CSE30337 Water and Waste Management

Lecture 9 – Wastewater Treatment

Instructor: Jinxia Liu

Email: [email protected]

1
 Outline
• The importance of treating wastewater
• The major constituents in wastewater and their treatment
• Different stages of wastewater treatment
• Key treatment components (grit chamber, equilibration
tank, primary settling tank, secondary clarifier, etc.)
• Activated sludge process principles
• Hydraulic retention time definition and formula
• Solid retention time and formula
• Importance of sludge settling for efficient separation of
treated water.
• The modifications to the conventional activated sludge Reference book Environmental Engineering:
process Fundamentals, Sustainability, Design (By
James R. Mihelcic, Julie B. Zimmerman)

2
 Wastewater Infrastructure Management
Sources of typical municipal
wastewater
1) WW from domestic,
commercial and industrial
users
2) Stormwater runoff
3) Infiltration (e.g.,
Groundwater that seeps
into sewer systems
through cracks)
4) Inflow (Surface water that
enters sewer systems
through direct or improper
connections)
Fig. 9.1
3
 Part of the Water Cycle
Drinking Water
Source

Water Body

Black Water Grey

Water
Receiving
Wastewater 4
 Why Treat Wastewater? Roman Cloaca Maxima

Historically: sewage transported away

from populated areas, but not treated
• ex. Roman Cloaca Maxima (600 BCE)

Today: Someone or
something is always
Ashbridge's Bay Toronto downstream

5
 Why Treat Wastewater?

Reasons to treat wastewater:

• Protect drinking source water quality Reported BOD > 100 mg/L

• Manage drinking & agricultural source Hussain Sagar Lake

water quantity Hyderabad, India
• Maintain safe recreational water use
態
• Protect aquatic ecology
• Aesthetic considerations (sight and
smell)

https://telanganatoday.com/hyderabads-hussain-sagar-
grapples-with-pollution
6
Why Treat Wastewater?

7
Water Quality Changes during municipal Use

• Treated effluent is usually

directly discharged into
natural water to be further
purified via natural
processes

• Treated effluent can be

further reclaimed or reused,
but requires advanced
treatment

• Costs increase with increasing

degree of treatment

Fig 9.29 8
 Major Constituents in Wastewater
Concentration in
Constituent Average-Strength Importance
Wastewater
Biochemical oxygen
200 mg/L Deplete oxygen in receiving waters
demand (BOD)
Creates turbidity, can harbor other
Suspended Solids 240 mg/L contaminants (pathogens)
Disease causing agents, usually
Pathogens 3 million/ 100 mL associated with fecal matter
Nutrients (nitrogen & 35 mg/L N Too many primary nutrients lead to
phosphorous) 10 mg/L P eutrophication
Contaminants harmful to humans
Toxic chemicals Variable and animals (heavy metals, fuel
products, solvents, etc.)
Newly identified compounds,
Emerging
Unknown impact of health and ecosystem
contaminants unknown
9
Similar to Table 9.2
 Composition of Wastewater
Recall one of the labs that you are doing in this class?

10
Overall Schematic of a WW Treatment Plant
Wastewater Treatment .
Primary treatment Secondary treatment
(Physico-chemical) (Biological)

To Advanced
Grit Primary Secondary Treatment
Screening Aeration
chamber settling settling

Grit Return Sludge

Waste Sludge To Sludge
Anaerobic Sludge Disposal
Thickener
digester dewatering

Treatment/Handling of Waste Excess Sludge 11

Wastewater Treatment Plant

12
 Different Stages of Treatment processes
WASTEWATER

Preliminary treatment
1. Total suspended solids (TSS)

Primary treatment

2. Organic carbon Biological

3. Nitrogen (ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, organic N) Secondary Sludge
treatment treatment

4. Phosphorus (phosphate, organic P)

Tertiary
STABILISED SLUDGE
5. Pathogens and others treatment

CLEAN WATER 13
Overall Schematic of a WW Treatment Plant
Wastewater Treatment .
Primary treatment Secondary treatment
(Physico-chemical) (Biological)
Primary Treatment Units

To Advanced
Grit Primary Secondary Treatment
Screening Aeration
chamber settling settling

