Effect of C/N ratios on the performance of earthworm eco-filter for treatment of synthetics domestic sewage

Purpose

The performances of filter systems that use earthworms and plants, combined with earthworm eco-filter (EE) systems in treating synthetic domestic sewage (SDS) with different C/N ratios, were investigated for a 9-month period.

Methods

The effects of the combination of filters, earthworms, plants, as well as the combination of earthworms and plants on SDS nutrient removal efficiency were separately investigated to select the optimum system for treating SDS. The results of the current study could be used to determine how treatment performance responds to different C/N ratios and to explain and predict the performance of an operating EE system.

Results

EE systems with earthworms and plants (EP groups) consistently performed better than the other types of systems (CK, E, and P; that is, without earthworms and without plants, with earthworms and without plants, and without earthworms and with plants, respectively) under all C/N ratios. The highest removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total organic carbon were achieved under C/N ratios of 6:1, 6:1, 6:1, and 9:1, respectively. The optimum nutrient removal efficiency was achieved at C/N?=?6, and the contribution order for nutrient removal was EP > P > E > CK.

Conclusions

Influent C/N ratios, the time of year, and the synergetic effects of earthworm behavior and microorganisms significantly affected nutrient removal efficiencies. Considering the removal of all nutrients, EE systems with plants and earthworms achieved optimum removal effects in July when the influent C/N ratio was controlled at 6. Appropriate control of carbon and nitrogen source concentrations permitted the achievement of optimal nutrient removal effects.     

Use of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios to assess the effects of environmental contaminants on aquatic food webs

In this study, the value of carbon (delta13C) and nitrogen (delta15N) stable isotope ratios were determined in nymphs of a top-predator, the common backswimmer (Notonecta glauca L.), collected in 18 m3 outdoor freshwater mesocosms used to assess the fate and ecotoxicological effects of a diphenyl ether herbicide, fomesafen, applied alone or in combination with Agral 90 (mixture of polyethoxylated derivatives of nonylphenol). Both treatments had a negative effect on delta13C values which may reflect changes in carbon fluxes across food webs in the treated ponds associated with a shift in phytoplankton structure. A decrease in delta15N values was observed in the nymphs collected in mixture-treated ponds, which was presumably due to an increase in the abundance of rotifers and Chironominae larvae in these ponds. These preliminary results indicate that stable isotope ratios may be used as shortcuts to detect qualitative or quantitative shifts in the structure of aquatic food webs caused by pollutants.     

Comparison of spatiotemporal carbon,nitrogen, and phosphorus burial in two plateau lacustrine sediments: implication for N and P control

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The long-term accumulation, burial and release of nutrients, such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in lacustrine sediments are...     

碳氮磷比例失调城市污水的同步脱氮除磷

为解决现行同步脱氮除磷工艺处理南方地区碳、氮、磷比例失调城市污水中,因C/N、C/P偏低,碳源不足而降低脱氮除磷效率的难题,试验以碳源偏低的广州市城市污水为研究对象,采用厌氧/好氧交替运行的SBR系统,通过对厌氧、好氧时段的合理调控,在无需额外添加碳源的条件下,有机物、氨氮、总氮和总磷的平均去除率分别可达90%、72%、41%和99%,不仅能使有机物和氮的出水指标达到国家排放标准,而且总磷出水浓度能达0.5 mg/L以下。通过进一步分析同步高效脱氮除磷的影响因素和控制条件,得出合理污泥龄的控制是实现同步脱氮除磷的关键,厌氧/好氧交替运行的方式不仅强化了磷的释放和吸收,而且降低了碳源偏低和硝酸盐对同步脱氮除磷影响的结论。     

碳源类型及进水量分配对CMICAO工艺脱氮除磷的影响

研究了分别以葡萄糖和乙酸钠为碳源时多点交替进水阶式A2/O(CMICAO)工艺氮磷的去除效果,以及在不同进水C/N比时各进水量分配对脱氮除磷效果的影响.结果表明,在相同的进水COD浓度下,乙酸钠比葡萄糖更适合作为碳源,更能提高脱氮除磷效率.以葡萄糖为碳源时,COD为200 mg/L、C/N比为5、缺氧池与厌氧池进水配比为1∶2时,出水COD、TN、氨氮和TP浓度分别为28.5、10.8、2.1和0.5 mg/L,均达到国家一级A排放标准.若采用葡萄糖作为碳源,投加量以使进水C/N比为5～7.5为宜,外加碳源时缺氧池与厌氧池进水分配比可统一采用1∶1.     

