The authors are grateful to Professor Simon Judd & Claire Judd for the opportunity to publish this article on their renowned MBR-focused web page (www.thembrsite.com).
2017 - Analysis of nitrifying microbial communities by FISH and 16S rRNA ampl...WALEBUBLÉ
Nitrification, the sequential oxidation of ammonia via nitrite to nitrate, is an important process for nitrogen removal from municipal wastewater. This process is catalysed by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), two different groups of slow-growing microorganisms whose cooperation is needed to achieve complete nitrification. High efficiency and stability of this process is required for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operational optimization due to
nitrification is often subjected to recurring collapse in many WWTPs. Therefore, a better understanding of the microbial ecology of nitrifying bacteria in WWTPs could
potentially improve the nitrification stability. Novel high-throughput molecular methods, as next generation sequencing (NGS), are nowadays providing detailed knowledge on the microorganisms governing wastewater treatment systems. This
methods in conjunction with the environmental ordination of the relationships between biological variables (nitrifying bacterial community) and physicochemical variables (nitrogen compounds and environmental conditions) provide a powerful
tool to elucidate how selection pressures imposed by operational and environmental conditions affect community diversity and dynamics within activated sludge systems.
2017 - Plausible Bioindicators of Biological Nitrogen Removal Process in WWTPsWALEBUBLÉ
Reference:
Zornoza, A., Alonso, J.L. and Serrano, S. (2017) Plausible Bioindicators of Biological Nitrogen Removal Process in WWTPs. In: Abstracts of the 7th congress of European microbiologists FEMS 2017, Valencia, Spain, 9-13 July 2017.
2017 - Environmental ordination of nitrifying bacterial community dynamics in...WALEBUBLÉ
Biological nitrification-denitrification is commonly used for nitrogen removal in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). Nitrification, is the sequential oxidation of ammonia via nitrite to nitrate. This process is catalysed by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea (AOB and AOA) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), whose cooperation is needed to achieve complete nitrification. They are a phylogenetically diverse guild with pronounced ecological niche specialization and they differ from each other in fundamental physiological and molecular traits. Although the nitrification process in WWTPs has been investigated in depth, the response of microbial
communities are still a focus of considerable interest due to their high sensitivity to inhibitory compounds and environmental factors, that results in repeated breakdowns of nitrification performance. Most of studies have been mainly descriptive and/or exploratory and environmental interpretation has not been addressed. In this study, we focus on the environmental ordination of the relationships between biological variables (nitrifying bacterial community) and physicochemical variables (nitrogen compounds and environmental conditions), to propose new strategies to improve the performance of the nitrogen removal process in WWTPs.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Waste to Watts: Anaerobic Digestion of Livestock Manure (Sood)Iwl Pcu
By: Dave Sood, Consultant, The presentation will cover key aspects of anaerobic digestion:
-Methane Production from Manure
-AD and Its Benefits
-AD Process
-Operating Conditions for AD
-Manure Characteristics and Digester Types
-AD and Water Quality
-Manure Characteristics and Digester Types
-Economic Analysis
-AD in Europe
-Why Digesters Fail?
-Cold Climate Digesters
-Key to Successful Digesters in Cold Climates
-A success story & Carbon Credits: Haubenschild Dairy, Minnesota, USA
2017 - Analysis of nitrifying microbial communities by FISH and 16S rRNA ampl...WALEBUBLÉ
Nitrification, the sequential oxidation of ammonia via nitrite to nitrate, is an important process for nitrogen removal from municipal wastewater. This process is catalysed by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), two different groups of slow-growing microorganisms whose cooperation is needed to achieve complete nitrification. High efficiency and stability of this process is required for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operational optimization due to
nitrification is often subjected to recurring collapse in many WWTPs. Therefore, a better understanding of the microbial ecology of nitrifying bacteria in WWTPs could
potentially improve the nitrification stability. Novel high-throughput molecular methods, as next generation sequencing (NGS), are nowadays providing detailed knowledge on the microorganisms governing wastewater treatment systems. This
methods in conjunction with the environmental ordination of the relationships between biological variables (nitrifying bacterial community) and physicochemical variables (nitrogen compounds and environmental conditions) provide a powerful
tool to elucidate how selection pressures imposed by operational and environmental conditions affect community diversity and dynamics within activated sludge systems.
2017 - Plausible Bioindicators of Biological Nitrogen Removal Process in WWTPsWALEBUBLÉ
Reference:
Zornoza, A., Alonso, J.L. and Serrano, S. (2017) Plausible Bioindicators of Biological Nitrogen Removal Process in WWTPs. In: Abstracts of the 7th congress of European microbiologists FEMS 2017, Valencia, Spain, 9-13 July 2017.
2017 - Environmental ordination of nitrifying bacterial community dynamics in...WALEBUBLÉ
Biological nitrification-denitrification is commonly used for nitrogen removal in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). Nitrification, is the sequential oxidation of ammonia via nitrite to nitrate. This process is catalysed by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea (AOB and AOA) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), whose cooperation is needed to achieve complete nitrification. They are a phylogenetically diverse guild with pronounced ecological niche specialization and they differ from each other in fundamental physiological and molecular traits. Although the nitrification process in WWTPs has been investigated in depth, the response of microbial
communities are still a focus of considerable interest due to their high sensitivity to inhibitory compounds and environmental factors, that results in repeated breakdowns of nitrification performance. Most of studies have been mainly descriptive and/or exploratory and environmental interpretation has not been addressed. In this study, we focus on the environmental ordination of the relationships between biological variables (nitrifying bacterial community) and physicochemical variables (nitrogen compounds and environmental conditions), to propose new strategies to improve the performance of the nitrogen removal process in WWTPs.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Waste to Watts: Anaerobic Digestion of Livestock Manure (Sood)Iwl Pcu
By: Dave Sood, Consultant, The presentation will cover key aspects of anaerobic digestion:
-Methane Production from Manure
-AD and Its Benefits
-AD Process
-Operating Conditions for AD
-Manure Characteristics and Digester Types
-AD and Water Quality
-Manure Characteristics and Digester Types
-Economic Analysis
-AD in Europe
-Why Digesters Fail?