Grit Return Sludge

Waste Sludge To Sludge
Anaerobic Sludge Disposal
Thickener
digester dewatering

Treatment/Handling of Waste Excess Sludge 14

 Preliminary Treatment: Screening
• Screens and Bar Racks: remove
coarse solids (large objects, rags,
paper, plastic bottles etc.) and
prevent it from entering the
wastewater treatment plant

• Protect infrastructure from debris

that could damage pumps or clog
channels

• Screen waste is typically disposed of

in a landfill or incinerated

15
 Preliminary Treatment: Grit Chamber

• Grit: inorganic particulate matter with

specific gravity ~1.3 to 2.7 (sand, gravel,
coffee grounds)
• Can be rapidly settled and removed
before entering the plant
• Protects infrastructure (abrasion on
piping and mechanical equipment)
• Materials removed are essentially non-
biodegradable
• Collected and disposed of in a landfill
site

16
 Preliminary Treatment: Flow Equalization
• Equalization Basin: used when there is significant variation in flow quantity and quality
• Hiding basins are incorporated near the front of the treatment train to allow wastewater
to be input at a more uniform rate and quality
• Permits for more efficient plant design and operation

17
 Primary Treatment of Wastewater: Primary Settling
Clarifiers: work on same principles as for drinking water
Rectangular Circular

How to determine the size of a

settling tank? See Lecture 05

18
Overall Schematic of a WW Treatment Plant
Wastewater Treatment .
Primary treatment Secondary treatment
(Physico-chemical) (Biological)
Secondary Treatment

To Advanced
Grit Primary Secondary Treatment
Screening Aeration
chamber settling settling

Grit Return Sludge

Waste Sludge To Sludge
Anaerobic Sludge Disposal
Thickener
digester dewatering

Treatment/Handling of Waste Excess Sludge 19

 Biological Wastewater Treatment
• Goal:
• Accelerate natural decay processes and neutralize waste before it is discharged into
receiving waters. Ideally:

Microorganisms
Organic Matter + O2 Cellular Material + CO2 + H2O
• Mainly to reduce organic C content, and also reduce some organic N and P

• Biomass: the sum of all living organisms active in

the treatment process
• Aerobic Bacteria: grow when oxygen is present
• Facultative Bacteria: grow in the presence or
absence of O2
• Protozoa: singled-celled eucaryotic obligate
aerobes
Larger % of biomass 20
 爛泥 System
Secondary Treatment of WW: Activated Sludge
曝氣池
Aeration Tank Settling Tank
Primary
Treatment
O2
Treated
Influent Effluent
Mixed Liquor 度
Suspended Solids (MLSS) Settled
Bacteria: Volatile Solids Solids:
(MLVSS)
Sludge污泥

Return Activated Sludge Waste Activated Sludge

(RAS) 活性污泥 (WAS)
MLSS: mixed liquor suspended solids (mg/L); microorganisms + non-biodegradable suspended
matter.
液 volatile suspended solids; microbiological suspension
MLVSS: mixed liquor
21
 Secondary Treatment of WW: Activated Sludge System
• 物降解 of organic matter by consortium
好氧的 biodegradation
Aerobic 群的 of microorganisms
_
• Aeration and agitation攪動
• Low odors
通風 曝氣
• Energy intensive due to aeration (>50% energy)

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Wastewater Treatment: Activated Sludge Aerators
擴散
Bubble diffusers Surface Aerators

23
 Wastewater Treatment: Activated Sludge Treatment
Suspended
• Bacteria (main players)
• Many species are involved
• Form Flocs: aggregates
• Suspended growth vs. attached growth

Attached growth

Dispersed Bacteria Floc and Filaments

24
好的，我将同时 英 和中 为您讲解“Water week9.pdf” 件中关于活性污泥系统的内容，包括其定义、曝
和搅拌的 的、以及 泡扩散器和表 曝 器的 途。

