Estimating Suspended Solids from Turbidity in the Robeson Creek,NC Watershed

The purpose of this project was to assess the effect of estimating total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations from turbidity on TSS loads for streams in the Robeson Creek watershed. Discharge was monitored continuously and base‐flow grab and storm event composite samples were collected and analyzed for TSS and turbidity from five sites during five years of monitoring. For base‐flow samples, the TSS‐turbidity relationship for all five sites was poor indicating that TSS concentrations in base flow cannot be estimated from a TSS‐turbidity relationship. To test the effect of analyzing fewer samples, TSS from every third and the first 20 samples collected from each site was used to develop TSS‐turbidity relationships. In addition, the TSS‐turbidity relationship developed from the most downstream site was used to estimate TSS concentrations from turbidity measured at the other four sites. For four of the five sites, analyzing every third sample for TSS and using the TSS‐turbidity relationship to estimate the missing TSS concentrations would result in mean TSS loads that were not significantly different from the observed. Using the TSS‐turbidity relationship from the outlet to estimate TSS from turbidity measured at the other four sites resulted in significantly different mean TSS loads at three of the four sites. These results indicate that estimating TSS concentrations from turbidity using a TSS‐turbidity relationship developed from a subset of the overall dataset should be done with great caution.     

Dredging of drainage ditches increases short-term transport of soluble phosphorus

Managed drainage ditches are common in the midwestern United States. These ditches are designed to remove water from fields as quickly as possible, and sediment buildup necessitates dredging, to ensure adequate water removal. This laboratory study was conducted to determine the impact of ditch dredging on soluble phosphorus (P) transport. Ditch sediments were collected from a drainage ditch in northeastern Indiana immediately before and after dredging. The sediments were placed in a stream simulator, and stream water was loaded with 0.55 mM P for 5 d (adsorption experiment). Water was then removed, and "clean" water (no P added) was used for a desorption experiment, lasting 1 d. During the adsorption experiment, pre-dredged sediments were able to remove P from the water column quicker, and P concentrations 120 h after introduction of high P water were lower for the pre-dredged sediments (0.075 mM P) than the dredged sediments (0.111 mM P). During the desorption experiment, P was released to the water column slower in the pre-dredged treatment than the dredged treatment (instantaneous flux at t = 0 was 0.205 microM P h(-1) for pre-dredged and 0.488 microM P h(-1) for dredged). This occurred despite higher Mehlich 3-extractable P in the pre-dredged sediments than the dredged sediments. Equilibrium phosphorus concentrations (EPCo) were lower in the pre-dredged sediments during both adsorption and desorption experiments. Transport of soluble P immediately after dredging will likely increase in drainage ditches; however, dredging is a necessary management tool to ensure adequate discharge of water from surrounding fields.     

Estimating Sediment and Nutrient Loads in Four Western Lake Superior Streams

Total suspended solids (TSS) and total phosphorus (TP) have been shown to be strongly correlated with turbidity in watersheds. High‐frequency in situ turbidity can provide estimates of these potential pollutants over a wide range of hydrologic conditions. Concentrations and loads were estimated in four western Lake Superior trout streams from 2005 to 2010 using regression models relating continuous turbidity data to grab sample measures of TSS and TP during differing flow regimes. TSS loads estimated using the turbidity surrogate were compared with those made using FLUX software, a standard assessment technique based on discharge and grab sampling for TSS. More traditional rating curve methodology was not suitable because of the high variability in the particulates vs. discharge relationship. Stream‐specific turbidity and TSS data were strongly correlated (r² = 0.5 to 0.8; p < 0.05) and less so for TP (r² = 0.3 to 0.7; p < 0.05). Near‐continuous turbidity monitoring (every 15 min) provided a good method for estimating both TSS and TP concentration, providing information when manual sample collection was unlikely, and allowing for detailed analyses of short‐term responses of flashy Lake Superior tributaries to highly variable weather and hydrologic conditions while the FLUX model typically resulted in load estimates greater than those determined using the turbidity surrogate, with 17/23 stream years having greater FLUX estimates for TSS and 18/23 for TP.     

