Improved computational model (AQUIFAS) for activated sludge, integrated fixed-film activated sludge, and moving-bed biofilm reactor systems, part III: analysis and verification

Research was undertaken to analyze and verify a model that can be applied to activated sludge, integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS), and moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) systems. The model embeds a biofilm model into a multicell activated sludge model. The advantage of such a model is that it eliminates the need to run separate computations for a plant being retrofitted from activated sludge to IFAS or MBBR. The biofilm flux rates for organics, nutrients, and biomass can be computed by two methods-a semi-empirical model of the biofilm that is relatively simpler, or a diffusional model of the biofilm that is computationally intensive. Biofilm support media can be incorporated to the anoxic and aerobic cells, but not the anaerobic cells. The model can be run for steady-state and dynamic simulations. The model was able to predict the changes in nitrification and denitrification at both pilot- and full-scale facilities. The semi-empirical and diffusional models of the biofilm were both used to evaluate the biofilm flux rates for media at different locations. The biofilm diffusional model was used to compute the biofilm thickness and growth, substrate concentrations, volatile suspended solids (VSS) concentration, and fraction of nitrifiers in each layer inside the biofilm. Following calibration, both models provided similar effluent results for reactor mixed liquor VSS and mixed liquor suspended solids and for the effluent organics, nitrogen forms, and phosphorus concentrations. While the semi-empirical model was quicker to run, the diffusional model provided additional information on biofilm thickness, quantity of growth in the biofilm, and substrate profiles inside the biofilm.     

Improved computational model (AQUIFAS) for activated sludge, integrated fixed-film activated sludge, and moving-bed biofilm reactor systems, part II: multilayer biofilm diffusional model

Research was undertaken to develop a diffusional model of the biofilm that can be applied in lieu of a semi-empirical model to upgrade an activated sludge system to an integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) or moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) system. The model has been developed to operate with up to 12 cells (reactors) in series, with biofilm media incorporated to one or more of the zone cells, except the anaerobic zone cells. The values of the kinetic parameters for the model were measured using pilot-scale activated sludge, IFAS, and MBBR systems. The biofilm is divided into 12 layers and has a stagnant liquid layer. Diffusion and substrate utilization are calculated for each layer. The equations are solved simultaneously using a finite difference technique. The biofilm flux model is then linked to the activated sludge model. Advanced features include the ability to compute the biofilm thickness and the effect of biofilm thickness on performance. The biofilm diffusional model is also used to provide information and create a table of biofilm yields at different substrate concentrations that can be used in the semi-empirical model.     

A practical method for quantification of phosphorus- and glycogen-accumulating organism populations in activated sludge systems.

Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) from wastewater relies on the enrichment of activated sludge with phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs). The presence and proliferation of glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAOs), which compete for substrate with PAOs, may be detrimental for EBPR systems, leading to deterioration and, in extreme cases, failure of the process. Therefore, from both process evaluation and modeling perspectives, the estimation of PAO and GAO populations in activated sludge systems is a relevant issue. A simple method for the quantification of PAO and GAO population fractions in activated sludge systems is presented in this paper. To develop such a method, the activity observed in anaerobic batch tests executed with different PAO/GAO ratios, by mixing highly enriched PAO and GAO cultures, was studied. Strong correlations between PAO/GAO population ratios and biomass activity were observed (R2 > 0.97). This served as a basis for the proposal of a simple and practical method to quantify the PAO and GAO populations in activated sludge systems, based on commonly measured and reliable analytical parameters (i.e., mixed liquor suspended solids, acetate, and orthophosphate) without requiring molecular techniques. This method relies on the estimation of the total active biomass population under anaerobic conditions (PAO plus GAO populations), by measuring the maximum acetate uptake rate in the presence of excess acetate. Later, the PAO and GAO populations present in the activated sludge system can be estimated, by taking into account the PAO/GAO ratio calculated on the basis of the anaerobic phosphorus release-to-acetate consumed ratio. The proposed method was evaluated using activated sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants. The results from the quantification performed following the proposed method were compared with direct population estimations carried out with fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis (determining Candidatus Accumulibacter Phosphatis as PAO and Candidatus Competibacter Phosphatis as GAO). The method showed to be potentially suitable to estimate the PAO and GAO populations regarding the total PAO-GAO biomass. It could be used, not only to evaluate the performance of EBPR systems, but also in the calibration of potential activated sludge mathematical models, regarding the PAO-GAO coexistence.     