1. What is the Activated Sludge System? / 什么是活性污泥系统？

• English: The activated sludge system is a biological wastewater treatment process where
microorganisms (mainly bacteria) are used to break down organic matter in wastewater. These microbes
form ocs (clumps of bacteria) that are aerated, allowing them to metabolize and convert dissolved organic
pollutants into carbon dioxide (CO₂), water, and more microbial biomass. The sludge is then settled in a
secondary clari er, with some recycled to maintain the microbial population, and excess removed for further
processing.
• 中 : 活性污泥系统是 种 物废 处理 艺，利 微 物（主要是细菌）分解废 中的有机物。
这些微 物形成絮体（细菌团块），通过曝 使它们代谢并将溶解的有机污染物转化为 氧化碳（CO₂）、
和更多的微 物 物量。随后，污泥在 级澄清池中沉降，部分污泥被回流以维持微 物种群，剩余部分则被
移除进 进 步处理。
• Key Process / 关键过程 (from Page 46):
In uent (with ow ( Q_0 ), biomass ( X_0 ), BOD ( S_0 )) enters the aeration tank. / 进 （流量
( Q_0 )， 物量 ( X_0 )，BOD ( S_0 )）进入曝 池。
Microbes convert organics into gases and biomass, and sludge is recycled. / 微 物将有机物转化
为 体和 物量，污泥被回流。
E uent (with reduced BOD ( S_e )) is separated in the secondary clari er. / 出 （BOD降低
( S_e )）在 级澄清池中分离。

2. Purpose of Aeration and Agitation / 曝 和搅拌的 的

• English:
Aeration: The primary purpose of aeration is to supply oxygen to the microorganisms, which is
essential for their aerobic metabolism to degrade organic matter. It also helps maintain the microbial
population by preventing anaerobic conditions that could produce odors or inhibit treatment. Aeration is
typically provided in a non-uniform manner in conventional systems, with higher oxygen demand at the
tank’s inlet due to higher organic loading.
Agitation: Agitation keeps the microbial ocs and wastewater mixed, ensuring uniform contact
between microbes and pollutants. It prevents settling of solids within the aeration tank and promotes the
formation of well-settling ocs, enhancing treatment e ciency.
• 中 :
曝 : 曝 的主要 的是为微 物提供氧 ，这是它们好氧代谢分解有机物的必要条件。曝 还有
助于通过防 厌氧条件（可能产 异味或抑制处理）来维持微 物种群。在传统系统中，曝 通常以非均匀
式提供，池 入 处因有机负荷较 ，氧 需求更 。
搅拌: 搅拌的作 是保持微 物絮体和废 的混合，确保微 物与污染物的均匀接触。它防 曝
池内固体沉降，并促进形成易沉降的絮体，从 提 处理效率。
• Example from Lecture / 讲义示例 (Page 43-44): The food-to-microorganism ratio (F/M) depends
on aeration e ciency, as ( F/M = \frac{S_0 Q_0}{X V} ), where oxygen supply a ects microbial activity
(( X )). / 食物/微 物比（F/M）依赖于曝 效率，公式为 ( F/M = \frac{S_0 Q_0}{X V} )，氧 供应影响微 物
活性（( X )）。

3. Use of Bubble Di users and Surface Aerators / 泡扩散器和表 曝 器的 途

• English:
Bubble Di users / 泡扩散器: These are devices placed at the bottom of the aeration tank that
release ne air bubbles into the wastewater. The purpose is to maximize oxygen transfer from air to water,
ensuring e cient aerobic degradation. Bubble di users create a rising current that also aids in mixing and
agitation, improving contact between microbes and pollutants. They are commonly used in systems like the
Moving Bed Bioreactor (MBBR) or conventional activated sludge processes (see Page 51).
Surface Aerators / 表 曝 器: These are mechanical devices mounted on the water surface that
agitate and splash water to introduce oxygen from the atmosphere. They are e ective for shallow tanks or
where uniform mixing is needed across the surface. Surface aerators are less e cient in deep tanks but are
simpler to install and maintain, often used in oxidation ditches or extended aeration systems (see Page 49).
• 中 :
泡扩散器 / 泡扩散器: 这些装置安装在曝 池底部，释放细 的 泡到废 中。其 的是最 化
氧 从空 到 中的传递，确保有效的好氧分解。 泡扩散器产 的上升 流也有助于混合和搅拌，改善微
物与污染物的接触。它们常 于移动床 物反应器（MBBR）或传统活性污泥 艺中（ 第51 ）。
表 曝 器 / 表 曝 器: 这些是安装在 上的机械装置，通过搅拌和溅 从 中引入氧 。它
们适 于浅 池或需要表 均匀混合的情况。表 曝 器在深 池中效率较低，但安装和维护较简单，常 于
氧化沟或延 曝 系统中（ 第49 ）。
• Design Consideration / 设计考虑 (Page 50): In Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) systems, bubble
di users are preferred for higher oxygen transfer e ciency, supporting higher MLSS (mixed liquor
suspended solids) loading. / 在膜 物反应器（MBR）系统中， 泡扩散器因其更 的氧 传递效率 被优先
使 ， 持更 的MLSS（混合液悬浮固体）负荷。

