Interactions between chloride and sulfate or silica removals using an advanced lime-aluminum softening process.

An advanced softening process called the ultra-high lime with aluminum process (UHLA) was initiated in this research. The UHLA process has the ability to remove sulfate, silica, and chloride from waters such as recycled cooling water and desalination brines. Furthermore, it can remove other scale-forming materials, such as calcium, magnesium, carbonate, and phosphate. The purpose of this paper is to study the interactions among chloride, sulfate, and silica in the UHLA process. Results of equilibrium experiments indicated that sulfate is preferentially removed over chloride. Final chloride concentration increased with increasing initial sulfate concentration. However, initial chloride concentration was found to have negligible effect on final sulfate concentration. Silica was found to have only a small effect on chloride removal.     

A System for Control of Aluminum Chloride Fumes

During primary aluminum processing the molten aluminum is periodically fluxed with chlorine to separate impurities from the metal. The gaseous effluent from the chlorination process contains submicron particulates and gaseous vapors which produce a dense, white plume. The plume is acidic with hydrogen chloride and chlorine vapors, which cause a variety of corrosion problems. Since the stack discharge temperature can range as low as 200°F-and aluminum chloride sublimates at about 360°F, blockage of ductwork can also occur. For effective removal of both the particulates and chloride gases in the effluent, a sodium hydroxide solution is recommended. However, such a scrubbing liquor produces a flocculent precipitate. Therefore, a nonplugging type of scrubber is required. The solution UOP advanced was a “mobile packing” type of scrubber, utilizing a bed of polypropylene spheres in random, turbulent motion. The motion of the packing prevents plugging. The paper describes the design for such a system, describing the optimum use of ductwork, scrubber placement, gas saturation, and recirculation equipment. Instrumentation requirements, both minimum and optimum are discussed.     

Characterization of permanent fouling on the surfaces of UV lamps used for wastewater disinfection.

A significant problem with UV disinfection of wastewater is the accumulation of fouling materials at sleeve-water interfaces. It has been shown that automated chemical and/or mechanical cleaning can remove most fouling materials satisfactorily. However, permanent foulants, which cannot be removed completely by typical cleaning operations, always remain on the quartz sleeves. These permanent foulants reduce UV transmittance, in turn reducing disinfecting effectiveness. This research investigated the origins, formation, and composition of permanent fouling. Four instrumental analyses were used: atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscope combined with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX), and sleeve UV transmittance (SUVT). It appeared that permanent foulants were trapped initially by microscale holes and peaks on fresh sleeve surfaces. Based on the topography and roughness measurements from the AFM, after long-term regular chemical and mechanical cleaning, the wipers of cleaning systems damage sleeve surfaces, creating scratches or holes with larger surface areas. Foulants are trapped more easily, and are attached tightly to the surfaces of these scratches or to each other. The results from XRF and SEM/EDX showed that the main fouling components were aluminum, iron, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. These could not be related to wastewater quality. For the specific cases studied, chemical plus mechanical cleaning is more effective in removing foulants and avoiding the accumulation of permanent foulants than mechanical cleaning alone; in most cases, SUVT was higher than 90% after chemical plus mechanical cleaning, whereas mechanical cleaning alone achieved only approximately 30% SUVT after long-term usage.     

The migration law of magnesium ions during freezing and melting processes

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - To explore the migration law of magnesium ions (Mg2+) during freezing and melting processes, laboratory simulation experiments involving freezing and...     

A strategy for controlling deposition of struvite in municipal wastewater treatment plants.

This paper presents strategies to reduce the risk of struvite deposition by controlling its location of formation. Two technical routes were investigated: (1) to fix the phosphate into the dewatered sludge cake, and (2) to remove phosphate from centrate or filtrate. Chemicals used include magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2], both of reagent grade and reclaimed from a flue gas desulfurization system, magnesium chloride (MgCl2), calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2], ferric chloride (FeCl3) and aluminum sulfate [Al2(SO4)3]. Research results indicate that (1) for anaerobically well-digested sludge, Mg(OH)2 is effective in fixing phosphate into sludge cake and improving sludge dewaterability, and (2) adding Mg(OH)2 into a reactor, located between the sludge dewatering facilities and the centrate or filtrate discharge line, and using air for mixing and carbon dioxide stripping, proves feasible in reducing struvite deposition in centrate or filtrate discharge lines and can generate a potentially valuable plant fertilizer--struvite.     