Heavy metal removal by activated sludge: influence of Nocardia amarae.

The goal of this research was to examine the metal binding capacity of Nocardia amarae cells and to assess the influence of Nocardia cells on the overall metal binding capacity of activated sludge. Metal sorption capacities of the pure Nocardia cells and activated sludge biomass containing various levels of added Nocardia pure cultures were determined by a series of batch experiments. Batch sorption isotherms for nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd) showed that the pure culture of N. amarae exhibited significantly higher metal sorption capacity than the activated sludge biomass obtained from Wilmington Wastewater Treatment Plant (Wilmington, DE). Surface area of biomass estimated by a dye technique showed that pure N. amarae cells growing at stationary phase have substantially more specific surface area than that of activated sludge from Wilmington Treatment Plant. A two-fold difference in specific surface area indicated that the higher metal sorption capacity of Nocardia cells may be due to the higher specific surface area. The metal sorption capacity of activated sludge increased proportionally with the amount of Nocardia cells present in the mixed liquor. This increase was attributed to the greater specific surface area of the mixed liquor samples containing greater amounts of Nocardia cells.     

Investigation of triclosan fate and toxicity in continuous-flow activated sludge systems

The purpose of this research was to study the fate and toxicity of triclosan (TCS) in activated sludge systems and to investigate the role of biodegradation and sorption on its removal. Two continuous-flow activated sludge systems were used; one system was used as a control, while the other received TCS concentrations equal to 0.5 and 2mgl(-1). At the end of the experiment, 1mgl(-1) TCS was added in the control system to investigate TCS behaviour and effects on non-acclimatized biomass. For all concentrations tested, more than 90% of the added TCS was removed during the activated sludge process. Determination of TCS in the dissolved and particulate phase and calculation of its mass flux revealed that TCS was mainly biodegraded. Activated sludge ability to biodegrade TCS depended on biomass acclimatization and resulted in a mean biodegradation of 97%. Experiments with batch and continuous-flow systems revealed that TCS is rapidly sorbed on the suspended solids and afterwards, direct biodegradation of sorbed TCS is performed. Regarding TCS effects on activated sludge process, addition of 0.5mgl(-1) TCS on non-acclimatized biomass initially deteriorated ammonia removal and nitrification capacity. After acclimatization of biomass, nitrification was fully recovered and further increase of TCS to 2mgl(-1) did not affect the performance of activated sludge system. The effect of TCS on organic substrate removal was minor for concentrations up to 2mgl(-1), indicating that heterotrophic microorganisms are less sensitive to TCS than nitrifiers.     

活性污泥法处理过程中泡沫问题的产生与控制

活性污泥法运行过程中经常受泡沫问题的影响,导致处理效果的降低以及运行费用的提高.大量研究表明,污泥中某些丝状菌或放线菌的过度增殖是造成活性污泥工艺中泡沫问题的主要原因.讨论了活性污泥过程中泡沫的产生原因、已知的发泡微生物的种类、影响发泡的环境因素和过程参数及常用的泡沫控制技术,并对污泥消化过程中的泡沫问题作了简单的介绍.     

Mechanism of effective nocardioform foam control measures for non-selector activated sludge systems.

