Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sewage
Sump &
pumping
Primary Biogas
scum clarifier if not flared
(supplied as fuel or emitted)
Aeration Secondary
Influent clarifier Effluent
basin
Sludge recycling
bioflocculation
biosorption
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Recycled Activated
sludge sludge
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bio spira
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b o-o
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decomposition
and hydrolysis
assimilation Organic-N
Ammonical-N Organic-N
(net growth)
Nitrite-N
nitrification
oxygen
Organic carbon
Influent Effluent
BOD removal Clarifier Nitrification Clarifier
Wasted Wasted
activated sludge activated sludge
Mechanisms of treatment:
Nitrogen removal - Nitrification
• Oxygen is required - 4.57 g/g of ammonical nitrogen
(3.43 for nitrite and 1.14 g for nitrate)
• Alkalinity is required - 7.14 g/g as CaCO3
• Nitrification is inhibited by
– Low DO levels (<0.5 mg/L is inhibitory - rate increases
with DO upto 3 to 4 mg/L - >2 mg/L is favourable)
– pH below 6 is inhibitory and 7.5 to 8 is optimal
– Sensitive to a multitude of organic toxicants (solvents,
amines, proteins, tannins, phenols, alcohols, cyanates,
ethers, carbamates, benzene, etc.)
– Metals are inhibitory (complete inhibition at 0.25 mg/L
for nickel and chromium, and 0.1 mg/L for copper)
– Unionized ammonia can also be inhibitory
Mechanisms of treatment:
Nitrogen removal - Denitrification
• Denitrification involves reduction of nitrate by
heterotrophic bacteria to nitrous oxide, and nitrogen
• Wide range of bacteria (but not algae and fungi) are capable
• Coupled with respiratory electron transport chain –
under anoxic conditions nitrate replaces oxygen
• O2 equivalence of using nitrate or nitrite in place of
oxygen is 2.86 g/g and 1.71 g/g respectively
• BOD demand is 4 g/g NO3 reduced
• Alkalinity is produced in the process - 3.57 g (as
CaCO3) per gram of nitrate reduced
• Higher DO levels (>0.2 mg/l for pseudomonas &
>0.13 mg/l for highly dispersed growth) are inhibitory
Mechanisms of treatment:
Nitrogen removal - Denitrification
• Two basic schemes, pre-anoxic (Substrate) and post-
anoxic, are used for the denitrification
• In the pre-anoxic scheme the anoxic tank is followed
by the aeration basin of the ASP and organic matter
of the influent acts as an electron donor
• In the post-anoxic scheme endogenous decay of
microbial mass (also exogenous sources like
methanol/acetate) provides electron donor
• Simultaneous nitrification & denitrification is possible
– Nitrification on the floc surface (if DO in the bulk liquid
is high enough) and denitrification in the floc interior (if
DO in the interior is low enough)
– Depending on the mixing and aeration conditions,
nitrification & denitrification can occur in the same tank
Mechanisms of treatment:
Nitrogen removal - Denitrification
Mixed liquor recycling
Anoxic Aerobic
Influent Treated effluent
section section
Sludge recycling
Wasted sludge
Pre-anoxic Denitrification
Aerobic Anoxic
Influent Treated effluent
section section
Sludge recycling
Wasted sludge
Post-anoxic Denitrification
Mechanisms of treatment:
Phosphorus Removal
Phosphorus Accumulating Organisms (PAO) bring
about the removal in an anaerobic – aerobic system
• Phosphorus is incorporated into sludge (as polyphosphate)
in volutin granules and removed through sludge wastage
In the anaerobic tank of the system
• Proliferation of PAOs occur and assimilate fermentation
products (specially acetate) into storage products
(polyhydroxybutyrate-PHB)
• Concomitantly the stored polyphosphate is released as
orthro phosphate
• Acetate is essential for forming PHB and for providing
competitive advantage to the PAOs
• Presence of nitrate can be inhibitory (acetate can be
depleted and become not available to PAOs)
Mechanisms of treatment:
Phosphorus Removal
In the aerobic tank of the system
• Stored products (PHB) are oxidized to release energy and
concomitantly phosphate of the effluent is stored within
the cell as polyphosphate
– Mg, K and Ca ratios of 0.71, 0.5 and 0.25 to phosphorus
