Wastewater Treatment According to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 40 CFR Part 403, regulations were established in the late 1970s and early 1980s to help publicly owned treatment works (POTW) control industrial discharges to sewers. These regulations were designed to prevent pass-through and interference at the treatment plants and interference in the collection and transmission systems. Pass-through occurs when pollutants literally pass through a POTW without being properly treated, and cause the POTW to have an effluent violation or increase the mag- nitude or duration of a violation. Interference occurs when a pollutant discharge causes a POTW to violate its permit by inhibiting or disrupting treatment processes, treatment operations, or processes related to sludge use or disposal. 18.1 WASTEWATER OPERATORS Like waterworks operators, wastewater operators are highly trained and artful practitioners and technicians of their trade. Both operators are also required by the states to be licensed or certified to operate a wastewater treat- ment plant. When learning wastewater operator skills, there are a number of excellent texts available to aid in the training process. Many of these texts are listed in Table 18.1. 18.1.1 T HE W ASTEWATER T REATMENT P ROCESS : T HE M ODEL Figure 18.1 shows a basic schematic of an example waste- water treatment process providing primary and secondary treatment using the activated sludge process. This is the model, prototype, and paradigm used in this book. Though it is true that in secondary treatment (which provides bio- chemical oxygen demand [BOD] removal beyond what is achievable by simple sedimentation), there are actually three commonly used approaches (trickling filter, acti- vated sludge, and oxidation ponds). For instructive and illustrative purposes, we focus on the activated sludge process throughout this handbook. The purpose of Figure 18.1 is to allow the reader to follow the treatment process step-by-step as it is presented (and as it is actually configured in the real world) and to assist understanding of how all the various unit processes sequentially follow and tie into each other. We begin certain sections (which discuss unit processes) with frequent reference to Figure 18.1. It is important to begin these sections in this manner because wastewater treatment is a series of individual steps (unit processes) that treat the wastestream as it makes its way through the entire process. It logically follows that a pictorial presen- tation along with pertinent written information enhances the learning process. It should also be pointed out that even though the model shown in Figure 18.1 does not include all unit processes currently used in wastewater treatment, we do not ignore the other major processes: trickling filters, rotating biological contactors (RBCs), and oxidation ponds. 18.2 WASTEWATER TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS Wastewater treatment technology, like many other techni- cal fields, has its own unique terms with their own meaning. Though some of the terms are unique, many are common to other professions. Remember that the science of waste- water treatment is a combination of engineering, biology, mathematics, hydrology, chemistry, physics, and other dis- ciplines. Many of the terms used in engineering, biology, mathematics, hydrology, chemistry, physics, and others are also used in wastewater treatment. Those terms not listed or defined in the following section will be defined as they appear in the text. 18.2.1 T ERMINOLOGY AND D EFINITIONS Activated sludge the solids formed when micro- organisms are used to treat wastewater using the activated sludge treatment process. It includes organisms, accumulated food materi- als, and waste products from the aerobic decomposition process. Advanced waste treatment treatment technology used to produce an extremely high quality discharge. Aerobic conditions in which free, elemental oxygen is present. Also used to describe organisms, biological activity, or treatment processes that require free oxygen. Anaerobic conditions in which no oxygen (free or combined) is available. Also used to describe organisms, biological activity or treatment pro- cesses that function in the absence of oxygen. 18 © 2003 by CRC Press LLC 528 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Anoxic conditions in which no free, elemental oxygen is present. The only source of oxygen is com- bined oxygen, such as that found in nitrate compounds. Also used to describe biological activity of treatment processes that function only in the presence of combined oxygen. Average monthly discharge limitation the highest allowable discharge over a calendar month. Average weekly discharge limitation the highest allowable discharge over a calendar week. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) the amount of organic matter that can be biologically oxidized under controlled conditions (5 days @ 20 ∞ C in the dark). Biosolids (from 1977) solid organic matter recovered from a sewage treatment process and used espe- cially as fertilizer (or soil amendment); usually used in plural (from Merriam-Webster’s Colle- giate Dictionary, 10th ed. , 1998). Note: In this text, biosolids is used in many places (activated sludge being the exception) to replace the standard term sludge. The author views the term sludge as an ugly, inappropriate four-letter word to describe biosolids. Biosolids TABLE 18.1 Recommended Reference and Study Material 1. Kerri, K.D. et al., Advanced Waste Treatment, A Field Study Program , 2nd ed., California State University, Sacramento, 1995. 2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Aerobic Biological Wastewater Treatment Facilities , EPA 430/9–77–006, Washington, D.C., 1977. 