Predicting runoff of suspended solids and particulate phosphorus for selected Louisiana soils using simple soil tests

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationships among total suspended solids (TSS) and particulate phosphorus (PP) in runoff and selected soil properties. Nine Louisiana soils were subjected to simulated rainfall events, and runoff collected and analyzed for various parameters. A highly significant relationship existed between runoff TSS and runoff turbidity. Both runoff TSS and turbidity were also significantly related to runoff PP, which on average accounted for more than 98% of total P (TP) in the runoff. Runoff TSS was closely and positively related to soil clay content in an exponential fashion (y=0.10e0.01x, R2=0.91, P<0.001) while it was inversely related to soil electrical conductivity (EC) (y=0.02 x(-3.95), R2=0.70, P<0.01). A newly-devised laboratory test, termed "soil suspension turbidity" (SST) which measures turbidity in a 1:200 soil/water suspension, exhibited highly significant linear relationships with runoff TSS (y=0.06x-4.38, R2=0.82, P<0.001) and PP (y=0.04x+2.68, R2=0.85, P<0.001). In addition, SST alone yielded similar R2 value to that of combining soil clay content and EC in a multiple regression, suggesting that SST was able to account for the integrated effect of clay content and electrolytic background on runoff TSS. The SST test could be used for assessment and management of sediment and particulate nutrient losses in surface runoff.     

Measuring runoff-suspended solids using an improved turbidometer method

Differences in particle size distribution between runoff standards and unknown samples affect the accuracy of estimation of total suspended solids (TSS) concentration using the nephelometric turbidity (NTU) method. The objective was to quantify the effects of a sucrose solution as suspending medium and contrasting particle size distribution on nephelometric turbidity and accuracy of TSS estimation. Nineteen benchmark soils varying in texture and color were divided into particle size distribution of <250 and <2000 microm. Soils from these two aggregate classes were then made into suspension ranging from 0.2 to 15 g L-1 using distilled deionized water. Runoff suspensions ranging from 0.2 to 21 g L-1 were also collected from different watersheds. Turbidity of soil and runoff suspensions was measured in sucrose solution and in distilled deionized water. The sucrose solution density ranged from 1.10 to 1.30 kg L-1. Increasing sucrose solution density decreased turbidity. The TSS concentration was most sensitive to changes in turbidity with the 1.30 kg L-1 sucrose solution. Using the 1.30 kg L-1 sucrose solution, particle size bias and error of TSS estimates were decreased by at least 20% compared to distilled deionized water. Reduction in refraction index differences between the suspended particles and sucrose solution combined with reduced particle settling and reduced Brownian motion resulted in dampening the effects of particle size distribution. We propose a sucrose solution of 1.30 kg L-1 as a better suspending medium to dampen the effect of particle size distribution and thus improve suspension TSS concentration estimation.     

Performance of an overland flow system for advanced treatment of wastewater plant effluent

Overland flow (OF) systems were evaluated and compared for advanced treatment of municipal and industrial effluents, including nutrients and nondegradable chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. Three pilot plants were constructed at the Shahin Shahr Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), Isfahan, Iran. Each pilot was assigned a specific wastewater and all were simultaneously operated for 8 months. Treatment of primary effluent, activated sludge secondary effluent, and lagoon effluent of textile wastewater was investigated at application rates (ARs) of 0.15, 0.25, and 0.35m(3)m(-1)h(-1). During 5 months of stable operation after a 3-month acclimation period, mean removals of total 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (TBOD(5)), total COD (TCOD), total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and turbidity were 74.5%, 54.8%, 66.2%, 39.4%, 35.8%, and 67.7% for primary effluent; 52.9%, 52.9%, 66.5%, 44.4%, 39.8%, and 50.1% for activated sludge effluent; 65.7%, 58.7%, 70.3%, 41.7%, 41.3%, and 54.9% for textile wastewater lagoon effluent, respectively. The model of Smith and Schroeder, 1985. Field studies of the overland flow process for the treatment of raw and primary treated municipal wastewater. Journal of Water Pollution Control Federation 57, 785-794] was satisfactory for TBOD(5). For all treatment parameters a standard first-order removal model was inadequate to represent the data but a modified first-order model provided a satisfactory fit to the data. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that an OF system as advanced treatment had the ability to meet effluent discharge permit limits and was an economical replacement for stabilization ponds and mechanical treatment options.     