Phosphate removal from wastewater using aluminium oxide as adsorbent

The development and manufacture of an adsorbent to remove phosphate for the prevention of eutrophication in lakes is very important. The use of aluminium oxide (alumina) as an organic adsorbent to remove phosphate from wastewater has been investigated. The characteristics of this absorption process were investigated to determine the important parameters, such as the pH and the aluminium ion concentration. Moreover, chemical treatment methods to enhance the adsorption capacity of alumina were tested. Dynamic studies and equilibrium adsorption isotherm studies were conducted to determine the adsorption capacity and efficiency. The experimental results indicate that it is necessary to increase the temperature above 500°C in order to obtain a high-capacity adsorbent, and alumina treated with acid or calcium or magnesium has a larger adsorption capacity for phosphate than untreated adsorbent. Moreover, the adsorption of phosphate was enhanced at a lower pH and a higher aluminium ion concentration, and a simple Freundlich isotherm could express the equilibrium adsorption isotherm, and the intragranular diffusion controlling model was used to test the dynamic studies. These findings have important implications for the application and development of aluminium oxide as a prospective adsorbent.     

Waste Disposal without Air Pollution

The widespread use of toxic substances in industrial processes has inevitably led to accidental releases of dangerous chemicals into the environment. Incidents such as the recent chlorine leak in Michigan have resulted in injury, property damage, and, in certain cases, large scale temporary evacuation of impacted areas. A need has developed therefore, to design management programs to control such episodes.     

Acid generation upon thermal concentration of natural water: The critical water content and the effects of ionic composition

Thermal evaporation of a variety of simulated pore waters from the region of Yucca Mountain, Nevada, produced acidic liquids and gases during the final stages of evaporation. Several simulated pore waters were prepared and then thermally distilled in order to collect and analyze fractions of the evolved vapor. In some cases, distillates collected towards the end of the distillation were highly acidic; in other cases the pH of the distillate remained comparatively unchanged during the course of the distillation. The results suggest that the pH values of the later fractions are determined by the initial composition of the water. Acid production stems from the hydrolysis of magnesium ions, especially at near dryness. Near the end of the distillation, magnesium nitrate and magnesium chloride begin to lose water of hydration, greatly accelerating their thermal decomposition to form acid. Acid formation is promoted further when precipitated calcium carbonate is removed. Specifically, calcium chloride-rich pore waters containing moderate (10–20 ppm) levels of magnesium and nitrate and low levels of bicarbonate produced mixtures of nitric and hydrochloric acid, resulting in a precipitous drop in pH to values of 1 or lower after about 95% of the original volume was distilled. Waters with either low or moderate magnesium content coupled with high levels of bicarbonate produced slightly basic fractions (pH 7–9). If calcium was present in excess of bicarbonate, waters containing moderate levels of magnesium produced acid even in the presence of bicarbonate, due to the precipitation of calcium carbonate. Other salts such as halite and anhydrite promote the segregation of acidic vapors from residual basic solids. The concomitant release of wet acid gas has implications for the integrity of the alloys under consideration for containers at the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository. Condensed acid gases at very low pH, especially mixtures of nitric and hydrochloric acid, are capable of corroding even alloys, such as nickel-based Alloy 22, which are considered to be corrosion-resistant under milder conditions.     

Complete dechlorination of DDE/DDD using magnesium/palladium system.

Kinetic studies on the dechlorination of 1,1-dichloro-2,2 bis (4,-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDD) and 1,1,dichloro-2,2 bis (4,-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) in 0.05% biosurfactant revealed that the reaction follows second-order kinetics. The rate of reaction was dependent on the presence of acid, initial concentrations of the target compound, and zerovalent magnesium/tetravalent palladium. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of DDE dechlorination revealed the formation of a completely dechlorinated hydrocarbon skeleton, with diphenylethane as the end product, thereby implying the removal of all four chlorine atoms of DDE. In the case of DDD, we identified two partially dechlorinated intermediates [namely, 1,1-dichloro-2, 2 bis (phenyl) ethane and 1, chloro-2, 2 bis (phenyl) ethane] and diphenylethane as the end product. On the basis of products formed from DDD dehalogenation, we propose the removal of aryl chlorine atoms as a first step. Our investigation reveals that biosurfactant may be an attractive solubilizing agent for DDT and its residues. The magnesium/palladium system is a promising option because of its high reactivity and ability to achieve complete dechlorination of DDE and DDD.     

Water-extractable phosphorus in biosolids: implications for land-based recycling.