3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Anaerobic Sludge Digestion , EPA-430/9–76–001, Washington, D.C., 1977. 4. American Society for Testing Materials, Section 11: Water and environmental technology, in Annual Book of ASTM Standards , Philadelphia, PA. 5. Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants , Federal Register (40 CFR 136), April 4, 1995, Vol. 60, No. 64, p. 17160. 6. HACH Chemical Company, Handbook of Water Analysis , 2nd ed., Loveland, CO, 1992. 7. Kerri, K.D. et al., Industrial Waste Treatment: A Field Study Program , Vols. 1 and 2, California State University, Sacramento, CA, 1996. 8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory-Cincinnati, Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes , EPA-6000/4–79–020, revised March 1983 and 1979 (where applicable). 9. Water Pollution Control Federation (now called Water Environment Federation), O & M of Trickling Filters, RBC and Related Processes, Manual of Practice OM-10 , Alexandria, VA, 1988. 10. Kerri, K.D. et al., Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Field Study Program , Vols. 1 and 2, 4th ed., California State University, Sacramento, 1993. 11. American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association-Water Environment Federation, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater , 18th ed., Washington, D.C., 1992. 12. Kerri, K.D. et al., Treatment of Metal Wastestreams , 2nd ed., California State University, Sacramento, 1993. 13. Price, J.K., Basic Math Concepts: For Water and Wastewater Plant Operators , Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1991. 14. Haller, E., Simplified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations , Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999. 15. Qaism, S.R., Wastewater Treatment Plants: Planning, Design, and Operation , Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1994. Source: Spellman, F.R., Spellman’s Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators, Vol. 1, Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999. FIGURE 18.1 Schematic of an example wastewater treatment process providing primary and secondary treatment using activated sludge process. (From Spellman, F.R., Spellman’s Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators, Vol. 1, Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999.) Sludge disposal Screenings Influent Grit Sludge dewatering Anaerobic digester Collection system Thickener Screening and comminution Aeration Chlorine contact tank Activated sludge Grit chamber Primary settling Secondary settling Primary treatment Secondary treatment Chlorine Effluent Air © 2003 by CRC Press LLC Wastewater Treatment 529 is a product that can be reused; it has some value. Because biosolids has value, it certainly should not be classified as a waste product, and when biosolids for beneficial reuse is addressed, it is made clear that it is not. Buffer a substance or solution which resists changes in pH. Carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD 5 ) the amount of biochemical oxygen demand that can be attributed to carbonaceous material. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) the amount of chemically oxidizable materials present in the wastewater. Clarifier a device designed to permit solids to settle or rise and be separated from the flow. Also known as a settling tank or sedimentation basin. Coliform a type of bacteria used to indicate possible human or animal contamination of water. Combined sewer a collection system that carries both wastewater and storm water flows. Comminution a process that shreds solids into smaller, less harmful particles. Composite sample a combination of individual sam- ples taken in proportion to flow. Daily discharge the discharge of a pollutant measured during a calendar day or any 24-h period that reasonably represents a calendar day for the purposes of sampling. Limitations expressed as weight is total mass (weight) discharged over the day. Limitations expressed in other units are average measurements of the day. Daily maximum discharge the highest allowable val- ues for a daily discharge. Detention time the theoretical time water remains in a tank at a given flow rate. Dewatering the removal or separation of a portion of water present in a sludge or slurry. Discharge monitoring report (DMR) the monthly report required by the treatment plant’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Sys- tem (NPDES) discharge permit. Dissolved oxygen (DO) free or elemental oxygen that is dissolved in water. Effluent the flow leaving a tank, channel, or treatment process. Effluent limitation any restriction imposed by the regulatory agency on quantities, discharge rates, or concentrations of pollutants that are discharged from point sources into state waters. Facultative organisms that can survive and function in the presence or absence of free, elemental oxygen. Fecal coliform a type of bacteria found in the bodily discharges of warm-blooded animals. Used as an indicator organism. Floc solids which join together to form larger particles which will settle better. Flume a flow rate measurement device. Food-to-microorganism ratio (F:M) an activated sludge process control calculation based upon the amount of food (BOD or COD) available per pound of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids. Grab sample an individual sample collected at a ran- domly selected time. Grit heavy inorganic solids such as sand, gravel, egg shells, or metal filings. Industrial wastewater wastes associated with indus- trial manufacturing processes. Infiltration/inflow extraneous flows in sewers; sim- ply, inflow is water discharged into sewer pipes or service connections from such sources as foundation drains, roof leaders, cellar and yard area drains, cooling water from air conditioners, and