-Cold Climate Digesters
-Key to Successful Digesters in Cold Climates
-A success story & Carbon Credits: Haubenschild Dairy, Minnesota, USA
A recent study conducted by an independent environmental laboratory proves that TIGG’s 5DC 12 x 30 activated carbon is effective at removing TTHMs from municipal drinking water. The test was sponsored by a municipality that needed to come into compliance with the EPA’s DPB Stage 2 regulations.
The study sponsor historically had high levels of TTHM in its water that ranged between 105 and 171 µg/L. The municipality talked to TIGG about a water purification adsorption system. While some in the industry insist that coal-based activated carbon is the only effective means of removing disinfection byproducts from municipal drinking water, TIGG experts recommended their 5DC 12 x 30 virgin coconut activated carbon.
The municipality had an independent laboratory run a pilot study using a rapid small-scale column test. They used TIGG’s 5DC 12 x 30 NSF activated carbon, which is designed to remove low concentrations of contaminants from potable water. The laboratory found that initial TTHM concentrations of 138 µg/L were reduced to < 1.0 µg/L following treatment with virgin coconut activated carbon. Based on the scale-up of the testing, it was determined that a full scale carbon adsorber would effectively treat TTHMs for 325 days before the bed needed a changeout.
Not only is coconut-based activated carbon effective, it is typically more economical than coal-based activated carbon. The following report shows the laboratory’s results over a 24-day period.
Biosolids Minimization Using Alkaline Sludge Hydrolysis and BNR ProcessLystek
This paper presents a pilot-scale evaluation of an integrated approach to sludge management utilizing a combination of biological nutrient removal and biosolids alkaline hydrolysis, as well as attempts to explore the impact of recycled alkaline hydrolysates on sludge yield and anaerobic digestion. The novel concept of converting an existing conventional activated sludge (CAS) wastewater treatment plant in St. Marys, Ontario to BNR and integrating it with Lystek technology emerged to reduce sludge production and spare the plant expansion of its sludge storage facilities.
A pilot study was undertaken to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed BNR system and to assess the impact of recycling Lystek-treated sludge to the BNR system and anaerobic digester. The pilot plant produced effluent comparable to that of the full-scale plant with biological nitrification/denitrification and phosphorous removal.
Natural radioactivity in drinking water and associated agedependent dose in L...IOSRJAP
The presence of Ra in drinking water may sometimes make important contribution to natural background radiation exposures. The paper describes the study of 226Ra and 228Ra content in drinking water of Luxor, a famous tourist city in Egypt. A total of thirty-five water samples were analyzed for 226Ra and 228Ra by gamma ray spectrometry with HPGe detector setup, coaxial type and 8192 channels MCA. The concentration of 226Ra was found in the range from 16 to 181 with arithmetic mean 85.6 mBq·L -1 and the concentration of 228Ra ranged from 8 to 98.4 mBq·L -1 with arithmetic mean 48.6 mBq·L -1 .The committed effective dose for the different age groups has been estimated and found to be not more than 0.038 mSv·yr -1 for adults and 0.149 mSv·yr -1 for critical age group (12-17 years old), for 226Ra. While it is not more than 0.05 mSv·yr -1 for adults and 0.29 mSv·yr -1 for critical age group, for 228Ra. The values obtained were compared with the reference values accepted for drinking water and doses resulting from consumption of these waters, due to their 226Ra and 228Ra contents, were calculated. The study showed that 226Ra content for investigated categories of waters is below the levels at which any unacceptable dose due to ingestion would arise
Unsteady state series CSTR modeling of removal of ammonia nitrogen from domes...IJECEIAES
This work shows simulation results for subsurface vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) using a series CSTR model. The VFCW considered received the outflow from a domestic wastewater treatment plant. In addition, it was planted with Cyperus sp. and filter media was unsaturated. The model was based on an unsteady state mass balance for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, using one to three series CSTRs. Nitrogen transformation mechanisms considered were ammonification, nitrification, plant uptake and denitrification. The following effects were evaluated: the number of reacting CSTRs from one to three; the occurrence of the reaction in second and third CSTRs for the case that three CSTRs hold; the use of either equal or different values of reaction rate parameters between CSTRs; and the discretization of the reaction rate parameters. The inflow and outflow measurements of ammonium, nitrites, and nitrates were used for model calibration. The estimated parameters included the reaction rate coefficients and reactor water volume. The coefficient of determination (R ) evidenced a satisfactory capability of simulating outlet pollutant concentrations. Two and three reacting CSTRs achieved similar R value (0.54-0.55), whereas one reacting CSTR achieved an R 2 of 0.39, and three CSTRs with reaction only in the first tank achieved an R of 0.42. Discretization of the nitrification rate for the case of two reacting CSTRs led to an R 2 of 0.94. The parameter sensitivity analysis revealed a significant effect of model parameters on the R 2 value. 2 2 2
1Department of Biotechnology, Techno India University, Salt Lake Campus Kolkata, India
2Department of Microbiology, Techno India University, Salt Lake Campus, Kolkata, India
3Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35 B.C. Road, Kolkata, India
*Address for Correspondence: Atanu Roy, Research Scholar, Department of Biotechnology, Techno India University,
Salt lake Campus, Kolkata, India
ABSTRACT- Three decades data (1984 – 2015) was used to study the effect of surface water temperature, pH, dissolved
oxygen, nitrate, phosphate and silicate on chlorophyll a concentration in three water bodies meant for fish culture (locally
known as Bheries) in East Kolkata Wetlands. The data revealed significant spatio-temporal variations (p < 0.01). The
increasing trend of temperature, nitrate and phosphate reflects the effect of intense urbanization at local level. The
pronounced variation of dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a (decreasing trend) may be attributed to increased load of
sewage in the selected water bodies, which has posed an adverse impact on the phytoplankton standing stock as revealed
through decreasing chlorophyll a trend.
Key-words- East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), Phytoplankton, Chlorophyll a, Nutrients, ANOVA
Steve Major: Finally…an Engineer’s Perspective: 9 MBRs and Countingovivombr
The Dyer Partnership designed the first Ovivo®MBR System in the United States. The Bandon Dunes facility is still in operation today and has nearly 100% of the original membranes installed. After many successful installations it appears that cost and complexity started to increase. Now, with the help of new innovations, MBR technology is not only Best Available Treatment it is also cost competitive with conventional WWT.
