Effect of Sludge Retention Time on Nitrifiers' Biomass and Kinetics in an Anaerobic/Oxic Process

In this study, the effect of sludge retention time on ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) in an anaerobic/oxic (AO) process, was explored. The results indicated that the growth rate constants of AOB were 0.97, 0.88, and 0.79 d^–1, respectively, meanwhile, those of NOB were 1.22, 1.03, and 0.93 d^–1, respectively, when the sludge retention time (SRT) was 15 days, 10 days and 5 days. The relation between the growth rate constant and the SRT could be best described using a simple exponential curve and a second type hyperbolic curve. The lysis rate constants for AOB and NOB were 0.13 and 0.18 d^–1, respectively. The yield coefficients values of AOB and NOB were 0.22 and 0.21, respectively. The percentage of AOB to mixed liquid suspended solids (MLSS) was 0.64%, 0.53%, and 0.35%, respectively. Meanwhile, the percentage of NOB was 2.24%, 1.87%, and 1.11%, respectively, at SRT values of 15 days, 10 days and 5 days. When the SRT value decreased, the AOB and NOB biomass levels decreased by 12.75 and 47.01 mg L^–1, respectively. Meanwhile the removal efficiency of NH₄⁺‐N decreased from 90 to 26%, while the removal efficiency of total nitrogen (TN) decreased from 14 to 8%.     

淤泥生态浮床的构建及其对富营养化水体净化效果

利用武汉月湖清淤底泥为主要原料,配以膨胀珍珠岩为轻质材料、灰渣胶凝材料为粘合剂制得淤泥生态浮床,并考察其对富营养化水体的改善效果.研究表明,湖泊淤泥、膨胀珍珠岩、灰渣胶凝材料掺量分别为60%、15%、25%时,浮床模块的密度、抗压强度、抗折强度、吸水率、软化系数达到797.2kg/m3、1.02MPa、0.21MPa、13.2%和85.5%,满足设计需要.在为期32d的净水试验中,淤泥生态浮床对富营养化水体净化效果较好,TN、TP、NH4+-N、PO34-P、CODMn、Chl.a的去除率最高分别可达31.1%、38.6%、37.2%、36.9%、39.7%和48.8%.淤泥生态浮床有效解决了湖泊清淤底泥的处置问题,并且可对富营养化水体取得较好的生态修复效果,适合推广使用.     

Degree of Sulfate‐Reducing Activities on COD Removal in Various Reactor Configurations in Anaerobic Glucose and Acetate‐fed Reactors

Sulfate‐reduction data from various anaerobic reactor configurations, e. g., upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASBR), completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR), and batch reactor (BR) with synthetic wastewaters, having glucose and acetate as the substrates and different levels of sulfate, were evaluated to determine the level of sulfate‐reducing activity by sulfate‐reducing bacteria coupled to organic matter removal. Anaerobic reactors were observed for the degree of competition between sulfate‐reducing sulfidogens and methane producing bacteria during the degradation of glucose and acetate. Low sulfate‐reducing activity was obtained with a maximum of 20% of organic matter degradation with glucose‐fed upflow anaerobic sludge bed reactors (UASBRs), while a minimum of 2% was observed with acetate‐fed batch reactors. The highest sulfate removal performance (72–89%) was obtained from glucose fed‐UASB reactors, with the best results observed with increasing COD/SO₄ ratios. UASB reactors produced the highest level of sulfidogenic activity, with the highest sulfate removal and without a performance loss. Hence, this was shown to be the optimum reactor configuration. Dissolved sulfide produced as a result of sulfate reduction reached 325 mg/L and 390 mg/L in CST and UASB reactors, respectively, and these levels were tolerated. The sulfate removal rate was higher at lower COD/SO₄ ratios, but the degree of sulfate removal improved with increasing COD/SO₄ ratios.     