other clean-water discharges from commer- cial and industrial establishments. Defined by Metcalf & Eddy as follows: 1 • Infiltration water entering the collection system through cracks, joints, or breaks. • Steady inflow water discharged from cellar and foundation drains, cooling water dis- charges, and drains from springs and swampy areas. This type of inflow is steady and is identified and measured along with infiltration. • Direct flow those types of inflow that have a direct stormwater runoff connection to the sanitary sewer and cause an almost immedi- ate increase in wastewater flows. Possible sources are roof leaders, yard and areaway drains, manhole covers, cross connections from storm drains and catch basins, and combined sewers. • Total inflow the sum of the direct inflow at any point in the system plus any flow dis- charged from the system upstream through overflows, pumping station bypasses, and the like. • Delayed inflow stormwater that may require several days or more to drain through the sewer system. This category can include the discharge of sump pumps from cellar drain- age as well as the slowed entry of surface water through manholes in ponded areas. Influent the wastewater entering a tank, channel, or treatment process. © 2003 by CRC Press LLC 530 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Inorganic mineral materials such as salt, ferric chlo- ride, iron, sand, gravel, etc. License a certificate issued by the state board of water- works or wastewater works operators authorizing the holder to perform the duties of a wastewater treatment plant operator. Mean cell residence time (MCRT) the average length of time a mixed liquor suspended solids particle remains in the activated sludge process. May also be known as sludge retention time. Mixed liquor the combination of return activated sludge and wastewater in the aeration tank. Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) the suspend- ed solids concentration of the mixed liquor. Mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) the concentration of organic matter in the mixed liquor suspended solids. Milligrams/Liter (mg/L) a measure of concentration. It is equivalent to parts per million. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit permit that authorizes the discharge of treated wastes and specifies the condition, which must be met for discharge. Nitrogenous oxygen demand (NOD) a measure of the amount of oxygen required to biologically oxidize nitrogen compounds under specified conditions of time and temperature. Nutrients substances required to support living organ- isms. Usually refers to nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, and other trace metals. Organic materials that consist of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen. Many organics are biologically degradable. All organic com- pounds can be converted to carbon dioxide and water when subjected to high temperatures. Pathogenic disease causing. A pathogenic organism is capable of causing illness. Point source any discernible, defined, and discrete conveyance from which pollutants are or may be discharged. Part per million (ppm) an alternative (but numerically equivalent) unit used in chemistry is milligrams per liter. As an analogy, think of this unit as being equivalent to a full shot glass in a swim- ming pool. Return activated sludge solids (RASS) the concen- tration of suspended solids in the sludge flow being returned from the settling tank to the head of the aeration tank. Sanitary wastewater wastes discharged from resi- dences and from commercial, institutional, and similar facilities that include both sewage and industrial wastes. Scum the mixture of floatable solids and water that is removed from the surface of the settling tank. Septic a wastewater that has no dissolved oxygen present. Generally characterized by black color and rotten egg (hydrogen sulfide) odors. Settleability a process control test used to evaluate the settling characteristics of the activated sludge. Readings taken at 30 to 60 min are used to calculate the settled sludge volume and the sludge volume index. Settled sludge volume (SSV) the volume in percent occupied by an activated sludge sample after 30 to 60 minutes of settling. Normally written as SSV with a subscript to indicate the time of the reading used for calculation (SSV 60 ) or (SSV 30 ). Sewage wastewater containing human wastes. Sludge the mixture of settleable solids and water that is removed from the bottom of the settling tank. Sludge retention time (SRT) see mean cell residence time. Sludge volume index (SVI) a process control calcu- lation that is used to evaluate the settling quality of the activated sludge. Requires the SSV 30 and mixed liquor suspended solids test results to calculate. Storm sewer a collection system designed to carry only storm water runoff. Storm water runoff resulting from rainfall and snow- melt. Supernatant the amber-colored liquid above the sludge that is in a digester. Wastewater the water supply of the community after it has been soiled by use. Waste activated sludge solids (WASS) the concentra- tion of suspended solids in the sludge, which is being removed from the activated sludge process. Weir a device used to measure wastewater flow. Zoogleal slime the biological slime which forms on fixed film treatment devices. It contains a wide variety of organisms essential to the treatment process. 