梁滩河沉积物中氮磷垂直分布研究

以梁滩河为研究对象,从上游到下游布置了15个采样点,研究了这些采样点的氮、磷浓度,并以其中几个采样点为主要对象,着重研究了氮、磷在不同深度的垂直分布情况。结果表明,梁滩河的上游左支氮、磷浓度已经较高,而上游右支受污染严重,特别是TN严重超标,说明长期受到生活污水和农业废水的污染。分析其垂直分布规律,TN、TP最高值大多出现在中间层,TP在底层的浓度总体要比表层高,而TN在底层的浓度总体要比表层低。梁滩河沉积物中氮、磷主要集中在中间层,中间层是营养物储存的主要场所。     

Nitrogen deposition increases the acquisition of phosphorus and potassium by heather Calluna vulgaris

Increased plant productivity due to nitrogen pollution increases the strength of the global carbon sink, but is implicated in plant diversity loss. However, modelling and experimental studies have suggested that these effects are constrained by availability of other nutrients. In a survey of element concentrations in Calluna vulgaris across an N deposition gradient in the UK, shoot concentrations of N and more surprisingly phosphorus and potassium were positively correlated with N deposition; tissue N/P ratio even decreased with N deposition. Elevated P and K concentrations possibly resulted from improved acquisition due to additional enzyme production or mycorrhizal activity. Heather occurs on organic soils where nutrient limitations are likely due to availability constraints rather than small stocks. However, if this effect extends to other plant and soil types, effects of N deposition on C sinks and plant competition may not be as constrained by availability of other nutrients as previously proposed.     

几种模拟处理方式污泥淋出液重金属与养分特征

为了减少城市污泥重金属对农田的污染,更好地实现污泥农业资源化利用,通过盆栽实验研究不同处理(对照、黑网、附Fe黑网、附Fe黑网+K2SO4及附Fe黑网+玉米)对城市污泥淋出液重金属和养分含量等的影响。结果表明,黑网可降低污泥淋出液的Zn﹑Cd总量,且没有减少污泥淋出液中氮、磷和钾的总量。Fe(OH)3可使淋出液中Zn总量降低,但同时也显著减少了淋出液中的磷总量。K2SO4可降低淋出液中的Cu总量,且促进Fe结合磷的释放。玉米的种植可使污泥的总重降低,同时玉米籽粒和茎叶重金属含量达到饲料标准。综合来看,任何处理每次淋出液的Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd浓度均符合农田灌溉水标准,淋出液氮、磷、钾量占原污泥中氮、磷、钾总量的比例(0.98%～9.88%)远远大于重金属元素(Cu,Zn,Pb,Cd)占原污泥对应重金属总量的比例(0.04%～0.41%),污泥淋出液作为农田灌溉水进行肥水利用将是污泥农业资源化利用的适合途径,同时黑网+玉米处理可能是较理想的污泥综合处理利用方式。     

不同碳源添加量对垂直流人工湿地污水处理效果的影响

以垂直流人工湿地小试系统为研究对象,采用碱处理过的千屈菜(Lythrum salicaria)作为反硝化碳源补充材料,探讨了不同碳源添加量对系统COD及氮、磷去除效果的影响。结果表明,一定剂量经过碱处理的千屈菜材料可以为人工湿地系统脱氮提供反硝化所需要的碳源,而且具有缓效持续释放的特点。添加此碳源材料可明显提高系统的脱氮效率,最高可提升30.85%,但随着C/N比的增加,硝态氮去除率逐渐降低,C/N比为3、5、8时分别为91.20%、87.72%和84.19%。添加碳源量达到C/N比为3时系统能够发生最大程度反硝化,此时不仅人工湿地系统脱氮效果得到提高,同时人工湿地除磷能力也有所增强。碱处理过的千屈菜材料在本系统中的最适宜添加量为5 g,即100 g/m2(C/N=3),远低于在进水中为满足反硝化所需调控的C/N比(5～8),可以节约外加碳源成本。     

