Tank Sludge Research Articles

Sustainable nitrogen removal from wastewater with the hybrid membrane biofilm process (HMBP): bench-scale studies

The hybrid membrane biofilm process (HMBP) is a novel approach to achieving total nitrogen removal from wastewater. It incorporates air-supplying, hollow-fiber membranes into a conventional activated sludge tank, where bulk aeration is suppressed. A nitrifying biofilm grows on the membranes and exports nitrite and nitrate to the anoxic bulk liquid, where suspended heterotrophic bacteria denitrify using influent BOD as an electron donor. Bench scale tests were used to assess the performance of the HMBP for a variety of nitrogen and BOD loading rates. For a nitrogen loading of 1.6 gN m(-2), the nitrification flux remained at approximately 1.0 gN m(-2) d(-1) for BOD loadings ranging from 4 to 17 gBOD m(-2) d(-1) day(-1). Full denitrification was achieved when sufficient BOD was available in the influent. Microsensor measurements indicated nitrite was the dominant form of oxidized nitrogen produced by the biofilm, showing that shortcut nitrogen removal was taking place. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) tests on the biofilm revealed a unique stratification, with three distinct regions: AOB and NOB near the membrane, strictly AOB at intermediate depths, and AOB and heterotrophs at the outer edge of the biofilm.

Process Development for Permanganate Addition during Oxidative Leaching of Hanford Tank Sludge Simulants

In previous studies, we have examined using sodium permanganate for selectively oxidizing and removing chromium from washed Hanford tank sludges. The conclusion from the previous work was that contact with sodium permanganate in a minimally caustic solution, i.e., 0.1 to 0.25 M [OH–] initially, provided maximum Cr dissolution while minimizing concomitant Pu dissolution. This report describes work focused on developing simulants to be used in pilot scale oxidative leaching tests; developing methods for monitoring chromium oxidation by permanganate; and identifying the Cr and Mn materials formed during the oxidative leaching process. The impact of such variables as the Cr compound used, agitation rate, temperature, hydroxide concentration, and initial MnO4 −:Cr ratio on the rate and extent of chromate formation were examined.

Examination of Uranium(VI) Leaching during Ligand Promoted Dissolution of Waste Tank Sludge Surrogates

The dissolution of synthetic boehmite (γ-AlOOH) by 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDPA) was examined in a series of batch adsorption/dissolution experiments. Additionally, the leaching behavior of 233U(VI) from boehmite was examined as a function of pH and HEDPA concentration. The results are discussed in terms of sludge washing procedures that may be utilized during underground tank waste remediation. In the pH range 4 to 10, complexation of Al(III) by HEDPA significantly enhanced dissolution of boehmite. This phenomenon was especially pronounced in the neutral pH region where the solubility of aluminum, in the absence of complexants, is limited by the formation of sparsely soluble aluminum hydroxides. At pH higher than 10, the dissolution of synthetic boehmite was inhibited by HEDPA, likely due to sorption of Al(III):HEDPA complexes. The addition of HEDPA to equilibrated U(VI)-synthetic boehmite suspensions yielded an increase in the aqueous phase uranium concentration. Partitioning of uranium between the solid and aqueous phase is described in terms of U(VI):HEDPA speciation and dissolution of the boehmite solid phase.

Total nitrogen removal in a hybrid, membrane-aerated activated sludge process

The hybrid (suspended and attached growth) membrane biofilm process (HMBP) is a novel method to achieve total nitrogen removal from wastewater. Air-filled hollow-fiber membranes are incorporated into an activated sludge tank, and a nitrifying biofilm develops on the membranes, producing nitrite and nitrate. By suppressing bulk aeration, the bulk liquid becomes anoxic, and the nitrate/nitrite can be reduced with influent BOD. The key feature that distinguishes the HMBP from other membrane-aerated processes is that it is hybrid; heterotrophic bacteria are kept mainly in suspension by maintaining low bulk liquid BOD concentrations. We investigated the HMBP's performance under a variety of BOD and ammonium loadings, and determined the dominant mechanisms of nitrogen removal. Suspended solids increased with the BOD loadings, maintaining low bulk liquid BOD concentrations. As a result, nitrification rates were insensitive to the BOD loadings, remaining at 1 gN m −2 day −1 for BOD loadings ranging from 4 to 17 gBOD m −2 day −1. Nitrification rates decreased during short-term spikes in bulk liquid BOD concentrations. Shortcut nitrogen removal was confirmed using microsensor measurements, showing that nitrite was the dominant form of oxidized nitrogen produced by the biofilm. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were dominant throughout the biofilm, while nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) were only present in the deeper regions of the biofilm, where the oxygen concentration was above 2 mg/L. Denitrification occurred mainly in the suspended phase, instead of in the biofilm, decreasing the potential for biofouling. When influent BOD concentrations were sufficiently high, full denitrification occurred, with total nitrogen (TN) removal approaching 100%. These results suggest that the process is well-suited for achieving concurrent BOD and TN removal in activated sludge.

