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1. Introduction
The wastewater treatment plant "Sydney Clean Water" provides currently for primary
wastewater treatment only. Due to its necessity of achieving higher effluent quality requirements
related to BOD, Ammonia-N, Total P, SS, and Total N parameters, Sydney Clean Water has
requested to Guilcapi and Kamanzi Company to provide a design appraisal for the inclusion of
secondary wastewater treatment process at the existing plant. After the analysis of different
phosphorus removal processes, the A2/O (anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic) process was selected for the
proposal design due to its simplicity and several advantages. The upgraded treatment works
include a description of the proposal process, a layout plan with all necessary upgrades for the
inclusion of the secondary wastewater treatment, a draft design procedure for a proposed
capacity of 120,000 ep, and a critical comment on all the aspects for the proposed modification
including sludge management.
Parameters of evaluation
Process Simple Good settling sludge
P removal N removal operation production Cost (save energy)
A/O x
A2/O
UCT x -
VIP x -
Bardenpho (5- stage) x -
SBR x - -
PhoStrip x - -
: Advantage; x: Limitation; -: No information
The A2/O process also known as 3 Stage Phoredox (EPA, 2009), is based on the A/O
(anaerobic/aerobic) process. The stages in the A2/O process are anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic.
Phosphorus removal occurs in the anaerobic stage whereas BOD removal with nitrification
ocurrs in the aerobic stage. In the anoxic zone, nitrate is removed through the denitrification
process. (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003). A2/O process has some limitations, such as reduction of the
activity of polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs), reduction in the efficiency of
phosphorus removal due to the recycle of RAS with nitrate content to the anaerobic stage and
limitation of nitrogen removal by internal recycle ratio (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003).
The proposed secondary treatment will be located after the current Sydney Clean Water's
primary wastewater treatment as it is shown in the Figure 1.
Fig. 1 Proposed secondary treatment for Sydney Clean Water. Adapted from (Stuetz, 2012)
The required upgraded treatment works have been designed on the basis of provided design
data, kinetic data and some other important assumptions considered. However, it is important to
note that some given kinetic data were erroneous, hence corrections were applied to bring them
into recommended ranges as proposed by Metcalf & Eddy ( 2003). A summary of major
assumptions is shown below and in Table 2. The rest of the assumptions are shown in Appendix A
Design flow Q: in order to obtain the daily flow rate from the proposed 120,000 equivalent
population (ep.), an average daily water consumption of 212 L/ep. was considered
(DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, 2010) along
with an 80% recovery factor. A peaking factor equal to 1.93 was selected (Harmon
coefficient) based on the given population. The flow rate was therefore given by
.
Process temperature: an average process temperature of 20 C was set in order to ease the
calculations; therefore, corrections on kinetic coefficients for temperature were not required.
Influent TKN: the entire TKN influent has been considered to be in the form of NH4-N.
The process design considerations for the wastewater secondary treatment included influent
wastewater characteristics, effluent quality requirements, kinetic data, kinetic constant for
nitrifying bacteria, among other assumptions shown previously in Table 2. The kinetic data such
as microbial decay coefficient and saturation coefficient as well as the kinetic constants, such as
nitrified yield coefficient and half saturation constant for NH3 oxidation where replaced by
bibliography typical values due to the data given was out of range (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003).
The design of A2/O process was carried out in three steps: BOD and nitrification, phosphorus
removal, and denitrification. The system configuration selected was single-sludge biological
nitrogen-removal process and complete-mix activated sludge process, which consider
computation approaches for the activated-sludge process for BOD removal and nitrification and
for the anoxic/aerobic process design (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003). The nomenclature, equations,
and summary of calculations and calculations in detail are shown is appendices C, D, E, and F
respectively.
1. It was selected a minimum DO concentration of 2.0 mg/L for nitrification to calculate the
specific growth rate for nitrification using eq. 1. It was selected a nitrification safety factor of
1.5 and computed the design SRT using eq. 3 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003).
2. The maximum specific growth rate (m) was computed using eq. 4 based on Y and K1 and
the effluent substrate concentration (S) was calculated using eq. 5.
3. The biomass production was computed using eq. 9 based on the values A, B and C
calculated using eqs. 6, 7 and 8, respectively. NOx was determined under the assumption that
NOx 0.8 TKN (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003). However, the real value of NOx was computed by
performing a nitrogen balance using eq. 10. This value was stated as correct due to its similarity
to the previously NOx concentration assumed.
4. In order to calculate the mass of VSS and TSS using eqs. 12 and 13, respectively, the
concentration of VSS and TSS was considered. The concentration of VSS was assumed to be
equal to the due to there was not found information to assume a value of nbVSS. The
concentration of TSS was computed using eq. 11 assuming that VSS = 80% TSS (Metcalf &
Eddy, 2003) due to the lack of information of VSS concentration in the influent.
