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Fundamentals of Engineering

Civil Discipline Specific Exam Review

Environmental Engineering

Instructor
Dr. R. Kommalapati, PE, BCEE
School of PE

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Review


Civil Discipline Specific- Environmental Engineering Notes
Dr. R. Kommalapati, PE, BCEE

Table of Contents
Part Chapter Topic Page #.
I Water Quality and Treatment 1
1 Water Quality 1
2 Water Treatment Systems 6
3 Coagulation 10
4 Rapid Mixing Tank/Flocculation Tank 12
5 Sedimentation 14
6 Filtration 16
7 Water Softening 17
8 Chlorination 19

II Wastewater Quality and Treatment 21


1 Overview 21
2 Biochemical Oxygen Demand 26
3 Primary and Secondary Clarifiers 28
4 Activated Sludge 30
5 Trickling Filter 36

III Solid& Hazardous Waste and Air Pollution 39


1 Solid Waste 39
2 Hazardous Waste 48
3 Air Pollution 53

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Review


Civil Discipline Specific- Environmental Engineering Notes
Dr. R. Kommalapati, PE, BCEE

REFERENCES
1. Introduction to Environmental Engineering, 3rd ed., Davis and Cornwell,
McGraw-Hill, 1998.
2. Water Quality, Tchobanoglous and Schroeder, Addison-Wesley, 1985
3. Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Reuse, Metcalf and Eddy
(Tchobanoglous, Burton and Stensel), McGraw Hill, Inc., 2003
4. Environmental Engineering FE Exam Preparation, B. J. Stuart, Kaplan AEC
Education, 2005
5. Environmental Engineering Reference Manual for PE Exam, 2nd Edition,
Michael R Lindeburg, Professional Publications, Inc, 2003.
6. Environmental Engineering PE License Review, P. J. Parker and B. J. Stuart,
Kaplan AEC Education, 2007
7. Environmental Engineering Problems and solutions, Harry Harbold, Kaplan
AEC Education, 2004
8. Environmental Engineering Practice PE Exams, 2nd ed, R Wane Schneiter,
Professional Publications, Inc, 1999.
9. Civil Engineering Reference Manual for PE Exam, 10th Edition, Michael R
Lindeburg, Professional Publications, Inc, 2006.
10. Practice Problem for the Civil Engineering PE Exam, Michael R Lindeburg,
Professional Publications, Inc, 200?.
11. PE Civil Engineering License Review, 16th ed, D. Newnan, Kaplan AEC
Education, 2005
12. PE Civil Engineering Problems and Solutions, 16th ed, D. Newnan, Kaplan AEC
Education, 2005
13. PE Civil Engineering Sample Exam, Kaplan AEC Education, 2006

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CHAPTER 1: WATER QUALITY

Little Chemistry
Concentration
Moles of solute = weight of solute (g) / atomic (molecular) weight (AW or
MW) (g/mole)
Molarity (M), mol/L = moles of solute (mol) /1.0 L of solution
Molality (m), mol/kg = moles of solute (mol) /1.0 Kg of solvent
Normality (N), eq/L = equivalents of solute (eq) /1.0 L of solution
Equivalents = weight of solute (g) / Equivalent weight (g/eq)
Equivalent weight (EW) = MW/ z, where z is equal to replaceable
hydrogen atoms or their equivalent and is equal to change in valance for
oxidation reduction reactions (Appendix 22 C - CERM and EERM)
Mass Conc. (mg/l or g/m3) = weight of solute in g or mg / 1.0 L of solution
Parts Per Million (ppm) = mass of solute, g / 106 g of solution
or ppm = concentration (g/m3) /specific gravity of liquid
for dilute aqueous solutions (specific gravity = 1)
Mass concentration as CaCO3 mg/l or g/m3 =
= mg/l of solute * EW CaCO3/ EW of solute
= mg/l of solute*factor from Appendix 22C of CERM &EERM
Conc. Of 1% = 10,000 ppm = 10,000 mg/L
7000 grains = 1 lb
1 grain/gallon = 142.5 lb/MG

Equilibrium Constant (K) [C ]c [ D]d


For reversible reactions aA + bB cC +dD K
[ A]a [ B ]b
(a ,b ,c and d are stoichiometric coefficients)

Water Ionization
H2O H+ +OH-
Ka,water = Kw (Ion Product of water) = [H+][OH-] = 10-14

pH = -log [H+] = 1/log[H+], pOH = -log[OH-],


pH + pOH =14

also pK = -log[K]

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Physical Characteristics of Water


Turbidity, Color, Taste, Odor, Temperature and Solids (total, suspended, dissolved,
volatile and fixed)

Problem #1.1: Solids


The following test results were obtained for a wastewater sample taken at the inlet to
wastewater treatment plant. The tests were performed using the standard methods.
Determine the concentration (mg/l) of total solids, total volatile solids, total
suspended solids, fixed suspended solids, total dissolved solids and fixed dissolved
solids.
Tare mass of evaporating dish = 54.6422 g
+ Sample = 154.6422 g
+ Residue after evaporation of sample at 105C = 54.7022 g
+ Residue after ignition at 550C = 54.6842 g

Same volume of sample is used to determine the suspended solids also.


Tare mass of filter = 1.5348 g
+ Residue after drying at 105C = 1.5553 g
+ Residue after ignition at 550C = 1.5453 g
Ans:
Weight of sample used = 154.6422-54.6422 = 100 grams
Volume of sample = 100 mL (density of water =1 g/mL) = 0.1 L

Total Solids (TS) = [(54.7022- 54.6422) g *1000 mg/g ]/0.1 L = 600 mg/l

Total Volatile Solids (TVS) = (54.7022 54.6842)g *1000 mg/g ]/0.1L = 180 mg/l

Total Fixed Solids (TFS) = (54.6842 54.6422)g *1000 mg/g ]/0.1L = 420 mg/l
It can also be estimated from TFS = TS-TVS = 600-180= 420 mg/l

Suspended Solids (TSS or SS) = (1.5553-1.5348)g*1000 mg/g ]/0.1L= 205 mg/l

Fixed Suspended Solids (FSS ) = (1.5453-1.5348)g*1000 mg/g ]/0.1L = 105 mg/l

Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS) = (1.5553-1.5453)g*1000 mg/g ]/0.1L = 100 mg/l


Or it can also be estimated by VSS = TSS-FSS = 205- 105 = 100 mg/l

Dissolved solids can be determined from the difference between total solids and
suspended solids. However, laboratories routinely determine the dissolved solids
also experimentally and verify the accuracy of the results.

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Chemical Characteristics of Water


Major Ions present in the water
Cations: Calcium, Magnesium, sodium, potassium
Anions: Bicorabonate, sulfate, chloride
Other ions present: Iron. Manganese, Fluoride, Aluminum, Phosphorous, nitrate,
nitrites

Acidity:
Capacity to neutralize bases and is a measure of acids in water. Acidity is measured
by titrating the sample using a standard base solution to raise to a pH of 8.3
Acidity (mg/l as CaCO3) = (Vtitrant, ml Ntitrant/Vsample, ml) 50 g/ eq *1,000 mg/g

Alkalinity
Ability of water to neutralize acids, caused mainly by bicarbonate, carbonate and
hydroxyl ions.
Alkalinity (eq/m3) = bicarbonate(eq/ m3) + carbonate (eq/ m3) + hydroxyl (eq/ m3)
hydrogen (eq/ m3)

For all practical purposes the last two terms can be ignored for natural water
samples. Even carbonate concentrations are very low in the natural pH range thus
leaving mainly bicarbonate as the cause of alkalinity.

Convert alkalinity from eq/m3 into mg/l as CaCO3 by multiplying with 50 (EW of
CaCO3)

Alkalinity is measured by titrating the sample with a standard acid to a pH of 4.5.


However, this is done in two steps; First the pH is lowered to 8.3, then further
lowered to 4.5

Alkalinity (mg/l as CaCO3) = (Vtitrant, ml Ntitrant/Vsample, ml) 50 g/ eq *1,000 mg/g


If we use P to indicate the phenolphthalein alkalinity (to lower the pH to 8.3) and M
the total alkalinity ( to lower the pH all the way to 4.5) then we can use the
following relationships in sequence to determine the state of the sample.

