cell Structure ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
P Limitation ◽  
Floc Structure ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Log Ratio

The effect of limiting phosphorus (P) in activated sludge was investigated in laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). Correlative microscopy revealed that P-limitation (COD:N:P=100:5:0.05) leads to morphological changes in floc structure and the composition of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). This was found to be accompanied by expression of quorum-sensing in an acyl homoserine lactone bioassay. Differential gene expression in relation to P-limitation was examined in a global profile using the Affymetrix™ Escherichia coli antisense genomic microarray. Three separate experiments were conducted where the impact of P-limitation was examined under batch conditions and in SBRs at stable operating conditions and within 3–7 days following a down-shift in P. Significant changes in open reading frames (ORF) and intergenic regions based on the E. coli microarray were observed. Several genes associated with cell structure, including slt, wbbH, fimH, amB, rfaJ and slp were found to be expressed. Quorum regulated genes were also found to be expressed including psiF which is known to be induced by P-starvation (92% confidence level; 1.45 log ratio).

Upgrading performance of an activated sludge process through addition of talqueous powder

1996 ◽  
Vol 34 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 75-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Cantet ◽  
E. Paul ◽  
F. Clauss
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Control Unit ◽  
Physical Structure ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Liquid Separation ◽  
Floc Structure ◽  
Rapid Effect ◽  
Solid Liquid ◽  
Solid Liquid Separation

This study is intended to induce better performance of existing activated sludge wastewater plants without modifying the physical structure of the plant. The process consists in injecting a specific mineral powder into the aeration stage with two precise purposes: firstly to improve floc structure and thus facilitate solid/liquid separation in the clarifier, and secondly to reduce nitrogenous pollution. By means of two experimental models the indisputable and rapid effect of talc/chlorite blend on the solid/liquid separation was established (with a sludge volume index improvement by a factor of 2 to 3 within a few days) compared with a control unit. The increase in nitrification capacity of the system is also clearly shown with nitrification yields being increased by 30%. These results lead us to believe that it is possible to use this process of enhanced nitrification for running a plant reliably without dysfunctioning. Problems linked to hydraulic or biological excess loading can be solved this way. Moreover, the addition of talqueous powder improves sludge dewaterability.

Bacterial composition of activated sludge - importance for floc and sludge properties

2004 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 51-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.H. Nielsen ◽  
T.R. Thomsen ◽  
J.L. Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Sludge Flocs ◽  
Floc Structure ◽  
Culture Independent ◽  
In Situ Methods ◽  
Sludge Properties ◽  
And Function ◽  
Biological Methods ◽  
Dominant Bacteria

Activated sludge flocs consist of numerous constituents which, together with other factors, are responsible for floc structure and floc properties. These properties largely determine the sludge properties such as flocculation, settling and dewaterability. In this paper we briefly review the present knowledge about the role of bacteria in relation to floc and sludge properties, and we present a new approach to investigate the identity and function of the bacteria in the activated sludge flocs. The approach includes identification of the important bacteria and a characterization of their physiological and functional properties. It is carried out by use of culture-independent molecular biological methods linked with other methods to study the physiology and function, maintaining a single cell resolution. Using this approach it was found that floc-forming properties differed among the various bacterial groups, e.g. that different microcolony-forming bacteria had very different sensitivities to shear and that some of them deflocculated under anaerobic conditions. In our opinion, the approach to combine identity with functional analysis of the dominant bacteria in activated sludge by in situ methods is a very promising way to investigate correlations between presence of specific bacteria, and floc and sludge properties that are of interest.

PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON THE INFLUENCE OF NEGATIVE PRESSURE ON ACTIVATED SLUDGE FLOCS

2018 ◽  
Vol 170 (50) ◽  
pp. 51-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Gnida ◽  
Dagmara Witecy
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Negative Pressure ◽  
Municipal Wastewater ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Contaminant Removal ◽  
Sludge Volume Index ◽  
Sludge Flocs ◽  
Shear Sensitivity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Negative Pressures

A sludge from municipal wastewater plant operated for biological contaminant removal was exposed to three different negative pressures (-200, -500 and -800 hPa) for three different duration times (30 second, 1 and 2 minutes). Sludge volume index, shear sensitivity of the sludge and activated sludge floc characteristic was the object of the study before and after negative pressure treatment. After the treatment the sludge settled better independently on the pressure value and duration time. The shear sensitivity changed the most when the pressure exposure of -800 hPa was 1 minute and longer. The flocs structure was more open after negative pressur and larger part of activated sludge was comprised by large flocs.

Nutrient minimisation in the pulp and paper industry: an overview

2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.H. Slade ◽  
R.J. Ellis ◽  
M. van den Heuvel ◽  
T.R. Stuthridge
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Paper Industry ◽  
Pulp And Paper Industry ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Treatment Technology ◽  
Solids Separation ◽  
The Impact

This paper reviews nutrient issues within the pulp and paper industry summarising: nitrogen and phosphorus cycles within treatment systems; sources of nutrients within pulping and papermaking processes; minimising nutrient discharge; new approaches to nutrient minimisation; and the impact of nutrients in the environment. Pulp and paper industry wastewaters generally contain insufficient nitrogen and phosphorus to satisfy bacterial growth requirements. Nutrient limitation has been linked to operational problems such as sludge bulking and poor solids separation. Nutrients have been added in conventional wastewater treatment processes to ensure optimum treatment performance. Minimising the discharge of total nitrogen and phosphorus from a nutrient limited wastewater requires both optimised nutrient supplementation and effective removal of suspended solids from the treated wastewater. In an efficiently operated wastewater treatment system, the majority of the discharged nutrients are contained within the biomass. Effective solids separation then becomes the controlling step, and optimisation of secondary clarification is crucial. Conventional practice is being challenged by the regulatory requirement to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus discharge. Two recent developments in pulp and paper wastewater treatment technologies can produce discharges low in nitrogen and phosphorus whilst operating under conventionally nutrient limited conditions: i) the nutrient limited BAS process (Biofilm-Activated Sludge) which combines biofilm and activated sludge technologies under nutrient limited conditions and ii) an activated sludge process based on the use of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Aerated stabilisation basins often operate without nutrient addition, relying on settled biomass in the benthal zone feeding back soluble nutrients, or the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. Thus effective nutrient minimisation strategies require a more detailed understanding of nutrient cycling and utilisation. Where it is not possible to meet discharge constraints with biological treatment alone, a tertiary treatment step may be required. In setting nutrient control guidelines, consideration should be given to the nutrient limitations of the receiving environment, including other cumulative nutrient impacts on that environment. Whether an ecosystem is N or P limited should be integrated with wastewater treatment considerations in the further design and development of treatment technology and regulatory guidelines. End-of-pipe legislation alone cannot predict environmental effects related to nutrients and must be supplemented by an effects-based approach.

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