Arsenic — a Review. Part II: Oxidation of Arsenic and its Removal in Water Treatment

In natural waters arsenic normally occurs in the oxidation states +III (arsenite) and +V (arsenate). The removal of As(III) is more difficult than the removal of As(V). Therefore, As(III) has to be oxidized to As(V) prior to its removal. The oxidation in the presence of air or pure oxygen is slow. The oxidation rate can be increased by ozone, chlorine, hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, or H₂O₂. The oxidation of As(III) is also possible in the presence of manganese oxide coated sands or by advanced oxidation processes. Arsenic can be removed from waters by coprecipitation with Fe(OH)₃, MnO₂ or during water softening. Fixed‐bed filters have successfully been applied for the removal of arsenic.The effectiveness of arsenic removal was tested in the presence of adsorbents such as FeOOH, activated alumina, ferruginous manganese ore, granular activated carbon, or natural zeolites. Other removal technologies are anion exchange, electrocoagulation, and membrane filtration by ultrafiltration, nanofiltration or reverse osmosis.     

Field studies on factors affecting very fine and ultra fine particulate organic matter deposition in low‐gradient sand‐bed streams

The knowledge on particle deposition in streams is mainly based on investigations in mountain streams. No data exist from low‐gradient sand‐bed streams that largely differ in the morphological and hydraulic factors proposed to affect deposition. To identify physical control on particle deposition in low‐gradient streams, we assessed deposition of very fine and ultra fine organic particulate matter in 18 sand‐bed stream reaches. We added particles derived from lake sediment and assessed the mean transport distance S_P and the deposition velocity v_dep. Additionally, reach hydraulics were estimated by injections of a conservative solute tracer (NaCl). Among the low‐gradient streams, particle deposition kinetics were variable but similar to deposition in mountain streams. S_P was solely related to the flow velocity. This relation was confirmed when comprising published data on deposition of fine organic particles. An association between particle deposition and transient storage factors was insignificant. We found significance of the transient storage to S_P only for repeated measures within a single reach, when flow velocity and benthic conditions were nearly constant. Measured v_dep/v_fall ratios were much larger than unity in most reaches. Evidence from this relation suggests that the vertical transport of very fine and ultra fine organic particulate matter through the water column was caused mainly by vertical mixing. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of Ozone and Ozone/Fenton in the Advanced Oxidation Process on Biodegradable Characteristics of Semi‐aerobic Stabilized Leachate

This study investigated the effects of O₃ and O₃/H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ in the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) on the biodegradable and soluble characteristics of semi‐aerobic stabilized solid waste leachate. The biodegradability (BOD₅/chemical oxygen demand, COD) ratio improved from 0.034 to 0.05 and 0.1 following O₃ and O₃/H₂O₂/Fe²⁺, respectively. Fractions of biodegradable COD_(bi) (24%), non‐biodegradable COD_(ubi) (76%), soluble COD_(s) (59%), biodegradable soluble COD_(bsi) (38%), non‐biodegradable soluble COD_(ubsi) (62%), and particulate COD (PCOD) (41%) in stabilized leachate were also investigated. The fraction of COD_(bi) increased to 28 and 36% after applying O₃ and O₃/AOPs, respectively. COD_(S) increased to 59% after O₃ and to 72% after O₃/AOPs, whereas COD_(bsi) increased to 38 and 51% after O₃ and O₃/AOPs, respectively. The removal efficiency of COD_(S) was obtained at 5% after O₃ alone and improved to 51% following ozone‐based AOPs, whereas the removal efficiency of PCOD improved from 25% after O₃ to 71% after ozone‐based AOPs.     

Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide by Physico‐Biological Filter Using Mixed Rice Husk Silica and Dried Activated Sludge

This study investigated the effectiveness of a new packing material, namely mixed rice husk silica with dried activated sludge for removing H₂S. Dried sewage sludge was collected from Putrajaya sewage treatment plant in Malaysia. Rice husk silica was prepared at temperature of 800°C, after acid leaching and mixed with dried sewage sludge to be utilized in a polyvinyl chloride filter. The system was operated under variable conditions of two parameters, different inlet gas concentration and different inlet flow rate. H₂S was passed through the filter with one liter of the packing material. More than 99.96% removal efficiency (RE) with empty bed residence time (EBRT) of 90–45 s and 300 ppm inlet concentration was observed. However, the RE decreased to 96.87% with the EBRT of 30 s. The maximum elimination capacity (EC) of 52.32 g/m³/h was obtained with the RE of 96.87% and H₂S mass loading rate of 54 g/m³/h, while at the RE of 99.96%, maximum EC was 26.99 g/m³/h with the H₂S mass‐loading rate of 27 g/m³/h. A strong significant correlation between increasing of H₂S mass loading rate and pressure drop was also detected (p < 0.01). Maximum pressure drop was 3.0 mm H₂O after 53 days of operating time, the EBRT of 30 s, and 54 g/m³/h of H₂S loading rate. These observations suggest that the mixture of rice husk silica with dried activated sludge is a suitable physico‐biological filter for H₂S removal.     

H2S Emissions from a Submerged Pilot‐Scale Fixed Bed Biofilm Reactor

A study was performed in two submerged, pilot‐scale biofilm bioreactors operated under different conditions to determine the relationship between the operating parameters and H₂S emission. H₂S was always detected in the exhaust air at concentrations varying from 1 to 353 ppm_v. The specific aeration rate was the most influencing parameter, with As < 30 kg COD (dissolved oxygen concentrations <4 mg L^?1) increasing noticeably the H₂S production. The periodical removal of the accumulated sludge reduced H₂S emissions by ～14%.     

Polarographische Bestimmung von Nickel und Chrom in Klärschlämmen Polarographic Determination of Nickel and Chromium in Sewage Sludge

The contents of Ni and Cr in sewage sludge with high and low amounts of heavy metals were investigated by polarography. The DIN-digestion (aqua regia) was used, and the resulting solution was treated with H₂O₂/UV (90 °C, 60 min) for further destroying of the organic material. Besides, the solution of the DIN-digestion was examined with AAS (flame) and ICP-OES. With the determination of Ni it was shown that after digestion with aqua regia no further treatment with H₂O₂/UV is necessary. Contrariwise it was found that for the determination of Cr a H₂O₂/UV photolysis is necessary followed by further steps to get good agreement with AAS and ICP results as well as with the certified values of a sludge of the Community Bureau of Standards.     

TOC-Bestimmung in Schlämmen,Sedimenten und Schwebstoffen — Beschreibung des Verfahrens und begleitender Qualitätssicherungsmaßnahmen Determination of TOC in Sludge,Sediment and Suspended Solids — Description of the Analytical Procedure and Accompanying Quality Control Procedures

The total organic carbon (TOC) is calculated by subtracting the inorganic carbon (IC) from the total carbon (TC). For TC determination, the carbon in a sample is completely converted to CO₂ by decomposition/combustion in an oxygen stream. To determine IC, inorganic carbon (carbonate) is liberated by adding acid and by heating in an oxygen stream. In both cases, CO₂ is quantified by infrared spectrometry. To gain reliable and reproducable results for sludge, sediment and suspended solids, at least the following conditions have to be met: particle size has to be smaller than 200 μm; weightout has to be selected in such a way, that the signal area is not below and the signal maximum is not above specific instrument dependent parameters; combustion/decomposition has to be complete (TC: ≥ 1300 °C, no soot) and rules for analytical quality assurance must be followed. The TC quantification of calcium carbonate is used for system calibration. Daily working procedures include calibration checks by mean control charts for TC determination of calcium carbonate and IC determination of sodium carbonate as well as for control sediment TC and IC quantifications.     

Degradation of Disperse Blue E‐4R in Aqueous Solution by Zero‐Valent Iron/Ozone

Degradation of an anthraquinone dye, disperse blue E‐4R, by zero‐valent iron (ZVI)/ozone (O₃) was carried out in a series of laboratory‐scale experiments. The obtained results indicated that this method was much more effective than single ZVI or single O₃ at removal of color, chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, and adsorbable organic halogen. The effect of several related operational parameters, including O₃ dosage, zero valent iron dosage, temperature, pH value, and ZVI particle size were also discussed. Finally, we tried to decontaminate some actual samples with this method, which showed high treatment efficiency to the sample pretreated by conventional activated sludge.     