respectively are believed to facilitate polyphosphate storage
– pH and DO should be >6.5 and >1.0 mg/L respectively
Typical microbial biomass has 1.5 to 2% phosphorus - in
PAOs phosphorus content can be as high as 20-30%
Stoichiometrically about 10 grams of bCOD is needed for the
removal of one gram of phosphate from wastewater
PAOs form very dense, good settling flocs
Mechanisms of treatment:
Phosphorus Removal
Recycled sludge
Wasted sludge
containing phosphorus
Plug flow
Aeration tank
Effluent
Clarifier
Recycled sludge
Wasted sludge
Plug flow reactor: High rate aeration
Conventional plug flow reactor with lower MLSS and higher
BOD loading
Characterized by shorter HRT, higher sludge recycle ratio
and higher F/M ratio
Advantages
Requires less aeration tank volume
Aeration energy requirements are relatively low
Disadvantages
Has lower effluent quality (in terms of BOD and TSS)
Relatively less stable and needs extra care for stable operation
Flow variations can disrupt operation (sludge washout occur)
Adequate mixing and aeration are important
Sludge production rate is higher
Plug flow reactor: Step Feed
Plug flow reactor with multiple passes and wastewater
introduction at 3 or 4 feed points (equalizes F/M ratio)
MLSS is highest (5000 to 9000 mg/L) in the first pass, and
decreases with each subsequent pass
Establishes more uniform oxygen demand
Flexible operation
Wet weather flows can be bypassed to the last pass
Adaptable to many operating schemes (anoxic/aerobic
processes)
If needed can also be operated in contact stabilization mode by
feeding only the last pass
Plug flow reactor: Step feed
More complicated design and complex operation
Typical design and operation values
SRT: 3-15 days
F/M ratio: 0.2 to 0.4/day
BOD loading: 0.7-1.0 kg/m3.day
MLSS: 1500-4000 mg/l
HRT: 3-5 hours
Sludge recycling ratio: 0.25 to 0.75
Influent Plug flow
Aeration tank
Effluent
Clarifier
Recycled sludge
Contact Stabilization process
Has two separate tanks or compartments one for wastewater
treatment and the other for sludge stabilization
Contact time: relatively shorter (30 to 60 min.)
Stabilization time: 2 to 4 hours (with respect to inflow)
SRT: 5-10 days
F/M ratio: 0.2 to 0.6 per day
Volumetric loading of BOD: 1 to 1.3 kg/m3day
MLSS: 1000-3000 mg/L (contact) & 6000-10000 (stabilization)
Sludge recycling ratio: 0.5 to 1.5
Requires smaller aeration volume and good for low solubility
index wastewaters
Wet weather flows can be handled without loss of MLSS
Has little or no nitrification capacity and operation is
somewhat complicated
Influent
Recycled sludge
Wasted sludge
Complete mix reactor (CFSTR)
Most used in India – simple design - suitable for all types of
aeration equipment
Uniform and low levels of substrate, and uniform MLSS and
constant oxygen demand throughout the basin
Resistant to shock loads and toxic loads
Hydraulic and organic load variations are dampened better
Toxic discharges are mitigated through greater dilution
Filamentous bulking from exposure of recycled sludge to
relatively low levels of substrate
A pre-contacting zone (of 15 min. HRT) can avoid this!
Typical design and operational conditions
SRT: 3-15 days MLSS: 1500 to 4000 mg/L
F/M ratio: 0.2 to 0.6/day BOD loading: 0.3 to 1.6 kg/m3.day
HRT: 3 to 5 hours Sludge recycle ratio: 0.25 to 1.0
Extended Aeration Process
Well stabilized and low bio-solids sludge is generated – the
sludge is mainly of cell debris and sludge contributed by
the influent
Primary clarification is usually not used
Considered suitable for smaller flows
Aeration tanks are larger, and oxygen demand and aeration
energy requirement are higher
Aeration equipment design is controlled by mixing needs
(mostly not by oxygen demand)
Sensitive to hydraulic overloads (clarifier can be overloaded
by solids) and insensitive to concentration shock loads
Typical design and operational parameters
F/M ratio is 0.04-0.10/day BOD loading: 0.1-0.3 kg/m3.day
SRT: 20-40 days MLSS: 2000-5000 g/m3
HRT: 20-30 hours Sludge recycling ratio: 0.5 to 1.5
Extended Aeration: Oxidation Ditch
Ring or oval shaped loop reactor system with unidirectional
flow (velocity: 0.25-0.3 m/sec. and cycling time: 5-15 min.)