Tracing the influence of sewage nitrogen in a coastal ecosystem using stable nitrogen isotopes

This paper reviews the use of stable nitrogen isotopes (delta15N) to delineate the influence of sewage nitrogen (N) in coastal ecosystems, drawing extensively on the case of Himmerfj?rden, a Baltic Sea bay that receives 15N-enriched tertiary treated sewage that is discharged mainly as dissolved inorganic N (DIN). Gradients of delta15N in macroalgae (Fucus vesiculosus) and surface sediments traced sewage-derived N to 24 km from the outfall but elevated delta15N values (> 7 per thousand) indicated that the sewage influence was most pronounced within 10 km. Comparison of macroalgal delta15N values before and after enhanced tertiary treatment showed a decrease in the spatial impact of sewage N from about 24 km to 12 km from the outfall and a decrease to more marine delta15N values in more recent growth tissues. Sedimentary delta15N records showed that sewage has had a dominant influence on organic matter production in the bay with dramatic increases in sedimentary delta15N during the years of maximum sewage N loads. In cases where sewage N introduces a distinct isotopic signature into a system and where it has had a dominant influence on organic matter production, delta15N values in biota and sediments can be used to trace the spatial and temporal influence of sewage N in aquatic ecosystems.     

生活污水不同进水C/N比负荷对垂直潜流式人工湿地排放温室气体的影响

人工湿地处理的生活污水含氮量或者有机物含量很高时,可能会造成人工湿地在处理污水的过程中排放大量温室气体。研究了垂直潜流式人工湿地在人工合成的生活污水不同污染物进水C/N负荷条件下污水处理效果和温室气体(CO2和CH4)的排放量,利用现场测量和碳平衡模型估算分析了可以达到最佳污水净化效果和最少温室气体排放量的污染物进水C/N负荷条件。结果显示,在进水C/N负荷为C/N=6∶1~9∶1时可以得到最佳的污染物去除率。温室气体CH4排放量较CO2排放量可以忽略不计,而在进水C/N负荷为C/N=3∶1~6∶1时可以实现最少的温室气体排放。综上所述,最优的进水C/N负荷确定为C/N=6∶1,此时人工湿地可以得到较高的污染物去除率而排放较少的温室气体。     

Effects of earthworms and effective microorganisms on the composting of sewage sludge with cassava dregs in the tropics

The present study revealed the role of earthworm-effective microorganisms (EM) in converting sewage sludge and cassava dregs into a valuable product. Sewage sludge was toxic to earthworm, therefore it was mixed with cassava dregs in 80:20 proportions (dry weight). Treatments included mixed substrate inoculated versus not inoculated with EM and treated with or without earthworms. The pH, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and C:N ratio decreased from the initial measurements in the range of 17.43–18.46%, 25.48–33.82%, 19.60–25.37%, and 6.68–14.05% respectively; but electrical conductivity and available phosphorus increased in the range of 113.47–158.16% and 42.42–57.58%, respectively. In addition, they interactively increased total phosphorus from 19.84–63.01% and potassium from 16.41–50.78%, and decreased the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons content of substrate from 21.17% to 32.14% with an increase in earthworms from 51.71 to 57.69, respectively. Earthworms and EM could be used together as an efficient method for co-composting sewage sludge plus cassava dregs in the tropics. This could be expected to result in stabilization of waste, increase in nutrients, and reduction of pollutant content.

Implications: The first reports of interaction of earthworms and effective microorganisms in the treatment of sewage sludge and cassava dregs in the tropics. Co-composting was an efficient technology for treating sewage sludge and cassava dregs at the same time, in the tropics. The survival rate of the earthworms both> 95%, the highest number of cocoons (640.33) and hatchlings (4694.33) both in EW+EM (Earthworms added and EM inoculated) treatment. Earthworms and EM (Only EM inoculated) interactively increased total phosphorus and potassium content, and decreased the PAH content of substrate with increase in earthworms.     