Alternate Cycles Process for Municipal WWTPs Upgrading: Ready for Widespread Application?

The interest in the biological alternating anoxic/oxic reactors to upgrade existing wastewater treatment plants has been recently renewed, thanks to the use of reliable automatic control systems. To discuss the treatment capabilities of the alternating systems, with particular relation to the municipal WWTPs’ upgrading, this study exploits the experience gained in this field through numerous years of R&D. At first a pilot plant study and then a full scale alternating plant were used to supply experimental data that support the final schematic of methodology. The pilot experimentation was based in the real loading conditions of the italian municipal WWTPs. Real municipal sewage was used to feed the plant in six steady-state periods, applying nitrogen loading rates ranging from 0.03 to 0.1 kg N m−3 d−1. Major problems with the nitrogen removal performances occurred in the case of overaeration of the activated sludge tank, corresponding to influent low-loaded wastewater. The experimental durations per day of...

Cost-effective upgrading of a biological wastewater treatment plant by using lamella separators with bypass operation

Based on a comprehensive cost analysis for the expansion of the Finnentrop WWTP, integration of lamella separators in the biological treatment stage was given priority as optimal solution to increase the solids concentration. The overall expansion project included the reconstruction of the former primary clarifier into a primary settling tank with short retention times and the use of the remaining volume for pre-denitrification. Four lamella separators were positioned in the existing carousel-type activated sludge tank. With the lamella assemblies ensuring it was possible to continue operation of the existing secondary settling tanks. To control an adequate solids concentration in the activated sludge tank and to avoid any overloading of the secondary settling tank, a newly developed bypass strategy was applied. With a controlled mixing of direct effluent from the lamella separators and the contents of the activated sludge tank, the solids concentration of the influent to the secondary settling tank could be maintained at a value of 2.2 kg/m(3). The lamella separator concept did not account for any significant changes in the sludge characteristics, and the overall elimination of nutrients and organic carbon was found to be excellent upon optimisation of the operational lamella strategy.

Alternative treatment for septic tank sludge: Co-digestion with municipal solid waste in bioreactor landfill simulators

Co-disposal of septic tank sludge had a positive effect on the municipal solid waste (MSW) stabilisation process in Bioreactor Landfill simulators. Co-disposal experiments were carried out using the Bioreactor Landfill approach aiming to solve the environmental problems caused by indiscriminate and inadequate disposal of MSW and especially of septic tank sludge. The simulator receiving septic tank sludge exhibited a 200 days shorter lag-phase as compared to the 350 days required by the control simulator to start the exponential biogas production. Additionally, the simulator with septic sludge apparently retained more moisture (>60% w/w), which enhanced the overall conversion of organic matter hence increasing the biogas production (0.60 m 3 biogas kg −1 VS converted) and removal efficiency of 60% for VS from the simulator. Alkaline pH values (pH > 8.5) did not inhibit the biogas production; moreover it contributed to reduce partially the negative effects of NH 4 + (>2 g L −1) due to NH 3 volatilisation thus reducing the nitrogen content of the residues. Associated risks and hazards with septage disposal were practically eliminated as total coliform and faecal coliform contents were reduced by 99% and 100%, respectively at the end of the experiment. These results indicate that co-disposal has two direct benefits, including the safe and environmentally sound disposal of septic tank sludge and an improvement of the overall performance of the Bioreactor Landfill by increasing moisture retention and supplying a more acclimatised bacterial population.