A recent study conducted by an independent environmental laboratory proves that TIGG’s 5DC 12 x 30 activated carbon is effective at removing TTHMs from municipal drinking water. The test was sponsored by a municipality that needed to come into compliance with the EPA’s DPB Stage 2 regulations.
The study sponsor historically had high levels of TTHM in its water that ranged between 105 and 171 µg/L. The municipality talked to TIGG about a water purification adsorption system. While some in the industry insist that coal-based activated carbon is the only effective means of removing disinfection byproducts from municipal drinking water, TIGG experts recommended their 5DC 12 x 30 virgin coconut activated carbon.
The municipality had an independent laboratory run a pilot study using a rapid small-scale column test. They used TIGG’s 5DC 12 x 30 NSF activated carbon, which is designed to remove low concentrations of contaminants from potable water. The laboratory found that initial TTHM concentrations of 138 µg/L were reduced to < 1.0 µg/L following treatment with virgin coconut activated carbon. Based on the scale-up of the testing, it was determined that a full scale carbon adsorber would effectively treat TTHMs for 325 days before the bed needed a changeout.
Not only is coconut-based activated carbon effective, it is typically more economical than coal-based activated carbon. The following report shows the laboratory’s results over a 24-day period.
Biosolids Minimization Using Alkaline Sludge Hydrolysis and BNR ProcessLystek
This paper presents a pilot-scale evaluation of an integrated approach to sludge management utilizing a combination of biological nutrient removal and biosolids alkaline hydrolysis, as well as attempts to explore the impact of recycled alkaline hydrolysates on sludge yield and anaerobic digestion. The novel concept of converting an existing conventional activated sludge (CAS) wastewater treatment plant in St. Marys, Ontario to BNR and integrating it with Lystek technology emerged to reduce sludge production and spare the plant expansion of its sludge storage facilities.
A pilot study was undertaken to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed BNR system and to assess the impact of recycling Lystek-treated sludge to the BNR system and anaerobic digester. The pilot plant produced effluent comparable to that of the full-scale plant with biological nitrification/denitrification and phosphorous removal.
Natural radioactivity in drinking water and associated agedependent dose in L...IOSRJAP
The presence of Ra in drinking water may sometimes make important contribution to natural background radiation exposures. The paper describes the study of 226Ra and 228Ra content in drinking water of Luxor, a famous tourist city in Egypt. A total of thirty-five water samples were analyzed for 226Ra and 228Ra by gamma ray spectrometry with HPGe detector setup, coaxial type and 8192 channels MCA. The concentration of 226Ra was found in the range from 16 to 181 with arithmetic mean 85.6 mBq·L -1 and the concentration of 228Ra ranged from 8 to 98.4 mBq·L -1 with arithmetic mean 48.6 mBq·L -1 .The committed effective dose for the different age groups has been estimated and found to be not more than 0.038 mSv·yr -1 for adults and 0.149 mSv·yr -1 for critical age group (12-17 years old), for 226Ra. While it is not more than 0.05 mSv·yr -1 for adults and 0.29 mSv·yr -1 for critical age group, for 228Ra. The values obtained were compared with the reference values accepted for drinking water and doses resulting from consumption of these waters, due to their 226Ra and 228Ra contents, were calculated. The study showed that 226Ra content for investigated categories of waters is below the levels at which any unacceptable dose due to ingestion would arise
Unsteady state series CSTR modeling of removal of ammonia nitrogen from domes...IJECEIAES
This work shows simulation results for subsurface vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) using a series CSTR model. The VFCW considered received the outflow from a domestic wastewater treatment plant. In addition, it was planted with Cyperus sp. and filter media was unsaturated. The model was based on an unsteady state mass balance for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, using one to three series CSTRs. Nitrogen transformation mechanisms considered were ammonification, nitrification, plant uptake and denitrification. The following effects were evaluated: the number of reacting CSTRs from one to three; the occurrence of the reaction in second and third CSTRs for the case that three CSTRs hold; the use of either equal or different values of reaction rate parameters between CSTRs; and the discretization of the reaction rate parameters. The inflow and outflow measurements of ammonium, nitrites, and nitrates were used for model calibration. The estimated parameters included the reaction rate coefficients and reactor water volume. The coefficient of determination (R ) evidenced a satisfactory capability of simulating outlet pollutant concentrations. Two and three reacting CSTRs achieved similar R value (0.54-0.55), whereas one reacting CSTR achieved an R 2 of 0.39, and three CSTRs with reaction only in the first tank achieved an R of 0.42. Discretization of the nitrification rate for the case of two reacting CSTRs led to an R 2 of 0.94. The parameter sensitivity analysis revealed a significant effect of model parameters on the R 2 value. 2 2 2
1Department of Biotechnology, Techno India University, Salt Lake Campus Kolkata, India
2Department of Microbiology, Techno India University, Salt Lake Campus, Kolkata, India
3Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35 B.C. Road, Kolkata, India
*Address for Correspondence: Atanu Roy, Research Scholar, Department of Biotechnology, Techno India University,
Salt lake Campus, Kolkata, India
ABSTRACT- Three decades data (1984 – 2015) was used to study the effect of surface water temperature, pH, dissolved
oxygen, nitrate, phosphate and silicate on chlorophyll a concentration in three water bodies meant for fish culture (locally
known as Bheries) in East Kolkata Wetlands. The data revealed significant spatio-temporal variations (p < 0.01). The
increasing trend of temperature, nitrate and phosphate reflects the effect of intense urbanization at local level. The
pronounced variation of dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a (decreasing trend) may be attributed to increased load of
sewage in the selected water bodies, which has posed an adverse impact on the phytoplankton standing stock as revealed
through decreasing chlorophyll a trend.
Key-words- East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), Phytoplankton, Chlorophyll a, Nutrients, ANOVA
Steve Major: Finally…an Engineer’s Perspective: 9 MBRs and Countingovivombr
The Dyer Partnership designed the first Ovivo®MBR System in the United States. The Bandon Dunes facility is still in operation today and has nearly 100% of the original membranes installed. After many successful installations it appears that cost and complexity started to increase. Now, with the help of new innovations, MBR technology is not only Best Available Treatment it is also cost competitive with conventional WWT.