Assessment of AWT systems in the metro Atlanta area

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of six advanced wastewater treatment facilities using biological nutrient removal processes as the primary mechanism for removing carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus from domestic wastewater. One year of operating data was obtained from monthly operating reports provided by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) in Atlanta. Additional information about facility operations and the types of chemicals used was gathered through review of EPD files and interviews with plant personnel. Data evaluated were: influent and effluent five-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD(5)); influent and effluent total suspended solids (TSS); influent Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen and effluent Total Nitrogen; and influent and effluent Total Phosphorus (TP). Although varying from plant to plant, effluent requirements for BOD(5), TSS, ammonia, and TP were met. Chemicals utilized, design capacity, and monthly effluent concentrations are presented in this study.     

Environmental management of the stone cutting industry

Environmental Management of the stone cutting industry in Hebron is required to reduce the industry's adverse impact on the downstream agricultural land and the adverse impact on the drinking water aquifers. This situation requires the implementation of an industrial wastewater management strategic approach and technology, within the available technical and financial resources. Ten pilot projects at different locations were built at Hebron to reduce or eliminate the incompatible discharge of the liquid and solid waste to the environment and improve the stone cutting industry's effluent quality. A review of existing practices and jar test experiments were used to optimize the water recycling and treatment facilities. The factors reviewed included influent pumping rates and cycles, selection of the optimal coagulant type and addition methods, control of the sludge recycling process, control over flow rates, control locations of influent and effluent, and sludge depth. Based on the optimized doses and Turbidity results, it was determined that the use of Fokland polymer with an optimal dose of 1.5mg/L could achieve the target turbidity levels. The completion of the pilot projects resulted in the elimination of stone cutting waste discharges and an improvement in the recycled effluent quality of 44-99%. This in turn reduced the long term operating costs for each participating firm. A full-scale project that includes all the stone cutting firms in Hebron industrial area is required.     

Precise and Economical Dredging Model of Sediments and Its Field Application: Case Study of a River Heavily Polluted by Organic Matter,Nitrogen, and Phosphorus

Environmental dredging is an efficient means to counteract the eutrophication of water bodies caused by endogenous release of nitrogen and/or phosphorus from polluted sediments. The huge operational cost and subsequent disposal cost of the dredged polluted sediments, as well as the adverse effect on the benthic environment caused by excessive dredging, make the currently adopted dredging methods unfavorable. Precise dredging, i.e., determining the dredging depth based on the pollution level, not only significantly decreases the costs but also leaves a uniform favorable environment for benthos. However, there is still no feasible process to make this promising method executable. Taking a river heavily polluted by organic compounds as an example, we proposed an executable precise dredging process, including sediment survey, model establishment, data interpolation, and calculation of dredging amount. Compared with the traditional dredging method, the precise one would save 16 to 45 % of cost according to different pollutant removal demands. This precise dredging method was adopted by the National Water Project of China to treat the endogenous pollution of Nanfei River in 2010. This research provides a universal scientific and engineering basis for sediment dredging projects.     