Hardness
Caused by any polyvalent cations (mainly Calcium and Magnesium). Expressed as
mg/l as CaCO3. Causes precipitates with soap (forms scum) and reduces the
effectiveness of soap.
Carbonate hardness (also known as temporary hardness) is the hardness associated
with bicarbonate and carbonate ions (alkalinity) and the remaining hardness is
termed non carbonate hardness (permanent hardness) and typically is associated
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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

with sulfate and chloride. Carbonate hardness can be removed by heating water.
Hardness is removed by lime-soda softening process or ion exchange process
(discussed later). Hardness is measured by titrating with EDTA (standard is chosen
so that 1 ml titrant gives 1 mg/l as CaCO3 hardness)

Hardness (mg/l as CaCO3) = (Vtitrant, ml CaCO3 equivalent of EDTA)/Vsample, ml)


*1,000 mg/g

Problem # 1.2: Water Quality


A sample of water from Brazos River at Brenham was collected and analyzed for
water quality characteristics and the data is presented in the table below(regular
font). Estimate (i) total dissolved solids. (ii) alkalinity (iii) hardness (TH, CH and
NCH)
(Data is shown in Columns 1 and 2 other columns are part of solution)
Ion Conc. EW Conc Conc
3 3
g/m App 22C Eq/m Eq/m3
1 2 3 (2/3) (2/3)
+2
Ca 78 20 3.9
+2
Mg 32 12.2 2.62
+
Na 78 23. 3.39
+2
Fe 0.42 27.9 0.015
+
K 2.6 39.1 0.066
-
HCO3 292 61 4.79
-2
SO4 64 48 1.33
-2
CO3 6 30 0.2
-
Cl 132 35.5 3.72
Sum 685.52 9.991 10.04

(i) Note that the sum of cations and anions should be roughly equal (in eq/m3) for a
satisfactory analysis.
Total dissolved solids (TDS) = sum of all the ions in column 2 = 685.52 g/m3

(ii) Alkalinity is caused by the presence of mainly CO3-2 and HCO3- ions (For all
practical purposes the contribution of hydroxyl (OH-) and Hydrogen (H+ ) ions to
alkalinity is negligible for natural waters)

Alkalinity (eq/m3) = CO32- + HCO3- = 4.79 + 0.2 = 4.99 eq/m3


(also remember that 1 eq/m3 = 50 mg/l as CaCO3)

(iii) Total Hardness, TH (add all the cations with a charge of 2 or more)

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

TH = Ca+2 + Mg+2 + Fe+2 =


3.9 + 2.62 + 0.015 = 6.535 eq/m3 (or 327 mg/l as CaCO3)

If we only include the major ions (Ca+2 and Mg+2), TH = 6.52 (TH does not change
significantly when we ignore other minor ions)

Carbonate Hardness (CH) = bicarbonate + carbonate (However, CH can not be more


than TH)
= 4.79 +0.2 = 4.99 eq/m3 (250 mg/l as CaCO3)

Non-Carbonate Hardness (NCH) = TH CH = 6.52-4.99 = 1.53 eq/3 (To obtain


values in mg/L as CaCO3 multiply eq/m3 with 50 or use the column with mg/L as
CaCO3).

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

CHAPTER 2: WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

National Primary Drinking Water Standards


Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA, 1974) required EPA to establish maximum
contaminant levels (MCLs) for public water systems (any water supply facility
(public or private) that provides water for human consumption and has at least 15
service connections or regularly serves at least 25 people daily at least 60 days in a
year. SDWA (amended in 1986) required EPA to set maximum contaminant level
goals (MCLGs) and MCLs for 83 specific substances. MCL is the enforceable level
that water supplier must not exceed and MCLGs is a goal that equal to the
maximum contaminant level that is not expected to cause any adverse health effects
over a lifetime of exposure. Please review Appendix 25A of CERM or 23A of
EERM or any water and wastewater treatment book.

The typical contaminants found in water and the treatment methods used are listed
in the table below. A typical treatment flow chart for surface water is shown also.

Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR)


SWTR sets forth primary drinking water regulations requiring treatment of surface
water supplies or groundwater supplies under the direct influence of surface water.
Require filtration, and/or disinfection (to satisfy the MCLs for turbidity and
microorganisms)
Turbidity limit (should be less than 0.5 NTU in 95% samples for direct filtration
(may vary from state to state and when different filtration is used)
Disinfection (99.9 or 3-log removal for giardia or 99.99% or 4-log removal for
viruses for filtered or unfiltered water systems)

Treatment Methods
Physical Unit Operations
o change in water quality is brought about through the application of physical
forces
o screening, mixing,gas transfer, sedimentation, filtration,etc.
Chemical Unit Operations
o Removal or treatment of contaminants is brought about by the addition of
chemicals or chemical reactions
o precipitation, disinfection, coagulation, oxidation, ion exchange
Biological Unit Operations
o Removal of contaminants is brought about by biological means
o used only for wastewater treatment and not for water treatment
o activated sludge, trickling filter, oxidation ponds, lagoons.etc.

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These processes are usually combined in most treatment systems

Design parameters
Hydraulic detention time (days)
= volume (m3)/flow rate(m3 /d)
Hydraulic surface loading rate or overflow rate (m3/d/m2)
= flow rate (m3/d) /surface area (m2)
Mass surface loading rate (kg/day/ m2)
= mass of material applied (kg/d) / surface area (m2)
Mass per volume loading rate (kg/day/ m3)
= mass of material applied (kg/d) / volume (m3)
Mass per mass loading rate (kg/day/kg)
= mass of material applied (kg/d) /mass of material in system (kg)

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CHAPTER 3: COAGULATION

Surface waters must be treated to remove turbidity, color and bacteria


The traditional sand filtration is not sufficient in removing bacteria, viruses, soil
particles and color
Object of coagulation (and flocculation) is to turn the small particles of color,
turbidity, and bacteria into larger flocs either as precipitates or suspended particles
which can then be removed
Typically coagulation is referred to a method to alter the colloids so that they will be
able to approach each other and adhere to form larger floc

Chemical Reactions
Consists of adding a floc forming chemical reagent to a water or wastewater to
enmesh or combine with non-settleable colloidal solids and slow settling SS to
produce a rapid settling floc (which is then removed by sedimentation)
Coagulation
o the addition and rapid mixing of a coagulant, the resulting destabilization of
the colloidal and fine SS and the initial aggregation of the destabilized
particles
Flocculation
o the slow stirring or gentle agitation to aggregate the destabilized particles and
form a rapid settling floc

Alum (aluminum sulfate)


Purchased as dry or liquid alum { Al2(SO4)3,14 H2O}, MW 594 (other formulas with
varying number of water molecules also used)
48.8% alum and rest water
When alum is added to water containing alkalinity (pH 5.5 to 8.)
Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 X H 2 O 6HCO 3- 2 Al (OH ) 3 ( s ) 6CO 2 X H 2 O 3SO 42
Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 X H 2 O 3Ca(HCO 3 ) 2 2 Al (OH ) 3 ( s ) 6CO 2 X H 2 O 3CaSO 4

Each mole of alum uses 6 moles of alkalinity (HCO-3) and produces 2 moles of
aluminum hydroxide (solid precipitate) and 6 moles of CO2 which decreases the ph
However due to the presence of alkalinity pH wont lower drastically

If there is not enough alkalinity, lime (either as CaO or Ca(OH)2 ) or soda ash
(Na2CO3) can be added to prevent pH from lowering due to the coagulation reaction.
Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 X H 2 O 3Ca(OH) 2 2 Al (OH ) 3 ( s ) X H 2 O 3CaSO 4

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Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 X H 2 O 3 Na 2 CO 3 3 H 2 O 2 Al (OH ) 3 ( s ) 3CO 2 X H 2 O 3 Na 2 SO 4

Iron Coagulation
Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3 .xH 2 O HCO 3- 2Fe(OH)3 (s) xH 2 O 3SO 24-
FeCl3 .xH 2 O HCO 3- Fe(OH)3 (s) xH 2 O 3Cl -

Coagulant Dose
lbm L
Dmg / L QMGD (8.345 )
Dmg / L QML / day [SI] mg .MG [US]
FKg / day FLb / day
PG PG

F = chemical requirement for feed rate (Lb/day or Kg/day)


P = Purity of coagulant
G = fraction availability of coagulant
D = dosage

Problem 3.1: Lime Requirement for Coagulation


Incoming water contains 2.5 mg/L as a substance of natural alkalinity (HCO3-). The
flow rate is 2.5 MGD (9.5) ML/day). (a) What feed rate is required if the alum dose
is 7 mg/L and is available with 87% purity. (b) What is the annual cost of alum if it
is available at $234 per ton (2000 lbs).

Ans:

(a) Given that purity, P = 87% = 0.87 and assume G = fractional availability = 100% =1
lbm L mg lbm L
Dmg / L QMGD (8.345 ) (7 )(2.5MGD)(8.345 )
mg.MG L mg.MG
Flbm / day 167.9 lbm / day
PG (0.87)(1.0)

(b) Annual quantity cost of alum

Amount of alum needed per year = 167.9 lb/day *365 day/year *ton/2000lb
= 30.6 tons/year
alum cost = 30.6*$234 = $7,168/year

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

CHAPTER 4: RAPID MIXING TANK & FLOCCULATION BASIN

For the chemical reactions to occur, the chemicals must be mixed with water
for both coagulation and softening we need mixing of chemical with water
Mixing or rapid mixing is the process in which chemicals are quickly and uniformly
dispersed in water (instantaneously)
for coagulation and softening processes precipitates form during the mixing
the precipitates formed must be brought into contact with one another and colloids
so that they can agglomerate and form larger particles called flocs - this process is
called flocculation and is accomplished by slow, gentle mixing (rapid mixing may
break up the flocs)
Degree of mixing is measured by velocity gradient G (amount of shear taking
place). Higher the G, the more violent the mixing

Design Criteria

Rapid Mix
Volume = Flow rate (Q)*detention time
Detention is in the oder of seconds 30-120 seconds
Mixing basin is tyrpically a cube

Flocculation
Most important factor effecting particle removal efficiency
objective - to bring particles into contact so that they will collide, stick together and
grow to a size that will readily settle
enough mixing to provide contact and prevent settling in the flocculation basin but
not too much to shear the floc particles making the floc small and dispersed
Velocity gradient, G must be controlled in narrow range
heavier the floc and SS Conc. the more mixing (high G)
Softening floc is heavier and need more mixing (high G)
Detention time 30 minutes
Flow through velocity = 0.5 to 1.5 fps
Paddle area = 10 to 25% of tank c/s area
G, mean velocity gradient = 5 to 100 /sec
Gt (also Gt) = 30,000 150,000