Effects of overlying velocity,particle size,and biofilm growth on stream–subsurface exchange of particles

Stream–subsurface exchange strongly influences the transport of contaminants, fine particles, and other ecologically relevant substances in streams. We used a recirculating laboratory flume (220 cm long and 20 cm wide) to study the effects of particle size, overlying velocity, and biofilm formation on stream–subsurface exchange of particles. Sodium chloride was used as a non‐reactive dissolved tracer and 1‐ and 5‐µm fluorescent microspheres were used as particulate tracers. Surface–subsurface exchange was observed with a clean sand bed and a bed colonized by an autotrophic–heterotrophic biofilm under two different overlying velocities, 0·9 and 5 cm s^?1. Hydrodynamic interactions between the overlying flow and sand bed resulted in a reduction of solute and particle concentrations in the water column, and a corresponding accumulation of particles in both the sediments and in the biofilm. Increasing overlying velocity and particle size resulted in faster removal from the overlying water due to enhanced mass transfer to the bed. The presence of the biofilm did not affect solute exchange under any flow condition tested. The presence of the biofilm significantly increased the deposition of particles under an overlying velocity of 5 cm s^?1, and produced a small but statistically insignificant increase at 0·9 cm^?1. The particles preferentially deposited within the biofilm matrix relative to the underlying sand. These results demonstrate that hydrodynamic transport conditions, particle size, and biofilm formation play a key role in the transport of suspended particles, such as inorganic sediments, particulate organic matter, and pathogenic microorganisms in freshwater ecosystems, and should be taken into consideration when predicting the fate and transport of particles and contaminants in the environment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New assessment of organic mercury formation in highly polluted sediments in the Lenga estuary,Chile

Anomalously high levels of mercury in sediment in the Lenga estuary, Chile are comparable to the most contaminated sites previously reported elsewhere. Total mercury (Hg_total) concentrations range from 0.5 to 129 mg kg⁻¹ and organic mercury (Hg_org) from 11 to 53 μg kg⁻¹. The highest levels are in areas near the previous wastewater outfall of a chlo-alkali plant. The results show that the proportion of Hg_org/Hg_total in the sediment varies by more than two orders of magnitude (0.02–5.7%) according to the concentration of Hg_total. No correlation between the concentration of Hg_org and Hg_total was found. The lack of correlation does contrast with the findings of other authors in culture media. Our results indicate that even at very high concentrations of Hg_total and organic matter do not influence organic mercury formation in estuary sediments. The disparity in Hg_total and Hg_org concentrations also attests to environmental differences in the formation.     

再生水补给河流北运河CODCr降解系数变化及影响因素

化学需氧量（COD）是影响地表水体水质的主要污染指标.明确地表水中COD的降解系数,可为把握有机物污染过程变化以及有效控制污染提供科学依据.北运河是城市再生水河流,COD污染严重.以北运河从上游至下游的5个典型断面（马坊桥、火沙路、东关大桥、榆林庄桥、杨洼闸）为例,通过室内模拟实验,估算了不同断面COD_Cr降解系数,并对COD_Cr降解系数进行校正;测定了颗粒物沉降速率、复氧系数,评估了水体自净能力;分析了不同环境条件（温度、溶解氧、流速）对COD_Cr的降解影响.结论如下：北运河水体自净能力较差,颗粒物沉降速率范围为1.09~3.22 m/d,杨洼闸断面颗粒物沉降速率最低为1.09 m/d,其复氧系数偏低,为0.016 d^-1.北运河水体COD_Cr降解系数符合一级动力学方程;经水力、温度经验公式校正后,COD_Cr降解系数范围为0.0184~0.0883 d^-1,低于我国其他平原地区河流.北运河COD_Cr降解系数存在明显的空间差异性,上游断面的降解系数高于下游断面,不过下游北京界最后出水断面杨洼闸表现出闸坝特殊性,降解系数最高（0.0416~0.0883 d^-1）.水质参数中温度、溶解氧、氧化还原电位、营养盐以及总有机碳是COD_Cr降解系数的主要影响因子.COD_Cr降解系数随着温度、溶解氧、外源动力增加而增大;COD_Cr降解系数与营养盐、TOC呈显著正相关,与氧化还原电位呈显著负相关.研究结果可为我国相关城市再生水体水质改善和城市黑臭水体治理提供科学依据.     