Starting with a range of headworks options and ending with membrane - based solids management, each Ovivo MBR is an integrated, total solution to a wastewater treatment problem or reuse opportunity.
microBLOX™ Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) systems are fully functional solutions to wastewater treatment problems and are ideally suited to a wide range of applications. microBLOX™ technology was designed and engineered to be extremely simple to operate and optimize. The process uses one set of blowers to provide mixing, air scouring and process oxygen. For higher strength waste, concentrated oxygen can be efficiently added to the process on an as needed basis. Each system can be guaranteed to meet the most stringent nutrient limits and online monitoring is available for ammonia, nitrates and phosphorus in the effluent.
MBR basics have not changed in the last 10 years but the industry landscape is nearly unrecognizable. With so many manufacturers flooding the market what will 2025 look like?
Starting with a range of headworks options and ending with membrane-based solids management, each Ovivo MBR
can be an integrated, total solution to a wastewater treatment problem or reuse opportunity.
Wastewater treatment using membrane bioreactorsHarishwar R
Membrane Biorector is an advanced technique which combines the power of membrane separation with Conventional Water Sludge Treatment Process. The Presentation deals about the two major configurations of MBR and their advantages and disadvantages.
Desalination, The Sustainable AlternativeRick Nabett
Various municipal and industrial projects have enabled Degrémont to consolidate its world-leading position in the desalination field, in particular thanks to its mastery of water treatment technologies, its expertise as builder and operator
http://www.degremont.com.au
Desalination the sustainable alternativeRick Nabett
SERVING INDUSTRIES WITH RELIABLE DESALINATION SOLUTIONS Desalination of seawater or brackish water has become an increasingly common method of producing water to meet the growing needs of industry. http://www.degremont.com.au/industrial/solutions/desalination/
Steve Malloy, Principal Engineer, Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) presents on the selection of MBR technology, including pre-selection and purchase of the membrane equipment, a description of the IRWD MBR facility, and lessons learned for use by other agencies, consulting engineers, and equipment vendors considering installation of an MBR for recycled water production.
INNOVATIVE APPROACH OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM.pdfPRITI CHHATOI
“Case Study on ‘Innovative approach of Sewage Disposal System’ in urban areas.”
Contents: Introduction; What is sewage disposal system ?;Case study of Aquatech’s first integrated biological & membrane water recycle project at Mumbai international airport; Project background; Challenge;
Different steps of Treatment;
The placing of the devises for secondary and tertiary treatment; Process in flow diagram; Biological treatment; Effective RO pre-treatment; Analysis of water contents; Positives from the Project.
2019 - Profiling of filamentous bacteria in activated sludge by 16s RNA ampli...WALEBUBLÉ
Abstract: In this study, filamentous bacteria in the activated sludge of a WWTP were investigated throughout a one-year period using high-throughput short-read (Illumina) and full-length (PacBio) 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results showed that a total of 28 filamentous bacteria genera
were identified using Illumina sequencing. Also, we found 25 species using PacBio sequencing, belonging to Curvibacter, Mycobacterium, Haliscomenobacter, Defluvicoccus, Sphaerotilus, Thiothrix, Leptothrix, Gordonia and Tetrasphaera genera. Active Volatile Suspended Solids (AVSS) were
calculated from ATP data contained in living microorganisms, this parameter represents the living biomass concentration, and the food/microorganisms ratio (F/M ratio) was calculated using AVSS instead of MLVSS. To assess the contribution of the F/M ratio to the variability observed in the filamentous bacteria structure we carried out distance-based linear models (DISTLM) and distancebased redundancy analysis (dbRDA).
2017 - Effect of ozone addition to control Gordonia foaming on the nitrifying...WALEBUBLÉ
The ozonation of activated sludge has been used as a technical measure for bulking control in a high number of full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), despite a lack of precise
predictions on the level of reduction in filament growth or the lack of knowledge of impact on microbial community from this technique. Ozone is a strong oxidant reacting rapidly with
suspended solids. Various studies have suggested that ozone attacks the bacterial cell surface, alters the permeability of the cell membrane and ultimately results in the leakage of cell
contents. However, the microbes in the sludge form a complex matrix, and ozone may affect bacterial populations at different rates different depending on their locations in the floc or their
capacity for adaptation. Nitrification, a key step of the nitrogen cycle, is the sequential oxidation of ammonia via nitrite to nitrate. This process is catalysed by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
(AOB) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), whose cooperation is needed to achieve complete nitrification. Although the nitrification process in WWTPs has been investigated in depth, the response of microbial communities are still a focus of considerable interest due to their high sensitivity to inhibitory compounds and environmental factors that results in repeated
breakdowns of nitrification performance. In this study, we focus on two aspects that have not been thoroughly considered in previous studies; the use of ozone for Gordonia foaming
elimination on dynamic population of a nitrifying bacterial community, and the nitrification performance of activated sludge system.
2017 - Comparison of nitrifying microbial communities of two full-scale membr...WALEBUBLÉ
Barbarroja, P., Moreno-Mesonero, L., Zornoza, A., Fernández-Navarro, J., Alonso, J.L., Muñagorri, F., García, C., Álvarez, C. (2017) Comparison of nitrifying microbial communities of two full-scale membrane bioreactors treating wastewaters from municipal solid wastes using 16S rDNA gene amplicon sequencing. 7th congress of European microbiologists FEMS 2017, Valencia, Spain, 9-13 July 2017.
2013 - Estudio de las relaciones de las bacterias filamentosas no ramificadas...WALEBUBLÉ
Tena, S. (2013) Estudio de las relaciones de las bacterias filamentosas no ramificadas (Microthrix y tipo 0581) formadoras de espumas con los parámetros Operacionales y Físico- Químicos en una EDAR de la Comunidad Valenciana. Trabajo final de Máster en Ingeniería Ambiental. Valencia: Universitat Politècnica de València.
www.abgc
2016 - Estudio de la dinámica de protistas y metazoos en un reactor biológico...WALEBUBLÉ
Martínez. I. (2016) Estudio de la dinámica de protistas y metazoos en un reactor biológico de aireación prolongada con macrófitas en flotación y su relación con las variables fisicoquímicas. Trabajo final de Máster en Ingeniería Ambiental. Valencia: Universitat Politècnica de València.