Brush type/surface type mechanical aerators power horizontal
flow and bring about aeration/mixing
Screened wastewater is mixed with recycled sludge and
allowed into the tank of 20-30 hour HRT
Intra-channel clarifiers can be used (for secondary clarifiers)
Advantages
Highly reliable process and simple operation
Amenable for both BOD and nitrogen removal
Uses less energy and adaptable for nutrient removal
Disadvantages
Space requirement is higher
Plant capacity expansion is more difficult
Low F/M bulking is possible
Influent
Oxidation ditch
Clarifier Effluent
Mixed liquor
Recycled sludge
Wasted sludge
Extended Aeration Process: Counter-
current aeration system
A circular tank with revolving bridge is used
Air diffusers mounted at the bottom of the revolving bridge
supply oxygen
Turning off air but revolving the bridge keeps the tank
contents in suspension and facilitate denitrification
Typical design and operational parameters
SRT: 10-30 days F/M ratio: 0.04 to 0.1/day
HRT: 15-40 hours BOD loading: 0.1-0.3 kg/m3.day
MLSS: 2000-4000 mg/L Sludge recycle ratio: 0.25-0.75
Oxygen transfer efficiency is higher but diffuser fouling can be
problem (fine screening of wastewater can prevent)
Complicated operation requiring good operator skills
Down time for maintenance is relatively higher
Extended Aeration: Other
modifications
Orbal process
A modified oxidation ditch using a series of concentric
channels of depth upto 4.3 m
Wastewater enters the outer channel and flows towards
the center before entering an internal/external clarifier
Nitrification and denitrification are facilitated by regulating
aeration rates
Biolac process
Earthen tanks of 2.4-4.6 m depth with submerged
aeration and with either internal or external clarifiers
Fine bubble diffusers attached to floating aeration chains
move across the basin by air released from diffusers
Use of timers to cycle air flow through each aeration
chain facilitates nitrification and denitrification
Staged Reactor Systems
Consist of 2 or more complete mix reactors in series
– Aeration may be avoided in some of the stages
– Internal recycling of flows may be used
– Clarifiers may be used between the stages
– Employed for nitrogen removal (or just nitrification) and for
phosphorus removal
System employed for nitrification applications
• Two stages: Stage-1 for BOD removal and stage-2 for
nitrification
– Each stage has a clarifier of its own
– Portion of wastewater is bypassed stage-1 and taken into
stage-2 to facilitate nitrification
– Stage-2 is operated at a longer SRT
• Sensitive nitrifying bacteria are protected from the
toxic substances of the incoming wastewater
Influent bypass
Return sludge
Wasted sludge
n
io
Hydrolysis
at
Nb. suspended
d
xi
organic matter
-o
Oxygen (1-1.42Y)
o
Soluble organic
Bi
matter
B
io
Residual biomass Auto-oxidation
-s Y
yn
Nb soluble kd
th
organic matter New heterotrophic
es
Residual CO2, H2O, NH3,
Microbial biomass
is
biodegradable Energy, etc.
organic matter
Oxygen (1.42Kd)
Carbonaceous BOD is the sum of oxygen utilized during biooxidation of the
organic matter and during autooxidation of the microbial biomass
Oxygen Oxygen
(3,43 g/g) (1.14 g)
Nitrogenous BOD is the sum oxygen utilized during nitrification of
Ammonical-N to nitrite-N and nitrite-N to Nitrate-N
ASP kinetics
Rate of utilization of soluble substrate
Q( Si − S e ) xa qmax . S e
rsu = =−
V K s + Se
rsu is organic matter utilization rate (g/m3.day)
qmax is maximum specific organic matter utilization rate (g/g microbial mass)
Xa is microbial biomass concentration (g/m3)
Se is organic matter concentration (g/m3) in the ASP
Ks is half-velocity constant (organic matter concentration in g/m3 at which
organic matter utilization rate is qmax./2 )
qmax.