Enhancing perspectives on lake impairments using satellite observations: A case study on High Rock Lake,North Carolina

Stakeholders developing water quality improvement plans for lakes and reservoirs are challenged by the sparsity of in-situ data and the uncertainty ingrained in management decisions. This study explores how satellite images can fill gaps in water quality databases and provide more holistic assessments of impairments. The study site is an impaired water body that is serving as a pilot for improving state-wide nutrient management planning processes. An existing in-situ database was used to calibrate semi-analytical models that relate satellite reflectance values to turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS). Landsat-7 images from 1999 to 2020 that overpass High Rock Lake, North Carolina were downloaded and processed, providing 42 turbidity and 39 TSS satellite and in-situ match-ups for model calibration and validation. Model r-squared values for the fitted turbidity and TSS models are 0.72 and 0.74, and the mean absolute errors are 14.6 NTU and 3.2 mg/L. The satellite estimates were compared to the in-situ data and simulated TSS values produced by a calibrated hydrologic-hydrodynamic model. The process-based model is considered less accurate than the satellite model based on statistical performance metrics. Comparisons between data sources are illustrated with time series plots, frequency curves, and aggregate decision metrics to highlight the dependence of lake impairment assessments on the spatial and temporal frequency of available data and model accuracy.     

Investigating the quantitative and qualitative status of effluent in the wastewater treatment plant in Iran Central Iron Ore

The aim of present study was to investigate the quality of the produced effluent from different units of the Iran Central Iron Ore in Bafq city and comparison of effluent with the standards. This study presents the physicochemical and biological parameters data of effluent of three Sequencing batch reactors (SBR) with a capacity of 160 m³?d^?1. Most common parameters include pH, total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), chemical oxygen demand (COD), heavy metals, and total coliforms and fecal coliforms as biological indicators. Then, for each SBR system, the average of each parameter was determined, and results were compared with the standard recommended by the Iranian Environmental Protection Agency. Based on the results, some of the parameters, including BOD₅, COD, and TSS in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, are higher than the permitted amount for discharge to the surface water. Considering the BOD₅, COD, and TSS concentration in WWTPs, the treated wastewater is only suitable for agricultural and irrigation use. Therefore, wastewater produced by Iran Central Iron Ore Co. will need additional treatment to achieve standard quality of water before discharge in surface water and adsorbent well.     

Impact of Dredging on Phosphorus Transport in Agricultural Drainage Ditches of the Atlantic Coastal Plain1

Abstract: Drainage ditches can be a key conduit of phosphorus (P) between agricultural soils of the Atlantic Coastal Plain and local surface waters, including the Chesapeake Bay. This study sought to quantify the effect of a common ditch management practice, sediment dredging, on fate of P in drainage ditches. Sediments from two drainage ditches that had been monitored for seven years and had similar characteristics (flow, P loadings, sediment properties) were sampled (0‐5 cm) after one of the ditches had been dredged, which removed fine textured sediments (clay = 41%) with high organic matter content (85 g/kg) and exposed coarse textured sediments (clay = 15%) with low organic matter content (2.2 g/kg). Sediments were subjected to a three‐phase experiment (equilibrium, uptake, and release) in recirculating 10‐m‐long, 0.2‐m‐wide, and 5‐cm‐deep flumes to evaluate their role as sources and sinks of P. Under conditions of low initial P concentrations in flume water, sediments from the dredged ditch released 13 times less P to the water than did sediments from the ditch that had not been dredged, equivalent to 24 mg dissolved P. However, the sediments from the dredged ditch removed 19% less P (76 mg) from the flume water when it was spiked with dissolved P to approximate long‐term runoff concentrations. Irradiation of sediments to destroy microorganisms revealed that biological processes accounted for up to 30% of P uptake in the coarse textured sediments of the dredged ditch and 18% in the fine textured sediments of the undredged ditch. Results indicate that dredging of coastal plain drainage ditches can potentially impact the P buffering capacity of ditches draining agricultural soils with a high potential for P runoff.     