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Power requirement

P
G= or P = G2V
V
P = power, N.m/s (lb-ft/sec), G = velocity gradient (s-1),
= dynamic viscosity of water, N.s/m2 (lb-s/ft2)

1 horsepower (HP) = 550 lb-ft/sec


1 N-m/sec = 1 Joule/sec = 1W

The Drag Force - Paddle Type


P = CDAv3/2
CD coefficient of drag (usually 1.5-2)
A area of paddle
- density of water
v mixing velocity = relative tip speed = 0.75*Diameter* *number of revolutions

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

CHAPTER 5: SEDIMENTATION

Sedimentation basin or clarifier is used to remove particles that will settle in a


reasonable time period
Basins are usually rectangular or circular either a radial or upward water flow
pattern
Four zones in a clarifier
o Inlet
o Settling
o Outlet
o Sludge storage

Types of Sedimentation
Type I
o Particles that settle discretely (settle as individual particles)
o sand, grit
o Pre-sedimentation for sand prior to coagulation
Type II
o Particles that flocculate during sedimentation
o Size constantly changing, thus settling velocity
o Generally settling velocity increasing
o Alum or Iron coagulation, in primary sedimentation
Type III or zone sedimentation
o Particles or at high conc. (>1000 mg/l)
o Particle settle as a mass and a distinct clear zone and sludge zone are
present
o Lime softening sedimentation, activated sludge sedimentation and sludge
thickeners

Design Criteria
Surface Loading rate (flow rate/surface area, gpd/ft2 )= 600-1000 for Rectangular
basins and 500-750 for Circular basins
Detention time (Volume /Flow rate) = 2 to 6 hours
Weir loading ( flow rate/length of weir) = 15,000 -20,000 gpd/ft
Free Board = 1- 2ft, Depth = 8-18 ft
Width 30-50 ft and length 100-200 ft with a L:W of 4:1 for rectangular basins and
50-100 ft diameter for circular tanks

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Problem 5.1: Sedimentation Tank Design


A treatment plant upgrade calls for design of sedimentation basins to handle a flow
rate of 8 MGD. The basins are for a Type I suspension with an overflow rate (q0) of
650 gpd/ft2 a length to width ratio of 4:1, a weir overflow rate (qw) of 20,000 gpd/ft,
and a maximum settling zone length of 140 ft. The minimum settling zone depth is 8
ft and 1.5 ft is allowed for freeboard.
(a) If 3 tanks are chosen, what are the surface dimensions of each tank?
(b) What is the required weir length for each tank?

Ans:
(a) As = settling zone surface area, ft2 Q = flow rate = 8,000,000 gal/d
q0 = overflow rate =650 gpd/ft2
Q 8 x10 6
Surface area of settling tank As = = 12307 ft2
qo 650
As = L w and Given L = 4 w
Since 3 tanks are used, As per tank = 12307 / 3 = 4102 ft2 = LW= (4W)W = 4W2
W=32ft L = 4W = 128 ft Thus, L = 128 ft and w = 32 ft
Q
(b) Overflow weir length Lw tan k
qw
Lw = overflow weir length (ft) qw = weir overflow rate (gpd//ft)
Q/tank = flow rate per tank (gpd) = 8MGD/3 = 2.67 MGD
Q
tan k 2.67 x10 6 gpd
Lw = = 133.4 ft
qw 20000 gpd / ft

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

CHAPTER 6: FILTRATION

Design Criteria
Filtration rate = 2 gpm/ft2 for sand filters and 4 gpm/ft2 for dual media filters
Minimum Number = 4 for Q > 100 gpm and 2 for Q< 100 gpm
Filter design based on one unit backwashing
L:W ratio is1.3 and max size of filter is 2100 ft2
Filter depth should be 8-10 ft.
Backwash rate = 12-36 inches per min rise rate (10-20 gpm/ft2)
Through-put = 350-3500 gpm

Problem 6.1: Filter Unit


Design a 10 unit rapid sand filter system for a flow of 6.3 MGD and estimate the
backwash water required if the wash time is 10 minutes and the rise rate is 24
in/min.

Design flow (Q) = 6.3 MGD = 6.3x106 gpd = 4375 gpm


Assume filtration rate of 2 gpm/ft2

Total filter area required = 4375 gpm/2 gpm/ft2 = 2187.5 ft2

Total of 10 filter units (but design is based on 9 filters being in operation and 1 in
backwashing). In a problem you will be trying to match this with the answer

Area required per each filter unit = 2187.5/9 = 243 ft 2

L:W ratio is 1.3 so LW = 1.3WxW = 1.3W2 = 243 --- this gives W = 13.7 ft and L
= 17.8 ft.

Backwash Water

Volume of backwash water required per filter


= time of wash * filter area* rise of backwash water
= 10 min * 243 ft2 * 24 inches/min*ft/12 inches
= 4860 ft3 *7.48 gal/ft3 = 36,353 gal
Total backwash water volume (assuming one back wash per day for each filter) =
36,353*10 filters = 363, 530 gallons

16
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CHAPTER 7: WATER SOFTENING


Hardness
Hardness is used to characterize a water that does not lather well, causes a scum
in the bath tub and leaves hard, white,crusty deposits when water is heated
calcium or magnesium forms soap- Ca or Mg complex and prevents soap from
interacting with dirt
Hardness- caused mainly by Calcium and Magnesium(actually all polyvalent
ions)
Common units are meq/l or mg/l as CaCO3
Carbonate hardness (CH)
o Ca+2, Mg+2 combining with alkalinity (OH-, CO3-2, HCO3-). If alkalinity is
present in water the CH will be equal to alkalinity but can not exceed total
hardness.
o temporary hardness (removed by heating the water)

Non-carbonate hardness (NCH)


o Permanent Hardness , not removed by heating water
o Ca+2, Mg+2 combining with ions outside of alkalinity such as Cl-1, NO3-1,
SO42-
o NCH = TH-CH (if alkalinity is equal to or greater than TH, then NCH is
zero)

Classification of Hardness
Hardness Classification
(mg/L as CaCO3)
0 to 60 Soft
61 to 120 moderately hard
121 to 180 Hard
181 to 350 very hard
> 350 saline; brackish

Chemical Reactions of Water Softening


Carbon dioxide must be removed before any of the hardness reactions can proceed.
CO 2 Ca (OH ) 2 CaCO 3 H 2 O
Calcium in the presence of natural alkalinity reacts with lime to form calcium
carbonate
Ca ( HCO 3 ) 2 Ca (OH ) 2 2CaCO 3 2 H 2 O
Magnesium in the presence of natural alkalinity reacts with lime to form magnesium
carbonate (not insoluble) and calcium carbonate, but with no loss in hardness
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Mg ( HCO3 ) 2 Ca (OH ) 2 MgCO3 CaCO 3 2 H 2 O


To remove magnesium carbonate above, additional lime must be added
MgCO3 Ca (OH ) 2 CaCO 3 Mg (OH ) 2
Calcium non carbonate hardness requires lime and soda ash
CaSO 4 Na 2 CO3 CaCO3 Na 2 SO4
Magnesium non carbonate hardness requires lime and soda ash
MgSO4 Ca (OH ) 2 CaSO4 Mg (OH ) 2
CaSO 4 Na 2 CO3 CaCO 3 Na 2 SO4

Some Points
Hardness removal using lime and soda is based on the solubility reactions of
calcium carbonate, CaCO3 and magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2
Precipitate Ca+2 as CaCO3 and Mg+2 as Mg(OH)2
pH must be raised to 10.3 for Ca+2 removal and to about 11 for Mg+2 removal
Remove Ca-CH, Mg-CH and Ca-NCH and Mg-NCH in that order because the cost
of removal increases in the same order
Leave as much Mg hardness as possible and as much NCH as possible, but Mg
Conc. of above 40 mg/l as CaCO3 causes problems
It is a common practice to use a minimum of 20 mg/l as CaCO3 of excess lime to
achieve reasonable removal

Ion Exchange water Softening


Softening is usually done using a resin (natural or
synthetic long chain chemical with a sodium ion
attached). When water containing hardness ions is
passed through the resin, the hardness ions (Ca, Mg)
exchange with Na ions on the resin (thus the resulting
water is free of hardness ions but high in sodium).
When the sodium ions on the resin are exhausted, the
resin is regenerated using a brine solution (which replaces all hardness ions attached
to the resin with Na ions again) and the resin can be used again.

18
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CHAPTER 8: CHLORINATION
Chemical Reaction of Chlorination
(1) Breakpoint Chlorination

(2) Chemical Reactions


4 9
Cl 2 H 2 O pH
HCl HOCl
pH 4
pH
H OCl -
pH 9

HOCL + NH3 H2O + NH2Cl (monochloramine)


HOCL + NH2 Cl H2O + NHCl2 (dichloramine)
HOCL + NHCl2 H2O + NCl3 (trichloramine)
(3) Chlorine Residuals
Free Chlorine Residuals : Cl2, HOCl, OCl-
Combined Chlorine Residuals : Chloramines (mono, di and tri chloramines)
The disinfecting ability of chloramines is much lower than that of free chlorine.
Satisfactory results can be obtained if a free chlorine residual of 0.2 to 0.5 mg/L can
be maintained in the distribution system. Also if approved by health authorities
combined chlorine residuals in the range of 1 to 2 mg/L should maintained at distant
points in the distribution system.