Historical record of nutrients inputs into the Xin’an Reservoir and its potential environmental implication

The Xin’an Reservoir is an important water supply source and water conservation area for the Qiantang River. However, after the occurrence of the two algae blooms in 1998 and 1999, the safety of water quality has been put into question. In order to study the historical deposition of nutrients, sediment cores were collected in different regions from the Xin’an Reservoir. The stable isotopes δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N, nutrients, total organic carbon (TOC), and inorganic carbon (IC) in the sediment cores were determined. Radiometric methods (²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs) were used to obtain sediment chronologies. Spatially, it was found that the average total nitrogen (TN) content in the upper 5 cm of sediments increased from 0.21% in the riverine zone, to 0.33%, and then to 0.57% in the lacustrine zone. The average TP content in the upper 5 cm increased from 0.67 g kg^?1 in the riverine zone, to 1.03 g kg^?1 in the estuary region, and then to 1.65 g kg^?1 in the lacustrine zone. In addition, TOC levels showed a distinct increase from 1.42% in the bottom to 5.97% in the surface of the lacustrine zone. These results demonstrated that although primary productivity and the input of nutrients constantly increased in recent years, algae blooms rarely occurred in the Xin’an Reservoir, due to “depth effect” and an aquatic environment protection-oriented fishery policy. However, high TOC flux and high bio-available phosphorus and nitrogen in surface sediment demonstrated that the reservoir is still confronted with the potential risk of algae blooms.     

SBR脱氮系统污泥对磷的去除研究

为了研究缺氧(75 min)-好氧(294 min)交替运行的SBR系统中除磷的原因,采用静态实验,对比了不同碳源、水质及运行环境下对磷的去除情况。实验结果表明,该SBR脱氮系统中的好氧段磷的减少是生物去除的结果。当供给碳源为丙酸-乙酸混合物(摩尔比为2∶1)、葡萄糖、淀粉或蛋白胨时,污泥都可将磷去除,去除效率依次降低;COD/NO3--N为8.77∶1(400 mg/L∶45.6 mg/L)时除磷效果明显好于5.41∶1(400 mg/L∶73.9 mg/L)和3.57∶1(400 mg/L∶112 mg/L);进水磷浓度为8 mg/L时,COD由50 mg/L增加到400 mg/L,污泥对磷的去除效果基本一样;完全的缺氧或完全的好氧环境下,污泥对磷的去除能力逐渐丧失。     

Replacing the Nile: are anthropogenic nutrients providing the fertility once brought to the Mediterranean by a great river?

Prior to construction of the Aswan High Dam, the annual Nile flood delivered about 7-11 x 10(3) t of biologically available phosphorus (P), at least 7 x 10(3) t of inorganic nitrogen (N), and 110 x 10(3) t of silica (Si) to the Mediterranean coastal waters off Egypt. These nutrients stimulated a dramatic "Nile bloom" of diatoms which supported a productive fishery. After closure of the dam in 1965, flow from the Nile was reduced by over 90%, and the fishery collapsed. It remained unproductive for about 15 years. The fishery began a dramatic recovery during the 1980s, coincident with increasing fertilizer use, expanded agricultural drainage, increasing human population, and dramatic extensions of urban water supplies and sewage collection systems. Calculations of the potential anthropogenic contribution of nutrients (P and N, but not Si) are consistent with the hypothesis that human sewage and agricultural drainage now support the fertility once provided by the Nile, though the nature of the productive ecosystem now supporting the fishery appears to be quite different from the historical one.     

Does (K+Mg+Ca+P) fertilization lead to recovery of tree health in a nitrogen stressed Quercus rubra L. stand?

In The Netherlands atmospheric deposition of nitrogen compounds to forest ecosystems has been very high for some decades and has led to severe nutritional imbalances in soils as well as in trees. At this moment legislation is not fully in effect with respect to lowering emission/deposition fluxes, particularly of nitrogen. The trees suffer mainly from severe magnesium, potassium and calcium and sometimes phosphorus deficiencies. In this study it was investigated whether fertilization with potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus could prevent a Quercus rubra stand from further decline by restoring the nutritional balance, though the detrimental input of nitrogen compounds still continues. Three fertilization treatments were applied: (i) a standard dose of 1250 kg.ha(-1) containing 60 kg P.ha(-1) (as P2O5), 100 kg K.ha(-1) (as K2O), 80 kg Mg.ha(-1) (as MgO) and 340 kg Ca.ha(-1) (as CaCO3); (ii) two times the standard dose; and (iii) three times the standard dose. Soil solution chemistry showed that the highest dose led to the most significant results: an improved nutrient balance and an increased availability of nutrients. After one growing season following fertilization, the trees looked much healthier and crown density had increased. This revitalization lasted for at least four years. For tree health the mid dose seemed appropriate. After the first growing season potassium is the most mobile nutrient, in the soil and also in the trees, but tended to decrease in the fourth year after fertilization. Magnesium and calcium reached normal values in the leaves after four growing seasons. No obvious effects of phosphorus were found.     