FACTORS INFLUENCING ACUTE TOXICfrY OF COAL ASH TO RAINBOW TROUT (SALMO GAIRDNERI) AND BLUEGILL SUNFISH (LEPOMIS MACROCHIRUS)1

ABSTRACT: The potentially toxic components in coal ash (ash particles, heavy metals) were evaluated in laboratory static, acute (96 hr) bioassays, both separately and in various combinations with extreme pH (5.0 and 8.5), using rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and bluegifi sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). Ash particle morphology and metal distribution anlaysis, using electron microscopy and surface-subsurface analysis by ion microscopy, showed that metals could be either clumped or evenly distributed on the surface of fly ash. Surface enrichment on fly ash particles from electrostatic precipitators, as measured by ion microscopy, was found for cadmium, copper, chromium, nickel, lead, mercury, titanium, arsenic, and selenium. Bottom (heavy) ash was not acutely toxic to either fish species at concentrations of up to 1500 mg/l total suspended solids (TSS) at pH 5.0, 7.5, or 8.5. Fly ash particles were not acutely toxic to blue-gill at levels up to 1360 mg/l TSS. Rainbow trout were highly sensitive to fly ash (25 to 60 percent mortality) at concentrations of 4.3 to 20.5 mg/I TSS when dissolved metal availability was high but were not sensitive at higher particulate concentrations (58 to 638 mg/I TSS) when dissolved metals were low. When metals were acid-leached from fly ash prior to testing, no rainbow trout mortality occurred at TSS concentrations of up to 2,350 mg/l TSS. When the percent of dissolved metal was high (e.g., 50–90 percent of the total), fish mortality was increased. Rainbow trout were nearly two orders of magnitude more sensitive than bluegill when subjected to a blend of cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc. The two species were similar in their acute sensitivity to acidic pH at levels at or below 4.0 and alkaline pH of 9.1. If the pH of coal ash effluent is contained within the range 6.0 to 9.0, acute toxicity to fish can be attributed to trace element availability from fly ash but not heavy ash. Control of holding pond and effluent pH and maximizing pond residence time are important strategies for minimizing effects of ash pond discharges on fish.     

Anaerobic/aerobic treatment of meat processing wastewater

The meat processing industry is believed to produce highly polluted wastewater. Analysis of such wastewater indicated that the waste was highly contaminated with organic compounds as indicated by COD (1544mgO2l–1), BOD (646mgO2l–1), and TSS (1155 mgl–1). Moreover, oil and grease concentrations reached 144mgl–1 treatment of raw wastewater using Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) followed by Rotating Biological Contactors (RBC) was studied. Efficiency of the UASB for the removal of CODtotal, BODtotal, TSS, and oil and grease was 56%, 56%, 85%, and 58%, respectively. The quality of the UASB effluent barely complies with the regulatory standards for discharging wastewater into the sewerage network. UASB effluent was subjected for further treatment using a RBC unit to improve the quality of the treated effluent for reuse in irrigation purposes. Residual COD, BOD, TSS, and oil and grease, following RBC, was 132mgO2l–1, 40mgO2l–1, 44mgl–1, and 10mgl–1 respectively. The overall efficiency of the treatment units provided good quality effluent. The overall percentage removal of COD, BOD, TSS, and oil and grease was 91.5%, 94%, 96%, and 91%, respectively. Based on the quality of the treated effluent and guidelines recommended for wastewater reuse, it may be concluded that a slight to moderate restricted irrigation is applicable to reuse the treated effluent in the green belt around the factory. Disinfection should be applied to ensure the safety of such a process.     

The Influence of Two‐Stage Ditches with Constructed Floodplains on Water Column Nutrients and Sediments in Agricultural Streams

The two‐stage ditch is a novel management practice originally implemented to increase bank stability through floodplain restoration in channelized agricultural streams. To determine the effects of two‐stage construction on sediment and nutrient loads, we monitored turbidity, and also measured total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (N) species, and phosphorus (P) after two‐stage ditch construction in reference and manipulated reaches of four streams. Turbidity decreased during floodplain inundation at all sites, but TSS and P, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and total phosphorus (TP) decreased only in the two‐stage ditches with longer duration of inundation. Both TSS and TP were positively correlated within individual streams, but neither were correlated with turbidity. Phosphorus was elevated in the stream to which manure was applied adjacent to the two‐stage reach, but not the reference reach, suggesting that landscape nutrient management plans could restrict nutrient transport to the stream, ultimately determining the efficacy of instream management practices. In addition, ammonium and nitrate decreased in two‐stage reaches with lower initial N concentrations. Overall, results suggest that turbidity, TSS, and TP were reduced during floodplain inundation, but the two‐stage alone may not be effective for managing high inorganic N loads.     

