Trade Waste Research Articles

Cooperative facilitation and implementation of major trade-waste agreements

This paper provides a review of the trade waste agreement facilitation consultancy that Wagga Wagga City Council, Australia, has provided to major trade-waste sources since March 2000. The paper provides an insight into the role of a third-party facilitator in the establishment implementation, and conversion of an interim trade-waste agreement into a sustainable, term-based trade-waste agreement.

Estrogenic activity in five United Kingdom rivers detected by measurement of vitellogenesis in caged male trout

AbstractIt was recently demonstrated that most, if not all, effluents of sewage‐treatment works (STWs) in the United Kingdom are estrogenic to fish. As many STWs discharge into rivers, it is possible that some stretches of rivers downstream of where the effluent enters might also be estrogenic. To assess this possibility, the induction of vitellogenin synthesis in caged male trout placed at various distances downstream of the effluent entry point was used as a biomarker of estrogen exposure. Individual discharges into five rivers in England were studied. In four cases, fish placed in the neat effluent, or close to where it entered a river, showed very marked and rapid increases in their plasma vitellogenin concentrations, demonstrating that the effluent was estrogenic. In two of these four cases, none of the downstream sites were estrogenic, whereas in one of the four, fish placed at a site 1.5 km downstream did respond by synthesizing appreciable amounts of vitellogenin, although sites further downstream were not estrogenic. The situation in the fourth river was quite different; not only was the effluent extremely estrogenic (a maximum vitellogenin response in the mg/ml range was attained), but so were all the other study sites on the river, the last of which was 5 km downstream of where the effluent entered. This particular river receives trade effluent from wool‐scouring mills, which contains much higher concentrations of alkylphenolic chemicals than any of the other discharges studied. It is suggested that these chemicals probably account for the estrogenic activity of this river. The final (fifth) river showed no estrogenic activity, not even in the neat effluent. This discharge comes from a very small STW, which receives no trade waste, and one or both of these factors may account for why the effluent (and hence the river) was not estrogenic.

The contribution of domestic sources to levels of key organic and inorganic pollutants in sewage: the case of Melbourne, Australia

For the purposes of regulating discharges by industry to Melbourne's sewer network, information was needed on the concentrations of key pollutants in sewage from purely domestic sources. Sampling sites around Melbourne were identified where sewage free of trade waste contributions could be obtained. The sites chosen spanned a range of geographical areas and residential area types. Samples from these sites were analysed for a wide range of components. Similar analyses were conducted on samples from domestic water supplies. The consolidated results of these analyses are presented. The results show that the water supply contributes substantially to levels of many pollutants in domestic sewage. Comparisons with data for sewage plant influents show higher than expected inputs, from domestic sources, of many pollutants often regarded as having a mainly industrial origin.

Applications of a respirometry based toxicity monitor

The development of a respirometry based toxicity monitor is described which automatically tests samples of imported trade waste to indicate toxicity problems. The research concentrated on the development of a methodology to test acute toxicity on nitrifying sludge. The same method was used to test specific compounds that might affect the nitrification process of the activated sludge plant. The use of the respirometer to test the possible toxicity of influent (intake protection) is also described. Although the method was originally intended to test inhibitory effects of tanker discharges, only minor changes to the hardware or the software prove to be necessary to use the instrument for different applications.

The contribution of domestic sources to levels of key organic and inorganic pollutants in sewage: The case of Melbourne, Australia

For the purposes of regulating discharges by industry to Melbourne's sewer network, information was needed on the concentrations of key pollutants in sewage from purely domestic sources. Sampling sites around Melbourne were identified where sewage free of trade waste contributions could be obtained. The sites chosen spanned a range of geographical areas and residential area types. Samples from these sites were analysed for a wide range of components. Similar analyses were conducted on samples from domestic water supplies. The consolidated results of these analyses are presented. The results show that the water supply contributes substantially to levels of many pollutants in domestic sewage. Comparisons with data for sewage plant influents show higher than expected inputs, from domestic sources, of many pollutants often regarded as having a mainly industrial origin.

Applications of a respirometry based toxicity monitor

The development of a respirometry based toxicity monitor is described which automatically tests samples of imported trade waste to indicate toxicity problems. The research concentrated on the development of a methodology to test acute toxicity on nitrifymg sludge. The same method was used to test specific compounds that might affect the nitrification process of the activated sludge plant The use of the respirometer to test the possible toxicity of influent (intake protection) is also described. Although the method was originally intended to test inhibitory effects of tanker discharges, only minor changes to the hardware or the software prove to be necessary to use the instrument for different applications.