Anaerobic biodegradation of estrogens—hard to digest

Although many publications are available on the fate of estrone (E1), 17beta-estradiol (E2) and 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) during aerobic wastewater treatment, little is published on their fate under strictly anaerobic conditions. Present research investigated the digestibility of E1 and EE2, using digested pig manure, granular UASB sludge, UASB-septic tank sludge and activated sludge as inocula. Besides, actual concentrations were measured in a UASB septic tank treating black water. Under anaerobic conditions E1 is reduced to E2 but the extent of this reduction depends on type of inoculum. No significant loss of the sum of E1 and E2 and of EE2 was observed. Adsorption was responsible for a 32-35% loss of E1 and E2 from the liquid phase in the UASB septic tank and the effluent still contained considerable concentrations of respectively 4.02 microg/l and 18.79 microg/l for E1 and E2 with a large fraction present in conjugated form. No EE2 was detected in the UASB effluent.

Sequential extraction of metals from mixed and digested sludge from aerobic WWTPs sited in the south of Spain

The content of heavy metals is the major limitation to the application of sewage sludge in soil. However, assessment of the pollution by total metal determination does not reveal the true environmental impact. It is necessary to apply sequential extraction techniques to obtain suitable information about their bioavailability or toxicity. In this paper, sequential extraction of metals from sludge before and after aerobic digestion was applied to sludge from five WWTPs in southern Spain to obtain information about the influence of the digestion treatment in the concentration of the metals. The percentage of each metal as residual, oxidizable, reducible and exchangeable form was calculated. For this purpose, sludge samples were collected from two different points of the plants, namely, sludge from the mixture (primary and secondary sludge) tank (mixed sludge, MS) and the digested-dewatered sludge (final sludge, FS). Heavy metals, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti and Zn, were extracted following the sequential extraction scheme proposed by the Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme of the European Commission and determined by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The total concentration of heavy metals in the measured sludge samples did not exceed the limits set out by European legislation and were mainly associated with the two less-available fractions (27-28% as oxidizable metal and 44-50% as residual metal). However, metals as Co (64% in MS and 52% in FS samples), Mn (82% in MS and 79% in FS), Ni (32% in MS and 26% in FS) and Zn (79% in MS and 62% in FS) were present at important percentages as available forms. In addition, results showed a clear increase of the concentration of metals after sludge treatment in the proportion of two less-available fractions (oxidizable and residual metal).

Mechanism on minimization of excess sludge in oxic-settling-anaerobic (OSA) process

The oxic-settling-anaerobic (OSA) process is a promising wastewater treatment technique for efficiently reducing sludge production and improving the stability of process operation. In this paper, the possible factors of sludge reduction such as sludge decay, uncoupled metabolism, and anaerobic oxidation with low sludge production were discussed in the OSA process. It has been confirmed that sludge decay is the decisive cause in the OSA process, accounting for 66.7% of sludge production reduction. Sludge decay includes hydrolysis and acidogenesis of dead microorganisms and particle organic carbon adsorbed in sludge floc and endogenous metabolism. By batch experiments, it has been proven that there is energetic uncoupling in the OSA system since microorganisms were exposed to alternative anaerobic and aerobic environment. It accounts for about 7.5% of sludge production reduction. Soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) released from the anaerobic sludge tank in the OSA process was used as the substrate for cryptic growth. The substrate was used for anoxic denitrifying, anaerobic phosphorus release, sulfate reduction, and methane production. These anaerobic reactions in the sludge anaerobic tank have lower sludge production than in the aerobic oxidation when equivalent SCOD is consumed, which may lead to approximately 23% of sludge reduction in the OSA process. It has been concluded that multiple causes resulted in the minimization of excess sludge in the OSA system. The microbial community structure and diversity of sludge samples from the CAS (conventional activated sludge) and OSA systems were investigated by 16 SrDNA PCR-DG-DGGE (polymerase chain reaction-double gradient-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis). DGGE profile and cluster analysis showed more abundant species in the OSA system contrasting to microbial communities in the CAS system.