2004年以来长江中下游干流水体高锰酸盐指数时空变化分析

高锰酸盐指数是我国水环境质量评价和污染控制考核的重要指标,其浓度高低能反映水体受到有机物污染的严重程度.2003年三峡水库投入运行后,长江中下游干流水文情势发生了重大变化.为此,研究了长江中下游干流耗氧有机污染物的典型参数——高锰酸盐指数的时空变化特征.结果表明,长江中下游干流水体：2004年以来,高锰酸盐指数总体趋降,且目前已处于较低水平并趋于稳定;不同江段和水期高锰酸盐指数变化趋势不一致;耗氧有机污染物以溶解态为主,且溶解态所占比例沿程趋于降低,南津关、汉口、吴淞口下23 km断面溶解态占比中位值分别为0.862、0.734和0.598;可沉降颗粒物对水体中高锰酸盐指数浓度影响较低,尤其在研究河段上游段,悬浮颗粒中所含耗氧物质占总量比例中位值分别为0.138、0.266和0.402;上游江段水体同一监测断面不同测线和测点间高锰酸盐指数测定值差异不显著;河口段则存在显著差异,尤其是表层和底层之间;沿江城市江段近岸水域水体中耗氧物质污染程度较低,其澄清样中高锰酸盐指数均值在1.91～3.45 mg/L之间,仅局部城市江段和水期出现值高于6.0 mg/L的现象.     

Scum in Nutrient Removal Plants: The Role of Carbon Sources in “Microthrix parvicella” Growth

Scum formation is a widespread problem in activated sludge nutrient removal plants. It often comes along with an excessive development of the filamentous bacterium “Microthrix parvicella” stabilizing the flotation process. As “M. parvicella” was found to depend on long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA) as sole carbon source not only in vitro but also in situ, some options of in‐situ substrate supply are discussed. Wastewater concentrations of fatty acids in the range of 2 to 15 mg L^‐1 and homologue concentrations from synthetic surfactant degradation below 10 mg L^‐1 rule out these substrates as source for excessive biomass production. They might, however, well be suitable for start‐up of a “M. parvicella” population. Build‐up of excessive biomass might rely on fatty acid supply originating in cell walls of lysed stationary phase bacteria of long residence time sludge fractions such as scum layers. Moreover, biogenic surfactants such as rhamnolipids have been proved to be an excellent carbon source for excessive biomass production in vitro.     

SGBR Performance on the Basis of Color and COD Removal from Textile Wastewater

This study focused on removal of color and chemical oxygen demand (COD) parameter from textile effluents using a static granular bed reactor (SGBR), which has never been used to treat textile effluents previously. With an organic loading rate (OLR) of 1 kg/m³ day and a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 48 h, COD and color removal efficiencies were 74 and 61%, respectively, while the removal efficiencies were 72 and 57%, respectively, with OLR of 1.7 kg/(m³ day) and HRT of 24 h. It was concluded that the SGBR could be used as an alternative method to treat and decolorize textile effluents. First order and modified Stover–Kincannon models were used to develop a kinetic model using the experimental data with correlation coefficients (R²) of 0.39 and 0.94, respectively. In regard with the calculated correlation coefficients, modified Stover–Kincannon model, which was used to model anerobic biofilters in previous studies, fitted best with the experimental data and it was stated that SGBR worked as an anerobic biofilter.     