18.3 MEASURING PLANT PERFORMANCE To evaluate how well a plant or treatment unit process is operating, performance efficiency or percent removal is used. The results can be compared with those listed in the plant’s operation and maintenance manual (O & M) to determine if the facility is performing as expected. In this chapter sample calculations often used to measure plant performance and efficiency are presented. © 2003 by CRC Press LLC Wastewater Treatment 531 18.3.1 P LANT P ERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY Note: The calculation used for determining the per- formance (percent removal) for a digester is different from that used for performance (per- cent removal) for other processes. Care must be taken to select the right formula The following equation is used to determine plant perfor- mance and efficiency: E XAMPLE 18.1 Problem: The influent BOD is 247 mg/L and the plant effluent BOD is 17 mg/L. What is the percent removal? Solution: 18.3.2 UNIT PROCESS PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY Equation 18.1 is used again to determine unit process effi- ciency. The concentration entering the unit and the con- centration leaving the unit (i.e., primary, secondary, etc.) are used to determine the unit performance. EXAMPLE 18.2 Problem: The primary influent BOD is 235 mg/L and the primary effluent BOD is 169 mg/L. What is the percent removal? 18.3.3 PERCENT VOLATILE MATTER REDUCTION IN SLUDGE The calculation used to determine percent volatile matter (%VM) reduction is more complicated because of the changes occurring during sludge digestion: (18.2) E XAMPLE 18.3 Problem: Using the digester data provided below, determine the percent volatile matter reduction for the digester. Data: Raw sludge volatile matter = 74% Digested sludge volatile matter = 54% 18.4 HYDRAULIC DETENTION TIME The term detention time (DT) or hydraulic detention time (HDT) refers to the average length of time (theoretical time) a drop of water, wastewater, or suspended particles remains in a tank or channel. It is calculated by dividing the water or wastewater in the tank by the flow rate through the tank. The units of flow rate used in the calculation are dependent on whether the detention time is to be calcu- lated in seconds, minutes, hours or days. Detention time is used in conjunction with various treatment processes, including sedimentation and coagulation and flocculation. Generally, in practice, detention time is associated with the amount of time required for a tank to empty. The range of detention time varies with the process. For exam- ple, in a tank used for sedimentation, detention time is commonly measured in minutes. The calculation methods used to determine detention time are illustrated in the following sections. 18.4.1 DETENTION TIME IN DAYS Use Equation 18.3 to calculate the detention time in days: (18.3) % Removal Influent Concentration Effluent Concentration 100 Influent Concentration = -¥ [] (18.1) % % Removal 247 mg L 1 mg L 100 47 mg L = -¥ = [] 7 2 93 % % Removal 235 mg L 1 9 mg L 100 mg L = -¥ = [] 6 235 28 % %% %%% VM Reduction VM VM VM VM VM in out in in out = - [] ¥ -¥ () [] 100 % . . % VM Reduction .54 .74 .54 = -¥ -¥ = [] () [] 074 0 100 074 0 0 59 HDT d Tank Volume ft 7.48 gal ft Q gal d 33 () = () ¥ () © 2003 by CRC Press LLC 532 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations EXAMPLE 18.4 Problem: An anaerobic digester has a volume of 2,400,000 gal. What is the detention time in days when the influent flow rate is 0.07 MGD? Solution: 18.4.2 DETENTION TIME IN HOURS (18.4) E XAMPLE 18.5 Problem: A settling tank has a volume of 44,000 ft. 3 What is the detention time in hours when the flow is 4.15 MGD? 18.4.3 DETENTION TIME IN MINUTES EXAMPLE 18.6 Problem: A grit channel has a volume of 1340 ft. 3 What is the detention time in minutes when the flow rate is 4.3 MGD? Solution: Note: The tank volume and the flow rate must be in the same dimensions before calculating the hydraulic detention time. 18.5 WASTEWATER SOURCES AND CHARACTERISTICS Wastewater treatment is designed to use the natural puri- fication processes (self-purification processes of streams and rivers) to the maximum level possible. It is also designed to complete these processes in a controlled envi- ronment rather than over many miles of a stream or river. Moreover, the treatment plant is also designed to remove other contaminants that are not normally subjected to natural processes, as well as treating the solids that are generated through the treatment unit steps. The typical wastewater treatment plant is designed to achieve many different purposes: 1. Protect public health. 2. Protect public water supplies. 3. Protect aquatic life. 4. Preserve the best uses of the waters. 5. Protect adjacent lands. Wastewater treatment is a series of steps. Each of the steps can be accomplished using one or more treatment processes or types of equipment. The major categories of treatment steps are: 1. Preliminary treatment — Removes materials that could damage plant equipment or would occupy treatment capacity without being treated. 2. Primary treatment — Removes settleable and floatable solids (may not be present in all treat- ment plants). 3. Secondary treatment — Removes BOD and dis- solved and colloidal suspended organic matter by biological action. Organics are converted to sta- ble solids, carbon dioxide and more organisms. 4. Advanced waste treatment — Uses physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove additional BOD, solids and nutrients (not present in all treatment plants). 5. Disinfection — Removes microorganisms to eliminate or reduce the possibility of disease when the flow is discharged. 