5. The aeration tank volume was computed using eq. 14 and the MLSS given. For the design of
each basin, there were considered 4 tanks, a depth of 6.5 m (included freeboard) and a width to
depth ration of 1.5:1 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003).
Phosphorus removal
Phosphorus removal will be achieved in the anaerobic stage of the A2/O process designed
through the following steps:
1. In order to determine rbCOD available for P removal using eq. 25, it was performed the
nitrate mass balance at the influent in the reactor using eq. 22 considering no NO3 concentration
in the influent, NO3-N RAS = NO3 effluent, and a RAS recycle ratio of 0.6 (Metcalf & Eddy,
2003). It was also required the calculation of rbCOD equivalent using eq. 23 considering a
rbCOD/nitrate ratio = 6.6, bCOD/BOD=1.6 and rbCOD/bCOD = 0.25 due to this value was no
given (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003). In the anaerobic zone, rbCOD is taken by the phosphorus-storing
bacteria after its rapidly conversion to acetate via fermentation (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003).
2. The phosphorus removed by BPR mechanism was calculated using eq. 26 considering that 8 g
rbCOD/g P is removed by biological phosphorus removal (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003).
3. The phosphorus used for heterotrophic biomass synthesis was computed using eq. 28
considering a phosphorus content of heterotrophic biomass of 0.015 g P/ g biomass (Metcalf &
Eddy, 2003).
4. The concentration of P removed was computed using eq. 29 considering the concentration of
biological P removal and the concentration of P used for biomass growth. The target value of
0.3 mg/L was completely achieved.
Denitrification
The anoxic zone design to account for denitrification of nitrate considers a recycle stream from
aerobic zone with oxygen from nitrification being recovered. The followed procedure in
designing this stage is as follows.
1. The active biomass concentration is determined by eq. 32 whereas the amount of nitrate fed to
the anoxic tank is calculated using eq.33, eq.34 and eq.35. The volume required for anoxic zone
2. The amount of nitrate that can be reduced was calculated using eq.38. It is function of the
specific denitrification rate (SDNR) which was obtained from proposed empirical relationships
(Metcalf & Eddy, 2003) between F/Mb ratio (eq. 37) and the fraction of rbCOD/bCOD. When
the nitrate fed is not similar to the nitrate reduced, different detention times have to be chosen
and calculations have to be repeated. Comparison of SDNR as a function of MLSS with
conventional observed values were then done. SDNR was obtained using eq. 39.
3. As nitrate has the ability to act as electron acceptor, oxygen demand may be reduced. The
oxygen credit as well as the net oxygen required were calculated using eq.40 and eq. 41,
respectively. Fine bubble aeration design was done by computing the air flow rate through eq.
42 and eq. 43. Eq. 43 converted the mass flowrate into volumetric flowrate using air density and
diffusers efficiency factor. In this last context, ideal design conditions in terms of temperature
and altitude were assumed in order to ease the calculations.
4. As a final design step, required alkalinity as concentration of CaCO3 was calculated using
eq.46 and eq. 47. This is an important factor because some reactions have tendency to modify
the pH impacting on the system performance. The resulting alkalinity was then compared to the
alkalinity needed for nitrification only in order to assess the amount that can be saved.
As part of the proposed upgrade, a secondary clarifier which is necessary for settling and
removing suspended solids that encompass the nutrients was designed. This design included 3
steps namely, definition of the return sludge recycle ratio, determination of clarifiers sizes and
solids loading. The clarifier area was calculated using eq. 54 as function of the design flow rate
and an the assumed hydraulic application rate. Once the number of clarifiers was fixed, the
diameter of each basin was determined (circular clarifiers). The solids loading was calculated
using eq. 58. This is benchmarked to a typical accepted range as suggested by Metcalf & Eddy (
2003). When the solids loading is not within that range, the selected number of clarifiers needs
to be changed.
The design of the proposed secondary wastewater treatment was based on a number of
assumptions and considerations in order to simplify the calculations. Therefore, some aspects of
the proposed modification required due attention as part of the main assumptions were rooted on
ideal conditions as opposed to field dynamic conditions.
Process temperature: A 20C average process temperature was assumed. This condition was
suitable for most microorganisms metabolisms, such as nitrifiers, PAOs and heterotrophs;
however, temperature fluctuations are to be mostly expected in nitrification stage given that
autotrophs's activity is sensibly reduced below 20C impacting on the sludge retention time. In
addition, temperature influences gas transfer rate as well as settling factors (Metcalf & Eddy,
2003), so temperature changes need to be taken into account in biological treatment design.