Aeration qmax. /2
Q & Si tank QSe
V & Xa
Ks S or Se
ASP kinetics
Biomass growth rate
• Microbial biomass growth rate is proportional to the organic
matter utilization rate and biomass decay rate
rg = Yrsu − k d xa
rg is net biomass production rate (g VSS/m3.day)
Kd is endogenous decay coefficient (g VSS/g VSS. Day)
Y is yield coefficient
• Can also be shown as
Y .xa .qmax . .S e
rg = − xa .k d
( K s + Se )
Y .Q( Si − S e )
rg = − xa .kd
V
ASP kinetics
Oxygen utilization rate
• Oxygen utilization rate is sum of oxygen utilization for bio-
oxidation of organic matter and for autooxidation of biomass
Qr,Xr,Se
Xi is considered negligible
All biodegradable suspended organic solids of influent
are hydrolyzed into soluble organic matter Qw,Xr,Se
Inorganic and non-biodegradable organic SS remain
unaffected and no new SS of these categories formed
Nothing except settling & thickening occurs in clarifier
Qr,Xr,Se
Qw,Xa,Se
Treated Effluent Soluble bCOD
K s [1 + k d ( SRT )]
Se =
SRT ( qmax . .Y − k d ) − 1
Use of this equation requires
– Primary variable SRT (assumed)
– ASP kinetic parameters Ks, kd, qmax and Y
Obtained from the following through solving for Se
1 Y .qmax .S e
= − kd
SRT K s + Se
Independent of the influent bCOD
Treated Effluent Soluble bCOD
Specific substrate use for ASP
Q( S i − Se ) Si − Se V
q= = τ=
xaV xaτ Q
Specific substrate utilization rate according to Michaelis-Menten
equation
qmax S e
q=
K s + Se
Si − S e qmax . S e
=
xaτ K s + Se
1 ( Si − S e ).Y 1 Y .qmax . .S e
= − kd = − kd
SRT xa .τ SRT K s + Se
Mixed Liquor Active Biomass Concentration
SRT ( S i − S e )Y
xa =
τ 1 + k d ( SRT )
Use of this equation requires
– Primary variables SRT and τ
– ASP kinetics parameters Y and kd
Obtained from the following basic equation through solving for xa
1 Y ( Si − Se )
= − kd
SRT τ . xa
Here xa depends on kd, Y, SRT, τ and bCOD removal
Mixed Liquor Active Biomass Concentration
1 ( S i − S e )Y
= − kd
SRT xaτ
Net Biomass Synthesis Rate
Net biomass synthesis rate (NBSR) is estimated by
Y .Q ( S i − S e )
NBSR =
1 + k d ( SRT )
Use of this equation requires
– Primary variable SRT
– ASP kinetics parameters Y and kd
Obtained through simplification of the following material balance
equation
Net biomass Gross biomass Biomass
= −
synthesis rate synthesis rate autooxidation rate
NBSR = Y .Q( Si − S e ) − xa .V .k d
Here V is replaced by Q.τ and the expression for xa is used
Net Biomass Synthesis Rate
V QX
Qw = − e e
SRT Xa
Microscopic observation of sludge
Microscopic observations include
– Change in floc size and density
– Status of filamentous organisms growth in the flocs
– Presence of Nocardia bacteria
– Abundance of higher life forms such as protozoans and rotifers
Decreasing protozoan population indicates
– DO limitation or
– Operation of ASP at lower SRT or
– Presence of inhibitory substances in the influent
If filamentous or Nocardia growth is detected corrective action to
control the growth is needed
Nutrient and chemical feed control
Lower pH and nutrient deficiency can cause filamentous bulking
and affect the treatment efficiency
• bCOD:N:P should be favourably maintained
– Measure TKN, nitrate and total phosphorus levels in the influent - compare
with desired bCOD:N:P ratioand decide nutrient dose
– Urea and/or DAP can be dosed to adjust nutrient deficiencies
(to cut the cost powdered phosphate rock or phosphoric acid can also be
used in place of DAP)
• pH of the influent should adjusted and pH of the aeration basin
contents should maintained favourable
– Measure the influent alkalinity and pH
– If pH is lower adjust it (neutralize fermentation products of septic influent)
with MOL
– If sufficient alkalinity is not available add MOL (70-80 mg/L as CaCO3
may be required)
Secondary clarifier control
Raising sludge, density currents and sludge washout
• Nitrified mixed liquor loading of the clarifier
• Longer retention of sludge in the clarifier
• Higher temperature of mixed liquor inducing density currents
• Design defects in the secondary clarifier
Solutions to the problems may include
• Design corrections such as
– Providing density current deflectors and/or scum baffles
