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.     

密集生长条件下丝状菌结构分析

从丝状菌结构入手,控制条件使丝状菌致密生长是控制丝状菌污泥膨胀的一种新思路。提出了"节点密度"的概念,以表征菌丝体之间的缠绕特征。研究发现,丝状菌菌丝体的节点密度及其网眼的椭圆度与SVI分别呈正相关和负相关性。另外,实验过程中丝状菌密集生长形成质量较大的丝状菌絮体,该絮体具有良好的泥水分离效果和较低的SVI值。但丝状菌大絮体会造成反应器中局部溶氧不均,降低传质效率,进而导致大絮体解体,且氨氮去除率不高。关于丝状菌大絮体如何形成且长时间稳定存在的问题,还有待于进一步研究。     

超声处理对活性污泥系统污泥减量效果的研究

在活性污泥系统采用超声波处理剩余污泥以考察污泥减量效果及其对系统处理效果的影响.结果表明:在声能密度0.25～0.50 W/mL范围内,经过1～30 min的超声波处理,系统表观产率显著下降,剩余污泥的产量可以减少20%～50%左右.同时发现,污泥的沉降性能指标SVI有所下降,而污泥的稳定性有所提高,活性污泥系统的出水水质略有不同程度的下降.     

曝气量和曝气时长对好氧颗粒污泥活性恢复的影响

采用啤酒废水,在SBR中对在4℃的冰箱中储存8周的好氧颗粒污泥进行活性恢复。设置曝气时长分别为150 min和270 min,曝气量分别为0.1 m3/h和0.2 m3/h,考察了曝气时长和曝气量对好氧颗粒污泥活性恢复的影响。实验结果表明,好氧颗粒污泥在4℃冰箱中储存8周后,其颜色、粒径无明显变化;设置较长曝气时间(270 min)、较大曝气量(0.2 m3/h)时,颗粒污泥平均沉降速率、MLSS和SVI恢复最快,且对COD处理效果也恢复较快。而短曝气时间(150 min)、小曝气量(0.1 m3/h)有利于好氧颗粒污泥对氨氮去除效果的恢复。     

氯化钙控制污泥膨胀

污泥膨胀是活性污泥工艺运行中经常遇到的最棘手的问题之一。本实验以人工合成污水为底物,采用序机式活性污泥法（SBR）;研究投加无机混凝剂氯化钙控制污泥膨胀的情况,同时研究丝状菌和菌胶团的变化。研究发现,投加氯化钙后,丝状菌数量明显减少;形成较多大而密实规则的菌胶团,污泥膨胀得到控制。污泥容积指数（SVI）由最初的309.5 mL/g降到67.1 mL/g,污泥沉降性能改善。停止投加氯化钙后又运行了18周期,活性污泥没有发生再次膨胀。投加氯化钙对COD去除率没有明显影响。研究结果表明,投加氯化钙是一种有效的污泥膨胀应急控制措施。     

NaCl盐度对耐盐活性污泥沉降性能及脱氮的影响

针对海水冲厕工程的实施,采用序批式活性污泥反应器(SBR)处理实际含盐生活污水,考察了盐度对耐盐活性污泥沉降性能及脱氮效能的影响。研究发现,经过长期盐度驯化后的污泥系统也会出现丝状菌污泥膨胀。在经过10 g/L盐度长期驯化的污泥系统中,污泥容积指数(SVI)随着盐度的升高而降低,盐度升高使丝状菌减少,污泥絮体变小变密实。但是,盐度降低时会引发更严重的污泥膨胀,导致污泥流失。对脱氮性能的研究表明,硝化菌的耐盐能力较强。当盐度由10 g/L改变为0、5、15、20 g/L时,氨氮去除率依然可以维持在99%以上。但亚硝酸盐积累率无论是盐度升高或降低时都升高,这表明驯化后污泥中的亚硝酸氧化菌(NOB)对盐度变化的耐受能力比氨氧化菌(AOB)弱,无论盐度升高或降低都会对其产生较大的影响。     

Influences of influent carbon source on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and physicochemical properties of activated sludge