Trihalomethanes (the following) which are formed as a result of chlorination are


harmful and this must be avoided.
CHCl3 trichloromethane (chloroform)
CHBrCl2 bromodichloromethane
CHBr2Cl dibromochloromethane
CHBr3 tribromomethane (bromoform)

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(4) CT Concept
Microorganism kill by disinfectants is assumed to follow the CT concept (product of
conc.*contact time) and is used in surface water treatment rule (SWTR)
EPA developed tables of required CT values for free chlorine under SWTR. The
two classes of organisms considered in disinfection are Giardia and viruses. Design
criteria from SWTR states that a 4 log removal of viruses and 3 log removal of
Giardia is required. Typical removals obtained with various water treatment
methods and additional removals required are listed below. Please see practice
problem on this topic in the last section.

Log removal (LR) = log (influent conc./effluent conc.)


% removal = 100 100/10LR

Log Removal/inactivation requirements based on treatment technique

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PART II WASTEWATER

CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW
The wastewater treatment processes that we design mimic the processes that occur
in the nature (for example processes that occur in a flowing river). The designed
processes increase the rate of removal and control the process variables so that the
effluent standards can be met. Just like the water solids we need to deal with
wastewater solids also. The wastewater solids are classified into inorganic or fixed
solids and organic or volatile solids. The inorganic or fixed solids are removed
through the screening and sedimentation during the primary sedimentation and the
organic or volatile solids are stabilized through biochemical oxidation (activated
sludge/trickling filter/other) and removed through sedimentation or clarification
(secondary). The solids removed are further treated by a process called sludge
digestion (which is mostly anaerobic (containing no oxygen)). Please refer to
following Figure and Table for various treatment units included in the typical
wastewater treatment.

Pre-Treatment: to provide protection to the wastewater treatment equipment that


follows. Removes mainly larger and inorganic solids (Equalizing basin optional)

Primary Treatment: to remove the pollutants that float or settle. Typically 60% of
suspended solids and 35% of BOD5 are removed. At one time this was the only
treatment used by many cities. Now federal law requires the municipalities to
provide secondary treatment.

Secondary Treatment: to remove soluble BOD that escapes the primary treatment
and to provide added removal of suspended solids. Biological processes (activated
sludge (aeration) or trickling filter are the most common one chosen at larger
plants). Typically same treatment is provided in the receiving waters but these
treatment processes speed up the breakdown of degradable organic pollutants.
Typically more than 85% of BOD and suspended solids are removed. However, it
does not remove significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous or heavy metals or
pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Typical Standards: 20 mg/l BOD5, 20 mg/l
suspended solids (for discharges to rivers flowing south and flows into Gulf of
Mexico).

Tertiary Treatment: in cases where secondary treatment is not adequate


(particularly if the discharges are into a sensitive water bodies), then additional
treatment (biological and/or chemical treatment followed by filtration) known as
tertiary treatment may be used. Typical Standards: 10 mg/l BOD5, 10 mg/l
suspended solids, 1 mg/l Phosphorous (for effluent discharges into great lakes)
21
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Figure 1: Typical Wastewater Treatment Plant Units

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Table 1: Various Wastewater Pollutants and the Corresponding Treatment Options


along with their Classification

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Ten States Standards (TSS) specifies that new sanitary sewers should be designed
for an average flow of 100 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) or 380 Lpcd). Refer to
Appendix 29A of CERM or Appendix 26A of EERM for Ten States Standards)

Hydraulic loading: treatment plants serving populations of 10,000 or more or


handling more than 1 MGD are referred to as majors (more than 75% of US
treatment plants).

Organic loading of a treatment unit is expressed in terms of pounds (kg) of BOD per
day or pounds (or kg) of solids per day. Typical values for communities that use
garbage disposals are 0.24 lbm (110g) of suspended solids and 0.17 to 0.2 lbm (77
to 90 g) of BOD per person per day. The average BOD of domestic wastewater is
0.2 lbm (90 g) per capita per day.

Population Equivalent (Pequivalent, 1000s) = BOD (mg/l) *Q (ML/day)/90 g pcd) - SI

Population Equivalent (Pequivalent, 1000s) (US units)=


[BOD (mg/l) *Q (Million gallons /day)*8.345 lbm-L/MG-mg) ]/ [1000 persons* 0.2
lbm pcd]

1 gallon wastewater = 8.345 pounds


1 Cubic ft wastewater = 62.4 pounds
Lb (of solids or other pollutants)/day = Million Gallons/day * mg/l * 8.345

Table 28.4 in the PE CERM or Table 25.4 in EERM for Typical Wastewater
Characteristics

Total Suspended Solids = 100 350 mg/L (200 mg/l is the typical value)

BOD5 = 100-300 mg/L (200 mg/L is the typical value)

33% of the total solids (ST) are suspended (60% of these suspended solids are
settleable and 40% are colloidal) and 67% are dissolved.
Total Solids (ST) = Fixed or Inorganic Solids (SF or SI) + Organic or Volatile Solids
(SV or SO)

The solids removed during primary and secondary treatment are referred to as
sludge (high solids concentration). Refer to Sludge chapter in the following pages.

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Problem 1.1: Wastewater Flows


Solve the following problems related to Wastewater flow and densities
(a) The volume of 896, 000 lb of wastewater is ?
(b) The weight of 13,000 ft3 of wastewater is?
(c) A flow of 6,000 gallons per second is how many MGD?
(d) A flow of 1,000 ft3/min is equal to how many MGD?

Ans
(a) The volume of 896, 000 lb of wastewater is ?
896,000 lbs/ 8.345 lbs/gal = 107,370 gallons

(b) The weight of 13,000 ft3 of wastewater is ?


13,000 ft3 * 62.4 lbs/ft3 = 811200 lbs

(c) A flow of 6,000 gallons per second is how many MGD?


6000 gal 60 sec 60 min 24 hours MG
* * * * 518.4 MGD
sec min hour day 1,000,000 gal

(d) A flow of 1,000 ft3/min is equal to how many MGD?


1000 ft 3 60 min 24 hours 7.48 gal MG
* * * 3
* 10.77 MGD
min hour day ft 1,000,000

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

CHAPTER 2: BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND

BOD Test without seed


DOi DO f
BOD5 = Eq 25.28 of EERM or 28.28 of CERM
Vsample
Vsample V Dilution
BOD Test with Seed (seeded BOD)
DOi DO f x( Bi B f )
BOD5 = Eq 25.32 of EERM or 28.32 of CERM
Vsample
Vsample V Dilution

Where x is the ratio of seed in the sample bottle to that in the blank
BODt BODu (1 e kt ) (most commonly used expression)
BODt BODu (1 10 K )t ) (Eq 25.29 of EERM or 28.29 of CERM -usually will say
d

explicitly)

Where k = 2.303Kd
Temperature correction kT = k20 T-20 or KT = K20 T-20

= 1.135 for temps 4-20C and = 1.056 for temps 20-30C (or default value
suggested is 1.047)

The approximate variation of BOD (first stage) with temperature is given by


BOD TC = BOD 20C (0.02 TC + 0.6) (Eq 25.31 of EERM 28.31 of CERM)

Problem 2.1: BOD


Wastewater samples were prepared and incubated at 20 C for 5 d for BOD analysis.
Sample dilutions and initial and final dissolved oxygen concentrations are
summarized in the following table.
Bottle Sample Initial DO Final DO mg/L
Volume mg/L
1 15 9.1 5.2
The temperature correction coefficient is 1.047 and the reaction rate coefficient at
20C is 0.40 d-1.

(a). What is the BOD5 at 20C?


(b). What is the BODu?
(c). What is the BOD 7 at 15C?

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Ans:
mg mg
9.1 5.2
BOD = L L 78 mg/L
15 mL
300 mL
mg
78
BODt L
(b) BODu = = = 90.2 mg/L
1 e k t
1
1 e 0.40 d .5 d

(c) k15 = rate coefficient at 15C, d-1


k20 = rate coefficient at 20C = 0.40 d-1
= temperature correction coefficient, unitless = 1.047

k15 = k2015-20 k15 = 0.40 *1.047(15-20) = 0.32 d-1


1
BOD7 at 15C = (90.2 mg/L) ( 1- e 0.32 d *7 d
) = 80.6 mg/L

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CHAPTER 3: PRIMRY AND SECONDARY CLARIFIER

In a grit chamber, the wastewater is slowed, allowing the grit to settle out but let the
lighter organic solids flow through. Horizontal flow grit chambers are designed to
have flow velocity of 1 ft/sec (0.3 m/sec). Typical detention time is 2 -5 min at peak
flow with 3 min being the most common value used (see Table 26.9 of EERM and
29.9 of CERM).

Primary settling follows the bar screens and grit chamber and is designed to remove
wastewater inorganic solids (though some organic solids are also removed).

Secondary sedimentation tanks or clarifiers are designed to remove the stabilized


organic (biomass) solids from the wastewater (typically the wastewater enters the
secondary clarifier from an activated sludge or trickling filter or other biological
process)

Primary clarifiers are designed based on detention time (1.5 -2.5 hrs, 2 hrs typical),
overflow rate ( 800-1200 gal/ft2-d (1000 typical) for average flow and 2000 -3000
gal/ft2-d (2500 typical) for peak flow) and weir loading rate (10,000-40,000 gal/ft-d,
20,000 typical). For more details see Table 26.10 Appendix 26A of EERM or 29.10
and Appendix 29A of CERM).