2014 - Estudio de las relaciones del morfotipo Nosotocoida limicola con los p...WALEBUBLÉ
Calvo, S. (2014) Estudio de las relaciones del morfotipo Nosotocoida limicola con los parámetros operacionales y fisico-químicos en EDAR de la Comunidad Valenciana. Trabajo final de Máster en Ingeniería Ambiental. Valencia: Universitat Politècnica de València.
www.abgc.es
2014 - Identificación y cuantificación del morfotipo Haliscomenobacter hydros...WALEBUBLÉ
Ferrer, M. (2014) Identificación y cuantificación del morfotipo Haliscomenobacter hydrossis formador de bulking mediante la técnica FISH y estudio de su relación con los parámetros operacionales y físico-químicos en EDAR de la Comunidad Valenciana. Trabajo final de Máster en Ingeniería Ambiental. Valencia: Universitat Politècnica de València.
www.abgc.es
2012 - Microscopía convencional versus FISH en la identificación, abundancia ...WALEBUBLÉ
Andújar, A. B. (2012) Microscopía convencional versus FISH en la identificación, abundancia y ecofisiología de los morfotipos filamentosos 0803, 0914 y 0092 en fangos activos. Trabajo final de máster en Ingeniería Ambiental. Valencia: Universitat Politècnica de València.
www.abgc.es
2017 -Study of enzymatic activities and bacterial communities in two full-sca...WALEBUBLÉ
Reference:
Fernández-Navarro, J., Moreno-Mesonero, L., Zornoza, A., Amorós, I., Alonso-Molina, J.L., Muñagorri, F., Álvarez, C. (2017) Study of enzymatic activities and bacterial communities in two full-scale MBR plants treating wastewaters from municipal solid wastes. In: Abstracts of the 7th congress of European microbiologists FEMS 2017, Valencia, Spain, 9-13 July 2017.
www.abgc.es
2013 - Estudio de las relaciones de Gordonia con parámetros operacionales y f...WALEBUBLÉ
Nuñez, J.M. (2013) Estudio de las relaciones de Gordonia con parámetros operacionales y físico-químicos en EDAR de la Comunidad Valenciana. Trabajo final de Máster. Valencia: Universitat Politècnica de València.
Observation of Io’s Resurfacing via Plume Deposition Using Ground-based Adapt...Sérgio Sacani
Since volcanic activity was first discovered on Io from Voyager images in 1979, changes
on Io’s surface have been monitored from both spacecraft and ground-based telescopes.
Here, we present the highest spatial resolution images of Io ever obtained from a groundbased telescope. These images, acquired by the SHARK-VIS instrument on the Large
Binocular Telescope, show evidence of a major resurfacing event on Io’s trailing hemisphere. When compared to the most recent spacecraft images, the SHARK-VIS images
show that a plume deposit from a powerful eruption at Pillan Patera has covered part
of the long-lived Pele plume deposit. Although this type of resurfacing event may be common on Io, few have been detected due to the rarity of spacecraft visits and the previously low spatial resolution available from Earth-based telescopes. The SHARK-VIS instrument ushers in a new era of high resolution imaging of Io’s surface using adaptive
optics at visible wavelengths.
Professional air quality monitoring systems provide immediate, on-site data for analysis, compliance, and decision-making.
Monitor common gases, weather parameters, particulates.
Seminar of U.V. Spectroscopy by SAMIR PANDASAMIR PANDA
Spectroscopy is a branch of science dealing the study of interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter.
Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy refers to absorption spectroscopy or reflect spectroscopy in the UV-VIS spectral region.
Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy is an analytical method that can measure the amount of light received by the analyte.
Richard's aventures in two entangled wonderlandsRichard Gill
Since the loophole-free Bell experiments of 2020 and the Nobel prizes in physics of 2022, critics of Bell's work have retreated to the fortress of super-determinism. Now, super-determinism is a derogatory word - it just means "determinism". Palmer, Hance and Hossenfelder argue that quantum mechanics and determinism are not incompatible, using a sophisticated mathematical construction based on a subtle thinning of allowed states and measurements in quantum mechanics, such that what is left appears to make Bell's argument fail, without altering the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. I think however that it is a smoke screen, and the slogan "lost in math" comes to my mind. I will discuss some other recent disproofs of Bell's theorem using the language of causality based on causal graphs. Causal thinking is also central to law and justice. I will mention surprising connections to my work on serial killer nurse cases, in particular the Dutch case of Lucia de Berk and the current UK case of Lucy Letby.
Salas, V. (2024) "John of St. Thomas (Poinsot) on the Science of Sacred Theol...Studia Poinsotiana
I Introduction
II Subalternation and Theology
III Theology and Dogmatic Declarations
IV The Mixed Principles of Theology
V Virtual Revelation: The Unity of Theology
VI Theology as a Natural Science
VII Theology’s Certitude
VIII Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
All the contents are fully attributable to the author, Doctor Victor Salas. Should you wish to get this text republished, get in touch with the author or the editorial committee of the Studia Poinsotiana. Insofar as possible, we will be happy to broker your contact.
Deep Behavioral Phenotyping in Systems Neuroscience for Functional Atlasing a...Ana Luísa Pinho
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) provides means to characterize brain activations in response to behavior. However, cognitive neuroscience has been limited to group-level effects referring to the performance of specific tasks. To obtain the functional profile of elementary cognitive mechanisms, the combination of brain responses to many tasks is required. Yet, to date, both structural atlases and parcellation-based activations do not fully account for cognitive function and still present several limitations. Further, they do not adapt overall to individual characteristics. In this talk, I will give an account of deep-behavioral phenotyping strategies, namely data-driven methods in large task-fMRI datasets, to optimize functional brain-data collection and improve inference of effects-of-interest related to mental processes. Key to this approach is the employment of fast multi-functional paradigms rich on features that can be well parametrized and, consequently, facilitate the creation of psycho-physiological constructs to be modelled with imaging data. Particular emphasis will be given to music stimuli when studying high-order cognitive mechanisms, due to their ecological nature and quality to enable complex behavior compounded by discrete entities. I will also discuss how deep-behavioral phenotyping and individualized models applied to neuroimaging data can better account for the subject-specific organization of domain-general cognitive systems in the human brain. Finally, the accumulation of functional brain signatures brings the possibility to clarify relationships among tasks and create a univocal link between brain systems and mental functions through: (1) the development of ontologies proposing an organization of cognitive processes; and (2) brain-network taxonomies describing functional specialization. To this end, tools to improve commensurability in cognitive science are necessary, such as public repositories, ontology-based platforms and automated meta-analysis tools. I will thus discuss some brain-atlasing resources currently under development, and their applicability in cognitive as well as clinical neuroscience.