It is necessary to understand the bioflocculation, settling and dewatering characteristics in the activated sludge process in order to establish more efficient operational strategies. The influences of carbon source on the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and flocculation, settling and dewatering properties of the activated sludge were investigated. Laboratory-scale completely mixed activated sludge processes were used to grow the activated sludge with different carbon sources of starch, glucose and sodium acetate. The sludge fed with acetate had highest loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS) and that fed with starch lowest. The amount of tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS), protein content in LB-EPS, polysaccharide content and protein contents in TB-EPS, were independent of the influent carbon source. The polysaccharide content in LB-EPS of the activated sludge fed with sodium acetate was lower slightly than those of starch and glucose. The sludge also had a nearly consistent flocs size and the sludge volume index (SVI) value. ESS content of the sludge fed with sodium acetate was higher initially, although it was similar to those fed with glucose and starch finally. However, the specific resistance to filtration and normalized capillary suction time fluctuated first, but finally were stable at around 5.0 × 10⁸ m kg⁻¹ and 3.5 s L g⁻¹ SS, respectively. Only the protein content in LB-EPS weakly correlated with the flocs size and SVI of the activated sludge. But there was no correlation between any other EPS contents or components and the physicochemical properties of the activated sludge.     

多菌群污水生物处理反应器中污泥分布的试验研究

在多菌群污水生物处理反应器处理城市污水的试验中,对反应器主反应区内水平中线及垂直中线上所布设取样点位的混合液悬浮固体(MLSS)、混合液挥发性悬浮固体(MLVSS)、污泥沉降比(SV30)及污泥容积指数(SVI)进行了检测分析。结果表明,MLSS与MLVSS分布趋势大致相同,在水平方向与垂直方向污泥浓度总体呈现大小交替型分布;SV30与SVI在水平方向总体呈现出周边大、中心小的非对称分布,而在垂直方向由上到下呈现出先增大后减小再增大的分布趋势。污泥浓度与污泥沉降性能的差异分布,对将反应器进水点分布在污泥浓度高值区域、污泥回流点布置在污泥浓度低值区域及出水点选定在污泥浓度较低且沉降性能较好区域有着重要的指导作用,为反应器的优化控制提供了理论依据。     

活性污泥法处理高钙废水中污泥特性的变化

通过单级SBR法处理模拟高钙废水,研究了活性污泥法处理高钙废水的过程中钙离子对COD,MLVSS,MLSS,SVI,污泥增长速率,污泥形态结构及生物相的影响,揭示活性污泥法处理高钙废水的过程中污泥量巨大的原因。采用逐步增加钙离子浓度的方法,检测到在污泥培养期([Ca2+]=0 mg/L),COD去除率为98.1%,MLVSS和MLSS稳定在4 900~5 500mg/L,污泥增长速率为67 mg/(L·d),SVI为55~60 mL/g;在驯化处理期([Ca2+]=120~2 400 mg/L),COD去除率降至87.37%,MLVSS降至2 500 mg/L,MLSS增加至19 300 mg/L,污泥增长速率为212.31 mg/(L·d),SVI降至25 mL/g;在冲击期([Ca2+]=4 000 mg/L),COD去除率降至69.23%,MLVSS降至1 600 mg/L,MLSS迅速增加至24 200 mg/L,污泥增长速率为816.67 mg/(L·d),SVI降至14 mL/g。经显微镜观察发现,污泥絮体由松散变得密实,生物相由钟虫等指示性微生物变为不适应环境的胞囊结构。结果表明,随Ca2+浓度的增加,COD去除率下降,MLSS迅速增加,MLVSS和SVI急剧缩小,说明活性污泥中的活性微生物逐渐减少,而无机物组分逐渐增多;钙离子的加入促使系统碳酸平衡向右移动,使离子状态的钙大部分转化为难降解的碳酸盐,并附着于污泥絮体上,污泥绒粒被压缩,使污泥颗粒密实度及MLSS迅速增加,导致污泥排放量巨大。     

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.     

