Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering Spring 2000

Penn State University

CE 572
BIOLOGICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Course Description
This course covers theoretical and practical aspects of biological wastewater treatment. The first few
classes review bioreactor principals including equations governing batch, CSTR and plug flow reactors,
and the calculation of kinetic constants for microbial cultures. The major focus during the rest of the
course is on the processes used in wastewater treatment systems, with particular emphasis on trickling
filters and the activated sludge processes. Computer models are used to assist students in understanding
processes controlled by many operational variables.

Grading
3 Exams: 15%. 20%, and 25%
Homeworks: 10%
Project: Review of two papers: 20%
Computer Projects: 10%

There are no makeup exams.

Quiz 3 is given during finals week: Wednesday May 3, 10:10-noon in Sackett Room 110. It is divided
approximately evenly between material before and week 13.

Instructor
Dr. Bruce Logan, Rm. 205 Sackett Building.
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11-12 am or by appointment. (blogan@psu.edu)

Meeting Times
Tuesday and Thursdays, 9:45-11 am, Sackett Building Room 110.

Text
Biological Wastewater Treatment, by C.P.L Grady Jr., G. Daigger, and H.C. Lim. 1999. Second
edition. Dekker, NY.

Computer Laboratory Groups

Students will in pairs on computer laboratory assignments, with only one report or assignment collected
per student pair.

Homework Assignments
Students must complete their homework assignments individually.
 CE 572: COURSE OUTLINE (Spring 2000)

Class Dates Topics Chapter

1a Jan 11 Introduction and overview. Named reactors, treatment play layout. 1

1b Jan 13 Wastewater components and microbes. Cell yield. 2,3

2a Jan 18 Tour of the State College WWTP

2b Jan 20 Cell energetics and yields. Kinetics 3, 8

3a Jan 25 Michaelis-Menten kinetics; Monod kinetics. 3, 8

3b Jan 27 Determining growth, decay and constants. 8

4a Feb 1 The BOD test; respirometric tests. Introduction to computer assignment.

4b Feb 3 Computer laboratory 1: Kinetics notes

5a Feb 8 Reactor theory: CSTR with Monod kinetics; no recycle. Models of bioreactor operation. 5

5b Feb 10 CSTR with recycle; wastewater treatment plant design considerations. 9

6a Feb 15 Activated sludge reactor design. 10

6b Feb 17 Filamentous growth; bulking; review of a paper. 9, notes

7a Feb 22 Plug flow reactors; Reactors in series; choosing a cell detention time. 15

7b Feb 24 Bioreactor theory L:9

8a Feb 29 Quiz 1 (classes 1a - 5b)

8b Mar 2 Biofilm theory. Analytical and semi-analytical solutions. L:9, 16

9 Mar 7, 9 Spring Break

10a Mar 14 Trickling Filer design basics: equations and computer models. The Velz approach. l:9, 19

10b Mar 16 Models: failure of the Velz approach; introduction of the LTF model. L:9

11a Mar 21 LTF versus Velz approach; oxygen transport; maximum versus observed removal rates. notes

11b Mar 23 Trickling Filters: TF/SC (Solids Contact) process 20

12a Mar 28 Computer Laboratory 2: Trickling Filter Models

12b Mar 30 Rotating Biological Contactors (RBCs) 20

13a Apr 4 Clarifier design basics notes

13b Apr 6 Clarifier design: thickeners; designing thickeners notes

14a Apr 11 Flocculator clarifier operating experiences: cost and performance. notes

14b Apr 13 Quiz 2 (classes 6a-12b)

15a Apr 18 Nutrient removal- nitrogen: fixed film systems 3.6, 6.3-4,
notes

15b Apr 20 Nutrient removal in suspended growth systems: nitrogen and phosphorus N: 7.5-6, 11
P: 3.7, 7.7,11

16a Apr 25 Aeration systems. Sludge treatment & anaerobic digestors 13, notes

16b Apr 27 Friday seminar/ class presentations..