Fouling and its reversibility in relation to flow properties and module design in aerated hollow fibre modules for membrane bioreactors

Nowadays, most membrane bioreactors are using membranes submerged in the biomass and aeration in the concentrate compartment to limit or to control fouling. An important issue for the design of modules or membrane bundles in MBRs is to understand how the air/liquid flow is behaving and influencing fouling and its reversibility in relationship to the module properties. This paper focuses on an innovative and very specific process, in which HF membranes are put in a cartridge outside the activated sludge tank and a recycling loop is associated to the cartridge in order to decrease concentration of foulant species at the membrane surface and mass transfer resistance. Recycling operates with a very low liquid velocity in the module (a few cm.s(-1)) which constitutes a specificity of this process in terms of filtration operation. The aim of this study is to characterise two-phase flow and its effects on fouling and fouling reversibility at the scale of a semi-industrial bundle of outside/in hollow fibres, and as a function of bundle properties (packing density, fibre diameter), using specific methods to characterise the flow and fouling effects. Two modules were used showing a different packing density. Filtration was operated at constant permeate flux with clay suspension at 0.65 g.l(-1) in the same hydrodynamic conditions. Fouling kinetics and irreversibility were characterised by an adapted step method, and gas and liquid flows were characterised at global scale by residence time distribution analyses and gas hold-up. Fouling velocities are clearly influenced by gas velocity. The proportion of dead to total volume in the module is mainly affected by the liquid flow velocity and module design. The module with the higher fibre diameter and the lower packing density showed better performances in terms of fouling which was correlated with better flow properties.

Biological contamination of barley and carrots by pathogens in soil fertilised with anthropogenic nutrients

The aim of this study was to find out if the use of septic tank sludge, urine and compostedfaeces as fertilizer for barley and carrot crops would pose a health risk due to pathogentransfer,This study was accomplished as a greenhouse experiment in the premises of the TAM KUniversity of Applied Sciences, Tampere. The study concentrated on the qualitative detectionof Salmonella and a quantitative detection of coliform bacteria in the growing medium - andmore importantly, in the plant products. Methods used were based on instructions given onthe compact salmonella (SL) detection plates and the Compact coliform (CF) detection plateswith a modified method of standards SFS 3950 and SFS 4447. The results were comparedamong others to the European Commission regulation 2073/2005 on microbiological criteriafor foodstuffSalmonella was absent in the fertilizers, and thus its presence would be impossible in the plantproducts. Coliform bacteria were initially detected in the growing medium, but generally theamount decreased significantly within time. At the end of the experiment barley grains fromthe first urine duplicate and first composted faeces duplicate were totally free of coliformbacteria. Also, the amount of coliform bacteria in barley grains of other treatments wasacceptable in hygienic terms, being less than I cfu/g. The amount of coliform bacteria incarrots grown in commercial fertilizer and composted faeces treatments were within thesatisfactory limits. The small size of carrots from urine and septic tank sludge treatments didnot allow complete handling, nevertheless, the amount of colony forming units wasconsidered to be within the acceptable limit of 100-IO00 cfu/g. Results from this studyindicate that the use of composted excreta and source separated human urine as fertilizer isnot posing a health risk in terms of coliform bacteria. More thorough research, however, isneeded in order to define the risk of other disease causing microbes, like enterococci andviruses.

Partial Liquid Phase Oxidation of Microcrystalline Waxes to Produce Emulsifiable Waxes

Partially oxidized hard microcrystalline waxes commonly known as emulsifiable waxes have numerous industrial applications. These are also used as substitutes or extenders for vegetable waxes. Oxidation of microcrystalline waxes obtained from Bombay high crude oil tank sludges have been carried out to study the feasibility of producing emulsifiable waxes under different conditions of catalyst, temperature, reaction time, etc. The study has shown that the microcrystalline waxes derived from Bombay high crude oil tank sludge can be suitably modified to produce emulsifiable waxes.

Interaction between control and design of a SHARON reactor: economic considerations in a plant-wide (BSM2) context

The combined SHARON-Anammox process is a promising technique for nitrogen removal from wastewater streams with high ammonium concentrations. It is typically applied to sludge digestion reject water, in order to relieve the activated sludge tanks, to which this stream is typically recycled. This contribution assesses the impact of the applied control strategy in the SHARON-reactor, both on the effluent quality of the subsequent Anammox reactor as well as on the plant-wide level by means of an operating cost index. Moreover, it is investigated to which extent the usefulness of a certain control strategy depends on the reactor design (volume). A simulation study is carried out using the plant-wide Benchmark Simulation Model no. 2 (BSM2), extended with the SHARON and Anammox processes. The results reveal a discrepancy between optimizing the reject water treatment performance and minimizing plant-wide operating costs.