The ability to recreate computational results with minimal effort and actionable metrics provides a solid foundation for scientific research and software development. When people can replicate an analysis at the touch of a button using open-source software, open data, and methods to assess and compare proposals, it significantly eases verification of results, engagement with a diverse range of contributors, and progress. However, we have yet to fully achieve this; there are still many sociotechnical frictions.
Inspired by David Donoho's vision, this talk aims to revisit the three crucial pillars of frictionless reproducibility (data sharing, code sharing, and competitive challenges) with the perspective of deep software variability.
Our observation is that multiple layers — hardware, operating systems, third-party libraries, software versions, input data, compile-time options, and parameters — are subject to variability that exacerbates frictions but is also essential for achieving robust, generalizable results and fostering innovation. I will first review the literature, providing evidence of how the complex variability interactions across these layers affect qualitative and quantitative software properties, thereby complicating the reproduction and replication of scientific studies in various fields.
I will then present some software engineering and AI techniques that can support the strategic exploration of variability spaces. These include the use of abstractions and models (e.g., feature models), sampling strategies (e.g., uniform, random), cost-effective measurements (e.g., incremental build of software configurations), and dimensionality reduction methods (e.g., transfer learning, feature selection, software debloating).
I will finally argue that deep variability is both the problem and solution of frictionless reproducibility, calling the software science community to develop new methods and tools to manage variability and foster reproducibility in software systems.
Exposé invité Journées Nationales du GDR GPL 2024
Nutraceutical market, scope and growth: Herbal drug technologyLokesh Patil
As consumer awareness of health and wellness rises, the nutraceutical market—which includes goods like functional meals, drinks, and dietary supplements that provide health advantages beyond basic nutrition—is growing significantly. As healthcare expenses rise, the population ages, and people want natural and preventative health solutions more and more, this industry is increasing quickly. Further driving market expansion are product formulation innovations and the use of cutting-edge technology for customized nutrition. With its worldwide reach, the nutraceutical industry is expected to keep growing and provide significant chances for research and investment in a number of categories, including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal supplements.
Commissioning of a 10 mld wwtp with flat sheet mbr technology the arenales del sol case
1. 1 Experiences from the commissioning of the Arenales del Sol WWTP
Commissioning of a 10 MLD WWTP with flat sheet MBR technology: The Arenales del Sol case
Román Gasull1
, Héctor Rey2
.
1
Abengoa Water - Processes & Systems.
Campus Palmas Altas. C/ Energía Solar, Nº 1. 41014 Seville. Spain.
E-mail: r_gasull@hotmail.com
2
Prointec. Water Treatment Department. Avda de Burgos 12.Madrid 28036. Spain
E-mail: hjrey@prointec.es
1. INTRODUCTION
The Arenales del Sol WWTP, located in Alicante, in
the Mediterranean region of Spain, it combines
biological treatment with nutrient removal along with a
submerged MBR system fitted with flat sheet (FS)
ultrafiltration membranes, with an average treatment
capacity of 10.000 m3
/d (10 MLD). The plant provides
high quality treatment to highly variable seasonal
sewage inflow due to the nature of this popular coastal
region, where second homes and golf courses attract
visitors during the summer months and winter and
Easter vacation periods. This seasonal feature became
a major challenge both during commissioning and
during the design of the O&M strategies of the plant.
Time constraints and the little room available for
contingencies required the employment of site-
specific operational strategies in order to commission
this relatively large MBR plant.
Table 1. Arenales del Sol WWTP characteristics
Flow (AWF) 10,000 m
3
/d No.treatment lanes 2
Peak Flow (WWF) 12,000 m
3
/d No. MBR lines 8 lines, 9 modules/line
Influent / effluent characteristics Process characteristics
BOD5 700 / 10 SRT 18 d
SS 500 / 5 HRT 16,8 hrs
NT 80 / 10 F:M 0.084 kgBOD5*d
-1
/kgTSS
PT 10 / 1 Average Design Flux (J): 22 LMH
Turbidity - / 2 NTU [MLSS] MBR/oxic 12.5/ 10.5 g/l
Pretreatment
1.Coarse Screening 3.Sand & Grit removal
2.Medium Screening (6 mm) 4. Fat & Grease removal
5.Fine Screening Rotary Drum punch hole sieve (2 mm)
Process tanks MBR system
Balancing tank (Vt = 2.130 m
3
) Total of 72 double-deck MBR modules with 280 m
2
/unit filtration area
Model: TORAY TMR-140-200D
2 x anoxic tanks (Vt = 1.380 m
3
) Total filtration area: 20.160 m
2
2 x oxic tanks (Vt = 3.616 m
3
) Design Flux values: 0,5 m/d (mean) , 0,69 m/d
2 x MBR tanks (Vt = 1.854 m
3
) SADm: 0,42 – 0,6 m
3
/m
2
/d
2. 2 Experiences from the commissioning of the Arenales del Sol WWTP
2. TYPICAL COMMISSIONING CHALLENGES OF A
MBR
2.1. Background
Many WWTPs fitted with MBR technology have
experienced severe difficulties during the
commissioning and start up phases of the Project,
specifically because operational problems are
normally manifested as failure to meet the hydraulic
load, rather than achieve the required level of
purification. This demands that membrane fouling
and clogging is minimised as much as possible,
through removal of fine solids and reduction of EPS or
dissolved organic carbon levels in the sludge. Also, the
variation of operational parameters such MLSS
concentration, peak fluxes, and aeration volume are
known to exacerbate fouling and clogging, as well as
the sludge floc structure.