Accurate wastewater characterization data: In order to provide quality design to meet the
required biological nutrient removal, sufficient or accurate data were required. Some
assumptions can be drawn from a wide range of possibilities which may impact on the
performance of the process. Therefore, a better influent characterization is necessary for the
system performance analysis and for the limitation of the overall capital and operational
expenditures resulting from an overdesign. On the other hand, trace metals testing and quality
data record may be beneficial when is required the prediction of bulking.
Readily biodegradable chemical oxygen demand (rbCOD): given that influent rbCOD
fraction was not provided, a 25 % rbCOD/bCOD ratio was assumed from recommended values
by Metcalf & Eddy ( 2003). However, for this same ratio, other authors such as Henze (1992)
suggests even increased values, specifically 56% of total COD. Information from COD
fractionation is necessary to depict limitations of rbCOD in phosphorus removal or in anoxic
denitrification as this may need an external carbon source (for example methanol) which in turn
entails additional operating costs. For the same reason, 10% rbCOD consumption for
denitrification with no other external carbon source was assumed considering prior consumption
in aerobic zone.
Bulking Sludge: Complete-mix operation, low dissolved oxygen and low food to microbe ratio
influence the bulking sludge phenomena attributed to outstanding filamentous growth (Martins
et al., 2004) in activated sludge reactors. The possibility of bulking events needs to be given due
attention as our proposed design lies in relatively low F/M ratio; therefore, a lower sludge
retention time was proposed for that end. By involving a denitrification stage, bulking sludge
may not be expected. However, as no specific quality data were provided, it may even be better
to monitor potential industrial discharges given that nutrient decline can cause unexpected
bulking events.
Sludge Management & Phosphorus: sludge handling is an important aspect that needs to be
taken into consideration when designing biological treatment units, particularly anaerobic BPR.
The last unit generates sludge with considerable phosphorus concentration. This is enhanced
with recycle flows from the secondary clarifier with high phosphorus concentration as well.
Phosphorus is released throughout sludge thickening and digestion. On the other hand, struvite
deposition is another factor that needs to be closely monitored particularly in turbulence areas
(valves, pipes, pumps, etc) where precipitation of struvite is likely to occur (Doyle and Parsons,
2002). New technologies to prevent precipitation exist among which ultrasonic vibration that
restrain struvite crystal formation. Nevertheless, struvite crystallization for recovering
phosphorus is among the technologies that are utilized to treat liquors from sludge digesters. The
crystallized struvite is a promising slow-release agriculture fertilizer which is economically
profitable (Marti et al., 2008). In that same context, Metcalf & Eddy ( 2003) suggests opting for
methods to recover phosphorus capable of producing bio solids than can later be used for
agricultural purposes.
7. Conclusion
In order to achieve acceptable effluent quality parameters, the secondary wastewater treatment
process proposed for the wastewater treatment plant "Sydney Clean Water" was A2/O process
which was developed in 3 stages, namely BOD removal and nitrification, phosphorus removal
and denitrification, along with the clarifier design for settling and removing suspended solids.
Due to the limited data and some erroneous values given, a number of assumptions for the
design were taken based on practical information from the literature. The proposed A2/O process
will achieve satisfactorily the effluent quality targets for the parameters BOD, NH4-N, Total P,
SS, and Total N, BOD will be removed at 99.8%, P at 100% and NH4-N at 97%. Some aspects
of the proposed modification that require attention given the main assumptions rooted on ideal
conditions are the process temperature, need for accurate wastewater characterization data,
rbCOD, bulking sludge, and sludge management.
References
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2010. Planning Guidelines for Water
Supply and Sewerage. Brisbane: Department of Environment and Resource Management.
DOYLE, J. D. & PARSONS, S. A. 2002. Struvite formation, control and recovery. Water Research, 36,
3925-3940.
EPA 2009. Nutrient Control Design Manual, State of Technology Review Report. Ohio.
HENZE, M. 1992. Characterization of wastewater for modelling of activated sludge processes. Water
Science & Technology, 25, 1-16.
MARTI, N., FERRER, J., SECO, A. & BOUZAS, A. 2008. Optimisation of sludge line management to
enhance phosphorus recovery in WWTP. Water Research, 42, 4609-4618.
MARTINS, A. M. P., PAGILLA, K., HEIJNEN, J. J. & VAN LOOSDRECHT, M. C. M. 2004. Filamentous bulking
sludgea critical review. Water Research, 38, 793-817.
METCALF & EDDY, T., G., BURTON, F. L. & STENSEL, H. D. 2003. Wastewater engineering : treatment and
reuse, Boston, McGraw-Hill.
STUETZ, R. 2012. CVEN9857 Wastewater Treatment, Biological Phosphorous Removal. University of
New South Wales, Sydney.
