The effect of operational parameters on the dewatering characteristics of municipal wastewater sludges

This research study examined the effect operational parameters, dissolved oxygen (D.O.) and food to microorganism ratio (F:M ratio) had on the thickening and dewatering from laboratory-scale and full-scale activated sludge treatment processes. Differences observed in sludge thickening and dewatering at CWWTP and BWWTP were investigated. Data was collected and operational parameters at full-scale facilities monitored. A laboratory-scale activated sludge reactor was constructed and operated on line with the CWWTP, which experienced filamentous bulking conditions since startup and operational parameters of the reactor monitored. Laboratory-scale experiments involved varying mixed liquor D.O. concentration and mean cell residence time (MCRT) and observing the resultant sludge thickening and dewatering characteristics. Increase in mixed liquor D.O. concentration, F:M ratio and reduction of MCRT at CWWTP resulted in improved sludge thickening and dewatering performance. Results showed sludge thickening characteristics were enhanced at D.O. concentrations greater than 3.0 mg/1 and less favorable at D.O. concentrations less than 2.0 mg/1. No trend correlation existed between aeration basin D.O. concentration and sludge dewatering resistance in the range of 3.0 to 7.0 mg/1. Correlation between laboratory-scale and full-scale activated sludge systems demonstrated that laboratory-scale reactor units can be. utilized to predict plant operational changes in relation to sludge thickening and dewatering performance.

Name thesis:degree_name

M. S.

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Sanitary Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Sanitary Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1983

Author dc:creator

• Adam, Robert W. (Robert William)

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/114730

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/114730