Chemical partitioning and remobilization of heavy metals from sewage sludge dumped in Dublin Bay

During the disposal of sewage sludge to the marine environment, chemical changes may alter the mobility of trace elements, thus affecting their potential toxicity and availability to marine organisms. Primary sludge from the Ringsend treatment plant in Dublin receives both domestic waste and trade wastes which contain heavy metals, and approx. 250,000 tons per annum is periodically dumped in Dublin Bay. The purpose of this study was to determine changes which may occur in the chemical partitioning of heavy metals in the sludge during disposal. Samples of sludge were collected from the treatment plant in July 1987. Sequential chemical extraction of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Mn) was carried out in a nitrogen-filled glove box using 1 M ammonium acetate, 1 M sodium acetate, 0.1 M hydroxylamine HCl (pH 2), 0.2 M ammonium oxalate (pH 3), 30% hydrogen peroxide and concentrated HNO 3. Seawater-extractable metal was determined by mixing subsamples of sludge with filtered seawater from Dublin Bay for 2 h. Chemical partitioning of heavy metals among solid phases in the sludge residue was redetermined by sequential chemical extraction. Both sludge and dumpsite sediments were analysed for total heavy metal content and organic content. The sludge was found to be only slightly anaerobic with a water content of 88% and significant concentrations of some metals, notably copper and zinc. Most of the non-residual copper, lead and cadmium was found in the organic/sulphidic fraction of the sludge (hydrogen peroxide extract), while the dominant phase for zinc was the moderately reducible fraction (ammonium oxalate extract) and only iron and manganese had substantial proportions of metal in more labile phases. Agitation with seawater mobilized cadmium and manganese to a significant extent (56 and 43%, respectively) but negligible amounts of copper or lead (0 and 2%, respectively). However, significant changes in solid-phase partitioning of lead and zinc occurred resulting in mobilization from stronglybound to more labile fractions. No deleterious effects were found at the dumpsite but localized effects are possibly due to the increased mobility of zinc, lead and particularly cadmium.

The effects of selected chemicals and water quality on the marine polychaete: Ophryotrocha Diadema

Cultures of a dorvilleid polychaete, Ophryotrocha diadema. have been used here to test the toxicity of a range of pure chemicals, including metals and pesticides. The 48-h LC 50 values are reported. In comparison with other marine polychaetes currently used in toxicity tests, O. diadema was found to be equally sensitive to most of the potential pollutants. In an attempt to increase the tolerance of O. diadema to metals. 12 generations were grown during an 18 month period in sea water containing sublethal concentrations of mercury, copper and zinc. This treatment caused an increase in the generation time of the cultures. Acute toxicity tests on the parent. F 5 and F 12 generations were not significantly different from each other and it was concluded that there was no measurable increase in tolerance. O. diadema was tested for the bioassay of polluted water by culturing it in water from Belfast Lough, a semi-enclosed marine bay which is used for the disposal of domestic and trade waste. The growth of the parents from 6-segment to adult stage was normal, but egg production was both delayed and reduced in water from the lough when compared to water from a clean source. However, this effect could not be attributed conclusively to anthropogenic contamination.

Influence of toxic metals on the repression of carbonaceous oxygen demand

Toxic metals like lead, bismuth, mercury and zinc-aranyl have been found to repress the carbonaceous oxygen demand. The biological seed was developed from trade waste of Glaxo Laboratories. Three concentrations: 5, 10 and 15 mg 1 −1 of the metals were used to observe repression of carbonaceous oxygen demand of amino acid, methionine, used as substrate. Rate constants, ratios of ( t/ y) 1.3 and COD: BOD were computed.

The microbial degradation of morpholine

Morpholine can be completely degraded microbiologically, and two organisms have been isolated, each capable of growth in a simple mineral salts medium with morpholine as the sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy. Excess nitrogen is liberated as ammonia. The enzymes responsible for the oxidation of morpholine are inducible and, in organism Mor G, will also oxidize piperidine, piperazine and pyrrolidine, which are not growth substrates. Ethanolamine is a likely intermediate, though the metabolic steps in morpholine degradation do not give rise solely to acetyl‐CoA. After a period of acclimation, a laboratory scale activated sludge plant effectively removed morpholine over the long period it was operated; the sludge was also capable of nitrification. The possible effects of other chemicals in trade wastes containing morpholine on nitrification and morpholine oxidation are described.

Utilization of Fluidized Bed Combustion Wastes

Abstract Atmospheric fluidized bed (AFB) combustion appears to be a promising means for producing energy from high sulfur coal in an environmentally acceptable manner. The process involves burning crushed coal in a bed of limestone or dolomite that has been fluidized by jets of hot air. The resultant by-products are a dry, sand-size spent bed residue and a relatively high carbon fly ash. This discussion focuses on possible uses for this material, the spent bed residue. The paper is a progress report for a research program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy to evaluate potential commercial applications for fluidized bed combustion wastes. Included in the paper are laboratory data related to seven separate residue sources; a discussion of promising approaches to beneficiation; and supporting data on several potential applications involving the use of the relatively high calcium content of the material as a lime substitute or in the form of a cementitious structural product. Specific applications include stabilized road base compositions, masonry block, artificial reefs, partial replacement for portland cement, synthetic aggregate, flue gas desulfurization, neutralization of acid mine drainage, and treatment of industrial trade wastes. Also briefly discussed are efforts to evaluate the environmental impact of AFB waste disposal.