APPENDIX A
Assumptions
Depth of basin m 6.5 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, p817)
Width to depth ratio 1.5 : 1 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, p817)
CS,20 mg/L 9.08 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, p1747)
Unitless 0.65 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, pp429-430)
Unitless 0.95 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, pp 429-430)
F Unitless 0.9 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, pp 429-430)
CS,TH=CS,TH=CS,20 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, p429)
Fine bubble ceramic diffusers with an aeration clean water
35%
O2 transfer efficiency (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003 pp 707)
Required alkalinity to transform
ammonium to nitrate g CaCO3/g NH4-N 7.14
Residual alkalinity concentration to
g/m3 80
maintain pH in range 6.8-7 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, p 718)
3
Influent alkalinity g/m as CaCO3 140 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, p 717)
Return sludge mass concentration g/m3 8
Design MLSS XTSS concentration g/m3 3
3 2
Hydraulic application rate m /m .d 22 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, p802 )
Number of clarifiers 3
Phosphorus content of heterotrophic g P/g 0.015 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, p 807)
Alkalinity as CaCO3 produced per NO3-N Oxidized g/g 3.57 (Metcalf & Eddy, 2003, p7 90)
Mixing energy 10 kW/1000 m3
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX C
NOMENCLATURE
Xb : active biomass concentration (mg/L) F/Mb: BOD F/M ratio based on activated biomass
F: fouling factor (unitless)
concentration (gBOD/g biomass .d)
Ro: Net oxygen required (kg/h) E: diffusers oxygen transfer efficiency (unitless)
Qanoxic : flow rate to anoxic tank (m3/d)
AOTR: actual oxygen transfer rate under field conditions Alk produced-denitrification: alkalinity produced in denitrification (
NOx feed: NO3 - N fed to the anoxic tank (kg/d)
(kg O2/h) g/m3)
SOTR: Standard Oxygen Transfer Rate in Tap Water at NOx RAS: nitrogen oxides in the effluent in the return
Vnox: volume anoxic tank (m3)
20C and zero dissolved oxygen (kg O2/h) activated sludge (mg/L)
: Oxygen transfer correction factor for waste (unitless)
SDNR: Specific denitrification rate (g NO3-N /g MLVSS.d) D: diameter (m)
A: total area of clarifier (m2)
Qr: RAS flowrate (m3/d) R: return activated sludge (RAS) recycle ratio (unitless)
Xr: Return sludge mass concentration (g/m3) X: Mixed-liquor suspended solids (mg/L)
APPENDIX D
EQUATIONS
1 12
2 13
3 14
4 15
5 16
7 18
8 19
9 20
10 21
11
PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL
22 27
P used for biomass growth = phosphorus
rbCOD equivalent = NO3 Nreact * 6.6 23 28
content of heterotrophic biomass * Px,bio
rbCOD available for P removal = rbCOD influent - rbCOD
P removed = Biological P removal + P used for
equivalent 24 29
biomass growth
32 41
33 42
34 43
35 44
36 45
37 46
38 47
40 49
SECONDARY CLARIFIER
50 55
51 56
52 57
53 58
54
APPENDIX E
CALCULATIONS
DENITRIFICATION
Active biomass concentration 1,334 mg/L
Internal recycle ratio 4.2 unitless
Flow rate to anoxic tank 189,414 m3/d
Nitrate fed to anoxic tank 1,515 kg/d NO3-N from aeration basin
effluent
APPENDIX F
CALCULATIONS IN DETAIL
Assignment No. 2
(3)
Assignment No. 2
Biomass production
A (Heterotrophic Biomass)
(6)
B (Cell Debris)
(7)
(9)
PX,VSS = Px,bio
Assignment No. 2
(11)
(13)
Vbasin = V/4
Detention time
(15)
Assignment No. 2
(16)
(17)
F/M
(18)
Volumetric BOD
(19)
Oxygen Demand
Assignment No. 2
Ro = (39,279/1,000 * (448 - 4.723) - 1.42 * 5,131.874 + 4.33 * 39,279 * 42.32/1000)/24 = 722 kg/h
PHOSPHOROUS REMOVAL
P design requirement
NO3-N in RAS
NO3-N RAS = NO3-N effluent = 8 mg/L
(22)
Assignment No. 2
Phosphorus used for heterotrophic biomass synthesis in addition to phosphorus storage due to BPR (27)
P removed
(29)
P removed = Biological P removal + P used for biomass growth
DENITRIFICATION
Assignment No. 2
Flowrate to anoxic tank = 4.2 * 39,279 + 0.6 * 39,279 = 189,414 m3/d (35)
SDNR
SDNR = 0.42
Capacity ratio
Capacity ratio = NOr/Nox feed
Comparison of the computed value to conventional observed SDNR values based on MLSS (39)
Assignment No. 2
(41)
Ro = Ro (nitrification) - R1
(43)
(45)
(46)
Assignment No. 2
Alkalinity savings
(48)
(51)
(52)
(53)
Size of clarifier
(54)
(55)
Assignment No. 2
(56)
(57)
Solid loadi ng
(58)