6. Sludge treatment — Stabilizes the solids removed from wastewater during treatment, inactivates pathogenic organisms, and reduces the volume of the sludge by removing water. The various treatment processes described above are discussed in detail later. DT d gal d 0.07 MGD 1,000, 000 gal MG () = ¥ = 2 400 000 34 ,, HDT h Tank Volume ft 7.48 gal ft h d Q gal d 33 () = () ¥¥ () 24 DT h 44, 000 ft 7.48 gal ft h d 4.15 MGD 1, 000,000 gal MG h 33 () = ¥¥ ¥ = 24 19. HDT min Tank Volume ft 7.48 gal ft min d Q gal d 33 () = () ¥¥ () 1440 (18.5) DT min 1340 ft 7.48 gal ft min d 4,300, 000 gal d 33 () = ¥¥ = 1440 336. min © 2003 by CRC Press LLC Wastewater Treatment 533 18.5.1 WASTEWATER SOURCES The principal sources of domestic wastewater in a com- munity are the residential areas and commercial districts. Other important sources include institutional and recre- ational facilities and storm water (runoff) and groundwater (infiltration). Each source produces wastewater with specific characteristics. In this section wastewater sources and the specific characteristics of wastewater are described. 18.5.1.1 Generation of Wastewater Wastewater is generated by five major sources: human and animal wastes, household wastes, industrial wastes, storm water runoff, and groundwater infiltration. 1. Human and animal wastes — Contains the solid and liquid discharges of humans and animals and is considered by many to be the most dangerous from a human health viewpoint. The primary health hazard is presented by the millions of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms (some of which may be pathogenic) present in the wastestream. 2. Household wastes — Consists of wastes, other than human and animal wastes, discharged from the home. Household wastes usually contain paper, household cleaners, detergents, trash, garbage, and other substances the homeowner discharges into the sewer system. 3. Industrial wastes — Includes industry specific materials that can be discharged from industrial processes into the collection system. Typically contains chemicals, dyes, acids, alkalis, grit, detergents, and highly toxic materials. 4. Storm water runoff — Many collection systems are designed to carry both the wastes of the community and storm water runoff. In this type of system when a storm event occurs, the waste- stream can contain large amounts of sand, gravel, and other grit as well as excessive amounts of water. 5. Groundwater infiltration — Groundwater will enter older improperly sealed collection sys- tems through cracks or unsealed pipe joints. Not only can this add large amounts of water to wastewater flows, but also additional grit. 18.5.2 CLASSIFICATION OF WASTEWATER Wastewater can be classified according to the sources of flows: domestic, sanitary, industrial, combined, and storm water. 1. Domestic (sewage) wastewater — Contains mainly human and animal wastes, household wastes, small amounts of groundwater infiltra- tion and small amounts of industrial wastes. 2. Sanitary wastewater — Consists of domestic wastes and significant amounts of industrial wastes. In many cases, the industrial wastes can be treated without special precautions. How- ever, in some cases, the industrial wastes will require special precautions or a pretreatment program to ensure the wastes do not cause com- pliance problems for the wastewater treatment plant. 3. Industrial wastewater — Consists of industrial wastes only. Often the industry will determine that it is safer and more economical to treat its waste independent of domestic waste. 4. Combined wastewater — Consists of a combi- nation of sanitary wastewater and storm water runoff. All the wastewater and storm water of the community is transported through one sys- tem to the treatment plant. 5. Storm water — Contains a separate collection system (no sanitary waste) that carries storm water runoff including street debris, road salt, and grit. 18.5.3 WASTEWATER CHARACTERISTICS Wastewater contains many different substances that can be used to characterize it. The specific substances and amounts or concentrations of each will vary, depending on the source. It is difficult to precisely characterize waste- water. Instead, wastewater characterization is usually based on and applied to an average domestic wastewater. Note: Keep in mind that other sources and types of wastewater can dramatically change the characteristics. Wastewater is characterized in terms of its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. 18.5.3.1 Physical Characteristics The physical characteristics of wastewater are based on color, odor, temperature, and flow. 1. Color — Fresh wastewater is usually a light brownish-gray color. However, typical waste- water is gray and has a cloudy appearance. The color of the wastewater will change signifi- cantly if allowed to go septic (if travel time in the collection system increases). Typical septic wastewater will have a black color. 2. Odor — Odors in domestic wastewater usually are caused by gases produced by the decompo- sition of organic matter or by other substances © 2003 by CRC Press LLC 534 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations added to the wastewater. Fresh domestic waste- water has a musty odor. If the wastewater is allowed to go septic, this odor will significantly change to a rotten egg odor associated with the production of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S). 3. Temperature — the temperature of wastewater is commonly higher than that of the water sup- ply because of the addition of warm water from households and industrial plants. However, sig- nificant amounts of infiltration or storm water flow can cause major temperature fluctuations. 4. Flow — the actual volume of wastewater is commonly used as a physical characterization of wastewater and is normally expressed in terms of gallons per person per day. Most treat- ment plants are designed using an expected flow of 100 to 200 gallons per person per day. This figure may have to be revised to reflect the degree of infiltration or storm flow the plant receives. Flow rates will vary throughout the day. This variation, which can be as much as 50 to 200% of the average daily flow is known as the diurnal flow variation. Note: Diurnal means occurring in a day or daily. 