Utilisation du protozoaire cilie Colpidium campylum pour la mesure de la toxicite et de l'accumulation des micropolluants: Analyse critique et applications

A previously described method, using Colpidium campylum (ciliate protozoa) for toxicity bioassays is analysed after two years' use. The causes affecting accuracy and reproducibility of results are dispersion of mean start populations (error removed by covariance analysis) and detection threshold of Coulter Counter R used for counts (fitted with study of population distribution). As fitted, the method has the best reproducibility. It has been used in the study of seventeen water-soluble toxic substances for which the Minimal Toxic Dose (DMA) has been measured. For substances, we can use internal control solvent or factorial analysis. This last method is more precise and can be used for the study of toxicant mixtures. The bioconcentration of toxic substance in Colpidium has been measured with a PCB. The method of use for direct toxicant determination in tap and drinking water (seventy samples), sewage and trade waste waters is discussed.

Quantitative determination of the population biological activity of biological sludges used in the activated sludge waste water treatment process

The population biological activity of biological sludges used in the activated sludge waste water treatment process is defined as that minimum amount of biological sludge, still able to reduce in a 21 h contact period, the soluble COD of a waste water by one half the value equivalent to the BOD 5d. This A mg BOD50% 21 h value was determined by incubating hundred fold serial dilutions of a biological sludge with a previously sterilized waste water and by plotting the residual soluble COD remaining after a 21 h incubation period vs the sludge dilution. The method allows any given biological sludge to be readily assayed on any given waste water. Biological sludges were found stable for periods up to three months in the frozen state or when stored at 4°C. Lyophilization of biological sludges resulted in a severe loss of population biological activity. Biological sludges of trade waste water treatment plants were followed for periods up to 70 days. A correlation was found between the population biological activity and changes in environmental factors such as reduced N and P nutrient feeding, reduced aeration or changes in pH. Minor changes resulted in a decrease in population biological activity. Drastic changes resulted in a modified shape of the soluble COD vs biological sludge dilution curves, presumably reflecting deep modifications of the waste water-treating biological community.

Design parameters for sludge treatment: interpretation of operation data from seven activated sludge plants for municipal sewage

IN THE Canton of Zurich 72 sewage treatment plants are actually in operation (for 800 up to 400,000 inhabitants), serving about 90 per cent of the total population. The usual basic data for sludge yield is 100 g of dry solids capita-1 day-1 (for raw primary and secondary sludge), respectively 2/3 or about 65 g capita-1 day-1 (for digested sludge). Imhoff speaks of 79-85 g capita1 day1 for raw sludge respectively 52-55 g capita-1 day-1 for digested sludge. In the data for the Canton of Zurich (I00 g capita-1 day-x) trade wastes in the municipal sewage is included. The present contribution deals with the result of analysis and interpretation of the operation data and maintenance records of 7 typical activated sludge plants (ranging from 12,000 to 30,000 inhabitants), treating municipal sewage. The data are calculated by dividing the average daily production of dry solids by the number of contributary population. The population equivalent of trade wastes has not been taken into consideration. The period of observation of these 7 plants ranges between 2 and 11 yr. In TASLE 1 the basic data represent the average of 7 representative plants.

The determination of total organic matter (carbon content) in aqueous media. Part III. Organic carbon in trade wastes and sewage effluent

The method described previously has been adapted for the determination of organic carbon in industrial trade wastes, sewage effluent and river water. By using commercially available equipment and purified gas supplies, the sensitivity has been improved 10-fold, and the apparatus blank has been reduced to less than one fifth. Samples containing as little as 1 p.p.m. of carbon can now be tested by direct injection into the apparatus.

Technical bases for assessing the strength, charges for treatment and biological treatability of trade wastes

Technical bases for assessing the strength, charges for treatment and biological treatability of trade wastes

Technical bases for assessing the strength, charges for treatment and biological treatability of trade wastes

Technical bases for assessing the strength, charges for treatment and biological treatability of trade wastes

Treatment and Disposal of Trade Effluents

SummaryA short historical survey of the development of water pollution control regulations is followed by an analysis of various types of pollution, a review of required standards of quality for trade effluents for discharge to sewers and to rivers and a description of some physical, chemical and biological methods of treating trade wastes. These include settlement, chemical precipitation, neutralization, chemical oxidation, reduction and ion exchange.

Legal and Practical Problems of Effluent Disposal

The current legal position affecting the disposal of trade effluent in sewers, rivers, and estuaries is reviewed. General types of treatment plant are described, and the use of coagulants and of biological treatment for removing polluting matter from trade wastes is discussed. Examples of the treatment of trade wastes from colour‐using industries are given and the approximate cost of treatment is indicate

The treatment of organic trade wastes

The treatment of organic trade wastes