– Ensuring even distribution of the ML and uniform overflow
• Proper collection from all over the clarifier and continuous recycling
of sludge
Secondary clarifier control
Increasing sludge blanket height and sludge washout
• Solids overloading from the hydraulic overloading of ASP
• Poor settling & thickening properties of the bulking sludge
• Insufficient sludge recycling
Solutions
• Small dose of polymers can improve sludge settling properties
• Microscopic examination of the sludge and measurement of SVI and
sludge blanket depth can be useful
• Regulate blanket depth through altering sludge recycling rate
• Use SVI to decide on sludge recycling rate
• Minimize loading by
– Wasting activated sludge directly from aeration tank
– Avoid internal hydraulic loads during peak hydraulic loads
Start up of an ASP
• Seeding of the aeration basin initially on a regular basis may be to
ensure acclimation
• Start with a HRT equal to designed SRT and gradually decrease
towards designed HRT while maintaining the sludge recycling rate
at the designed level and ensuring gradual buildup of MLSS
• Start sludge wasting only after the actual MLSS reached the
designed MLSS
• Gradually increase the sludge wastage rate until designed SRT is
achieved while ensuring that the MLSS is at the designed level
Safety considerations
Physical hazards: trips, falls and drowning
Chemical hazards: associated with the handling of alkali, urea, DAP,
Chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, etc.
Biological hazards: air borne pathogens from aeration, contact with
wastewater containing pathogens
Noise hazards: blowers and drives
Electrical and mechanical hazards
Confined space hazards: secondary clarifier under-drain system
Operational problems
associated with ASP
Operational Problems of ASP
Common problems encountered in operating the ASP
• Bulking sludge
• Rising sludge
• Nocardia foam
Bulking sludge
• Causes high suspended solids in the effluent
Flocs do not compact and settle well and sludge blanket depth increases
(beyond typical 10 to 30 cm)
• Results in poor treatment performance
Maintaining desired level of MLSS/MLVSS becomes difficult, effluent
has suspended BOD, higher recycle rates reduce wastewater’s HRT
Two types of bulking: Filamentous and Viscous bulking
Bulking Sludge
Filamentous bulking
• Filaments normally protrude out of the sludge floc
• Surface area to mass ratio increases and sludge attains poor settling
properties
Viscous bulking
• Caused by excessive amount of extracellular hydrophilic biopolymer
• Makes the sludge highly water retentive (hydrous bulking)
Bulking Sludge
Factors causing bulking
– Wastewater characteristics, like, readily biodegradable organic matter
and fermentation products, H2S and reduced sulfur compounds (septic
water), nutrient deficiency and low pH
– Flow variations and variations in pH
– Design limitations, like complete mix reactor conditions, limited air
supply, poor mixing, short circuiting, defective sludge collection and
removal and limited return sludge pumping capacity
– Operational issues, like, low DO, insufficient nutrients, longer SRT
and subsequent low F/M, insufficient soluble BOD (for these
filamentous organisms are very competitive), internal plant
overloading (recycle loads of centrate and filtrate)
Nutrient limiting systems and very high loading of wastewater with
high levels of readily biodegradable COD can cause viscous bulking
Bulking Sludge
Control of bulking may require investigation on
– Wastewater characteristics
– Process loading
– Return and waste sludge pumping rates
– Internal plant overloading
– Clarifier operation
Investigation is usually started with microscopic examination of mixed
liquor
Bulking Sludge
Solutions for bulking
– Decreasing SRT or operating the aeration equipment at full
capacity can take care of bulking from limiting DO
• DO should be >2 mg/l under normal loading conditions
– Selector processes (aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic) in place of
complete mix systems can be a solution for bulking from longer
SRT and low F/M ratios
– Internal plant overloading can be avoided through recycling