Phosphorus-based nutrient management will inevitably be required for land application of biosolids. Water-extractable phosphorus (WEP) in livestock manures is an indicator of phosphorus loss from agricultural watersheds and this study evaluated its use for biosolids. The WEP to total phosphorus percentage (PWEP) in 41 biosolids (representing a variety of wastewater and solids treatment processes) was compared to dairy and poultry manures and triple superphosphate fertilizer. The mean PWEP for conventionally treated and stabilized biosolids was 2.4%, which was significantly lower than inorganic fertilizer (85%), dairy manure (52%), and poultry manure (21%). Low biosolids PWEP is attributed to elevated aluminum and iron content from chemical additions during wastewater treatment and solids dewatering operations. Facilities using biological phosphorus removal had the highest mean biosolids PWEP (approximately 14%), whereas heat-dried biosolids had the lowest average PWEP (< approximately 0.5%). Paired samples of digested cake and the corresponding biosolids treated by processes to further reduce pathogens (i.e., thermal treatment, composting, and advanced alkaline stabilization) showed that these processes tended to reduce biosolids PWEP. Biosolids composition and processing mode exert a controlling influence on the potential for off-site phosphorus migration at land-application sites. Nutrient management policies for land-based recycling should account for the widely varying potential of organic amendments to cause soluble phosphorus losses in runoff and leaching.     

Thermodynamic behavior of rare metals in the melting process of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration residues

This study aims to identify the thermodynamic behavior of rare metal elements during the melting process of municipal solid waste incineration residues. The fate of several selected rare metal elements was investigated using two approaches: experimental and thermodynamic equilibrium calculation at two actual melting plants. The results revealed that Ag, Bi, Ga, Ge, In, Pd, Sb, Te, and Tl are readily volatilized as chloride and/or gaseous forms and then condensed in melting furnace fly ash. On the other hand, Cr, Ni, Ta, V, and Zr tend to mostly remain in molten slag. Sn is volatilized as SnS (g) under reducing conditions while volatilization is suppressed under oxidizing conditions. Thermodynamically, total volatilization of Mn as MnCl2 (g) occurred with highly available chlorine under oxidizing conditions. However, at the actual plants, only a small proportion was volatilized. As for Co, Mo, and W, no volatilization occurred at the actual plants although the calculations suggest that these elements can form volatile metal chloride and volatilize. Non-equilibrium and heterogeneity of the actual plant melting furnace could explain the discrepancy. This study provided a good qualitative view of the behavior of rare metals in the melting process, but further investigation is required to produce a more accurate simulation and to resolve the discrepancy.     

Oxidation of artificial sweetener sucralose by advanced oxidation processes: a review

Sucralose, a chlorinated carbohydrate, has shown its increased use as an artificial sweetener and persistently exists in wastewater treatment plant effluents and aquatic environment. This paper aims to review possible degradation of sucralose and related carbohydrates by biological, electrochemical, chemical, and advanced oxidation processes. Biodegradation of sucralose in waterworks did not occur significantly. Electrochemical oxidation of carbohydrates may be applied to seek degradation of sucralose. The kinetics of the oxidation of sucralose and the related carbohydrates by different oxidative species is compared. Free chlorine, ozone, and ferrate did not show any potential to degrade sucralose in water. Advanced oxidation processes, generating highly strong oxidizing agent hydroxyl radicals (^?OH), have demonstrated effectiveness in transforming sucralose in water. The mechanism of oxidation of sucralose by ^?OH is briefly discussed.     

Evaluation of disinfection techniques in the treatment of advanced primary treated wastewater for Ciudad Juárez, México.

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of alternative disinfection techniques at the bench-scale level using wastewater from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, as model feed. This paper presents findings on the effectiveness of UV radiation, peracetic acid (PAA), chlorine dioxide (ClO2), and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as disinfectants for advanced primary treatment (APT) plant effluent. Wastewater samples for bench-scale testing were collected from an agua negra ("black water") ditch that is part of the combined sewer system in Ciudad Juarez. Bench-scale simulations of the APT process used in Ciudad Juarez were run using a jar test apparatus and aluminum sulfate [Al2(SO4)3] as the coagulant. Jar test effluent from the bench system was used for disinfection testing. The Mexican discharge quality standard for total coliforms is 10 000/100 mL. Ultraviolet radiation met this standard at a dose of 47.5 mW-s/cm2. Ultraviolet disinfection proved reliable and effective despite the presence of suspended solids, and UV dose effectiveness expressed as a total coliforms survival ratio was best explained by a linear regression model. The ClO2 dose ranged from 10 to 20 mg/L and was only effective under ambient temperature conditions found during the winter months; PAA disinfection never met Mexican standards. Chlorine disinfection was effective at a dose range of 8 to 10 mg/L on samples collected at low temperature conditions. Since the completion of this research, Ciudad Juarez has discontinued the use of chlorine disinfection because of its high cost and ineffectiveness.     