Solids retention time (SRT), biological scum trapping and recycle, and the dynamic equilibrium between Nocardioform populations in the foam and the mixed liquor are the controlling factors in activated sludge foaming events caused by Nocardioform bacteria. For the operating modes described in this paper, a cured mixed liquor foaming condition (filament counts of approximately 10(5) intersections/g volatile suspended solids) was only achieved when SRT control, selective wasting, and polymer addition were in effect. Solids retention time control, with the SRT remaining below 1.5 days, and selective wasting will cure a severely foaming mixed liquor, but effects will only be observed after 3 or 4 months after implementation. The combined wastage of Nocardioform bacteria from selective wasting and SRT control can ensure long-term foam control to the operation of a pure-oxygen activated sludge system with foam-trapping features. An SRT of 0.3 days will result in the complete washout of Nocardioform bacteria from the activated sludge system, which can then operate at an SRT of 3 days free of Nocardioform. Polymer addition to mixed liquor is only effective for foam control when a large portion of the system biomass exists as a heavy layer of foam above the mixed liquor.     

Multicomponent activated sludge model for reactors in series with recycling

Multicomponent models containing both substrate and biomass have an advantage over conventional models in seeking better understanding of activated sludge systems. Such models are also useful in the characterisation of wastewater. Studies in recent years have shown that most of the soluble organic matter in the effluent of treatment systems consists of soluble microbial products that arise during biological treatment. In order to support experimental studies, mathematical models have also been developed to explain microbial product formation. In connection with the approaches in the literature, a mathematical model for estimating chemical oxygen demand in effluent in dispersed media has been developed in this study. The death–regeneration approach – an approach of multicomponent activated sludge models containing the formation of soluble inert organic matter with together carbon oxidation – was used. Because the differential equations developed for dispersed media have no analytical solutions, the system was represented with the in-series reactor approach, with the death–regeneration and hydrolysis concepts advised in the IAWPRC Task Group Model.     

原位臭氧氧化对活性污泥系统硝化和反硝化作用的影响研究

将厌氧序批式间歇反应器(ASBR)和序批式间歇反应器(SBR)串联组成污泥减量新工艺,着重探讨了对SBR段进行原位臭氧投加时,臭氧氧化作用对系统硝化和反硝化能力的影响,并以不投加作为对照。结果表明,将臭氧原位投加到ASBR—SBR组合工艺的SBR段,臭氧投加量为0.027g(以每克MLSS计),每隔3个周期再次投加、连续运行40d,试验组SBR段臭氧投加当期出水COD去除率为86%,比对照组下降了9百分点,但臭氧氧化细胞内大量有机物进入混合液中,为反硝化作用提供了外加碳源,对污泥反硝化能力的提高起到了一定的促进作用;试验组部分硝化细菌由于臭氧的强氧化作用而失去活性,但是随着剩余污泥量的减少,系统的污泥龄延长,有利于硝化细菌的生长,使得系统的硝化能力基本未受影响;试验组臭氧投加当期SBR段出水NO2--N平均浓度比对照组的高18.9%,但经过3个周期的运行后,其SBR段出水NO2--N平均质量浓度降低至7.57mg/L,基本与对照组持平;试验组臭氧投加当期SBR段出水NO3--N的平均浓度高于对照组,但经过3个周期的运行后,试验组出水NO3--N平均浓度低于对照组;试验组臭氧投加当期SBR段出水TN和对照组的出水TN平均去除率分别为65%和75%,但试验组再经过3个周期的运行后,出水TN平均去除率可以达到72%。可见,原位投加臭氧并未对SBR段的硝化和反硝化能力产生明显的影响。     

Identifying different types of bulking in an activated sludge system through quantitative image analysis

The present study proposes an image analysis methodology for the identification of different types of disturbances in wastewater treatment activated sludge systems. Up to date, most reported image analysis methodologies have been used in activated sludge processes with the aim of filamentous bulking detection, however, other disturbances could be foreseen in wastewater treatment plants. Such disturbances can lead to fluctuations in the biomass contents, affecting the mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), and in the sludge settling ability, affecting the sludge volume index (SVI). Therefore, this work focuses on predicting the MLSS and SVI parameters for different types of disturbances affecting an activated sludge system. Four experiments were conducted simulating filamentous bulking, zoogleal or viscous bulking, pinpoint floc formation, and normal operating conditions. Alongside the MLSS and SVI determination, the aggregated and filamentous biomass contents and morphology were studied as well as the biomass Gram and viability status, by means of image analysis.     