18.5.3.2 Chemical Characteristics In describing the chemical characteristics of wastewater, the discussion generally includes topics such as organic matter, the measurement of organic matter, inorganic mat- ter, and gases. For the sake of simplicity, in this handbook we specifically describe chemical characteristics in terms of alkalinity, BOD, chemical oxygen demand (COD), dis- solved gases, nitrogen compounds, pH, phosphorus, solids (organic, inorganic, suspended, and dissolved solids), and water. 1. Alkalinity — This is a measure of the waste- water’s capability to neutralize acids. It is mea- sured in terms of bicarbonate, carbonate, and hydroxide alkalinity. Alkalinity is essential to buffer (hold the neutral pH) of the wastewater during the biological treatment processes. 2. Biochemical oxygen demand — This is a mea- sure of the amount of biodegradable matter in the wastewater. Normally measured by a 5-d test conducted at 20∞C. The BOD 5 domestic waste is normally in the range of 100 to 300 mg/L. 3. Chemical oxygen demand — This is a measure of the amount of oxidizable matter present in the sample. The COD is normally in the range of 200 to 500 mg/L. The presence of industrial wastes can increase this significantly. 4. Dissolved gases — These are gases that are dissolved in wastewater. The specific gases and normal concentrations are based upon the com- position of the wastewater. Typical domestic wastewater contains oxygen in relatively low concentrations, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide (if septic conditions exist). 5. Nitrogen compounds — The type and amount of nitrogen present will vary from the raw wastewater to the treated effluent. Nitrogen fol- lows a cycle of oxidation and reduction. Most of the nitrogen in untreated wastewater will be in the forms of organic nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen. Laboratory tests exist for determination of both of these forms. The sum of these two forms of nitrogen is also measured and is known as total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN). Wastewater will normally contain between 20 to 85 mg/L of nitrogen. Organic nitrogen will normally be in the range of 8 to 35 mg/L, and ammonia nitro- gen will be in the range of 12 to 50 mg/L. 6. pH — This is a method of expressing the acid condition of the wastewater. pH is expressed on a scale of 1 to 14. For proper treatment, waste- water pH should normally be in the range of 6.5 to 9.0 (ideally 6.5 to 8.0). 7. Phosphorus — This element is essential to bio- logical activity and must be present in at least minimum quantities or secondary treatment processes will not perform. Excessive amounts can cause stream damage and excessive algal growth. Phosphorus will normally be in the range of 6 to 20 mg/L. The removal of phos- phate compounds from detergents has had a significant impact on the amounts of phospho- rus in wastewater. 8. Solids — Most pollutants found in wastewater can be classified as solids. Wastewater treatment is generally designed to remove solids or to con- vert solids to a form that is more stable or can be removed. Solids can be classified by their chemical composition (organic or inorganic) or by their physical characteristics (settleable, floatable, and colloidal). Concentration of total solids in wastewater is normally in the range of 350 to 1200 mg/L. A. Organic solids — Consists of carbon, hydro- gen, oxygen, nitrogen and can be converted to carbon dioxide and water by ignition at 550∞C. Also known as fixed solids or loss on ignition. B. Inorganic solids — Mineral solids that are unaffected by ignition. Also known as fixed solids or ash. © 2003 by CRC Press LLC Wastewater Treatment 535 C. Suspended solids — These solids will not pass through a glass fiber filter pad. Can be further classified as Total suspended solids (TSS), volatile suspended solids, and fixed suspended solids. Can also be separated into three components based on settling charac- teristics: settleable solids, floatable solids, and colloidal solids. Total suspended solids in wastewater are normally in the range of 100 to 350 mg/L. D. Dissolved solids — These solids will pass through a glass fiber filter pad. Can also be classified as total dissolved solids (TDS), volatile dissolved solids, and fixed dissolved solids. TDS are normally in the range of 250 to 850 mg/L. 9. Water — This is always the major constituent of wastewater. In most cases water makes up 99.5 to 99.9% of the wastewater. Even in the strongest wastewater, the total amount of con- tamination present is less than 0.5% of the total and in average strength wastes it is usually less than 0.1%. 18.5.3.3 Biological Characteristics and Processes (Note: The biological characteristics of water were dis- cussed in detail earlier in this text.) After undergoing physical aspects of treatment (i.e., screening, grit removal, and sedimentation) in preliminary and primary treatment, wastewater still contains some sus- pended solids and other solids that are dissolved in the water. In a natural stream, such substances are a source of food for protozoa, fungi, algae, and several varieties of bacteria. In secondary wastewater treatment, these same microscopic organisms (which are one of the main reasons for treating wastewater) are allowed to work as fast as they can to biologically convert the dissolved solids to suspended solids that will physically settle out at the end of secondary treatment. Raw wastewater influent typically contains millions of organisms. The majority of these organisms are non- pathogenic, but several pathogenic organisms may also be present. (These may include the organisms responsible for diseases such as typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis, dysentery, gas- troenteritis, and others.) Many of the organisms found in wastewater are micro- scopic (microorganisms); they include algae, bacteria, protozoa (e.g., amoeba, flagellates, free-swimming cili- ates, and stalked ciliates), rotifers, and viruses. Table 18.2 is a summary of typical domestic waste- water characteristics. 