Summary / 总结
• The activated sludge system uses aeration and agitation to enable microbes to treat wastewater,
with bubble di users and surface aerators as key tools for oxygen supply and mixing. / 活性污泥系统通过曝
和搅拌使微 物处理废 ， 泡扩散器和表 曝 器是氧 供应和混合的关键 具。
• Aeration ensures oxygen for degradation, while agitation maintains oc stability. / 曝 确保分解所
需的氧 ，搅拌维持絮体稳定性。
• Bubble di users excel in deep tanks with e cient oxygen transfer, while surface aerators suit
shallow systems with simpler maintenance. / 泡扩散器在深 池中以 效氧 传递为优，表 曝 器适合
浅 系统，维护简单。
If you need more details or help with calculations (e.g., F/M or HRT related to aeration), feel free to ask! / 如
果您需要更多细节或计算帮助（例如与曝 相关的F/M或HRT），请随时告诉我！
 Designing Activated Sludge Treatment
• Preliminary engineering considerations
• Will the concentrations of BOD or NH4+/TKN in the effluent will meet the
regulations?
• What size should the aeration basin be?
• How much solids will be wasted?
Impact: size of sludge handling equipment, operation cost
• How much oxygen needs to be transferred?
Impact: size of aeration pump, operation cost

• Prediction of BOD and O2 consumption vs. solids production

1. Model the growth of microbes vs. BOD consumption
2. Model the composition of the wastewater
25
 Activated Sludge Principles
Principle & Key Features
• Invented in 1914 by Ardern and Lockett. They aerated a batch of sewage, allowing the
generated sludge to settle, decanting the supernatant, and adding a fresh batch of
sewage.
• During aeration, sewage is mixed with a large mass of previously grown organisms.
• The solids formed are flocculent and can be removed from the liquid by settling.
• …so that the solids retention time (SRT) in the process is much longer than the hydraulic
retention time (HRT).

26
 Activated Sludge Principles
保留
Solids retention time (SRT) and hydraulic retention time (HRT).
Critical designing parameters for wastewater engineering!!!

Hydraulic retention time (HRT):

HRT has units of time (usually hour) and represents the average time that wastewater is treated in the
process before leaving the process.

0
V
Volume of reactor
HRT=
Influent flow rate
V = reactor volume, m3
0 = influent flow rate, m
3/d =
0

27
 Activated Sludge Principles
Solids retention time (SRT) and hydraulic retention time (HRT).
Critical designing parameters for wastewater engineering!!!

Solids retention time (SRT) or Sludge Age ( x):

SRT has units of time (usually days), and represents the average time a microorganism spends in the
process before being removed with the waste.

w w Total amount of biomass

V, X SRT = x =
biomass removed per day
X = solids (biomass) concentration in reactor, kg-VSS/m3
V = reactor volume, m3 =
w w
w = effluent flow rate, m /d
3

w = solids (biomass) concentration in effluent, kg-VSS/m

3
28
 Activated Sludge Process

Recap: Typical Reactor Types (lecture 7)

Q, c0 Q, ct Q, ct+ t Q, c0u t
A

CSTR Batch Reactor

Plug Flow Reactor

29
 Activated Sludge Principles

Influent Effluent
Q0, S0 Q0 + Qr Q0 - Qw
V, S, X Secondary
S, X Se
clarifier
Activated
sludge
Qr, Xr, Sr Qw, Xw, Sw

Returned activated sludge (RAS)

Waste activated sludge WAS
SRT > HRT design SRT

HRT= SRT = x =
0 w w
30
 Activated Sludge Process

Batch Reactor

CSTR
31
Activated Sludge Process
Plug-flow Process

32
Example: Determine HRT and SRT of activated sludge
system
V = 5 m3
Influent S = 30 mg/L Effluent
X = 2000 mg VSS/L
Q0 = 10 m3/d Q0 + Qr Q0 - Qw
Activated Secondary
S0 = 300 mg BOD/L S, X Se
sludge clarifier
Qw = 0.5 m3/d
Xw = 10000 mg VSS/L