Immobilized cell augmented activated sludge process for enhanced nitrogen removal from wastewater.

The immobilized cell augmented activated sludge (ICAAS) system combines a cell immobilization technique and an offline enricher-reactor for the bioaugmentation of the activated sludge system to improve treatment performances. In this study, enhanced nitrogen removal using ICAAS was investigated. Laboratory-scale, offline, batch enricher-reactors were used to maintain nitrification and denitrification activities of coimmobilized nitrifiers and denitrifiers used to augment a laboratory-scale completely mixed activated sludge system (CMAS) treating synthetic wastewater. Cellulose triacetate was the media used to entrap nitrifiers and denitrifiers at a 2:1 mass ratio. The ICAAS augmented with the coimmobilized cells between 5 and 20% by volume gained 24 +/- 5% higher nitrogen removal than a control CMAS, which provided nitrogen removal of 28 +/- 7%. The ICAAS scheme is a viable alternative for upgrading existing activated sludge systems to gain better nitrogen removal. .     

厌氧氨氧化菌接种污泥的选择培养过程研究

厌氧氨氧化菌的2种不同接种污泥培养实验表明,厌氧消化污泥和好氧硝化污泥均可成功启动厌氧氨氧化过程.接种厌氧消化污泥比好氧硝化污泥培养的厌氧氨氧化菌启动快,但后者去除效果较好.接种好氧硝化污泥的反应器的厌氧氨氧化速率随着氨氮基质进水浓度的增加呈线性增加.进水氨氮浓度为280 mg/L时的氨氮平均去除率达91%;而接种厌氧消化污泥的相应氨氮平均去除率仅为52%.厌氧氨氧化过程以接种好氧硝化污泥来启动为宜.     

用污泥生物指数评价活性污泥的运转效能

污泥生物指数(SBI)由对活性污泥混合液中微型动物群落结构的分析得出,用于评价活性污泥的运转效能。SBI为0~10的生物指数,分为4个质量等级,为一客观的指数。此方法的优点在于通过对微型动物的日常检验,就能对活性污泥的运行状况给出一量化且客观的评价。     

活性污泥模型研究及其工艺软件的发展

本文综述了活性污泥模型从基于Monod方程的稳态模型到以ASM1、ASM2、ASM3为代表的动态模型的发展过程 ,介绍了各代表性模型的特点并对当前典型的活性污泥工艺软件作了评述 ,提出其研究方向及发展趋势     

Diffusion of oxygen through activated sludge flocs: experimental measurement, modeling, and implications for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification.

Diffusion of dissolved oxygen through activated sludge flocs was studied, as it represents a potential mechanism for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in activated sludge systems. Dissolved oxygen profiles through six floc particles collected at different times from a full-scale activated sludge plant demonstrated that that the dissolved oxygen concentration declines through all floc particles. For larger floc particles (2-mm diameter and greater), the dissolved oxygen concentration reached near-zero values at depths depending on process operating conditions. A mathematical model based on diffusion of dissolved oxygen, organic substrate (methanol), ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate through a spherical floc and consumption of dissolved oxygen by heterotrophs and autotrophs accurately predicted the dissolved oxygen profile and required adjustment of only one model parameter--the concentration of heterotrophs. A different dissolved oxygen decline pattern was exhibited for the smaller floc particles characterized, with the dissolved oxygen reaching a non-zero plateau toward the center of the floc. This pattern was not reproduced with the mathematical model developed and suggests that additional mechanisms are responsible for the transport of dissolved oxygen into the center of these flocs. Implications of these results regarding the occurrence of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification include consideration of the factors that affect floc size and distribution (simultaneous nitrification and denitrification is maximized with larger floc particles), coupling of the International Water Association (London) activated models to predict activated sludge composition with diffusion models to consider intrafloc effects, and the effects of substrate diffusion on the apparent half-saturation constant for various substrates in activated sludge systems.     