Spatial and temporal variation in particle size and particulate organic matter content in suspended particulate matter from peatland‐dominated catchments in Finland

Properties of suspended particulate matter play a vital role in transport processes, but information from boreal lowland river systems with high organic loads is limited. This study analysed data from 2 years of sampling at 30 locations in Finland (204 samples in total) using suspended particulate matter samplers to determine effective and absolute particle size and organic fractions. Mean d₅₀ value was 22 and 49 µm for absolute and effective particle size, respectively. The organic fraction content ranged from 2.1% to 36% (mean 9.6%), highlighting the importance of particle organic matter for suspended particulate matter flux in the region. The results indicated that the suspended particulate matter particle size distribution and load in the study region is dominated by composite particles. There were considerable spatial and temporal variations in transport of organic fractions, effective particle size and degree of aggregation (range 1.5–93%). Headwaters and, in particular, late summer and spring flood conditions with flow peaks produced the largest composite particles, whereas agriculture‐dominated sites produced smaller but more tightly compacted particles. Organic plant fibres appeared to play a vital role in floc formation in peat‐covered catchments, whereas in agriculture‐dominated catchments, land use‐derived aggregates dominated the composition. This study provides empirical evidence of the importance of effective particle size measurement in understanding the dynamics of suspended particulate matters in boreal lowland river systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fluorescence as a Tool for Tracing the Organic Contamination from Pulp Mill Effluents in Surface Waters

Three‐dimensional fluorescence spectra of water samples from an eucalyptus bleached kraft pulp mill and from a river, upstream and downstream of the discharge of the effluent, revealed the existence of a peak at δ_exc = 280 nm and δ_em = 340 nm Δδ = 60 nm), characteristic of effluentπs organic matter. Humic substances were isolated from the effluent by sequential adsorption onto resins XAD‐8 and XAD‐4 in series. Their synchronous fluorescence spectra with Δδ = 60 nm do also exhibit an intense signal at δ_exc = 280 nm (≈ 300 nm in the humic acid fraction). The peak is absent in the spectra of humic substances isolated from a non‐polluted site of the river, but it is clearly seen in the spectra of the humic substances from a site downstream of the discharge of the effluent. Synchronous fluorescence spectra (Δδ = 60 nm) of water samples from the river and its lagoon were recorded and revealed to be an easy and fast way of tracing the organic contamination from the effluent.     

Temporal dynamics,meteorological effects,secondary organic aerosol estimation,and source identification of size-segregated carbonaceous aerosols

During the period 2019–2020, size-segregated aerosol samples containing elemental and organic carbon (EC and OC) were investigated. These samples were collected weekly using an eight-stage cascade impactor from an urban site located at Aksaray University, Aksaray. The quantification of EC and OC was carried out through a thermal-optical transmission device. The results revealed consistent size distribution attributes of EC and OC between winter and summer. Although EC accounted for an insignificant percentage (4.4%) of particulate matter (PM) in the PM_9.0–10.0 fraction during winter, a more substantial portion of OC in the same fraction (13.4%) comprised EC. Seasonal variations were distinct for EC but not significant for OC. Strong correlations between OC and EC were observed in coarse particle fractions, indicating a common source, with weaker correlations in fine particles. The highest OC/EC ratio was in the PM_0.43–0.65 fraction, followed by PM_2.1–3.3. The ratio of OC to EC in fine PM exceeded the threshold of 15 consistently. The observation indicates that as particle size increases, there is a noticeable decline in the OC to EC ratios. Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) accounted for 60.8% (winter) and 89.8% (summer) of OC values, emphasizing the substantial impact of SOA on Aksaray's atmosphere. Both seasons exhibited a multimodal distribution of ambient OC. In winter, the EC distribution was dominated by fine particles, with a bimodal pattern (PM_1.1–2.1 and PM_0.43–0.65 peaks). Common pollutant sources, including traffic emissions, road dust, biogenic emissions, and coal combustion, were identified for both seasons in coarse and fine particle fractions. These findings underscore the importance of emission control strategies targeting fine PM in Aksaray.