Flowsheet Modeling and Testing of Pseudohydroxide Extraction from Aqueous Sodium Hydroxide Solutions with 3,5‐di‐tert‐Butylphenol in Isopar® L Modified with Exxal® 8

A conceptual counter‐current process flowsheet was developed for sodium hydroxide recovery from alkaline solutions via pseudohydroxide extraction (PHE). PHE relies on a simple sodium ion/proton exchange mechanism at elevated pH using a weak organic acid extractant. The contact of the sodium‐loaded organic phase with water results in the reconstitution of the extractant in the organic phase and sodium hydroxide in the aqueous phase. In this work, the 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenol (35‐DTBP) cation exchanger was used in the Isopar® L diluent modified with isooctyl alcohol Exxal® 8. Equilibrium isotherms determined for PHE from pure sodium hydroxide solutions and simulated radioactive waste leachate were used to develop a semi‐empirical model that could be used for designing PHE process flowsheets. Using this model, a conceptual PHE flowsheet was developed for recovering NaOH from solutions generated by caustic leaching of radioactive tank sludges. The flowsheet consists of the extraction, scrub, and strip processes, each employing four equilibrium stages. The modeling of this flowsheet indicates 97% recovery of the sodium hydroxide from the waste leachate feed solution. An experimental demonstration, performed with a simulated radioactive waste leachate using batch contacts in a co‐current analog of the counter‐current flowsheet, confirmed the potential for practical application of PHE technology.

Life cycle assessment of wastewater treatment options for small and decentralized communities

Sustainability has strong implications on the practice of engineering. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an appropriate methodology for assessing the sustainability of a wastewater treatment plant design. The present study used a LCA approach for comparing alternative wastewater treatment processes for small and decentralised rural communities. The assessment was focused on two energy-saving systems (constructed wetland and slow rate infiltration) and a conventional one (activated sludge process). The low environmental impact of the energy-saving wastewater treatment plants was demonstrated, the most relevant being the global warming indicator. Options for reduction of life cycle impacts were assessed including materials used in construction and operational lifetime of the systems. A 10% extension of operation lifetime of constructed wetland and slow rate infiltration systems led to a 1% decrease in CO2 emissions, in both systems. The decrease in the abiotic depletion was 5 and 7%, respectively. Also, replacing steel with HDPE in the activated sludge tank resulted in a 1% reduction in CO2 emission and 1% in the abiotic depletion indicator. In the case of the Imhoff tank a 1% reduction in CO2 emissions and 5% in the abiotic depletion indicator were observed when concrete was replaced by HDPE.

Innovative Chemical and Mechanical Processing for Treatment of Difficult Production-Waste Sludge

This article, written by Technology Editor Dennis Denney, contains highlights of paper SPE 105584, "Application of Innovative Chemical and Mechanical Processing for Treatment of Difficult Production-Waste Sludge," by Jacquelyn F. Star, Chevron; Stephen Williams, SPE, M-I Swaco; Isham Sudardjat, Chevron; Roger Kidder, M-I Production Chemicals; and Darrell L. Gallup, SPE, Chevron, prepared for the 2007 SPE E&P Environmental and Safety Conference, Galveston, Texas, 5–7 March. East Kalimantan field in Indonesia has experienced challenges in managing and treating emulsions, slop oils, slurries, and tank bottoms that accumulate in process vessels and tanks. Previous disposal methods did not provide oil recovery and posed severe environmental or regulatory problems. A viable treatment process that uses an aggressive system of heat, customized chemical demulsification, settling, and various means of mechanical/centrifuge separation was developed and put in place. The system recovered more than 40,000 bbl of oil. Introduction Oil and gas producers in the Kutei basin of east Kalimantan, Indonesia, have had difficulties in the management of slurries, slops, and sludges accumulated in process vessels and storage tanks. Unresolved production byproducts, collectively termed sludge, have strong oil/water emulsions, chemically bound by naturally occurring soaps and various mixtures of stabilizing fine sand, scale, and wax. These various production wastes can be exceptionally challenging to treat and recover. Treatment and reclamation of more than 317,000 bbl of tank sludge from the Santan secondary-impoundment-area (SIA) pit from August 2004 through September 2005 targeted the following:Treat the sludge with 100% efficiency, converting the waste to oil, solids, and acceptably clean water.Treat the sludge and close the pit as quickly as possible.Maximize oil recovery and reduce overall treatment costs.Develop a safe, environmentally superior process for sludge treatment that could be considered the standard for best practice for subsequent operations. Background Santan terminal has been receiving, processing, and storing oil and gas from offshore shelf fields for approximately 30 years. Because of chemistries unique to the Kutei basin of east Kalimantan, production fluids have a tendency to form a type of carboxylic soap, leading to strong emulsions of the oil and water phases. These emulsions can be further stabilized by fine scale, formation flour, and wax. With enough solids entrainment, these emulsions can sink, creating a mud-like sludge. It is estimated that unresolved emulsions are dumped to the water plant at a rate of up to 400 B/D (where they are pumped to a designated sludge tank) or are deposited into the storage tanks. This sludge waste represents more than 40,600 bbl of oil in the SIA.