Stepwise calibration of the activated sludge model no. 1 at a partially denitrifying large wastewater treatment plant

Activated sludge modeling technology is maturing; however, currently, there exists a great need to increase its use in daily engineering practice worldwide. A good way for building the capacities of the practitioners is to promote good modeling practices and standardize the protocols. In this study, a systematic procedure was proposed to calibrate the Activated Sludge Model No. 1 (ASM1) at a large wastewater treatment plant, by which the model adequately predicted the quality of the effluent and the sludge quantities. A hydraulics model was set up and validated through a tracer test. The Vesilind settling constants were measured and combined with the default value of the flocculent zone settling parameter, to calibrate the clarifiers. A virtual anoxic tank was installed in the return activated sludge to mimic the denitrification occurring in the settlers. In ASM1, the calibrated parameters were only two influent chemical oxygen demand fractions and one kinetic constant (oxygen half-saturation coefficient).     

Optimal design of predenitrification systems.

A coupled model of biological and settling phases aimed at optimal design of predenitrification systems is presented. Each unknown is obtained in explicit form, and is expressed as a function of the system's required performance. A model, taking into account both suspended and dissolved substrates, is adopted for the biological phase, while the limiting solid flux theory is assumed for the design of the settling phase. Finally, a relationship correlating the two phases is obtained expressing opportunely the sludge recycle flow and the sludge waste flow, without recourse to empirical parameters. The effect of different influent and effluent wastewater characteristics on the model's results is also analyzed.     

Integrating decay, storage, kinetic selection, and filamentous backbone factors in a bacterial competition model.

Filamentous bulking in activated sludge systems occurs when filamentous organisms outgrow floc-forming bacteria and interfere with sludge settling. The competition between filaments and floc formers has been described previously using the kinetic selection and filamentous backbone theories. We hypothesized that differences in decay rates and storage abilities also affect this competition. We tested this hypothesis by integrating these four factors into a substrate-utilization model to predict and explain coexistence in a completely mixed reactor. In addition, filamentous and nonfilamentous sludges were developed in laboratory-scale reactors and analyzed to determine decay rates. The modeling results showed coexistence of the two organism types, and sensitivity analysis showed that the kinetic parameters, storage rate constants, and backbone coefficient had the greatest effect on the simulation results. Monte Carlo simulation showed the effect of storage, and the ranges of dilution rates wherein one group outcompeted the other were delineated.     

生物法和化学法回收制革污泥中铬的对比研究

研究了嗜酸性硫杆菌(Thiobacillus)生物沥滤法和1:1硫酸化学沥滤法分离回收制革污泥中的铬.比较了嗜酸性硫杆菌生物沥滤法和化学沥滤法回收制革污泥铬过程中pH、氧化还原电位(ORP)、沉降比(SV)以及铬的沥滤率的变化.试验结果表明,pH是影响制革污泥中铬的沥滤率的关键因素.生物沥滤法在使污泥pH大幅度降低的同时,能很好地改善污泥的沉降性能,对铬的沥滤效果好于化学沥滤法.     

污泥龄对LSP & PNR污泥减量新工艺运行效能的影响

通过研究分析污泥龄（SRT）对富磷污水除磷的LSP&PNR污泥减量新工艺运行效果的影响,结果发现,延长污泥龄有利于提高系统的厌氧释磷能力,但不影响其总的除磷率,同时磷的回收比例增大,当SRT=50 d时,磷回收率取得最大值70.4％;LSP&PNR系统污泥龄增加,还有利于污泥产率的降低。试验还发现,排富磷污水除磷的长污泥龄LSP&PNR系统的除磷效率与污泥产率之间不存在制约关系,即系统可以同时获得优异的污泥减量与生物除磷效果,当SRT=50 d时,每降解1 kg COD仅产生0.143 kg污泥,而除磷率达最高值928％;LSP&PNR系统中SRT、DO与SVI之间存在一定的相关性,在供氧充足（DO＝0.8～1.5 mg/L）条件下,SRT增加,SVI越高,但对于SRT为50 d的LSP&PNR系统,稳定运行时没有污泥膨胀之虞。     

