Aterros sanitários são a forma mais viável de disposição final dos resíduos sólidos urbanos no Brasil, tanto do ponto de vista técnico quanto econômico. Os antigos lixões estão sendo progressivamente substituídos por aterros bem projetados e operados. Entretanto, os aterros ainda representam risco ambiental devido à liberação de gases e produção de lixiviado (chorume). Os gases podem ser canalizados e queimados ou usados para produção de energia. O tratamento do lixiviado, porém, ainda representa um desafio aos profissionais da área, não tendo ainda sido encontrada uma solução eficaz. As próprias características físico-químicas deste efluente não são bem conhecidas. No presente trabalho buscou-se contribuir para a solução do problema mediante estudos em três frentes: a caracterização detalhada do lixiviado de aterros brasileiros, o estudo da remoção da amônia (o principal poluente presente no lixiviado) por arraste com ar e a importância da força iônica. A compilação de dados referentes a 40 aterros, distribuídos em todas as regiões do país, possibilitou a elaboração de tabelas com as características típicas do lixiviado durante as fases ácida e metanogênica dos aterros. Não se apresentou apenas os valores extremos de cada variável, mas também as faixas mais prováveis de variação. Também foi possível concluir que a fase ácida na maior parte dos casos não dura mais que dois anos nos aterros brasileiros, desde que esses sejam dotados de sistemas de drenagem de base. O estudo do arraste de amônia foi efetuado em torres de 15 cm de diâmetro e 1 m de altura útil, usando-se anéis de polietileno corrugado como material de recheio. Os resultados mostraram que torres aeradas permitem a remoção praticamente total do nitrogênio amoniacal, independentemente de se fazer ou não alcalinização prévia do lixiviado. O volume de ar necessário para remover uma determinada massa de amônia é sempre constante. Somente foi observada nitrificação quando as concentrações de nitrogênio amoniacal ficaram abaixo de 50 mg/L. A elevada força iônica do lixiviado pode ser a responsável pelo fraco desempenho do processo de coagulação-floculação quando aplicado a este efluente. A força iônica é um aspecto pouco estudado no âmbito da engenharia sanitária e ambiental, mas que não pode ser desconsiderada nos estudos acerca do lixiviado. Outros aspectos foram investigados, como o efeito do cloreto na DQO (demanda química de oxigênio) e a possibilidade de desenvolvimento de larvas de insetos nas lagoas de lixiviado. / Sanitary landfills are considered as the most appropriate way for final disposal of municipal solid wastes in Brazil, in the technical and economical point of view. Open dumps have been progressively substituted by well engineered and operated landfills. However, landfills still present environmental risks due to the gas emission and leachate production. Gases can be piped and burnt or used to the electricity production, but the same can not be applied to the leachate. Moreover, the leachate treatment still represents a challenge to the expertise of the area because it was not already found an efficient solution for it. The physical-chemical characteristics of this effluent are not well known yet. This research sought to contribute to the solution of this problem by focusing in three main lines: detailed characterization of the leachate of Brazilian landfills, investigation of the possibilities of ammonia removal (the main pollutant present in the leachate) by air stripping process and evaluation of the importance of the ionic strength. The compilation of data from 40 sanitary landfills, distributed in all the geographic regions of Brazil, allowed the preparation of tables describing the typical characteristics of Brazilian leachates during the acid and methanogenic phases. It was presented not only the extreme values, but also the most probable ranges of variation. It was also possible to conclude that the acid phase lasts no more than 2 years in Brazilian landfills equipped with adequate leachate drainage systems. The study of ammonia air stripping was carried out in towers of 15 cm of diameter and 1 m of packed bed height. Corrugated plastic Raschig rings were used as packing media. Results showed that the aerated towers were able to remove the ammonia almost completely, independently if the pH of leachate was previously increased or not. The volume of air necessary to remove a determined mass of ammonia is always constant. Nitrification occurred only when total ammonia nitrogen concentrations were lower than 50 mg/L. This led to the conclusion that biological systems should not be applied directly to the treatment of raw methanogenic leachate. The high ionic strength of the leachate can be the responsible for the low efficiencies of coagulation-flocculation process applied to this effluent. Even though ionic strength is not usually considered by sanitary and environmental engineering, it should be considered in the studies dealing with leachate. Other aspects were also investigated, as the effect of the chloride in COD (chemical oxygen demand) measurements and the possibility of maggots growth in leachate ponds.

O trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de caracterizar e estudar formas de tratamento de águas residuárias de indústrias de refino de óleo lubrificante e de recuperação de solventes. A fase preliminar teve por objetivo avaliar a biodegradabilidade do despejo combinado dessas duas indústrias. A segunda foi realizada em instalação piloto composta, basicamente, de uma unidade de arraste com ar/tanque de equalização, tanques de correção de pH e de aeração com tempos de detenção distintos, seguidos de tanques de sedimentação. Foram executados testes para avaliar a remoção de material solúvel em n-hexano do despejo da indústria de refino de óleo lubrificante e do efluente final. A unidade de arraste com ar difuso operando com subpressão de 15 mmhg a saída dos gases, vazão específica de ar de 20 ml/l min. E tempo de detenção de 5 dias foi eficiente na remoção de acetona, piridina, benzeno, tolueno, hexano, metil etil cetona e provavelmente solventes clorados. Não apresentou remoção significativa de álcoois, que foram eficientemente degradados no sistema biológico subsequente. Obteve-se remoções superiores a 90%, em termos de dbo e dqo, no processo biológico com tempos de detenção de 20 e 30 dias, e em torno de 80% para os demais. Os sistemas biológicos responderam bem as cargas transientes de solventes, exceto para o tolueno e o álcool isopropílico. / Traditionally, raw materials from solvent recovery and from reclaimed lubricating oil industries are considered hazardous solid waste. Consequently, the best control technology is incineration. This work was developed in order to characterize and to study ways of treating wastewaters from lubricating oil refinery and solvent recovery industries. The experimental part was divided in two phases. The preliminar step aimed to evaluate the biodegradability of combined wastewater from both industries. The second phase was basically carried out in a pilot plant composed by an air stripping unit/equalization tank, pH correction tanks and bioreactors with different retention times, followed by sedimentation tanks. Other than these assays, tests were performed to evaluate the removal of soluble material in n-hexane of the wastewater of the lubricating oil refinery industry and of the supernatant of the sedimentation tank after the bioreactor of 20 days retention.The buble aeration unit operating with a 15 mmHg suppresion to the gas exit, with a specific air flow of 20 mL/L.min. and with a retention time of 5 days was efficient to remove acetone, pyridine, benzene, toluene, hexane, methyl ethyl ketone and probably chlorinated solvents. There was no significative removal of alcohols, that were efficiently degraded in the subsequent biological system. BOD and COD removal efficiencies were better than 90% in the biological process with retention times of 20 and 30 days, and about 80% for the rest. The responses of biological systems to the transient inputs of solvents were well, except for toluene and isopropilic alcohol. Several physico-chemical processes for soluble material in n-hexane removal were studied. The only one to present effluent concentration under the legal limit was the addition of the sodium xylene-sulphonate base demulsifier to the supernatant of the sedimentation tank the bioreactor of 20 days retention.

O trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de caracterizar e estudar formas de tratamento de águas residuárias de indústrias de refino de óleo lubrificante e de recuperação de solventes. A fase preliminar teve por objetivo avaliar a biodegradabilidade do despejo combinado dessas duas indústrias. A segunda foi realizada em instalação piloto composta, basicamente, de uma unidade de arraste com ar/tanque de equalização, tanques de correção de pH e de aeração com tempos de detenção distintos, seguidos de tanques de sedimentação. Foram executados testes para avaliar a remoção de material solúvel em n-hexano do despejo da indústria de refino de óleo lubrificante e do efluente final. A unidade de arraste com ar difuso operando com subpressão de 15 mmhg a saída dos gases, vazão específica de ar de 20 ml/l min. E tempo de detenção de 5 dias foi eficiente na remoção de acetona, piridina, benzeno, tolueno, hexano, metil etil cetona e provavelmente solventes clorados. Não apresentou remoção significativa de álcoois, que foram eficientemente degradados no sistema biológico subsequente. Obteve-se remoções superiores a 90%, em termos de dbo e dqo, no processo biológico com tempos de detenção de 20 e 30 dias, e em torno de 80% para os demais. Os sistemas biológicos responderam bem as cargas transientes de solventes, exceto para o tolueno e o álcool isopropílico. / Traditionally, raw materials from solvent recovery and from reclaimed lubricating oil industries are considered hazardous solid waste. Consequently, the best control technology is incineration. This work was developed in order to characterize and to study ways of treating wastewaters from lubricating oil refinery and solvent recovery industries. The experimental part was divided in two phases. The preliminar step aimed to evaluate the biodegradability of combined wastewater from both industries. The second phase was basically carried out in a pilot plant composed by an air stripping unit/equalization tank, pH correction tanks and bioreactors with different retention times, followed by sedimentation tanks. Other than these assays, tests were performed to evaluate the removal of soluble material in n-hexane of the wastewater of the lubricating oil refinery industry and of the supernatant of the sedimentation tank after the bioreactor of 20 days retention.The buble aeration unit operating with a 15 mmHg suppresion to the gas exit, with a specific air flow of 20 mL/L.min. and with a retention time of 5 days was efficient to remove acetone, pyridine, benzene, toluene, hexane, methyl ethyl ketone and probably chlorinated solvents. There was no significative removal of alcohols, that were efficiently degraded in the subsequent biological system. BOD and COD removal efficiencies were better than 90% in the biological process with retention times of 20 and 30 days, and about 80% for the rest. The responses of biological systems to the transient inputs of solvents were well, except for toluene and isopropilic alcohol. Several physico-chemical processes for soluble material in n-hexane removal were studied. The only one to present effluent concentration under the legal limit was the addition of the sodium xylene-sulphonate base demulsifier to the supernatant of the sedimentation tank the bioreactor of 20 days retention.

Historically, chlorination has been widely utilized as a primary and secondary disinfectant in municipal water supplies. Although chlorine disinfection is effective in inactivating pathogenic microbes, the use of chlorine creates the unintentional formation of regulated chemicals. On January 4, 2006, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated the Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection by-product rule (DBPR) that focuses on public health protection by limiting exposure to four trihalomethanes (THM) and five haloacetic acids (HAA5), formed when chlorine is used for microbial pathogen control. This thesis examines post-aeration TTHM formation when employing spray-aeration processes to remove semi-volatile TTHMs from chlorinated potable water supplies. A bench scale air stripping unit was designed, constructed and operated to evaluate spray aeration for the removal of the four regulated trihalomethane (THM) species from potable drinking water including bromodichloromethane, bromoform, dibromochloromethane, chloroform. The study was conducted using finished bulk water samples collected from two different water treatment facilities (WTFs) located in Oviedo and Babson Park, Florida. Both treatment plants treat groundwater; however, Oviedo's Mitchell Hammock WTF (MHWTF) supply wells contain dissolved organic carbon and bromide DBP precursors whereas the Babson Park WTF #2 (BPWTF2) supply well contains dissolved organic carbon DBP precursors but is absent of bromide precursor. Three treatment scenarios were studied to monitor impacts on total trihalomethane (TTHM) removal and post-treatment (post-aeration) TTHM formation potential, including 1) no treatment (non-aerated control samples), 2) spray aeration via specially fabricated GridBee® nozzle for laboratory-scale applications, 3) spray aeration via a commercially available manufactured BETE® nozzle used for full-scale applications. Select water quality parameters, chlorine residual, and total trihalomethane concentrations were monitored throughout the study. The GridBee® spray nozzle resulted in TTHM removals ranging from 45.2 ± 3.3% for the BPWTF2 samples, and 37.7 ± 3.1% for the MHWTF samples. The BETE® spray nozzle removed 54.7±3.9% and 48.1±6.6% of total trihalomethanes for the Babson Park and Mitchell Hammock WTF samples, respectively. The lower percent removals at the MHWTF are attributed to the detectable presence of bromide and subsequent formation of hypobromous acid in the samples. Post spray aeration TTHM formation potentials were monitored and it was found that the MHWTF experienced significantly higher formation potentials, once again due to the presence of hypobromous acid which led to increases in overall TTHM formation over time in comparison with the Babson Park WTF #2 TTHM formation samples. In addition, chlorine residuals were maintained post spray aeration treatment, and initial chlorine residual and trihalomethane concentrations did not significantly impact overall spray nozzle performance. Among other findings, it was concluded that spray nozzle aeration is a feasible option for the Babson Park WTF #2 for TTHM compliance. For Oviedo's Mitchell Hammock WTF spray aeration was successful in removing TTHMs, however it was not effective in maintaining DBP rule compliance due to the excessive nature of DBP formation in the water samples. This study was not intended to serve as an assessment of varying nozzle technologies; rather, the focus was on the application of spray aerators for TTHM removal and post-formation in drinking water systems.