Returned activated sludge (RAS) Waste activated

Qr = 10 m3/d sludge WAS
Xr = 10000 mg VSS/L

5 5 × 2000 /
HRT = = = 0.5 SRT = = =2
10 0.5
× /
33
 Criteria for Successful Biological Treatment
• Produce biological catalyst (biomass or bacteria and fungi)
– source of energy
– source of cellular components (C, H, N, O, P, S etc.)

• Maintain biomass
– adequate environment (Temperature, pH)
– adequate retention time (rate of treatment)

• Separation of biomass
– settleability of biomass (or sludge)
– grow suitable types of organisms e.g., biofilm-forming bacteria

34
 Biomass growth
Biomass growth - Given the right conditions, microorganisms can grow exponentially

But, there are issues with exponential growth

• Nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are

finite
• Different microbial species compete for available
nutrients, slowing down the growth rate
• Wastewater often contains toxic compounds or
抑制 物質
inhibitory substances that can suppress microbial
activity and limit growth rates.
• Factors like pH, temperature, and oxygen availability in
wastewater treatment systems are not always optimal
for exponential microbial growth.
35
 Biomass growth
Biomass growth • Resource-limited growth (Monod)
• Monod (1949) developed a model equation that assumes
that the rate of biomass production is limited by the rate of
reactions involved in the consumption of substrate,
according to equation:

Where
• µ is the biomass growth rate (day-1)
• µmax is growth coefficient max (day-1) describes the condition where the full amount of energy
derived from the metabolic processes is directed to growth, with no competition for substrate,
effect of substrate levels, or effect from crowding
• S is the substrate concentration (mg L-1)
• Ks is the affinity constant (mg L-1), also called half-saturation constant because
represents the substrate concentration at which the growth rate is equal max/2.
36
 Biomass growth
Biomass growth • Resource-limited growth (Monod)

• At high substrates concentrations [S>>Ks],

approaches is maximum value ( = max)
• At low substrate concentration [S<<Ks], is
directly proportional (is linear) to the substrate
concentration
• Organisms with a low Ks approach maximum
growth rate at lower substrate levels than
organisms with a higher Ks
• Low Ks reflect a stronger affinity to the substrate.

37
 Activated Sludge Principles
Solids retention time (SRT) and hydraulic retention time (HRT).
Critical designing parameters for wastewater engineering!!!

Solids retention time (SRT): Linking SRT with biomass growth and the
influent/effluent organic substance concentration

S0, Q0 S 1
V, X, Y, kd =

Q0 = influent flow rate, m3/d S0 = substrate concentration in the influent, mg/L

X = solids (biomass) concentration in reactor, kg- S = substrate concentration in the effluent, mg/L
VSS/m3 kd = endogenous respiration rate (mg/L), where some energy is
V = reactor volume, m 3 used to support cell maintenance and reproduction.
Y = Yield coefficient, the quantity of biomass produced
per unit substrate concentration consumed, kg-VSS/ kg-
BOD5 39
Example: Design of the Aeration Basin Based on SRT

S
1
S0, Q0 V, X, Y, kd =

Given the following information, determine the design volume of the aeration basin and the aeration period of
the wastewater for an activated-sludge treatment process: population = 150,000; flow rate is 33.75x106 L/day

go ts
(equals 225 L/person-day); and influent BOD5 concentration is 444 mg/L (note that this is high-strength
wastewater). Assume that the regulatory agency enforces an effluent standard of BOD5=20 mg/L and a suspended-
solids standard of 20 mg/L in the treated wastewater.
A wastewater sample is collected from the biological reactor and is found to contain a suspended-solids x
concentration of 4,300 mg/L. The concentration of suspended solids in the plant influent is 200 mg/L, and that

n
which leaves the primary clarifier is 100 mg/L. The microorganisms in the activated-sludge process can convert 100
g BOD5 into 55 g biomass. They have a maximum growth rate of 0.1/day and a first-order death rate constant of
0.05/day, and they reach half of their maximum growth rate when the BOD5 concentration is 10 mg/L. The design

it
SRT is 4 days, and sludge is processed on the belt filter press every 5 days.