centrate and filtrate during the periods of minimal hydraulic and
organic loading
– Not retaining the sludge for more than 30 minutes can avoid
septic conditions and subsequent bulking
Bulking Sludge
Bulking can be temporarily controlled by Cl2 and H2O2
– 0.002-0.008 kg per day of Cl2 per kg of MLVSS for 5-10 hr HRT
systems
– Chlorination can produce turbid effluent and kill nitrifiers
– Trihalomethanes and other compounds with potential health and
environmental effects can be formed
– Dose of H2O2 depends on extent of filamentous development
Rising Sludge
Differentiated from bulking sludge by presence of small gas bubbles in the
sludge
Common in systems with conditions favourable for nitrification
Nitrification is the common cause
• Nitrification in the aeration basins produces nitrite and nitrate
• Denitrification in the clarifiers converts produces nitrogen gas
• Trapping of nitrogen gas makes the sludge buoyant
Solutions may include
• Reduced sludge detention in the clarifier (increasing the speed of sludge
collection and withdrawal)
• Reduced mixed liquor flow to the clarifier (decreases sludge depth)
• Decrease SRT and/or aeration for controlling nitrification
• Post-aeration anoxic process prevents denitrification in clarifiers
Foaming
Usually associated with Nocardia and Microthrix parvicella
– Hydrophobic cell surfaces allow attachment of bacteria to and
stabilization of air bubbles to cause foaming (0.5 to 1.0 m thick)
The foaming can go beyond the ASP and get into aerobic and anaerobic
sludge digesters
Control measures
– Avoid foam trapping aeration basins (baffles with flow under can trap
foam in the basin)
– Reduce oil and grease (Nocardia and Microthrix are usually associated
with these) flow into the aeration basin
– Avoid recycling of skimmings of clarifiers to aeration basins
– Use of selectors can discourage foaming
– Addition of small concentrations of cationic polymers and chlorine
spray over the surface of foam can also reduce foaming
Selector Processes
A small tank or a series of small tanks are used for mixing the
incoming wastewater with the return sludge under aerobic or
anoxic/anaerobic conditions
• Controls filamentous bulking and improves sludge settling
characteristics
• High rbCOD F/M ratio discourages filamentous growth but
encourages floc forming non-filamentous bacterial growth
Selector process designs are two types
• kinetic or high F/M selectors
– Higher substrate concentrations result in faster substrate uptake by floc
forming bacteria
– High DO (6 -8 mg/L) is needed for maintaining aerobic floc
– Recommended F/M ratios are 12, 6 and 3 per day COD F/M ratios for
a 3 tank selector
– too high F/M ratios, >8 BOD/day ) can cause viscous bulking
Selector Processes
Metabolic or anoxic or anaerobic processes selectors
• Improved sludge settling characteristics and minimal filamentous
bacteria are observed with the biological nutrient removal processes
– Filamentous bacteria can not use nitrate or nitrite as electron acceptor
under anoxic conditions
– Filamentous bacteria do not store polyphosphates and hence can not
consume acetate under anaerobic conditions
• Anoxic or anaerobic metabolic conditions are used
– Anaerobic selector can be used before the aeration tank (phosphorus
removal can occur)
– If nitrification is used, then anoxic selectors can be used
• For high F/M anoxic/anerobic selectors SVI of mixed liquor can be
as low as 65-90 mL/g (common SVI is 100-120 mL/g)
ASP monitoring
Monitoring
Monitoring including sampling frequency and parameters to be
analyzed should be need based
Monitoring may be required for
– Carrying out treatability studies and design of the ASP
– Facilitating operation and control of the ASP
– Assessing compliance with the requirements (achievement of set
and design efficiencies)
– Performance evaluation of the ASP
Monitoring involves sampling and analysis of samples of
– Influent wastewater of the ASP
– Aeration tank contents
– Mixed liquor being fed to the secondary clarifier
– Clarified secondary effluent (secondary clarifier overflows)
– Return sludge
Monitoring
Monitoring can be online (appropriate for process control !)