The crab processing industry of the Chesapeake Bay region has, until recently, been able to dispose of their processing wastewaters by discharging them, largely untreated, directly to the receiving waters along which their plants are located. With the upcoming implementation of new NPDES discharge limits, this practice will no longer be possible. This study investigated the potential of two different technologies for treating the processing wastewaters. Bench-scale anaerobic contact type reactors were studied for effectiveness in the removal of organics from the processor’s wastewaters, and a pilot-scale countercurrent air stripping tower was studied for ammonia removal. Two anaerobic reactors which were fed retort process wastewater at F/M ratios of 0.35 and 0.25 lb COD/1b MLVSS/day, were found to achieve organics removals (on a BOD₅ basis) of 88% and 94% respectively. Similarly, a second pair of anaerobic reactors were fed a mixed wastewater, representative of a mechanized processing plant’s total wastewater flow, at F/M ratios of 0.10 and 0.07 lb COD/1b MLVSS/day. These reactors were found to achieve organics removals (on a BOD₅ basis) of 79% and 83% respectively. All four of the reactors were eventually shut down after exhibiting signs of failure. These failures were attributed to possible sodium and ammonia toxicity problems. The effectiveness of the air stripping tower in the removal of ammonia from retort process wastewater was tested in relation to liquid flow rate, influent temperature, and influent pH. A maximum ammonia removal of 71% was observed when treating a waste, with an influent temperature of 580C and pH level of 12.2, at an air-to-water ratio of approximately 825 ft³/gal. Similarly, an ammonia removal rate of 67% was observed while treating a waste, with an influent temperature of 650°C and pH level of 11.0, at an air-to-water ratio of approximately 412 ft³/gal. / Master of Science

Inúmeras regiões brasileiras apresentam problemas qualitativos em seus mananciais de abastecimento, originando dificuldades para a potabilização da água distribuída nas cidades. Geralmente, os consumidores julgam a segurança da água potável que bebem através de seus sentidos organolépticos. Os processos convencionais utilizados nas estações de tratamento de água não são efetivos na remoção de muitos compostos que causam cor, gosto e odor na água. Devido a isto, é comum que as companhias de saneamento recebam reclamações por parte dos consumidores sobre a qualidade da água distribuída. Dentre os compostos que causam gosto, odor e cor na água encontram-se o sulfeto de hidrogênio, o ferro e o manganês. O sulfeto gera um odor de “ovo podre”, perceptível a concentrações que variam entre 0,05 e 0,1 mg·L-1. Manganês e ferro estão associados principalmente a produção de cor e precipitados na água. Desta forma, o objetivo da pesquisa proposta foi estudar técnicas de tratamento alternativas as convencionais para controlar gosto, cor e odor na água potável pela presença de sulfeto de hidrogênio, ferro e manganês. Os processos investigados foram aeração em torre de dessorção, nanofiltração em membrana e oxidação com permanganato de potássio. Os testes foram realizados com água bruta oriunda do reservatório da Lomba do Sabão, em Porto Alegre. Os ensaios de oxidação anteriormente à clarificação físico-química constaram de 4 etapas. Na primeira, foram testados o cloreto férrico e o sulfato de alumínio, possibilitando a elaboração de diagramas de coagulação. Na segunda etapa, foi calculada a eficiência da coagulação na remoção de Fe(II), Mn(II) e H2S. Na terceira etapa, foi calculada a demanda do oxidante na água. Finalmente, na quarta etapa realizaram-se ensaios de oxidação do permanganato associado à clarificação físico-química. Os resultados mostraram que o processo de coagulação conseguiu remover o ferro satisfatoriamente, mas não o manganês. Nos ensaios usando permanganato os resultados mostraram que as remoções de ferro, manganês e sulfeto de hidrogênio foram de 92%; 59% e 94% (pH 7), e 93%; 74% e 100% (pH 8,0), respectivamente. No caso da relação estequiométrica, as reduções foram maiores quando foi usada a relação estequiométrica de 1,0 e pH 8,0 (89% para Mn e 95% para Fe). O protótipo de torre de dessorção, localizado na ETA Lomba do Sabão, foi operado com razões ar:água de 8 e 12 m3:m3. As remoções de ferro variaram entre 14% a 31%; para manganês, não houve redução aparente. As concentrações efluentes de sulfeto de hidrogênio foram inferiores ao limite de detecção do método analítico, mostrando que houve volatilização do gás neste processo. O protótipo do sistema de membranas de nanofiltração foi também instalado na ETA Lomba do Sabão. Foram realizados ensaios com vazões de 2 e 4 L∙min-1, correspondentes a taxas de aplicação de 14 e 28 L∙h-1∙m-2 a 25°C. As rejeições da membrana para a taxa de 14 L∙h-1∙m-2 foram de 91%, 96% e 100% (<LD) para ferro, manganês e sulfeto de hidrogênio, respectivamente; para a taxa de 28 L∙h-1∙m-2 as reduções foram de 89%, 92% e 100%. Os três processos mostraram ser efetivos para remover sulfeto de hidrogênio. A dessorção foi particularmente ineficiente na redução de Mn(II), ao contrário da oxidação com permanganato, onde a remoção atingiu cerca de 75% ao pH 8,0. A nanofiltração, nos ensaios realizados, atingiu os maiores valores de redução dos compostos estudados. / Many regions in Brazil have problems associated with the water quality of their supplies, which bring problems to the production of safe drinking water that is distributed in communities. Generally, consumers judge the drinking water safety through the use of their organoleptic senses. The conventional processes used in water treatment are not effective to remove many compounds that cause color, taste and odor in water. For this reason water utilities frequently receive complaints by angry consumers unsatisfied with the quality of drinking water. Among the compounds that cause taste, odor and color in drinking water are hydrogen sulfide, iron and manganese. Sulfide generates a "rotten egg" smell, perceptible at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.1 mg·L-1. Manganese and iron are mainly associated with the formation of color and precipitates in water. The objective of this research was to study alternative treatment technologies to remove hydrogen sulfide, iron and manganese from drinking water. The investigated processes were air-stripping, nanofiltration and oxidation with potassium permanganate. Air stripping and nanofiltration pilot plants were supplied with water from Lomba do Sabão reservoir, located in Porto Alegre. Potassium permanganate oxidation was studied in laboratory using Jar tests systems and water from Lomba do Sabão. Oxidation tests associated with chemical clarification were performed in four different phases. In the first, the coagulants ferric chloride and aluminum sulfate were tested, with preparation of coagulation diagrams. In the second phase, it was measured the removal of Fe(II), Mn(II) and H2S during chemical clarification. The water oxidation demand was tested in the third experimental phase. Finally, the fourth phase encompassed tests using potassium permanganate associated with chemical clarification for the removal of Fe(II), Mn(II) and H2S. The results demonstrated that coagulation removed iron efficiently, but not manganese. Using permanganate, reductions in iron, manganese and sulfide increased to 92%, 59% and 94% (pH 7,0), and 93%, 74% and 100% (pH 8,0), respectively. Higher removals were achieved at pH 8,0 and one time the compounds stoichiometric oxidation relation. The air-stripping tower prototype was located at the Lomba do Sabão Water Treatment Plant. It operated with air to water ratios between of 8 and 12 m3:m3. Iron removal rates varied from 14% to 31%, while there were no removal for manganese. Hydrogen sulfide concentrations in plant’s effluents were below the detection level, showing full volatilization of the gas during stripping. The nanofiltration system prototype was also installed at Lomba do Sabão Water Treatment Plant. Tests were performed using flowrates of 2 and 4 L·min-1, corresponding to hydraulic application rates of 14 e 28 L∙h-1∙m-2 a 25°C. The rejections for the 14 L∙h-1∙m-2 tests were 91%, 96% and 100% (<LD) for iron, manganese and sulfide, respectively; for 28 L∙h-1∙m-2, the reductions achieved 89%, 92%, and 100%. The tested treatment processes were effective for hydrogen sulfide removal. Air-stripping was particularly inefficient for Mn(II) removal; on the contrary, permanganate oxidation reached 75% at pH 8,0. Tests with nanofiltration reached the highest removal rates for the studied compounds.