Alternative amendment for soluble phosphorus removal from poultry litter

Background, aim, and scope  

Alum (aluminum sulfate) is the currently preferred chemical amendment for phosphorus (P) treatment in poultry litter (PL). Aluminum-based drinking-water treatment residuals (Al-WTRs) are the waste by-product of the drinking-water treatment process and have been effectively used to remove P from aqueous solutions, but their effectiveness in PL water extracts has not been studied in detail. Elevated cost associated with alum could be minimized by using the equally effective WTRs to remove soluble P from PL, and they can be obtained at a minimal cost from drinking-water treatment plants.     

Characteristics of electrolysis, ozonation, and their combination process on treatment of municipal wastewater.

The characteristics of municipal wastewater treatment by electrolysis, ozonation, and combination processes of electrolysis and aeration using three gaseous species (nitrogen [N2], oxygen [O2], and ozone [O3]) were discussed in this research using ruthenium oxide (RuO2)-coated titanium anodes and stainless-steel (SUS304) cathodes. Electrolysis and electrolysis with nitrogen aeration were characterized by a rapid decrease in 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BODs) and total nitrogen and a slow decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD). In contrast, ozonation, electrolysis with oxygen aeration, and electrolysis with ozone aeration were characterized by transformation of persistent organic matter to biodegradable matter and preservation of total nitrogen. The best energy efficiency in removing BOD5 and total nitrogen was demonstrated by electrolysis, as a result of direct anodic oxidation and indirect oxidation with free chlorine produced from the chloride ion (Cl-) at the anodes. However, electrolysis with ozone aeration was found to be superior to the other processes, in terms of its energy efficiency in removing COD and its ability to remove COD completely, as a result of hydroxyl radical (*OH) production via cathodic reduction of ozone.     

Peatlands: a major sink of naturally formed organic chlorine

It is a little known fact that many chlorinated organic compounds occur naturally and that some are also indispensable to life on earth. Here, we show that chlorination of organic compounds during humification processes in peat is widespread in nature. Globally this process has led to the accumulation of approximately 280-1000 million tons of organically bound chlorine in peatlands during the postglacial period.     

Scrubbing intensification for sulphur and ammonia compounds removal

Operating conditions were optimised in a new compact scrubber in order to remove odorous sulphur (H(2)S and CH(3)SH) and ammonia compounds. The influence of the superficial gas and liquid velocities, pH, contactor length, inlet concentrations (sulphur compounds, ammonia, chlorine), and the mixing effects was characterised. Whereas abatement increased with velocities, pH and the chlorine concentration, an increase of inlet CH(3)SH concentration drove to a worse efficiency of process. Moreover, the contactor length and the presence of another pollutant in the gas phase only played a role on the methylmercaptan removal. Finally, the reactive consumptions were estimated at the outlet of the reactor. The chlorination by-product quantification permitted to understand the under-stoichiometry.     

Adsorptive micellar flocculation as an efficient method for processing soil extracts containing both surfactant and polychlorinated biphenyls: practical demonstration.

The main purpose of the paper is to share the results and experience from processing soil extracts containing a high concentration of both anionic surfactant and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by use of method the called adsorptive micellar flocculation. The method is similar to coagulation, but the mechanism is more complicated. The flocculants examined in the laboratory section involved ferric chloride, aluminium chloride, ferric sulfate, and aluminum sulfate. It was observed that ferric chloride provides the best PCB removal efficiency from the extract. Subsequently, two extracts obtained from the pilot-scale demonstration of the PCBs leaching from the soils by the surfactant solution were processed by this method. The volume of the extracts processed was several hundred liters. The method proved it can remove PCBs from all extracts with a very high efficiency (greater than 99.99%). The residual PCB concentrations in solution were less than 1 microg/L.     

Chlorine atmospheric measurement: Utilization of a specific electrochemical gauge

In this study, we indicate the working principle and the limits of utilization of an electrochemical chlorine gauge and we demonstrate its excellent specificity. This gauge allows us to measure continuously the partial pressure of chlorine in the atmosphere. During our experiments, it has been set on a sampling loop, which is itself connected to the 2-m³ atmospheric simulation chamber, but we can also use it in the field.We have been able to follow, with precision, the evolution of an identical initial concentration of chlorine in air, with and without irradiation, for different humidity levels and in the presence of other pollutants.