– Monitoring involves collection of samples and analysis in
– Industrial units own ETP or central laboratory (for routine
parameters)
– Outside laboratory (sometimes 3rd party laboratory) for advanced
analysis (for non-routine parameters requiring sophisticated
instruments)
3rd party laboratory is depended on specially for compliance
assessment/ monitoring
Sampling location should judiciously chosen
Monitoring
Method of sampling chosen should ensure collection of representative
samples
– Usually grab sampling can serve the purpose
– Occationally composite (flow proportionated?) sampling may be
required
Frequency of sampling and parameters to be analysed for should be
decided on the basis of the monitoring objective/purpose
Typical sampling locations and comprehensive list of parameters for
analysis for an ASP are identified here
Sampling at all the locations, sampling by any specific method of
analysis, and analysis for all the identified parameters may not
always be required
Sampling frequency can be at fixed intervals and whenever a need
arises
Streams to be monitored and parameter
Influent (including internal recycle flows): Assess both quantity
and characteristics
– Flow rate and variations (if needed the flow should be managed)
– Internal recycle flows
– Organic matter concentration – BOD, bCOD (BOD kinetics) and
COD
– Nutrients – TKN (ammonical and organic nitrogen), nitrate plus
nitrite nitrogen, and total phosphorus
– Suspended solids: TSS, VSS, nbVSS (indirect method)
– Total alkalinity, Temperature and pH
Aeration basin contents:
– Temperature, pH and Dissolved oxygen
– Oxygen uptake rate and specific oxygen uptake rate (Toxicity
assessment)
Monitoring of ASP
• pH in the aeration tank to check whether enough alkalinity
is present
• Nutrients in the treated effluent – TKN, Nitrate-N and
Total-P
• DO in the aeration tank (sample should not come in
contact with air and biological flocs should be deactivated)
• MLSS and MLVSS, TSS in the clarified secondary
effluent and SVI of mixed liquor
• Visual and microscopic examination of microbial flocs
Streams to be monitored and parameter
Mixed liquor
– MLSS and MLVSS
– Nitrate and nitrite nitrogen
– SVI and ZSV
– Microscopic examination of biological flocs
Return sludge
– MLSS or consistency
Clarified secondary effluent
– Soluble BOD, total BOD, COD
– Nitrate plus nitrite nitrogen and TKN (ammonical and organic
nitrogen separately)
– Total phosphorus and TSS
Design of the ASP
Characterization and quantification of the influent to be treated
– Flow rate and variations (average flow and peaking factor) –
flow equalization may be needed to dampen variations
– Organic matter concentration – BOD, bCOD (BOD kinetics) and
COD
– Nutrients – TKN (ammonical and organic nitrogen), nitrate plus
nitrite nitrogen, and total phosphorus
– Suspended solids: TSS, nbVSS (indirect method)
– Total alkalinity
– Temperature (summer critical and winter critical temperature of
the influent)
Ambient conditions, like, summer and winter critical temp.,
altitude and atmospheric pressure, may be needed
Operation and Control of the ASP
Chemical dose requirements
– Flow rate, BOD, TKN (even nitrate plus nitrite –N), Total –P,
and Alkalinity of the influent
– Residual TKN (and nitrate plus nitrite –N) and total –P of treated
effluent
– Frequency of monitoring can be weekly once or lesser
Aeration system
– Suction pressure down stream to the air filter, compressed air
pressure and air flow rate (online monitoring)
• May indicate filter clogging, diffuser fouling and bursting of
diffuser membrane
– DO level in the aeration basin (may be as a part of investigation
of bulking sludge)
Operation and Control of the ASP
Regulation of the return sludge system
– Sludge blanket depth in the clarifier (continuous monitoring may be
needed)
– Consistency of the return sludge and MLSS in the mixed liquor
– SVI of the mixed liquor
– Influent flow rate
Sludge wasting system
– Consistency of the clarifier underflow and MLSS of the mixed liquor