18.6 WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS Wastewater collection systems collect and convey waste- water to the treatment plant. The complexity of the system depends on the size of the community and the type of system selected. Methods of collection and conveyance of waste- water include gravity systems, force main systems, vacuum systems, and combinations of all three types of systems. 18.6.1 GRAVITY COLLECTION SYSTEM In a gravity collection system, the collection lines are sloped to permit the flow to move through the system with as little pumping as possible. The slope of the lines must keep the wastewater moving at a velocity (speed) of 2 to 4 ft/sec. Otherwise, at lower velocities, solids will settle out and cause clogged lines, overflows, and offensive odors. To keep collection systems lines at a reasonable depth, wastewater must be lifted (pumped) periodically so that it can continue flowing downhill to the treatment plant. Pump stations are installed at selected points within the system for this purpose. 18.6.2 FORCE MAIN COLLECTION SYSTEM In a typical force main collection system, wastewater is collected to central points and pumped under pressure to the treatment plant. The system is normally used for con- veying wastewater long distances. The use of the force main system allows the wastewater to flow to the treatment plant at the desired velocity without using sloped lines. It should be noted that the pump station discharge lines in a gravity system are considered to be force mains since the content of the lines is under pressure. TABLE 18.2 Typical Domestic Wastewater Characteristics Characteristic Typical Characteristic Color Gray Odor Musty DO >1.0 mg/L pH 6.5–9.0 TSS 100–350 mg/L BOD 100–300 mg/L COD 200–500 mg/L Flow 100–200 gal/person/d Total nitrogen 20–85 mg/L Total phosphorus 6–20 mg/L Fecal coliform 500,000–3,000,000 MPN/100 mL Source: Spellman, F.R., Spellman’s Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators, Vol. 1, Technomic Publ., Lan- caster, PA, 1999. © 2003 by CRC Press LLC 536 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Note: Extra care must be taken when performing maintenance on force main systems since the content of the collection system is under pressure. 18.6.3 VACUUM SYSTEM In a vacuum collection system, wastewaters are collected to central points and then drawn toward the treatment plant under vacuum. The system consists of a large amount of mechanical equipment and requires a large amount of maintenance to perform properly. Generally, the vacuum- type collection systems are not economically feasible. 18.6.4 PUMPING STATIONS Pumping stations provide the motive force (energy) to keep the wastewater moving at the desired velocity. They are used in both the force main and gravity systems. They are designed in several different configurations and may use different sources of energy to move the wastewater (i.e., pumps, air pressure or vacuum). One of the more commonly used types of pumping station designs is the wet well/dry well design. 18.6.4.1 Wet Well–Dry Well Pumping Stations The wet well–dry well pumping station consists of two separate spaces or sections separated by a common wall. Wastewater is collected in one section (known as the wet well section); the pumping equipment (and in many cases, the motors and controllers) is located in a second section known as the dry well. There are many different designs for this type of system, but in most cases the pumps selected for this system are of a centrifugal design. There are a couple of major considerations in selecting centrifugal design: 1. This design allows for the separation of mechanical equipment (pumps, motors, con- trollers, wiring, etc.) from the potentially cor- rosive atmosphere (sulfides) of the wastewater. 2. This type of design is usually safer for workers because they can monitor, maintain, operate, and repair equipment without entering the pumping station wet well. Note: Most pumping station wet wells are confined spaces. To ensure safe entry into such spaces, compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s 29 CFR 1910.146 (Confined Space Entry Standard) is required. 18.6.4.2 Wet Well Pumping Stations Another type of pumping station design is the wet well type. This type consists of a single compartment that col- lects the wastewater flow. The pump is submerged in the wastewater with motor controls located in the space or has a weatherproof motor housing located above the wet well. In this type of station, a submersible centrifugal pump is normally used. 18.6.4.3 Pneumatic Pumping Stations The pneumatic pumping station consists of a wet well and a control system that controls the inlet and outlet value operations and provides pressurized air to force or push the wastewater through the system. The exact method of operation depends on the system design. When operating, wastewater in the wet well reaches a predetermined level and activates an automatic valve that closes the influent line. The tank (wet well) is then pressurized to a predeter- mined level. When the pressure reaches the predetermined level, the effluent line valve is opened and the pressure pushes the wastestream out the discharge line. 18.6.4.4 Pumping Station Wet Well Calculations Calculations normally associated with pumping station wet well design (determining design lift or pumping capacity, etc.) are usually left up to design and mechanical engineers. However, on occasion, wastewater operators or interceptor’s technicians may be called upon to make cer- tain basic calculations. Usually these