Secondary clarifiers are also designed based on detention time (1.5 -2 hrs, 2 hrs
typical), overflow rate (600- 800 gal/ft2-d (700 typical) for average flow and 1,000 -
1,800 gal/ft2-d (1500 typical) for peak flow) and weir loading rate ( 10,000-40,000,
gal/ft-d (20,000 typical).

Overflow rate (OFR) or Hydraulic loading rate = Flow rate/ Area = ft3/hr-ft2

Hydraulic Detention Time (DT) = Volume/Flow rate = gal/gal/hr = ft3/ft3/hr = hr

Weir Loading (WL) = Flow Rate/Circumference or length of weir = gallons/hr/ft

Solids Loading (SL) = Mass of solids per unit time/Surface Area = lb/day-ft2

Approach Velocity = Flow rate/ cross sectional area = gal/day-ft2

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Problem 3.1 Primary Clarifier


A wastewater plant is operating at 10MGD with a suspended solids concentration of
200mg/L. It has 6 clarifiers operating in parallel. Each clarifier is 40 foot in diameter
and 10 feet deep.

(a) How many gallons flow to each clarifier?


10 MGD/6= 1.67 MGD

(b) How many pounds of solids flow to each clarifier?


Total Solids (lbs) = (MG)(8.34)(mg/L) = (10)(8.34)(200)= 16,680 lbs
Solids per each clarifier = 16,680 lb/6 clar = 2,780 lb/clar
Or can calculate directly for one clarifier by substituting 1.67 MGD instead of 10

(c) If the clarifier are 40% efficient in removing the solids. How many pounds of
solids are produced per clarifier?
(0.4)(2,780) = 1,112lbs

(d) How many total pounds of waste are removed by all 6 clarifiers?
(6)(1,112) = 6,672 lbs

(e) What is the suspended solids concentration of the wastewater leaving the
clarifier?
40% of 200 mg/l solids are removed in the clarifier so concentration of solids
left = 0.6*200 = 120 mg/l

(f) What is the area of each clarifier?


Each Clarifier Area (A) = (D2)/4 = (0.785)(402) = 1,256 ft2

(g) What is the surface loading rate (gpd/ft2) for each clarifier?
(1,670,000 gpd)/(1,256 ft2) = 1,329 gpd/ ft2

(h) What is the clarifier perimeter?


P = D = (3.14)(40) = 126 ft

(i) What is the weir loading rate?


1,670,000 gpd)/(126 ft) = 13,254 gpd/ft

(j) What is the detention time?


Volume of clarifier = (0.785)(402)(10) = 12,560 ft3
(12,560 ft3* 7.4805 gal/ft3 = 93,955 gal
Detention time = V/Q = 93955 gal/1,670,000 gal/day * 24 hr/day = 1.35 hrs
29
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CHAPTER 4: ACTIVITATED SLUDGE (AERATION TANK)

The activated sludge treatment process is a biochemical oxidation process. Organic


solids are stabilized through the oxidation process in the activated sludge basin. This
basin is also referred as aeration tank and the process is known as suspended growth
process.

The incoming waste to the activated sludge basin is composed of inorganic and
organic solids. The organic portion of the incoming waste is responsible for the
BOD and it represents the Food (F) for the microorganisms in the activated sludge
basin.

The solids in the activated sludge basin are called mixed liquor suspended solids
(MLSS). These solids are composed of an organic (MLVSS) and an inorganic part
(MLFSS). The MLVSS is often considered to represent the microorganisms in the
activated sludge basin. Refer to Table 27.1 of EERM or 30.1 of CERM for the
characteristics.

The stabilized organic solids are removed in the secondary sedimentation basin.
Most of stabilized solids are returned or recycled to the activated sludge basin. Part
of the stabilized solids are wasted each day.

The wastewater from the aeration tank then flows over the secondary sedimentation
basin (where the solids have been removed) and to the disinfection basin and then
discharged to the receiving stream.

There are several equations that must be mastered in the design of the activated
sludge process using the BOD equations. The equation number used here is
matched with that in CERM for easy reference the same equations in EERM are
with a prefix of 27 as opposed to 30. These Equations must be mastered to design an
activated sludge process.

Food (F) to Microorganism (M) (F/M) ratio :


F = S O QO 30.1
So is incoming BOD5 (usually), Qo is the incoming flow rate

M = Va X 30.2
Va is volume of the aeration tank and X is concentration of microorganisms in the
aeration tank
(a) F/M ratio (based on VSS)

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S O , mg / L Qo , MGD S O , mg / L
F:M = = 30.3
Va , MG X mg / L days X mg / L
(b) F/M ratio (based on TSS)
S O , mg / L Qo , MGD
F:M = = S O , mg / L 30.4
Va , MG MLSS mg / L
days MLSS mg / L
hydraulic retention time

Sludge age or Mean Cell Residence Time (typical values 6-15 days)
Va X
c 30.5
Qe X e Qw X r
Qe effluent flow, Xe Suspended (bio) solids in the effluent, Qw wasted flow and Xr
concentration of solids in the return sludge

SVI (sludge volume index) is the volume in mL occupied by 1 gram of settled


suspended solids.
mg
1000 Vsettled ,mL / L
g
SVI = 30.7
MLSS mg / L

The total suspended solids in the recirculated sludge are determined by


mg mL
1000 1000
g L
TSS mg / L = 30.8
SVI mL / g

The effluent BOD5 leaving the activated sludge plant consists of BOD5 (soluble) and
also that of the suspended solids in the effluent (fraction G)

BODe = BOD5, soluble + BOD5, suspended solids


= S + Se = S +1.42 f G Xe 30.9

f = BOD5/BODu (usually 0.7) 30.10

BOD removal (process) efficiency (90- 95%) is calculated using the soluble BOD5
of the effluent.
SO S
BOD 30.11
SO

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Though there are plug flow reactor (PFR) and continuous flow stirred tank reactors
(CSTR or CFSTR) reactor models that could be used in the design. The CSTR
model is more commonly used. Only formulas for CSTR are discussed below.

Wastage Qw, X

Settling Tank Vs
Aeration Tank
Va, X
Qo, So Q-Qw, S, Xe

Qr, S, Xr

Qw, Xr

Wastage can be done either from here or above (at dotted line)

Typical Layout of Activated Sludge Unit

Specific Substrate utilization, U is the F:M ratio multiplied fractional process


efficiency.
So S
U (F : M ) 30.16
X X
The relationship between MCRT or sludge age and F:M ratio and U is given by
1
Y ( F : M ) k d YU k d 30.17
c
Y is yield coefficient and kd is endogenous decay coefficient

Based on the growth kinetics and mass balance, the effluent substrate concentration
(soluble BODs) and the reactor volume (for a CSTR only) are given by

K s (1 k d c )
S 30.18
c ( m k d ) 1
c QoY ( S o S ))
Va Qo 30.19
X (1 k d c )

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Hydraulic retention time when (i) only the aeration tank is considered and (ii) the
system (i.e. the aeration tank and the secondary clarifier are considered together are
given by
Va
(aeration tank only) 30.20
Qo
Va V s
(aeration tank and the secondary clarifier are considered) 30.21
Qo
The average concentration of microorganisms, X in the aeration tank is
c
Y ( S o S ))
X 30.22
(1 k d c )
Y
The observed yield is Yobs 30.23
(1 k d c )
A portion of the biomass produced (activated sludge) must be wasted each day
Qw,m3 / day X r ,mg / L Yobs Qo ( S o S ))
Px ,kg / day 30.24
1000 g / kg 1000 g / kg )

Cell wastage rate (Qw) and the solids concentration in the return sludge line are used
in calculating the mean cell residence time (c) as given in eq 30.5

However, mass of cells in the effluent are so small compared to those in the waste
line that they are sometimes ignored and Eq 30.5 is modified to
Va X
c 30.27
QwX r
In some cases wastage is done directly from the aeration tank (Xr =X), then
Va
c 30.28
Qw
Return rate or Recycle Ratio (R, typical 0.2 to 0.3)
R = Qr/Qo 30.41
Qr X
r 30.43
Qo Qr X
Qr Vsettled ,mL / L
30.44
Qo Qr 1000mL / L
Vsettled , mL / L
R 30.45
1000mL / L Vsettled ,mL / L

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Problem 4.1: Aeration Tank Design


For a community of 100,000, determine the size and number of aeration basins in a
municipal activated sludge treatment facility. The wastewater characteristics are:
Average per-capita flow rate = 100gal/capita-day
Peak factor = 2.2
Wastewater concentration
BOD5 = 220mg/L
SS = 220 mg/L

Ans:
Average flow rate = (100 gal/capita-day)(100.000pop)(106gal/Mgal)=10 Mgal/day

The size of the aeration basin may be determined based on a typical value for
hydraulic residence time of 6 hr for a conventional activated sludge process.

(10Mgal / day )(10 6 gal / Mgal )(6hr )


Volume = 3
334,200 ft 3
(24hr / day )(7.48 gal / ft )
Four parallel basins are recommended with dimensions of 15 ft (water depth), 30 ft
(width), and 185 ft (length). An increased basin depth of several feet is
recommended for freeboard.

Problem 4.2: Food to Microorganism Ratio


An activated sludge plant operates with a mean cell residence time of 10d to treat a
flow of 18,925 m3/d with an influent biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 247
mg/L. The plant wastes sludge at 34 kg/d. What is most nearly the food-to-
microorganism ratio for the plant?