Wastewater Effluent,Combined Sewer Overflows,and Other Sources of Organic Compounds to Lake Champlain1

Abstract: Some sources of organic wastewater compounds (OWCs) to streams, lakes, and estuaries, including wastewater‐treatment‐plant effluent, have been well documented, but other sources, particularly wet‐weather discharges from combined‐sewer‐overflow (CSO) and urban runoff, may also be major sources of OWCs. Samples of wastewater‐treatment‐plant (WWTP) effluent, CSO effluent, urban streams, large rivers, a reference (undeveloped) stream, and Lake Champlain were collected from March to August 2006. The highest concentrations of many OWCs associated with wastewater were in WWTP‐effluent samples, but high concentrations of some OWCs in samples of CSO effluent and storm runoff from urban streams subject to leaky sewer pipes or CSOs were also detected. Total concentrations and numbers of compounds detected differed substantially among sampling sites. The highest total OWC concentrations (10‐100 μg/l) were in samples of WWTP and CSO effluent. Total OWC concentrations in samples from urban streams ranged from 0.1 to 10 μg/l, and urban stream‐stormflow samples had higher concentrations than baseflow samples because of contributions of OWCs from CSOs and leaking sewer pipes. The relations between OWC concentrations in WWTP‐effluent and those in CSO effluent and urban streams varied with the degree to which the compound is removed through normal wastewater treatment. Concentrations of compounds that are highly removed during normal wastewater treatment [including caffeine, Tris(2‐butoxyethyl)phosphate, and cholesterol] were generally similar to or higher in CSO effluent than in WWTP effluent (and ranged from around 1 to over 10 μg/l) because CSO effluent is untreated, and were higher in urban‐stream stormflow samples than in baseflow samples as a result of CSO discharge and leakage from near‐surface sources during storms. Concentrations of compounds that are poorly removed during treatment, by contrast, are higher in WWTP effluent than in CSO, due to dilution. Results indicate that CSO effluent and urban stormwaters can be a significant major source of OWCs entering large water bodies such as Burlington Bay.     

Surrogate Measures for Providing High Frequency Estimates of Total Suspended Solids and Total Phosphorus Concentrations1

Spackman Jones, Amber, David K. Stevens, Jeffery S. Horsburgh, and Nancy O. Mesner, 2010. Surrogate Measures for Providing High Frequency Estimates of Total Suspended Solids and Total Phosphorus Concentrations. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1‐15. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00505.x Abstract: Surrogate measures like turbidity, which can be observed with high frequency in situ, have potential for generating high frequency estimates of total suspended solids (TSS) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations. In the semiarid, snowmelt‐driven, and irrigation‐regulated Little Bear River watershed of northern Utah, high frequency in situ water quality measurements were recorded in conjunction with periodic chemistry sampling. Site‐specific relationships were developed using turbidity as a surrogate for TP and TSS at two monitoring locations. Methods are presented for employing censored data and for investigating categorical explanatory variables (e.g., hydrologic conditions). Turbidity was a significant explanatory variable for TP and TSS at both sites, which differ in hydrologic and water quality characteristics. The relationship between turbidity and TP was stronger at the upper watershed site where TP is predominantly particulate. At both sites, the relationships between turbidity and TP varied between spring snowmelt and base flow conditions while the relationships between TSS and turbidity were consistent across hydrological conditions. This approach enables the calculation of high frequency time series of TP and TSS concentrations previously unavailable using traditional monitoring approaches. These methods have broad application for situations that require accurate characterization of fluxes of these constituents over a range of hydrologic conditions.     