calculations deal with determining either pump capacity without influent (e.g., to check the pumping rate of the station’s constant speed pump) or pump capacity with influent (e.g., to check how many gallons per minute the pump is discharging). In this section we use examples to describe instances on how and where these two calculations are made. E XAMPLE 18.7: DETERMINING PUMP CAPACITY WITHOUT INFLUENT Problem: A pumping station wet well is 10 ¥ 9 ft. The operator needs to check the pumping rate of the station’s constant speed pump. To do this, the influent valve to the wet well is closed for a 5-min test, and the level in the well dropped 2.2 ft. What is the pumping rate in gallons per minute? Solution: Using the length and width of the well, we can find the area of the water surface: 10 ft ¥ 9 ft = 90 ft 2 The water level dropped 2.2 ft. From this we can find the volume of water removed by the pump during the test: ADv¥= ¥=90 2 2 198 ft ft ft 2 . © 2003 by CRC Press LLC [...]... Spellman’s Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators, Vol 1, Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999 © 2003 by CRC Press LLC 556 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations variations and assist in solving operational problems such as ponding, filter flies, and odors Roughing filters a classification of trickling filters (see Table 18. 4) in which the organic is in excess of 200 lb BOD /1000 ft3 of media/d... acre 554 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Grit chamber Primary sedimentaion Grit Sludge Influent Bar racks Screenings Waste sludge Trickling filter Cl2 or NaOCl Settling tank Chlorine contact tank Effluent Return effluent FIGURE 18. 4 Simplified flow diagram of trickling filter used for wastewater treatment (From Spellman, F.R., Spellman’s Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators,... permit selection of the best quality effluent Normal operating depth of the pond is 3 to 5 ft The process occurring in the pond involves bacteria decomposing the organics in the wastewater (aerobically and anaerobically) and algae using the products of the 552 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations bacterial action to produce oxygen (photosynthesis) Because this type of pond is the... Effluent FIGURE 18. 5 Schematic of cross-section of a trickling filter (From Spellman, F.R., Spellman’s Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators, Vol 1, Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999.) 18. 9.2 TRICKLING FILTERS Trickling filters have been used to treat wastewater since the 189 0s It was found that if settled wastewater was passed over rock surfaces, slime grew on the rocks and the water became cleaner... overaeration, or a lack of detention time normally causes this 542 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations When these problems occur, the operator must make the required adjustments or repairs to correct the problems Solution: First, convert gallon grit removed to cubic feet: 18. 7.3.2 Grit Removal Calculations 250 gal Wastewater systems typically average 1 to 15 ft of grit/MG of flow (sanitary... rectangular clarifiers, wastewater flows from one end to the other, and the settled sludge is moved to a hopper at the one end, either by flights set on parallel chains or by a single bottom scraper set on a traveling bridge Floating material (mostly grease and oil) is collected by a surface skimmer 546 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations 5 In circular tanks, the wastewater usually enters... Spellman’s Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators, Vol 1, Technomic Publ., Lancaster, PA, 1999 calculations that follow, we describe how the velocity of the flow in a channel can be determined by the float and stopwatch method and by channel dimensions EXAMPLE 18. 18: VELOCITY AND STOPWATCH BY FLOAT Problem: The plant is currently using two grit channels Each channel is 3 ft wide and has a water depth of 1.3... maintenance of shredding equipment 18. 7.2.2 Barminution In barminution, the barminutor uses a bar screen to collect solids that are shredded and passed through the bar screen 540 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations for removal at a later process In operation each device’s cutter alignment and sharpness are critical factors in effective operation Cutters must be sharpened or replaced and. .. few of these process control calculations and example problems Note: The calculations presented in the following sections allow you to determine values for each function performed Keep in mind that an optimally operated primary clarifier should have values in an expected range 548 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations 18. 8.4.1 Percent Removal EXAMPLE 18. 23 The expected range of. .. 550 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations In this section, we cover a few indicators and observations of operational problems with the primary treatment process The observations presented are not all-inclusive, but highlight the most frequently confronted problems 1 Poor suspended solids removal (primary clarifier) Causal factors: A Hydraulic overload B Sludge buildup in tanks and . Consists of a combi- nation of sanitary wastewater and storm water runoff. All the wastewater and storm water of the community is transported through one sys- tem to the treatment plant. 5. Storm water. 2003 by CRC Press LLC 534 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations added to the wastewater. Fresh domestic waste- water has a musty odor. If the wastewater is allowed to go septic,. Spellman’s Standard Handbook for Wastewater Operators, Vol. 1, Technomic Publ., Lan- caster, PA, 1999. © 2003 by CRC Press LLC 536 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Note: