Biomedical subjects

J Vollertsen

Publications and source records attributed to J Vollertsen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Hydrolysis and fermentation of activated sludge to enhance biological phosphorus removal.

The conventional mainstream enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process depends on the quality of the raw incoming wastewater. An alternative sidestream EBPR process is presented, where the substrates for storage by the polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) instead come from hydrolysis of the return activated sludge. This process is studied in full-scale at two treatment plants and quantified by means of phosphorus release rates and readily biodegradable COD (RBCOD) accumulation rates. It was seen that not only was a significant amount of RBCOD stored by PAOs but an approximately equal amount was accumulated in the sidestream hydrolysis tank and made available for the subsequent nitrogen removal process. The phosphorus release of the sludge with and without addition of different substrates was furthermore studied in laboratory scale. The study showed that the process is promising and in a number of cases will have significant advantages compared with the conventional mainstream EBPR

Denmark↗

PubMed2006

Recent findings on sinks for sulfide in gravity sewer networks.

Sulfide buildup in sewer networks is associated with several problems, including health impacts, corrosion of sewer structures and odor nuisance. In recent years, significant advances in the knowledge of the major processes governing sulfide buildup in sewer networks have been made. This paper summarizes this newly obtained knowledge and emphasizes important implications of the findings. Model simulations of the in-sewer processes important for the sulfur cycle showed that sulfide oxidation in the wetted biofilm is typically the most important sink for dissolved sulfide in gravity sewers. However, sulfide emission and thereby potential hydrogen sulfide buildup in the sewer atmosphere is of particular importance in sewers constructed with large diameter pipes, in sewers constructed with steep slopes and in sewers conveying low pH wastewater. Precipitation of metal sulfides is only important when the sulfide concentration in the wastewater is low; i.e. less than 1 g Sm(-3).

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2006

Gas phase transport in gravity sewers--A methodology for determination of horizontal gas transport and ventilation.

A method was developed for determination of horizontal gas transport and ventilation in gravity sewers. This was achieved by changing the composition of the sewer atmosphere by pulse injection of oxygen gas and subsequently measuring the oxygen concentration in a downstream manhole. Conventional tracer techniques may require sampling and may also affect the environment. The method developed is simple, based on direct monitoring and without environmental or toxic effects. The method was developed based on measurements in an intercepting gravity sewer. The horizontal gas transport processes were quantified by measuring the velocity and dispersion of the gas in the sewer atmosphere. Based on 54 measurements, the gas velocity was found to vary between 0.05 and 0.22 m/s. The coefficients of dispersion were calculated to be in the range 0.05 to 1.1 m2/s. Climatic conditions did not significantly influence the gas phase transport.

Air Movements↗

PubMed2005

The influence of biodegradability of sewer solids for the management of CSOs.

The re-suspension of sediments in combined sewers and the associated pollutants into the bulk water during wet weather flows can cause pollutants to be carried further downstream to receiving waters or discharged via Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO). A typical pollutograph shows the trend of released bulk pollutants with time but does not consider information on the biodegradability of these pollutants. A new prediction methodology based on Oxygen Utilisation Rate (respirometric method) and Erosionmeter (laboratory device replicating in-sewer erosion) experiments is proposed which is able to predict the trends in biodegradability during in-sewer sediment erosion in wet weather conditions. The proposed new prediction methodology is also based on COD fractionation techniques.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

PubMed2005

Effects of in-sewer processes: a stochastic model approach.

Transformations of organic matter, nitrogen and sulfur in sewers can be simulated taking into account the relevant transformation and transport processes. One objective of such simulation is the assessment and management of hydrogen sulfide formation and corrosion. Sulfide is formed in the biofilms and sediments of the water phase, but corrosion occurs on the moist surfaces of the sewer gas phase. Consequently, both phases and the transport of volatile substances between these phases must be included. Furthermore, wastewater composition and transformations in sewers are complex and subject to high, natural variability. This paper presents the latest developments of the WATS model concept, allowing integrated aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic simulation of the water phase and of gas phase processes. The resulting model is complex and with high parameter variability. An example applying stochastic modeling shows how this complexity and variability can be taken into account.

Aerobiosis↗

PubMed2005

Model concept for nitrate and nitrite utilization during anoxic transformation in the bulk water phase of municipal wastewater under sewer conditions.

A two-stage anoxic transformation process, involving growth of biomass utilizing two types of different electron acceptors, namely nitrate and nitrite, has been observed. The present water quality modules established for sewer processes cannot account for the two-stage process. This paper outlines the development of a model concept that enables the two-stage anoxic transformation process to be simulated. The proposed model is formulated in a matrix form that is similar to the Activated Sludge Models and Sewer Process Model matrices. The model was successfully applied to simulate changes in nitrate and nitrite concentrations during anoxic transformations in the bulkwater phase of municipal wastewater.

Models, Chemical↗

PubMed2005

Anoxic sulfide oxidation in wastewater of sewer networks.

Investigations on anoxic sulfide oxidation in wastewater under sewer conditions are presented. Batch tests were designed and conducted to study both chemical and biological sulfide oxidation by nitrate in the water phase. Oxidation at pH 7.0 and 8.5 was performed in parallel and wastewater with anaerobic storage period of 0, 3, 4, 6 days was used. Initial sulfide concentrations at a level of 0-4.1 g S m(-3) were applied by either addition or sulfate reduction. Results showed that wastewater in sewers was capable of biological, but not chemical, sulfide oxidation under anoxic conditions. Elemental sulfur was the end-product during the experiment. Nitrite accumulates in wastewater as an intermediate. The anoxic oxidation rates for fresh wastewater was 0.48 g S m(-3) h(-1) at pH 7.0 and 0.62 g S m(-3) h(-1) at pH 8.5, which accounted for less than 30% of the potential aerobic oxidation rates. A long-term anaerobic adaptation of the wastewater was found to inhibit the oxidation process.

Aerobiosis↗

PubMed2005

Simulation of sulfide buildup in wastewater and atmosphere of sewer networks.

A model concept for prediction of sulfide buildup in sewer networks is presented. The model concept is an extension to--and a further development of--the WATS model (Wastewater Aerobic-anaerobic Transformations in Sewers), which has been developed by Hvitved-Jacobsen and co-workers at Aalborg University. In addition to the sulfur cycle, the WATS model simulates changes in dissolved oxygen and carbon fractions of different biodegradability. The sulfur cycle was introduced via six processes: 1. sulfide production taking place in the biofilm covering the permanently wetted sewer walls; 2. biological sulfide oxidation in the permanently wetted biofilm; 3. chemical and biological sulfide oxidation in the water phase; 4. sulfide precipitation with metals present in the wastewater; 5. emission of hydrogen sulfide to the sewer atmosphere and 6. adsorption and oxidation of hydrogen sulfide on the moist sewer walls where concrete corrosion may take place.

Biofilms↗

PubMed2005

Sustainable management of leakage from wastewater pipelines.

Wastewater pipeline leakage is an emerging concern in Europe, especially with regards to the potential effect of leaking effluent on groundwater contamination and the effects infiltration has on the management of sewer reticulation systems. This paper describes efforts by Australia, in association with several European partners, towards the development of decision support tools to prioritize proactive rehabilitation of wastewater pipe networks to account for leakage. In the fundamental models for the decision support system, leakage is viewed as a function of pipeline system deterioration. The models rely on soil type identification across the service area to determine the aggressiveness of the pipe environment and for division of the area into zones based on pipe properties and operational conditions. By understanding the interaction between pipe materials, operating conditions, and the pipe environment in the mechanisms leading to pipe deterioration, the models allow the prediction of leakage rates in different zones across a network. The decision support system utilizes these models to predict the condition of pipes in individual zones, and to optimize the utilization of rehabilitation resources by targeting the areas with the highest leakage rates.

Decision Making↗

PubMed2004

Hydrogen sulfide emission in sewer networks: a two-phase modeling approach to the sulfur cycle.

Wherever transport of anaerobic wastewater occurs, potential problems associated with hydrogen sulfide in relation to odor nuisance, health risk and corrosion exist. Improved understanding of prediction of hydrogen sulfide emission into the sewer atmosphere is needed for better evaluation of such problems in sewer networks. A two-phase model for emission of hydrogen sulfide along stretches of gravity sewers is presented to estimate the occurrence of both sulfide in the water phase and hydrogen sulfide in the sewer atmosphere. The model takes into account air-water mass transfer of hydrogen sulfide and interactions with other processes in the sulfur cycle. Various emission scenarios are simulated to illustrate the release characteristics of hydrogen sulfide.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2004

Chemical sulfide oxidation of wastewater--effects of pH and temperature.

In this study, the kinetics and stoichiometry of chemical sulfide oxidation of wastewater from sewer networks were investigated. Based on experiments, it was shown that the stoichiometry could be considered identical for wastewater from two sampling sites. However, the kinetics differed significantly among the wastewaters from the two sites. Effects of pH and temperature were investigated in the pH and temperature ranges 5-9 and 5-25 degrees C, respectively. The rate of chemical sulfide oxidation could be related to the dissociation of H2S to HS-, with HS- being oxidized at a higher rate than H2S. The temperature dependency of the chemical sulfide oxidation rate was described using an Arrhenius relationship. The oxidation rate was found to double with a temperature increase of 12 degrees C. The stoichiometry of the chemical oxidation was not significantly affected by varying pH and temperature. Based on the experiments, a general rate equation, including a stoichiometric coefficient describing chemical sulfide oxidation in wastewater was proposed, enabling the process to be incorporated into sewer process models that can predict odor and corrosion problems.

Corrosion↗

PubMed2004

Anoxic control of odour and corrosion from sewer networks.

Anoxic processes can effectively control odour and corrosion in sewer networks. However, the absence of fundamental knowledge on the kinetics of anoxic transformation of sewage prevents the engineering applications of anoxic control in sewers. This paper focuss on a basic understanding of the anoxic transformations needed for a conceptual simulation of the water phase processes. Experiments conducted in batch reactors have shown that nitrite builds up in wastewater during denitrification. Part of the nitrate-reducing biomass is capable of utilizing nitrite after nitrate is depleted. Compared with aerobic transformation, anoxic processes have low values of maximum growth rate of the biomass and also a low endogenous respiration rate. Heterotrophic yield determined under anoxic conditions, at level of 0.25 mmol e-eq (mmol e-eq)(-1), accounted for less than 40% of the corresponding aerobic values.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

PubMed2003

Exfiltration from gravity sewers: a pilot scale study.

Pilot-scale experiments were conducted on exfiltration of wastewater from gravity sewers. The effect of storm events, flushing of pipes and alternating infiltration/exfiltration were simulated. Exfiltration through different types of sewer leaks and into different soils were studied. It was found that the exfiltration rate became constant after some days of exfiltration. It stayed constant for the duration of the experiments, which typically spanned over some weeks. The exfiltration was governed by the development of a clogging zone at the sewer leak and could be characterized by a leakage factor. The leakage factor may then be used to estimate the risk of groundwater pollution from a sewer network.

Equipment Failure↗

PubMed2003

Introducing the emission process of hydrogen sulfide to a sewer process model (WATS).

Emission of hydrogen sulfide in sewer networks results in odor, health and corrosion problems. These problems generally occur when wastewater is transported under anaerobic and turbulent conditions. Studies on integrated aerobic/anaerobic processes in sewers have led to a conceptual sewer process model, WATS (Wastewater Aerobic/anaerobic Transformations in Sewers). The WATS model accounts for the carbon cycle, reaeration and sulfide formation. However, to handle odor, health and corrosion problems more efficiently, other aspects of the sulfur cycle need to be included. Emphasis in this study is on an extension of the WATS model in terms of hydrogen sulfide emission. A fundamental concept of this extended model is related to emission of the molecular form of hydrogen sulfide and thereby to pH of wastewater. An engineering application of the extended WATS model includes different scenarios of sewer performance concerning hydrogen sulfide emission under dissolved oxygen-limited conditions. By applying the extended WATS model, users can more realistically cope with the fate of hydrogen sulfide. Consequently, when dealing with the sulfur cycle, users need no longer be restricted to the sulfide formation process but can also take transfer of hydrogen sulfide across the air-water interface into account.

Bacteria, Aerobic↗

PubMed2003

Nitrite accumulation in the treatment of wastewaters with high ammonia concentration.

Different operational parameters of the nitritation process were investigated in both jar tests and pilot scale Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs). In the laboratory study, 100-1,200 mg N l(-1) of ammonia was used. The pH and temperature were varied. Batch experiments were done on municipal sludge, pectin industrial sludge and sludge from a reject water treatment unit. Ammonia oxidation was observed with relative nitrite accumulations from 2% to 100% and ammonia oxidation rates from 0.01 to 0.58 g N g VSS(-1) d(-1). The nitritation process and relative nitrite accumulation were highly affected by pH, temperature and the sludge type. pH 8.0-8.5 and temperature 30 degrees C were found favourable for the nitritation. Pilot SBR systems for treating reject water achieved 100% of nitrite accumulation under the operational conditions of pH 7.5-8.0, temperature 30 degrees C and dissolved oxygen (DO) 1.0 mg 1(-1). Six months of operation revealed that pH regulations were essential to avoid the inhibitions by either free ammonia or nitrous acid. At an unionized ammonia concentration of approximately 20 mg NH3-N l(-1), half of the normal nitritation ability still remained. Total inhibition occurred when the concentration of nitrous acid reached 3.0 mg HNO2-N l(-1). However, both types of inhibitions were reversible in the SBR with a proper operation control. Stable and controllable nitritation could be achieved in pilot scale.

Ammonia↗

PubMed2002

The sewer as a bioreactor--a dry weather approach.

The sewer is a reactor for chemical and microbial transformations of wastewater. These in-sewer processes affect the quality of the wastewater and thereby the sewer itself, the subsequent treatment and the receiving water quality. The paper focuses on the interactions between the dry weather in-sewer chemical and microbial transformations of the wastewater and the corresponding processes in a downstream located treatment plant. A conceptual understanding of the sewer processes is crucial in this respect.

Bioreactors↗

PubMed2002

The effect of extended in-sewer storage on wastewater treatment plant performance.

A project funded by UKWIR is under way in the UK to develop a relatively simple methodology whereby the effects of the introduction of extended in-sewer storage at CSOs on downstream sewerage and treatment can be assessed. Recent legislation (UK and European) has compelled many sewer system operators to introduce systems which increase in-sewer retention times, and also retain more flow and load within sewer networks. The project has reviewed existing knowledge about the interaction between in-sewer flow and treatment plants, together with available models. The study is utilising a "benchmark" of 3 configurations of treatment plant and dynamic simulation using the WRc STOAT software, with minor modifications to ensure that effects on odour generation and nutrient removal processes are adequately modelled. As no existing sewer flow quality model can represent the range of conditions possible in sewer networks, a combined application of the Hydroworks model and a new model developed at Aalborg University is being used for this part of the study.

Benchmarking↗

PubMed2002

Biodegradability of wastewater--a method for COD-fractionation.

Characterization of wastewater for simulation of in-sewer transformations can be carried out by interpretation of oxygen uptake rate measurements in combination with a conceptual model of the microbial transformations involved. This interpretation can be done by iterative procedures by solving the differential equations constituting the model or by the application of a more "manual" method--the latter being the topic of this paper. Examples where different wastewaters are characterized illustrate the method.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