Ans:
The wasted sludge mass is QwXu = 34 kg/d
(Qw wasted solid flow rate, m3/d and Xu wasted solids concentration, mg/L)
VX
c mean cell residence time =
QwXu
(V -reactor volume, m3 and X is biomass concentration in reactor, mg/L)

The bioreactor sludge mass VX = c (QwXu) = (10d) (34 kg/d) = 340 kg


Q influent wastewater flow rate, m3/d and So is influent wastewater BOD, mg/L

m3 mg L kg
(18925 )(247 )(1000 3 )(10 6 )
F QS o d L m mg
13.7 d 1
M VX 340kg

34
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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Problem 4.3: Sludge Volume Index (SVI)


Two 1 L samples of mixed liquor are taken from a lagoon. After settling for 30 min
in a graduated cylinder, 250 mL of solids have settled out in the first sample. The
total suspended solids concentration in the second sample is found to be 2300 mg/L.
(a) What is the sludge volume index? (b) What is the theoretical required sludge
recycle rate?

Ans:
1000Vsettled , mL / L
(a) From eq 30.7, SVI =
X mg / L
(1000mg / g )(250ml / L)
= 109mL / g
2300mg / L

Vsettled , mL / L 250mL
(b) From Eq 30.45, R = = 0.33
1000 Vsettled , mL / L 1000mL 250mL

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

CHAPTER 5: TRICKLING FILTER

The trickling filter is an attached growth process (remember activated sludge is a


suspended growth process) which oxidizes (stabilizes) the organic matter using
microorganisms. As the wastewater passes over the trickling filter the organic waste
is stabilized by microorganisms attached to the filter media. Part of the
microorganisms will slough off the filter media with the flowing wastewater and
thus needs clarification. The solids (mainly bio solids) are separated from the
wastewater in the secondary clarifier. Part of the wastewater may be re-circulated
back to the trickling filter (referred to as recirculation). The clarified wastewater
passes over the weir and onto the disinfection process before being discharged into
natural streams.

The trickling filter design is based on hydraulic loading and solids loading.

Trickling filters can remove 70-90% of the suspended solids and 65-85% of the
BOD and 70-95% of the bacteria. These numbers vary little bit for standard rate and
high rate filters (little lower for high rate filters).

Low rate filters (also known as standard rate filters) use a depth of 6 ft. High rate
filters (which are more common) uses a depth of 3-6 ft only. Much of the filter
discharge is re-circulated.

Hydraulic Loading (LH) = flow rate /plan area

= (Qw+Qr)/A = (1+R)Qw/A

= 25 to 100 gal/day-ft2 (1-4 m3/day-m2) - for standard rate filters


= 250 to 1000 gal/day-ft2 (10-40 m3/day-m2) - for high rate filters

Organic Loading, or Surface Loading (LBOD) = (lbs per 1000 ft3)


= [Qw(MGD) S(mg/L) *8.345 (lbm-L/MG-mg)*1000]/V (ft3)
= 5 -25 lbm/1000 ft3-day (0.08 -0.4 kg/m3-day) for standard rate filters
= 25 - 110 lbm/1000 ft3-day (0.0.4 -1.8 kg/m3-day) for high rate filters

When hydraulic loading is calculated, recirculation flow rate must be added to the
original flow rate. When calculating the solids loading however, do not include
solids in the recirculation wastewater.

The National Research Council (NRC) Equations are used in the design of Trickling
filters.
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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Single Stage Trickling Filter

BOD Removal Efficiency, E or = Sremoved/Sin = (Sin - Se)/Sin

Sin is BOD entering the TF (same as the effluent of the primary settling tank)
Se is the BOD of the trickling filter effluent
1
E or
LBOD lbm / day
1 0.0085
Vac ft F
F is the effective number of passes of the organic material through a filter and
depends on recirculation ratio (R) and weighing factor(w) which is usually 0.1
1 R
F
(1 wR) 2

Two Stage Trickling Filter

First Stage
1
E1 or1
LBOD lbm / day
1 0.0085
Vac ft F

Second Stage
1
E 2 or 2
0.0085 L` BOD lbm / day
1
1 E1 V ' ac ft F

L`BOD is the BOD loading applied to the second stage

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Problem 5.1: Single Stage Trickling Filter (TF)


The design flow (average daily flow) for a new trickling filter plant is 1 MGD. Raw
wastewater: 200 mg/L BOD, 200mg/L TSS. Primary settling tank (PST) removes
35% BOD, 65% TSS. The final effluent: 20 mg/L BOD, 20 mg/L TSS. Filter depth
of 6ft. Determine the diameter of single stage trickling filter for a recirculation flow
ratio (R) of 2 and Number of filters = 2.

Formula:
1
1 R E or
F L lbm / day
(1 0.1R) 2 1 0.0085 BOD
Vac ft F
E = BOD removal efficiency (in fraction) in trickling filter;
LBOD = BOD loading to trickling filter (lb/day)
V = volume of filter media (acre-ft) for trickling filter
F = recirculation factor, R = recirculation ratio

TF influent BOD (mg/L) = PST effluent BOD (mg/L)


= Raw WW BOD (mg/L) *(100% - % BOD removal of PST)
= 200 mg/L x (100%-35%) = 130 mg/L
TF BOD removal efficiency %
= [(TF influent BOD final Effluent BOD ))/TF influent BOD (mg/L)](100%)
= (130-20)/130 = 85%
or E = 0.85

LBOD = TF influent BOD load (Lb/d)


= TF Influent BOD (mg/L)(raw WW daily flow) = mg/l * MGD* 8.34

Q = 1 MGD (total) = 0.5 MGD per trickling filter

LBOD = TF influent BOD load (Lb/d) = 130 mg/L x 0.5 MGD x 8.34 = 542.1 lb/day

F = (1+2) / (1+0.2)2 = 2.083

From Eq for E, E = 0.85 = 1/[(1+(0.0085(542.1/V x 2.0833)0.5))]

Solving for V = 0.60 acre-ft ( 1 acre = 43,560 ft2)

A = V/depth = (0.60 acre-ft x 43,560 ft2/acre)/6ft = 4383 ft2

Diameter = (4XA/) = 74.7ft or use 75 ft


38
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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

PART III: SOLID & HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT AND AIR


POLLUTION

CHAPTER 1: SOLID WASTE

Solid waste is a generic term used to describe the things we throw away.
Solid waste disposal creates a problem primarily in highly populated areas. In
general, the more concentrated the population, the greater the problem becomes,
although some very populated areas have developed creative solutions to
minimize the problems.
Social customs result in significant variations in the mass of waste generated.
Residential locations (including multifamily) generate approximately 55-65% of
all MSW (municipal solid waste).

Solid waste can be classified in several different ways.


Putrescible waste Animal and Vegetable waste From Cooking and
preparing food
Municipal solid waste- Known to the lay audience as garbage ( durable goods,
yard trimmings, containers and packaging)
The nature of the material may be important, so classification can be made on the
basis of organic, inorganic, combustible, noncombustible, putrescible, and non-
putrescible.
The classification of solid waste is usually used for choosing the treatment,
collection, recycling, and disposal options.
The density of solid waste is the mass of solid waste per unit volume.

Elements of a Solid waste Management System.


1. Solid waste Generation ( Varies by country and socioeconomic status)
2. Solid waste Handling and storage on site
3. Solid waste collection
4. Transfer to central storage facility
5. Processing facility
6. Product utilization
7. disposal

Collection Methods
Curbside or alley pickup
Set-out, set-back collection
Backyard pickup or tote barrel method

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Waste Reduction
o Source Reduction
o Reuse
o Recycle

Landfill Consideration
o Site Selection
o Site Preparation
o Equipment
o Operation
o Environmental Considerations
o Leachate
o Landfill Design
o Completed Sanitary Landfills

Typical Landfill

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Cross sectional view of a landfill

Leachate
Produced by decomposition of waste
Contains Ammonia, Organic Material (COD/BOD), Halogenated hydrocarbons,
Heavy metals, Salts (sodium chloride, Carbonate, Sulfate)

Composting
Is the controlled decomposition of organic materials, such as leaves, grass, and
food scraps, by microorganisms.
Crumbly earthy-smelling, soil-like material containing both carbon and nitrogen
sources.
Organic materials broken down by invertebrates (Ex: mites, millipedes, beetles,
earthworms, slugs and snails).
Need adequate moisture and oxygen to degrade organic material.
Microbes create heat and cook the compost. (25 & 55 Celsius)
More than 67% of major solid waste in the U.S. can be composted.
Common Method is Aerated windrows
the material is left to decompose while enclosed in a temperature and
moisture controlled chamber.