– TSS in the clarified effluent of the clarifier
Presence of toxic/inhibitory subtances
– OUR and SOUR of the mixed liquor in the aeration
Operation and Control of the ASP
Secondary clarifier control
• Influent flow rate (to assess hydraulic overloading)
• Nitrate, temperature, SVI and ZSV of mixed liquor
– (to indicate raising sludge, density currents, and settling properties of
mixed liquor solids)
• Sludge blanket depth
• TSS level and turbidity of the clarified effluent
– Straggler floc: fluffy floc in the clarified effluent – associated with low
SRT operation – often coexist with white foam
– Pinpoint floc: pin-floc in the clarified effluent – associated with high
SRT operation – coexist with quickly settling floc and often with
darker foam
– Surface ashing: condition of lighter pin-floc floating to the surface and
spreading out in the clarifier
Analytical Methods
Flow meaurement (online measurement) by
– Pumping rate and pump runtime recording
– Treated effluent flow rate by flow meters such as V- or
rectangular notches, parshall flume, etc.
BOD, bCOD and COD
– BOD: BOD bottle method, head-space BOD method,
respirometric technique, or by BOD sensors
– bCOD: through BOD kinetic experiments
– COD: by closed or open reflux methods
• Use BOD – COD – bCOD relationship for the operation and
control of ASP
Analytical Methods
Nutrients
• TKN (organic and ammonical –N) by kjeldahl apparatus and either
titrimetry or colorimetry
• Nitrite and nitrate –N by using cadmium reduction column and
colorimetry
Suspended solids (TSS, VSS, nbVSS, MLSS and MLVSS)
• Filtration, gravimetry and ashing for MLSS and MLVSS
• TS – TDS difference technique for TSS (and ashing for VSS)
• Change in VSS over sufficiently long time through aeration by
autooxidation can be basis for nbVSS measurement
SVI for mixed liquor: volume in mL occupied by one gram of
mixed liquor solids after 30 minutes settling
ZSV: subsidence velocity in m/hr. of the sludge blanket interface
in the settling column)
Analytical Methods
• Oxygen uptake rate measurement by recording DO depletion of the
mixed liquor over a few minutes
• Specific oxygen uptake rate from OUR by dividing with MLVSS or
active biomass concentration
• Microscopic examination of biological flocs of mixed liquor or of
secondary clarifier for filamentous growth and for microscopic air
bubbles
• pH by pH meter (or indicator strip!) and alkalinity (in mg/L as
CaCO3) by titrimetry
• Temperature (of ambient air, influent and mixed liquor)
• DO (of the aeration basin contents) by DO meter with submersible
long leed probe
Data recording and analysis
All monitoring data needs recording in log books
– Data may be weekly/monthly/seasonally analysed for trends and
performance reports may be generated
All incidents may be recorded and the recording can include the
investigatory monitoring being carried out and corrective and
preventive actions taken
– Hydraulic or organic overloading
– Loading of toxic or inhibitory substances
– Bulking sludge, raising sludge, and foaming problems
– Critical machinery failures
Performance Assessment
Compliance Assessment
BOD and TSS (and even flow rate) are needed to be monitored
– Comparison with statutory requirements may be needed
– BOD is contributed by
• Residual sBOD
• Biodegradable fraction of the TSS (MLVSS to MLSS ratio!)
If operated for nutrient removal then TKN and nitrate and nitrite –N
and total –P may also be needed
– Nutrients are also present in the TSS
ASP Performance Evaluation
ASP performance evaluation may involve
• Measurement of actual performance of the ASP and comparison
with the designed performance
– May concentrate mainly on
• Treatment efficiencies (BOD removal and nutrient removal)
• Sludge generation rates and MLVSS/MLSS ratio
• Oxygen consumption rates
• Back calculation of ASP kinetic parameters and comparison with
values used in the design and improvement of equations used in the
ASP performance assessment
• Performance evaluation of the secondary clarifier