实际污水与模拟污水活性污泥系统的特性差异

实验中经常采用人工配置的模拟生活污水,为了研究其与实际生活污水活性污泥系统的特性差异,采用2个序批式间歇反应器(SBR)进行平行实验(厌氧、好氧方式运行),系统地考察了在进水主要组分和运行参数相同的情况下,不同原水对活性污泥系统脱氮、除磷、比好氧速率、污泥絮体形态和出水水质等方面的影响。结果表明,模拟污水系统的硝化活性强于实际污水系统,两者的平均硝化速率分别为7.43 mg NH4+-N/(L.h)和5.55 mg NH4+-N/(L.h)。在前置厌氧段,模拟污水系统的释磷量比实际污水系统高出36.45%。两者在后续好氧阶段都能够充分吸磷。模拟污水系统的平均比好氧速率(SOUR)高达64.54 mg O2/(g MLSS.h),而实际污水系统的则只有32.81 mg O2/(g MLSS.h)。模拟污水系统的污泥絮体疏松,粒径小,形状不规则,沉降性差,沉后出水平均悬浮物浓度(SS)为20 mg/L;而实际污水系统的污泥絮体则密实、粒径大,沉降性好,沉后水十分清澈,SS几乎检测不出。     

剩余污泥水解酸化液磷去除的影响因素研究

城市污水厂剩余污泥水解酸化后可产生高浓度挥发性有机酸(VFAs),其中的乙酸和丙酸是增强生物除磷(EBPR)工艺的有利基质.但水解酸化液中含有大量的磷,如不进行处理就作为碳源回用到污水处理工艺中,势必增加除磷负荷.利用鸟粪石沉淀法可以去除污水中的磷.对城市污水厂剩余污泥水解酸化液形成鸟粪石的影响因素进行了试验研究.结果表明,在最佳工艺条件下,正磷和总磷的去除率分别可达92.5%和83.8%.     

一体化间歇曝气完全混合活性污泥法

一体化间歇曝气完全混合活性污泥法处理装置采取特殊的沉淀区构造,改变了活性污泥的循环流动方式,通过间歇曝气,反应区交替处于好氧/缺氧状态,达到了有机物高效去除、高效硝化反硝化及控制污泥膨胀的效果.该方法具有出水水质好、运行稳定、能耗低、流程简洁和操作管理方便的特点,是一种很有发展潜力的一体化中小型生活污水、城市污水处理系统.     

一体化间歇曝气完全混合活性污泥法

一体化间歇曝气完全混合活性污泥法处理装置采取特殊的沉淀区构造,改变了活性污泥的循环流动方式,通过间歇曝气,反应区交替处于好氧/缺氧状态,达到了有机物高效去除、高效硝化反硝化及控制污泥膨胀的效果.该方法具有出水水质好、运行稳定、能耗低、流程简洁和操作管理方便的特点,是一种很有发展潜力的一体化中小型生活污水、城市污水处理系统.     

Recovery of polyhydroxyalkanoate from activated sludge in an enhanced biological phosphorus removal bench-scale reactor.

A sequencing batch reactor was used to study the possibility of harvesting polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) from enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) processes without compromising treatment quality. Because, in EBPR, the highest PHA concentrations are observed after exposure of the sludge to anaerobic conditions, PHA accumulation was evaluated with collection of waste activated sludge (WAS) at the end of the anaerobic stage, in addition to the traditional removal after the aerobic stage. The system achieved good phosphorus removal, regardless of the point of WAS collection. When sludge was harvested at the end of the anaerobic stage, the PHA content of the sludge ranged from 7 to 16 mg PHA/100 mg mixed liquor volatile suspended solids. Although this level of PHA production is below levels obtained with pure cultures, the demonstrated ability to harvest PHA, while simultaneously satisfying phosphorus removal in an EBPR process, is a key initial step towards of the use of wastewater treatment plants for PHA production.