Various challenges arise during MBR
commissioning, including:
a) rapid membrane fouling due to insufficient
biomass concentration, unhealthy
microorganism populations, excessive EPS
formation or membrane blocking;
b) overflowing tanks from heavy foaming events
(with subsequent biomass loss) or membrane
clogging;
c) under-spec treated water quality prior to the
biological conditions reaching the design
values, and specifically the MLSS
concentration;
d) impaired treatment from incomplete tasks
from commissioning, such as clean water
testing, PID control adjustment, etc;
e) membrane clogging/ragging due to
unscreened seeding sludge;
f) membrane damage due to abrasion from
construction materials, such as metal shards
from thread tapping, not removed from the
MBR tanks;
g) sludge settling due to blower failure;
h) membrane over/under-aeration due to
incomplete PID blower testing or incorrect
blower design.
All the activities planned for the commissioning
of this WWTP aimed to minimise or avoid the above,
and from applying knowledge available from a
number of published case studies.
2.2. Commisioning requeriments, hollow fibre Vs flat
sheet systems
Sludge seeding in biological and MBR tanks can
become challenging in medium to large municipal
WWTPs. Typically, the anoxic and oxic reactor
volumes are usually too large and un-chambered, and
are to be filled with rather concentrated sludge from
other WWTPs in a single step. Equally difficult and
expensive is to truck in excess recirculation sludge
from other secondary settlers to achieve a high MLSS
concentration in the MBR tanks. On-site biomass
augmentation is thus unavoidable for any medium to
large MBR plant, and the target MLSS concentration
will depend on the membrane configuration: 5-8 g/l
(or 10-12 g/l for short periods) for an HF configuration
compared with 12 to 15 g/l for the FS. It follows that
target biomass conditions are more rapidly attained
for HF systems. Moreover, as often observed in MBR
literature, FS membranes experience major fouling at
lower MLSS from small pin-floc structures causing
rapid pore blocking more rapidly. At higher MLSS
levels and correspondingly larger flocs, the sludge-
scouring air mixture provides greater higher shear
and so an improved cleaning efficiency at higher MLSS
concentrations (up to 18 g/l) than at lower.
In the case of HF systems, the initial MLSS
concentration is not considered as important during
commissioning, since they demonstrate good best
filtration performances at sludge seeding
concentrations (2 to 6 g/l).
3. 3 Experiences from the commissioning of the Arenales del Sol WWTP
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Flux
MLSS concentration (g/l)
Typical Flux vs MLSS in sMBR
Flat Sheet
Hollow Fiber
Fig. 1- A) Comparison between Flat Sheet and Hollow Fiber
It was important to reduce the risk of initial
fouling at the low MLSS concentrations to avoid
downtime for chemical cleaning. However, since
the existing WWTP was not meeting effluent
discharge standards the new plant had to be
ready for work with full flow treatment
warranties in a shortened time. Given the time
constraints the project was under, a minimum
MLSS concentration of only 6-7 g/l was deemed
necessary prior to operation with the FS MBR
membranes.
All the ancillary equipment to the MBR (i.e.
blowers, pumps, PLC, etc) was fully tested with
clean water.
3. FOULING CONTROL STRATEGIES DURING
START UP
3.1. Biomass development
Biological degradation of the sludge in the
reactors is required not only to meet effluent
discharge standards but also to avoid membrane
fouling by excessive unoxidised BOD levels. Time
restrictions associated with the commissioning
required both a stable biomass and a ready-for-
business MBR system at the design conditions of
12.5-15 g/l within 8-10 weeks. Unfortunately,
since only about 30% of design inflow was being
received at the time, there was a shortage of
carbon for natural bio-augmentation. Biomass
augmentation was thus achieved using the anoxic
and oxic tanks in one (of two) of the treatment
lines in an sequencing batch mode, with
supernatant being regularly withdrawn so as to
increase the MLSS without discharging the solids,
(thus increasing the SRT). The plant was fed both
with untreated sewage pumped from the existing
plant at a reduced loading rate and sugar cane
residues as an additional carbon source.
Additionally, small volumes of lyophilized
bacteria were added in the first few days to
rapidly increase the available microorganism
population in the tanks. This strategy allowed for
4. 4 Experiences from the commissioning of the Arenales del Sol WWTP
a controlled seeding process, while closely
examining biomass species under the
microscope.
All sludge fed into the new plant was mesh
filtered in the new rotary drum screens (punch-
hole, 2 mm) for fail-safe operation of the
membranes.
Modelling software (WEST) was used to
simulate biomass growth in the biological tanks.
As it turned out, WEST predictions were quite
accurate in assessing the actual biomass growth
rate during start up. The time employed in
seeding and concentrating the sludge was used
to calibrate the input data for the modelling
software.
Fig. 2- A) Comparated growth of MLSS (simulated and experimental)
3.2. Flux control
Flux control is crucial for fouling control. It is
well known that if flux is maintained below a
certain critical value (known as critical flux), it is
possible to ensure stable operation with little or
negligible increase in TMP for longer periods, and
hence reducing cleaning frequency. It is also true,
however, that this critical flux is unique to every
MBR plant and process water characteristics, and
it is usually only ascertained through trial and
error experimentation under design operational
conditions (in this case, 12.5 g/l at 22-28 LMH).
Strict flux control during commissioning stage is
thus essential to avoid accelerated fouling,
particularly when using FS system configurations.
During start-up at around 6-7 g/l MLSS, it
was not deemed necessary to try find the critical
flux value for the MBR system; flux values
permitted until design conditions were kept
conservative and well below design conditions.
Average biomass temperature at start-up was
slightly above 16º C.
Since commissioning time was getting closer
and filtration had to be resumed promptly prior
to the Easter vacation period, filtration was
started with a low MLSS of 6.5 g/l, and a flux
below 8 LMH, with a maximum allowed
emergency flux of 10 LMH. The operational flux
allowed at each of the commissioning phases
(see below) were chosen according to the
previous experiences with the chosen membrane
technology.
5. 5 Experiences from the commissioning of the Arenales del Sol WWTP
Table 2. Commissioning phase operating parameters
Start up
conditions
Transitional
phase
Design Conditions
[MLSS] (g/l) 5 to 7.5 8 to 11 12 to 15
Aver. Flux allowed (LMH) 6 to 8 8 to 14 20 to 28
Max. Flux allowed (LMH) 10 16 41
This filtration time prior to commissioning,
even at these low fluxes (design flux was 22 LMH)
allowed for both biomass concentration and
biomass acclimatization while reaching the more
acceptable MLSS levels above 10 g/l. Again, the
WEST modelling software was employed to
forecast biomass growth and hence inform the
initiation of full-flow start-up of the plant.