Closing a Loop: Substance Flow Analysis of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in the Rainbow Trout Production and Domestic Consumption System in Finland

Ongoing eutrophication is changing the Baltic Sea ecosystem. Aquaculture causes relatively small-scale nutrient emissions, but local environmental impact may be considerable. We used substance flow analysis (SFA) to identify and quantify the most significant flows and stocks of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) related to rainbow trout aquaculture in Finland. In 2004–2007, the input of nutrients to the system in the form of fish feed was 829 t N year⁻¹ and 115 t P year⁻¹. Around one-fifth of these nutrients ended up as food for human consumption. Of the primary input, 70% ended up in the Baltic Sea, directly from aquaculture and indirectly through waste management. The nutrient cycle could be closed partially by using local fish instead of imported fish in rainbow trout feed, thus reducing the net load of N and P to a fraction.     

Effects of simultaneous ozone exposure and nitrogen loads on carbohydrate concentrations, biomass, growth, and nutrient concentrations of young beech trees (Fagus sylvatica)

Beech seedlings were grown under different nitrogen fertilisation regimes (0, 20, 40, and 80 kg Nha(-1)yr(-1)) for three years and were fumigated with either charcoal-filtered (F) or ambient air (O3). Nitrogen fertilisation increased leaf necroses, aphid infestations, and nutrient ratios in the leaves (N:P and N:K), as a result of decreased phosphorus and potassium concentrations. For plant growth, biomass accumulation, and starch concentrations, a positive nitrogen effect was found, but only for fertilisations of up to 40 kg Nha(-1) yr(-1). The highest nitrogen load, however, reduced leaf area, leaf water content, growth, biomass accumulation, and starch concentrations, whereas soluble carbohydrate concentrations were enhanced. The ozone fumigation resulted in reduced leaf area, leaf water content, shoot growth, root biomass accumulation, and decreased starch, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations, increasing the N:P and N:K ratios. A combined effect of the two pollutants was detected for the leaf area and the shoot elongation, where ozone fumigation amplified the nitrogen effects.     

Plant senescence: a mechanism for nutrient release in temperate agricultural wetlands

The beneficial uptake of nutrients by wetland plants is countered to some extent by nutrient release back into the aquatic environment due to vegetative die-back. This current study examined whether Leersia oryzoides, a common wetland plant, exhibits luxury uptake of nutrients from simulated farm runoff. The study also tested whether with subsequent decomposition, these nutrients are released back into the water column. When exposed to elevated (>2mg/L N and P) runoff, L. oryzoides assimilated significantly higher concentrations of nitrogen (p<0.001) and phosphorus (p<0.001) in above-ground biomass as compared to non-enriched treatments (<0.05 mg/L N and P). Subsequently, senescence of enriched above-ground biomass yielded significantly higher concentrations of phosphorus (2.19+/-0.84 mg P/L). Using L. oryzoides as our model, this study demonstrates nitrogen and phosphorus sequestration during the growing season and release of phosphorus in the winter.     

碳氮比对人工湿地污水处理效果的影响

采用表面流人工湿地系统静态小试装置,考察了低、中、高3组不同进水COD/N(2,5,10)对系统中氮、磷及COD去除效果的影响。结果表明:进水C/N的变化对COD的去除率影响不大,平均去除率达到94.6%。TN的去除率随着COD/N的增大而逐渐升高,在C/N=5时达到63.8%,继续提高COD/N,TN的去除率变化不大。NH4+-N去除率随着COD/N的增加而降低。随着碳源的增加,释磷菌能够从进水中获得充足的碳源,从而可以比较充分地释磷,因此,磷的去除率随COD/N的增加而提高。