40
 Example: Design of the Aeration Basin Based on SRT

S
1
S0, Q0 V, X, Y, kd =

SOLUTION
must
S, equals the substrate (or BOD5) entering the biological reactor, so assume that some BOD5 is
Ceo
particulate and is removed in the primary clarifier. Assuming that 30 percent of the plant influent BOD5 is
removed during primary sedimentation, this means that So = 0.70 x 444 mg/L = 310 mg/L. Accordingly,
a s

Solve for V = 4.173×106 L.

For the aeration period. The plant's aeration period is the number of hours that the wastewater is
aerated during the activated-sludge process. This equals the hydraulic detention time of the biological
reactor:
= VQ = (4.173×106 L) × (33.75×106 L/d) = 0.12 day = 3 h
41
Example: Use of SRT to calculate solids processing

S
1
S0, Q0 V, X, Y, kd =

QUESTION. Using data provided in the previous example, how many kg of primary and secondary dry solids
need to be processed daily from the treatment plant?
SOLUTION
Assume that the amount of solids processed from the primary sedimentation tanks equals the difference in suspended-
solids concentrations (influent minus effluent) measured across the sedimentation tanks multiplied by the plant flow rate:
ce

9
We are not provided with the concentration difference of suspended solids across the secondary sedimentation tanks, so we
cannot determine the amount of secondary solids produced daily in the same manner that we used for primary solids.
However, careful examination of the expression of solids retention time (SRT = 4 days) shows the term QwXw equals the
answer. Therefore:

Solve for QwXw, which equals 4,486 kg of secondary dry solids per day.
42
 Activated Sludge Process for carbon removal
Key Design Parameters

Influent Effluent
Q0, X0, S0 Q0 + Qr Q0 - Qw
V, S, X Secondary
S, X Se, Xe
clarifier
Activated
sludge

Qr, Xr, Sr Qw, Xw, Sw

Returned activated sludge (RAS) Waste activated sludge WAS

Food-to-microorganisms ratio (F/M)

It represents the BOD loading rate S0: soluble BOD in influent (mg/L)
divided by the mass of biomass in
Q0: wastewater flow rate into the aeration tank (m3/d)
the reactor.
V: volume of the aeration tank (m3)
43
X: biomass concentration in reactor (mg MLVSS/L)
 Activated Sludge Process for carbon removal
Food-to-microorganisms ratio (F/M)
S0: soluble BOD in influent (mg/L)
Q0: wastewater flow rate into the aeration tank (m3/d)
V: volume of the aeration tank (m3)
X: biomass concentration in reactor (mg MLVSS/L)
Example
Determine the F/M ratio (in units of mg BOD5/mg MLSS*d)
• Flow rate: 33.75x106 L/d
• Influent BOD5: 310 mg/L
• Design biomass concentration in the aeration basin: 4,300 mg MLVSS/L
• Volume of the aeration basin: 4.173x106 L

× . × ×
= = = 0.58
× × . ×
44
 Activated Sludge Process for carbon removal
Key Design Parameters

HRT=
0

SRT = x = =
w w

Food-to-microorganisms ratio (F/M)

Relationship between HRT and F/M; SRT and F/M?

45
 Activated Sludge Process for carbon removal
Food-to-microorganisms ratio (F/M) HRT=
0

Example
The suspended-solids concentration is 220 mg/L in the plant influent, 4,000 mg/L in the primary
sludge,15,000 mg/L in the secondary sludge, and 3,000 mg/L exiting the aeration basin. The concentration of
total dissolved solids in the plant influent is 300 mg/L, and the concentration of total dissolved solids exiting
the aeration basin is 3,300mng/L. The BOD5 is 150 mg/L measured after primary treatment and 15 mg/L
exiting the plant. If the F/M ratio is 0.33 kg BOD5/kg MLSS-day, estimate the hydraulic retention time of the
aeration basins if the total plant flow is 5 million gallons/day.

Solution
This problem statement provides a lot of extra material, so readers must understand the order of various unit
processes in a wastewater treatment plant, as well as the definition of F/M ratio. The mass of food that the
microorganisms see equals the plant flow rate multiplied by the concentration of BOD5 exiting the primary
sedimentation tank (which thus enters the aeration basin).