The cost of a package plant membrane bioreactor

The capital and operating costs associated with a small package plant MBR for small-scale domestic duty has been appraised based on a medium-strength municipal wastewater. The three main membrane configurations were considered, these being multi-tube, hollow fibre and flat sheet, with the most appropriate plant design chosen for each configuration. The analysis proceeded via a consideration of the estimated amortised capital costs of the plant individual components and their installation, coupled with operating costs based largely on energy demand and residuals management. Energy demand was calculated from aeration and pumping costs, with aeration based on a combination of empirical relationships for membrane aeration and mass balance, and the modified Activated Sludge Model version 2 used for estimating tank size and sludge generation. Results indicate that it is possible to produce a single household MBR at a capital cost similar to the current market cost for package treatment plants. Desludging and maintenance of these plants is similar but power requirements for an MBR are around 4 times that associated with more conventional package plants. Economies of scale exist from 6–20 p.e. plants but above 20 p.e. there is little cost difference per head, due to the design assumptions made. CAPEX and OPEX are to some extent interchangeable; reductions in CAPEX are associated with an increase in OPEX and vice versa. Whilst costs are high, the market for package MBRs is significantly influenced by the recycling potential of the effluent produced.

Performance and microbial ecology of the hybrid membrane biofilm process for concurrent nitrification and denitrification of wastewater

We report on a novel process for total nitrogen (TN) removal, the hybrid membrane biofilm process (HMBP). The HMBP uses air-supplying hollow-fibre membranes inside an activated sludge tank, with suppressed aeration, to allow concurrent nitrification and denitrification. We hypothesised that a nitrifying biofilm would form on the membranes, and that the low bulk-liquid BOD concentrations would encourage heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria to grow in suspension. A nitrifying biofilm was initially established by supplying an influent ammonia concentration of 20 mgN/L. Subsequently, 120 mg/L acetate was added to the influent as BOD. With a bulk-liquid SRT of only 5 days, nitrification rates were 0.85 gN/m(2) per day and the TN removal reached 75%. The biofilm thickness was approximately 500 lim. We used DGGE to obtain a microbial community fingerprint of suspended and attached growth, and prepared a clone library. The DGGE results, along with the clone library and operating data, suggest that nitrifying bacteria were primarily attached to the membranes, while heterotrophic bacteria were predominant in the bulk liquid. Our results demonstrate that the HMBP is effective for TN removal, achieving high levels of nitrification with a low bulk-liquid SRT and concurrently denitrifying with BOD as the sole electron donor.

Utilisation of respirometry to assess organic matter reduction of effluents from the Camaçari industrial complex (BA, Brazil)

The treatment efficiency of industrial effluents, after biological treatment by activated sludge in aeration tanks (AT), was assessed through the utilisation of respirometry tests at the Cetrel's-wastewater treatment plant (WTP). Samples of the equalised effluent (EE), prior to treatment, and of the treated effluent (TE), after treatment, were analysed. Twenty bioassays batch were carried out to AT (AT-2, AT-3 and AT-4). Each test consisted of: a basic test, a basic test with peptone added, a test using EE and a test using TE. The data showed that there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the respiration activity between the aeration tanks. Regarding the specific oxygen uptake rate there was a mean reduction of 70.8% between the tests performed with EE and TE. The results demonstratd that respirometry tests could successfully assess the efficiency of the activated sludge process and, therefore, be adopted as tool for the monitoring from the WTP.