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Combustion
A chemical reaction in which the elements in fuel oxidize in presence of excess
oxygen
C CO2, H H2O, S SOx, N NOx
Reactions are a function of Oxygen, Time, Temperature, and Turbulence
Higher Temps means Higher NOx Emissions
As temp increases, volatile materials burn off into gas, then organic components
crack and form gas, fixed carbon remains
At 700C, carbon is ignited to achieve burn out
Heating Value of Waste is measure in kJ/kg and determined experimentally
using a bomb calorimeter

Incinerators
Conventional (Mass-Fired) Incineration
o most common form of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration
o can accept refuse that has little pretreatment other than the removal of
oversized items (i.e. kitchen stoves, mattresses)
o auxiliary fuel is provided for the initial drying stages
o electrostatic precipitators control the air pollution given off
o 10% of the material incinerated remains and is carried to a landfill

Refuse-Derived Fuel Facilities


o combustible portion of solid waste thats been separated from noncombustible
portion through various processes (i.e. shredding, screening, air classifying)
o Typical process MSW fed into trommel (rotating screen) to remove glass
and dirt, then conveyed to shredder for size reduction. Shredded wastes pass
through an air classifier to separate light fraction from heavy fraction.
o Light fraction is used for fuel after ferrous material is removed
o Heavy fraction is also rendered of ferrous materials
o remaining glass, ceramics, and nonmagnetic materials from heavy fraction are
then sent to a landfill

Fluidized-Bed Incinerators
o sand is heated to 800C by oil or gas and blown around (fluidized) by a blower
that sends air from bottom upward
o heated fluidized sand hits sludge, breaks it apart, and burns it
o glass and metals must be removed from refuse to incinerated
o able to burn wastes of widely variable moisture and heat content (i.e. paper
and wood)
o very efficient and emissions are low

42
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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

o able to co-combust fuels (i.e. municipal waste with coal or propane)


o more effective than small sized mass-burn incinerators

Modular Incinerators
o prefabricated units with capacities of 4.5 to 107 tons of solid waste/day
o most use a system involving two combustion chambers
o some units employ additional air pollution control equipment and control
emissions as effectively as mass-burn facilities
o many units are being closed due to expenses from upgrading thus interest in
modular incinerators is decreasing

Environmental and Public Health Concerns


o The combustion of MSW can result in the emission of particulate matter, acid
gases (SOx, HCl, HF), NOx (primarily NO andNO2). Carbon monoxide,
organics, and heavy metals.
o Emission standards and guidelines have been promulgated for new and
existing large municipal waste combustion (MWC) facilities, and proposed
for small SWC facilities.
o EPA estimates that when full compliance with the MWC rules is attained, the
annual emissions resulting from MSW incinerators will decline significantly.

Few Points to Note:


Municipal solid waste (MSW) or garbage consists of solid waste discarded by a
community and it includes food waste, paper waste, garden waste, cardboard, wood,
household metal and plastic waste and several others. Approximate generation rate
of MSW is 5 to 8 lb (2.3 to 3.6 kg) per capita per day with 5 lb (or 2,3 kg) being a
typical value for design purposes. It should be noted that the mass of the waste
remains the same from the generation point to the landfill however, the volume
keeps getting smaller as we compact the waste in each step (density keeps
increasing at each step i.e. from trash bins at home to truck to landfill).

Important aspects of solid waste management are collection, transfer station (if
needed) and disposal (landfill (including recovery of gases for energy) or
incineration and recovery of energy)

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Problem 1.1: Solid Waste Quantity


A municipal solid waste department plans to separate a portion of the ferrous metal,
newsprint and cardboard from its MSW waste stream. The department operates 50
collection trucks, each having a volume capacity of 16 yd3 and a compaction
capability of 600 lb/yd3. Each truck collects an average of 8 loads per week over the
year, with allowances for partial loads and downtime.
a) Using the data provided, calculate the amount of waste in lb and yd3 transported
to the landfill per year assuming the current generation rate remains the same
and no recycling occurs.
b) Estimate the savings in the volume of waste to be landfilled per year if 25% (by
weight) of the waste stream is recycled. Assume the density of waste in landfill
after compaction is 1000 lb/yd3.

Ans:
(a)
Step 1. Waste Volume Collected
50 tucks * 16 yd3/load * 8 loads/wk * 52wk/yr = 332,800 yd3/yr

Step 2. Waste to be landfilled (truck compaction 600 lb/yd3)


332,800 yd3/yr * 600 lb/yd3 = 199,680,000 lb/yr

(b)
Step 1. Recycling Volume
199,680,000 lb * 0.25 = 49,920,000 lb/yr recycled material
199,680,000 - 49,920,000 = 149,760,000 lb/yr to the landfill

Step 2. Volume that would have been occupied by the recycled material will
the savings (remember the compacted density in the landfill is 1000
lb/yd3)
49,920,000lb
49,920 yd 3 / yr
1,000lb / yd 3

Volume Savings = 49,920 yd3/yr

Note: Density of refuse in collection is different than in the landfill

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Problem 1.2: Solid Waste Density


The per capita solid waste generation rate for the 175,000 residents of a city is 1.9
kg/d. The solid waste characteristics for the city are as follows.

Component Mass Component Discarded Component discarded


(%) Moisture (%) Density (kg/m3)
Paper 31 6 85
Garden 29 60 105
Food 10 70 290
Cardboard 9 5 50
Wood 8 20 240
Plastic 7 2 65
misc. 6 8 480
What is the discarded (wet) density of the bulk waste?

Ans
Assume that a 100 kg sample of the waste for convenience in calculations. Although
the number of residents and the generation rate can be used to calculate the total
daily mass, it will not affect the waste density result

Component Mass Component discarded Component discarded


Kg Density kg/m3 Volume m3

Col 2/Col 3
Paper 31 85 0.365
Garden 29 105 0.276
Food 10 290 0.034
Cardboard 9 50 0.18
Wood 8 240 0.033
Plastic 7 65 0.108
misc. 6 480 0.013
100 1

m component discarded mass kg


V component discarded volume m3
waste bulk wet density kg/m3
d component discarded density kg/m3
V = m/ d and d
m 100 kg 100 kg / m3
V 1.00 m 3

45
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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Problem 1.3 Number of Dumpster Required


A city collects solid waste from 435 commercial dumpsters. The dumpsters have an
un-compacted capacity of 3 yd3 and, when filled, contain about 1000 lbm of mixed
waste. The trucks that collect from the dumpsters have a capacity of 8 yd3 of waste
compacted to 1200 lbm/yd3. Collection occurs once weekly.

It requires 2 min to empty each dumpster, and travel time between dumpsters
requires an average of 6 min. Filled trucks dump at a centrally located transfer
station, requiring a round trip including dumping time of 38 min from the end of one
route to the beginning of the next. The trucks are parked at the transfer station at the
end of each 8 hr work day.
How many dumpsters can one truck empty in a single day?

Hint: Find the number of dumpsters in a single compacted truckload.

Ans:
The number of dumpsters per load is
yd 3 lbm
8 1200 3
load yd
= 9.6 dumpsters / load
yd 3
1000lbm
3 3

dumpster 3 yd
The time required per load is
min dumpsters 6 min min
2 9 * 8 38 = 104 min/load
dumpster load dumpter to dumpster load
The time available for collection in a single day is
hr min
8 60 480 min/ day
day hr
min
480
day
The number of loads per day is = 4.62 loads/day
min
104
load
dumpsters loads
The number of dumpsters emptied in a single day is 9 4 =36
load day

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Problem 1.4: Operating Life of Landfill


A municipality with a population of 215,000 is under state mandate to recycle 25%
of the solid waste generated by its citizens. The remaining 75% will be landfilled.
The per capita waste generation rate is 4.6 lbm/day. The landfilled waste in-place
maximum compacted density is 50 lbm/ft3, and the soil-cover-to-compacted-waste
ratio is 1:4.5 by volume. The landfill covers a rectangular area 1200 ft by 1600 ft.
The maximum landfill height cannot exceed 80 feet with 1:1 side slopes. What is the
operating life of the landfill?

Hint: Be careful applying the cover-to-fill ratio and distinguishing between waste
landfilled and the waste recycled

Ans:
The landfill volume (trapezoid)= (b1 +b2)*h

(0.5)[(1200ft 80 ft - 80 ft) (1600 ft 80 ft 80 ft) + (1200 ft)(1600 ft)](80ft)


= 1.4 x 108 ft3
The annual waste mass landfilled is
lbm day 8
(0.75)(215,000 people) 4.6 365 = 2.7 x 10 lbm/yr
capita day year
lbm
2.7 x10 8
The annual in-place waste volume landfilled is yr
5.4 x10 6 ft 3 / yr
lbm
50 3
ft
ft 3
5.4 x106
yr
The annual soil cover volume is 1.2 x106 ft 3 / yr
4.5

ft 3 ft 3 ft 3
The annual landfill total volume is 5.4 x106 + 1.2 x106 = 6.6 x106
yr yr yr
1.4 x108 ft 3
The landfill operating life is 3
= 21 yr
6 ft
6.6 x10
yr

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

CHAPTER 2: HAZARDOUS WASTE

Hazardous Waste
o any waste or combination of waste that poses a substantial danger now or future
to humans, plants, and animals without special precautions.
o there are cases where waste has been declared safe or non-hazardous, but years
later cause a lot of hazardous problems
o Waste material is considered to be hazardous if it is on the EPA developed lists
(F, K, P, U, etc.) or if it exhibits any of the following:

Ignitability
is a liquid with flash point <60oC (some exceptions)
Not a liquid and capable of spontaneous and sustained combustion under
normal conditions
Ignitable compressed gas (DOT regulations)
is an oxidizer (DOT regulations)

Corrosivity
Is aqueous and has a pH less than 2 or greater than 12.5
Is liquid and corrodes steel at a rate greater than 0.25 per year at a test
temperature of 55oc

Reactivity
Undergoes violent Change w/o detonating
reacts violently with water
Forms potentially explosive mixtures with water
generates toxic gases, vapors or fumes when mixed with water
contains cyanide or sulfide and generates toxic gases, vapors or fumes
capable of detonation if heated under confinement
capable of detonation at std. Temp and Pr.
Is listed by DOT as a Class A or Class B explosive

Toxic characteristics
From the results of either
Extraction Procedure(EP) toxicity (prior to March 1990) or Toxicity
Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
must have concentrations less than 100 times Primary Drinking water
Standards (PWDS) or is classified as hazardous

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Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Hazardous Waste Lists include


Priority Pollutants
K: Wastes generated in specific processes unique to specific industrial groups
F: Wastes generated by standard operation regardless of industry, i.e.,
nonspecific sources.
P and U: Particular commercial chemical products (off-specification and
container and spill residues).