活性污泥处理系统的计算机模拟

介绍了以活性污泥1号模型(ASMI)和固体通量沉淀模型为基础．结合反应器原理．用VB6．0计算机语言建立城市污水活性污泥模拟器的方法,探讨了生物反应器和二沉池的模拟工艺流程、各组分的物料平衡关系和欧拉法数值积分的步长选取等问题。模拟器的校准结果表明,该模拟器建立的思路和方法是可靠的．可以用于城市污水生物处理系统的模拟和预测。     

磁化处理对活性污泥胶体颗粒表面的zeta电位的影响

污水处理过程中,二沉池的泥水分离影响整套工艺的效果,用投加混凝剂来降低活性污泥胶体颗粒表面的zeta电位(以下简写活性污泥zeta电位),增加了运行成本.通过磁场磁化可以降低活性污泥zeta电位,达到节省药剂的目的.研究了磁感应强度、磁化时间、磁场位型以及搅拌速率对氧化沟活性污泥zeta电位的影响规律.研究表明,磁化处理能降低活性污泥zeta电位,在磁场中心磁感应强度为0.40 T左右及反应器与磁场平行静置磁化时,zeta电位降低幅度最大,平均在46.5%～51.4%.     

Emissions of OTNE (Iso-E-super) - mass flows in sewage treatment plants

The fate and mass flows of OTNE ([1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethylnaphthalen-2yl]ethan-1-one) which is commercialized as Iso-E-Super were studied in three large scale sewage treatment plants (STPs) in detail. The results are compared to 14 smaller ones located in Germany and Switzerland. OTNE inflow concentrations ranged from 4000 to 13,000 ngl(-1) while the effluent concentrations ranged from 500 to 6,900 ngl(-1). It is eliminated from the waste water with 56-64% during waste water treatment. High OTNE concentrations in sewage sludge showed that the elimination was mainly driven by sorption to sludge. This complies with major elimination in the first settling basins (primary settling tanks) while it was removed to a lesser extent in the aeration basin of the activated sludge treatment or in successive biofilters. The mass flows of OTNE in the influent of the German STPs were between 0.9 and 1.9 g per inhabitant and year. In the annual effluents mass flows of OTNE ranged between 0.2 and 0.8 g per inhabitant which complies with data measured in 13 smaller STPs from Switzerland. The similarity of data suggests that the observed mass flow data might be extrapolated to other European regions.     

活性污泥的耐盐驯化培养

以某污水处理厂二沉池好氧污泥为接种污泥,采用逐步提高盐度和稳定盐度2种方法对活性污泥进行耐盐性驯化培养,考察驯化结果表明,前一种方法更有利于耐盐菌的培养。对比不同盐度情况下各项指标的去除效果得出:本实验污泥适宜盐度为1%。使用稳定进水盐度的方法,出水指标及各指标的去除率均低于逐步提高盐度法,且镜检结果表明大量微生物死亡。     

Investigation of OUR and NUR experiments for nitrogen and phosphorus removal with activated sludge: a lab-scale study

Activated sludge systems are widely used in wastewater treatment. Organic carbon removal and nutrient removal are important for stringent water discharge standards. Therefore, activated sludge systems are widely used to remove carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in new wastewater treatment systems or upgrades of existing systems. The determination of system compounds and kinetic parameters for modelling of these systems are important. For this purpose, respirometric measurements are used to reveal the electron consumption rate of biomass. In order to determine OUR (oxygen uptake rate) and NUR (nitrate uptake rate) parameters, a laboratory scale activated sludge system, including anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic zones, was developed. The performance of the system was continuously controlled from influent and effluent samples. OUR and NUR measurements indicated the kind of nitrogen-phosphorus removal systems required. Moreover, phosphorus uptake in the anoxic zone was investigated. It was found that phosphorus uptake in the anaerobic zone was related to substrate type consumed biologically. The OUR and NUR were found to be lower than in continuous activated sludge measurements. This may be because the mixed culture of the system affected the system performance, owing to competition between denitrification bacteria and poly-P bacteria.