Performance assessment of a wastewater treatment plant producing effluent for irrigation in Egypt

A conventional activated sludge treatment facility was the subject of this study. The assessment was directed at determining the characteristics of the raw wastewater, the quality of the treated effluent and the efficiency of the various treatment units. Furthermore, the water quality along the effluent irrigation canal was monitored. The assessment of the quality of the treated effluent for irrigation is based on the guidelines established by the World Health Organization and the Egyptian decree 9/89 for the use of wastewater in agriculture. The results of the study indicated that the concentration of the raw wastewater was considered moderate. The mean values of the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) and total suspended solids (TSS) were around 250, 102 and 142 mg l–1, respectively. This was attributed to the high quantities of wastewater from industrial sources. The overall efficiency of the treatment facility was good. The mean residual COD, BOD and TSS were 25, 8 and 21 mg l–1 and the corresponding percentage removal values were 90, 92 and 85%, respectively. The maximum percentage removal of oil and grease was 84% with a mean residual concentration of 24 mg l–1. The total viable count (22°C and 37°C), faecal coliform and aecal streptococci were reduced by 99.9% compared to only 99.5% for Salmonella. Bacteriological examination of the dried sludge indicated a reduction of nine logs of faecal coliform and faecal streptococci, as compared to thickened sludge. Analysis of the Ni, Cu, Pb and Cr in the dried sludge indicated that their concentrations are within the permissible limits. Zinc exceeded the consent standards by 50%. The results of the analyses of samples collected at the beginning of the irrigation canal indicated insignificant changes from the characteristics of the final effluent. Samples collected at a distance of 2km along the irrigation canal showed mean reductions in the COD and BOD of 28.6 and 47%, respectively, which could be attributed to sedimentation and/or a self-purification effect. An increase in the total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total viable count was also recorded, which could be due to seepage from the agricultural land. From the data available it is evident that the treated wastewater could be used for restricted irrigation. The design and implementation of a monitoring programme is recommended.     

USING WATER HYACINTH TO TREAT MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER IN THE DESERT SOUTHWEST1

ABSTRACT: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes L.) has shown to be effective in the treatment of municipal wastewater in a pilot study begun in January 1989 by the Pima County Wastewater Management Department and researchers associated with The University of Arizona's Office of Arid Lands Studies in the Sonoran Desert near Tucson. The influent pumped into the pilot facility's six raceways (ponds) typically has been treated secondary effluent diverted from a conventional treatment facility, although primary effluent from the same facility also has been treated. The Secondary Influent Treatment System has met the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) tertiary standard for BOD₅ and TSS of 10 mg/l for every month of its operation since March 1990; the Primary Influent Treatment System met the ADEQ secondary standard for BOD₅ and TSS of 30 mg/1 for most of the 10 months it was in operation.     

Estimation of Suspended‐Sediment Concentration From Total Suspended Solids and Turbidity Data for Kentucky, 1978‐19951

Williamson, Tanja N. and Charles G. Crawford, 2011. Estimation of Suspended‐Sediment Concentration From Total Suspended Solids and Turbidity Data for Kentucky, 1978‐1995. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 47(4):739‐749. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00538.x Abstract: Suspended sediment is a constituent of water quality that is monitored because of concerns about accelerated erosion, nonpoint contamination of water resources, and degradation of aquatic environments. In order to quantify the relationship among different sediment parameters for Kentucky streams, long‐term records were obtained from the National Water Information System of the U.S. Geological Survey. Suspended‐sediment concentration (SSC), the parameter traditionally measured and reported by the U.S. Geological Survey, was statistically compared to turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS), two parameters that are considered surrogate data. A linear regression of log‐transformed observations was used to estimate SSC from TSS; 72% of TSS observations were less than coincident SSC observations; however, the estimated SSC values were almost as likely to be overestimated as underestimated. The SSC‐turbidity relationship also used log‐transformed observations, but required a nonlinear, breakpoint regression that separated turbidity observations ≤6 nephelometric turbidity units. The slope for these low turbidity values was not significantly different than zero, indicating that low turbidity observations provide no real information about SSC; in the case of the Kentucky sediment record, this accounts for 30% of the turbidity observations.