Comparison of Solid and Hazardous Wastes

Some important Points


The mixture rule prevents dilution of waste for the purposes of escaping RCRA
regulation. Mixtures of a listed hazardous waste and other solid wastes become
hazardous wastes.
The contained in rule is a direct consequence of the mixture rule. In this
policy media such as soil and water are treated as hazardous waste if they
contained listed hazardous materials
The derived from rule tells us that any solid waste generated from the
treatment, storage, or disposal of a hazard waste, including any sludge, spill
residue, ash, emission-control dust, or leachate (but not precipitation run-off) is
a hazardous waste.
The waste-code carry through principle is a consequence of both the derived
from and mixture rules. It states that solid waste derived from a hazardous
and nonhazardous waste contains all of the same waste codes as the original
waste.

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Hazardous Waste Regulations


RCRA and HSWA
o In 1976, Congress passed the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) and directed EPA to establish hazardous waste regulations
o In 1984, RCRA was amended into the Hazardous Solid Waste Amendments
(HSWA).
o HSWA along with RCRA is used to regulate the generation and disposal of
hazardous waste
o Did not address abandoned or closed waste disposal sites or spills
o Cradle to Grave Concept
EPAs hazardous waste management system
Tracks hazardous waste from its generation point to its ultimate disposal
point
Requires generators to attach a itemized list describing the contents of
hazardous waste and track hazardous waste shipments
The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest is the key to cradle-to-grave
waste management.
Generators can track the movement of hazardous waste from the point of
generation to the ultimate treatment, storage, or disposal.
Transporter- Critical Link between be the generator and ultimate off site
treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste.
Follows regulations jointly developed by DOT and EPA
Defined as any person engaged in the off-site transportation of hazardous
waste with the United States
Treatment, storage and disposal (TSDs) facilities are the last link in the
cradle-to-grave system.
All TSDs handling hazardous waste must obtain an operating permit and
abide by regulations.
The owners or operators of TSDs must minimize the release of hazardous
waste into the environment.

CERCLA and SARA


In 1980, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA) was enacted to address those problems.
Commonly referred to as Superfund
The provisions were extended by the Superfund Amendment and
Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986
Established to give EPA authority and funds to clean up abandoned waste
sites and respond to emergencies. This was greatly expanded by SARA.

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National Contingency Plan (NCP)


Provides detailed direction on the action to be taken at a hazardous waste
site, including emergency actions and a method to rank sites to establish
future actions
NCP describes the steps to be taken for the detailed evaluation of the risks
associated with a site, termed a remedial investigation(RI). The process of
selecting an appropriate remedy is termed the feasibility study(FS).
Specifies the degree of cleanup to be selected in accordance with several
criteria.
There is no predetermined level of remediation that can be required or that
must be achieved at a particular site.
The degree of correction is established on a site-by-site basis.
Upon completion and approval of the RI/FS, the preparation of the
selected remedy is planned out in the remedial design.
National Priorities List (NPL)
Also known as superfund list
Identify sites that appear to present a significant risk to public health or the
environment (Through HRS score)
Currently there are over 1200 sites on the NPL.
Sites on NPL are eligible for Superfund money.
Hazard Ranking system (HRS)
A procedure for ranking uncontrolled hazardous waste sites in terms of the
potential threat based upon the containment of the hazardous substances,
route of release, characteristics and amount of the substances, and likely
targets.
Represents the relative hazards posed by a site and potential for human
and environmental exposure.
The HRS score is based on the probability of contamination from four
pathways groundwater, surface water, soil and air.

EPCRA - Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act- major


provision found in SARA
Established to let community know the amounts of chemicals and their
locations in facilities in their community, making it available to the public.
Each year those facilities must fill out and EPA-specified form called the
Toxic Release Inventory, which is a list of releases of chemicals produced
by those facilities, either accidental or routine, as well as off-site
shipments of waste.

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Hazardous Waste Treatment Technologies


A comprehensive hazardous waste management program should include Waste
Minimization (including source reduction, waste exchange and recycling) in
addition to treatment and disposal methods

Treatment and Disposal Methods


Physical/Chemical Treatment Methods
Neutralization, Oxidation, Precipitation
Carbon Adsorption, Distillation, Ion Exchange, Eltrodialysis
Incineration
o Liquid injection
o Rotary kiln
Biological Treatment Methods
Land Disposal
Deep Weill Injection
Land Treatment
Landfill
o Siting, Permitting, Design, Construction, Closure
o Maintenance and Operation

52
This copy is given to the following student as part of School of PE course. Not allowed to distribute to others.
ahmed youssef (ahmed_usief@yahoo.com)
Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

CHAPTER 3: AIR POLLUTION

Definition
.may be defined as the presence in the outdoor and/or indoor atmosphere of
one or more contaminants or combinations thereof in such quantities and of such
duration as may be or may tend to be injurious to human, plant, or animal life or
property or which unreasonably interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of
life or property or the conduct of business

Increased quantities of the normal constituents of atmospheric air or other


materials that are present are then classified as pollutants if their presence results
in damage to human beings, plants, animals, materials

Categories of Air Pollution


Ambient Air Pollution
o Out door environment
o Involves complex array of sources and pollutants, meteorological transport
of the pollutants to a receptor
o US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the regulatory authority
Indoor Air Pollution
o Indoor environment in which people live
o US EPA is the active agency
o No Federal regulations as yet
Occupational (Industrial Hygiene) Air Pollution
o Associated with exposure to a large range of pollutants (particles, mists,
acid vapors, and organic and inorganic gases) in the work place
o Regulatory standards established by Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and developed by American Conference of
Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the National
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Personal Exposure
o Exposure to dust, fumes, gases, or mists to which an individual exposes
oneself

Concentration of Pollutants
It is common to express pollutant conc. in the air as parts per million by
volume(ppmv) - 0.0001% by volume = 1 ppmv
Similarly we can define ppmw
Mass conc.
o Micrograms/cubic meter (g/m3)

53
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ahmed youssef (ahmed_usief@yahoo.com)
Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

C (g/m3) = (ppmv*MW*103)/24.5
This equation is good for P = 1 atm and T = 25C
If pressure and temp are different, then a new constants should be used
o For example when P = 1 atm and T =0C or 273K, the constant is 22.4
o Constant at Other temps can be obtained using
o T P
22.41 * actual std
Pactual Tstd
o Other units
ppb, pphm, ppt

Composition of Air

Why do we need to control air pollution


o It causes harmful effects on human health, Materials and property,
Plants and Animals, Visibility, Global climate and others
o Chronic Effects
Long-term, low conc.
o Acute Effects
Short-term, high conc.
Typically during industrial accidents or air pollution emergency
episodes
o Dosage = Conc. in breathed air * time

54
This copy is given to the following student as part of School of PE course. Not allowed to distribute to others.
ahmed youssef (ahmed_usief@yahoo.com)
Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Typical Ambient Air Pollutants


o Particulate matter
o Sulfur containing compounds
o Organic compounds
o Nitrogen containing compounds
o Carbon monoxide
o Halogen compounds
o Radioactive compounds
o Photochemical compounds
o Other inorganic compounds

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQSs) established six criteria


Pollutants - five primary and one secondary pollutant

Primary pollutants emitted directly


o Particulate matter (<10m)
o Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
o Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
o Carbon monoxide (CO)
o Particulate lead (Pb)
Secondary pollutant- formed in the lower atmosphere by chemical reactions
among primary pollutants
o Ozone (O3)

Control of Air Pollution


Air belongs to everyone
o Need it to treat air pollution as public problem
Air pollution is an inevitable concomitant of modern life
o Conflict between economic and biological concerns
o Systematic development of policies and programs to conserve the
atmosphere for its most fundamental biological function
Public policy on pollution can be rationalized through scientific knowledge
o Develop effective control strategies including pollution prevention and
minimization and continued improvement and application of control
devices and technologies
Transfer of pollution from one sector to another is not pollution prevention or
abatement
o Example transfer of air pollution to water pollution or soil
contamination, etc.

55
This copy is given to the following student as part of School of PE course. Not allowed to distribute to others.
ahmed youssef (ahmed_usief@yahoo.com)
Dr. R. Kommalapati, Ph.D., PE, BCEE FE-Civil(Environmental) Notes

Clean Air Act and its major amendments provide the regulations related to air
quality in the United States.

Atmospheric Dispersion Modeling


Dispersion model is a mathematical description of the meteorological
transport and dispersion process that is quantified in terms of source and
meteorological parameters during a particular period of time. The result is an
estimate of concentrations of particular pollutant at specific locations and
times.
Factors affecting the transport, dilution and dispersion of air pollutants are
grouped in terms of (i) emission point characteristics, (ii) nature of the
pollutant, (iii) meteorological conditions and (iv) effects of terrain and
anthropogenic structures

56
This copy is given to the following student as part of School of PE course. Not allowed to distribute to others.
ahmed youssef (ahmed_usief@yahoo.com)

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