3.3. Air scouring control and optimization
The beneficial effects of air scouring to
control fouling at the membrane surface of flat
sheet membranes is well documented. Typically,
it is assumed that there is a linear relationship
between membrane flux (Lwater/m2
/h) and the air
scouring rate (Nm3
/h/m2
), within some limits
above which this positive influence of higher air
volume per unit membrane area is no longer
observed. The designed air scouring range for the
membranes was from 0.42-0.6 Nm3
/h/m2
–
typical for a double-deck Toray system.
Initially, the MBR control system had been
programmed so as to reduce the energy
consumption related to air scouring according to
a flux/TMP related algorithm; that is, employing
the lowest air scouring rate possible as to
maintain a flux below the critical flux value. This
type of control assumed a steady sludge
concentration within the design limits (12-15 g/l),
as opposed to the low solids concentration
operation required at the start-up phase. For this
reason, it was decided to re-program the SCADA
control software so that it would allow for an
additional Operational Mode with Low MLSS,
where the highest air scouring rate could be
employed when [MLSS] in the MBR tanks was
below a critical value of 8 g/l.
Also, during low or no inflow periods to the
plant, the MBR would allow for intermittent
aeration every 30 minutes to maintain aerobic
conditions, avoiding sludge settling at the bottom
of the tanks and between the membrane plates.
When not in operation, all membrane lanes were
aerated for 2.5 minutes every 25 minutes. During
low inflow periods, the eight MBR lanes were
operated alternatively in pairs.
Finally, a submersible mixer was installed in
each MBR lane not fitted with MBR modules
(until second commissioning phase) to keep
biomass in suspension, while a minimum 200%
recirculation was maintained.
3.4. Polymer dosing
To minimise potential fouling at initial low
MLSS, it was also decided to dose a synthetic
cationic polymer, (MPE 50, Nalco) designed to
suppress membrane fouling by colloids. This
product has shown good results in increasing
critical flux at other existing MBRs worldwide at
low temperatures, as per the MBR consultants’
experience, and also suppresses foaming. It was
not possible at the time of commissioning to fully
evaluate the beneficial effects of the addition of
this polymer, since there was a simultaneous
temperature increase in the sludge at the time of
dosing (see graph). The dosage of MPE 50 was
initiated at 4 g/l MLSS, and was stopped shortly
before reaching 9 g/l. The use of this product
6. 6 Experiences from the commissioning of the Arenales del Sol WWTP
was considered, however, a viable option to
reduce fouling - or enhance flux - and it was
subsequently included in the plant's O&M
guidelines as an emergency strategy to improve
plant's overall performance during storm events,
load changes or significant temperature
decrease.
Fig. 3- A) Flux Vs TMP during the start-up
3.5. Foaming
Foaming is a common issue in
biotreatment processes and there are a large
number of management strategies, yet these are
not always put into practice. Historically, there
have been many MBR plants installed without
foaming removal or control systems in their
designs which subsequently experienced
problems during foaming events, with foam
sometimes overflowing into the biological tanks.
The occurrence of foam at start-up and
operational stages differs both in its origin and
also in its magnitude. The release of the
hydrophilic agent the membranes are coated
with for preservation during storage may cause a
very light and clear foam, which disappears
within hours once filtration conditions start.
Another type of foaming that can happen at the
same time is of biological origin and can arise
from low temperatures, insufficient organic
loads, a non-acclimatized biomass or excessive
chemical cleanings. Foaming may be
exacerbated when the biological process in the
aerobic/anoxic tanks and the MBR is interrupted
due to the typical PID and equipment
adjustments that take place during start-up. As a
result, extensive inactivation of microorganisms
will lead to foaming due to proteinaceous DNA
release from dead cells. Finally, foaming
occurrence during normal and stable operation of
MBRs is also common due to the long SRTs, yet
this foam type tends to be naturally controlled at
large municipal plants as long as foam is not
"trapped" in the reactor.
At Arenales del Sol, foaming issues were
taken in consideration when designing the
biological tanks, ensuring that there was always
an overflow from anoxic tanks all through to the
MBR chambers and into the recirculation
chamber. Any foaming event eventually ends up
7. 7 Experiences from the commissioning of the Arenales del Sol WWTP
at the MBR lanes, where an overflow weir direct
all recirculating sludge (and foam) into a channel
fitted with a simple foam removal system that
operates with two manually operated gates. All
foam removed is accumulated in a sump fitted
with submersible pumps, which can then be sent
to the sludge dewatering system, or back into the
recirculation pipeline onto the anoxic tanks.
4. CONCLUSIONS
1. The Arenales del Sol WWTP was, at the
time of commissioning, under some of
the typical pressures often found in
municipal WWTPs in coastal regions.
There was an urgency to have the plant
fully operational at certain dates.There
was no room for errors in either the
water quality to be provided, nor the
chance to rely on the existing WWTP for
treatment, as it was being
decommissioned.
2. The previous MBR knowledge of the
Contractor, MBR system integrators and
technical assistance, ensured a rapid
commissioning with minimal deviations
from the planned schedule over a period
of 8 weeks. The whole WWTP was
designed with a great amount of
redundant equipment, and fully
orientated towards MBR's best practices.
3. The WEST modelling software was
helpful in forecasting potential biological
process pitfalls, even prior to the plant
attaining design conditions. It aided
greatly in the planning of sludge seeding
and biomass acclimatation. It also
provided useful strategies for operation,
as the software was also used to simulate
different inflow scenarios throughout the
year.
4. Finally, a great deal of care and planning
was put into the commissioning and start
up phases of the project. Various
preventive fouling control techniques
were enforced, with the sole aim of
reducing plant downtime for
maintenance cleaning. This provided full
flow treatment capability from the very
beginning, enabling smooth handover to
the end user.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to Professor Simon Judd
& Claire Judd for the opportunity to publish this
article on their renowned MBR-focused web page
(www.thembrsite.com).
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8. 8 Experiences from the commissioning of the Arenales del Sol WWTP
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