× × (150 )
/ = 0.33 = = = 6.6 / = = .
×
× (3.000 )
46
 Activated Sludge Process for carbon removal
Microbes convert dissolved
organic matter into
gaseous CO2, water, Microbes in flocs (sludge) are
nitrate, more microbes separated from the effluent
(growth) (water)

Influent Effluent

Q0, X0, S0 Q0 + Qr Q0 - Qw
Removal of
V, S, X
S, X
Secondary Se, Xe Excess sludge
Activated clarifier (due to growth)
Sludge is recycled sludge
ahead of the plant
for more removal Qr, Xr, Sr Qw, Xw, Sw
Returned activated sludge (RAS) Waste activated
sludge WAS

Why do we need Returned activated sludge (RAS)? 47

 Settling characteristics of activated sludge
• Effective settling of activated sludge separates treated Sludge volume index: the volume
water from biomass, ensuring effluent quality and process (ml) occupied by 1 g MLSS (dry
weight) after settling for 30 min in a
efficiency. 1000 mL graduated cylinder
• Microorganisms form絮 凝物that promote settling; proper
flocs
flocculation is essential for sludge compaction.
膨脹
絲狀菌 bacteria can cause sludge bulking,
• Excessive filamentous
leading to poor沉殿不良 and reduced treatment efficiency.
settling
• Certain bacteria may cause
泡沫 disrupting the settling
foaming,
process and impacting system
performance.

48
 Settling characteristics of activated sludge

Scanning electron micrograph

of Microthrix parvicella in pure
culture.

http://www.wastewatersystem.net/2010/11/what-causes-bulking-sludge-problem.html

https://web.deu.edu.tr/atiksu/ana52/kopuk.jpg

49
 攻 進to the Activated Sludge Processes
Modifications
Process Description

Conventional Primary effluent and return activated sludge are introduced at head of aeration basin. The
activated sludge aeration is provided in a nonuniform manner over the length of the tank as more aeration is
required at the beginning of the tank since the organic loading is higher there because the BOD
is removed along the length of the aeration basin.
Step feed aeration Modification where primary clarifier effluent is introduced at several points along the beginning of
the aeration basin. The peak oxygen demand is thus more evenly distributed throughout the aeration
tank. Aeration is uniform along the length of the aeration basin.
Contact The aeration basin is separated into a stabilization zone followed by a small contact zone. Primary
stabilization clarifier effluent is routed to the contact zone first. Return activated sludge is recycled backinto the
stabilization zone.
Extended aeration Similar to conventional activated sludge except primary clarifier is usually eliminated, SRT is very
long (20-30 days), and hydraulic detention times are close to 1 day. Used primarily by smaller
communities, schools, resorts.
Oxidation ditch Oval reactor where wastewater moves at relatively high velocities. Return activated sludge is
recycled back to beginning of the reactor.
Sequencing batch Fill and draw reactors where a minimum of two reactors are used. While one reactor is being filled,
reactor the other reactor is overseeing the biological reactions, settling of solids, and removal of settled
wastewater.
50
 Membrane Bioreactor
(MBR) Processes

• Microfiltration membranes are

used to filter the mixed liquor,
separating the biosolids from the
effluent water
• No need for a secondary clarifier
• Higher MLSS loading
• Smaller aeration tank
Fig. 9.12
• Longer SRT
• Higher effluent water quality
https://synderfiltration.com/microfiltration/membranes/
51
 Submerged Biofilm Systems

Moving Bed Bioreactors (MBBR)

• Particularly suitable for industrial V
Treated
ww, robust and low Influent Effluent
operating/maintenance demands
Q
• Specifically designed plastic media is
suspended in a bioreactor (40-60%
filling) and mixed by aeration or mixer
• Can be used for BOD and/or nitrogen Aeration
removal

Suspended Carrier Reactors

Suspended carriers
with biofilm
52
 物膜
浸设式 Biofilm
Submerged Systems
MBBR Advantages
• High sludge density on carriers enables high organic loading rates
• Robustness against toxic compounds
• Compact system as a clarifier is not needed

ANOX Natrix Kaldnes K1

(50 x 60 mm, sinking, (10 x 10 mm, floating, mainly
for industrial applications) domestic applications) 53
Questions?

54