Inúmeras regiões brasileiras apresentam problemas qualitativos em seus mananciais de abastecimento, originando dificuldades para a potabilização da água distribuída nas cidades. Geralmente, os consumidores julgam a segurança da água potável que bebem através de seus sentidos organolépticos. Os processos convencionais utilizados nas estações de tratamento de água não são efetivos na remoção de muitos compostos que causam cor, gosto e odor na água. Devido a isto, é comum que as companhias de saneamento recebam reclamações por parte dos consumidores sobre a qualidade da água distribuída. Dentre os compostos que causam gosto, odor e cor na água encontram-se o sulfeto de hidrogênio, o ferro e o manganês. O sulfeto gera um odor de “ovo podre”, perceptível a concentrações que variam entre 0,05 e 0,1 mg·L-1. Manganês e ferro estão associados principalmente a produção de cor e precipitados na água. Desta forma, o objetivo da pesquisa proposta foi estudar técnicas de tratamento alternativas as convencionais para controlar gosto, cor e odor na água potável pela presença de sulfeto de hidrogênio, ferro e manganês. Os processos investigados foram aeração em torre de dessorção, nanofiltração em membrana e oxidação com permanganato de potássio. Os testes foram realizados com água bruta oriunda do reservatório da Lomba do Sabão, em Porto Alegre. Os ensaios de oxidação anteriormente à clarificação físico-química constaram de 4 etapas. Na primeira, foram testados o cloreto férrico e o sulfato de alumínio, possibilitando a elaboração de diagramas de coagulação. Na segunda etapa, foi calculada a eficiência da coagulação na remoção de Fe(II), Mn(II) e H2S. Na terceira etapa, foi calculada a demanda do oxidante na água. Finalmente, na quarta etapa realizaram-se ensaios de oxidação do permanganato associado à clarificação físico-química. Os resultados mostraram que o processo de coagulação conseguiu remover o ferro satisfatoriamente, mas não o manganês. Nos ensaios usando permanganato os resultados mostraram que as remoções de ferro, manganês e sulfeto de hidrogênio foram de 92%; 59% e 94% (pH 7), e 93%; 74% e 100% (pH 8,0), respectivamente. No caso da relação estequiométrica, as reduções foram maiores quando foi usada a relação estequiométrica de 1,0 e pH 8,0 (89% para Mn e 95% para Fe). O protótipo de torre de dessorção, localizado na ETA Lomba do Sabão, foi operado com razões ar:água de 8 e 12 m3:m3. As remoções de ferro variaram entre 14% a 31%; para manganês, não houve redução aparente. As concentrações efluentes de sulfeto de hidrogênio foram inferiores ao limite de detecção do método analítico, mostrando que houve volatilização do gás neste processo. O protótipo do sistema de membranas de nanofiltração foi também instalado na ETA Lomba do Sabão. Foram realizados ensaios com vazões de 2 e 4 L∙min-1, correspondentes a taxas de aplicação de 14 e 28 L∙h-1∙m-2 a 25°C. As rejeições da membrana para a taxa de 14 L∙h-1∙m-2 foram de 91%, 96% e 100% (<LD) para ferro, manganês e sulfeto de hidrogênio, respectivamente; para a taxa de 28 L∙h-1∙m-2 as reduções foram de 89%, 92% e 100%. Os três processos mostraram ser efetivos para remover sulfeto de hidrogênio. A dessorção foi particularmente ineficiente na redução de Mn(II), ao contrário da oxidação com permanganato, onde a remoção atingiu cerca de 75% ao pH 8,0. A nanofiltração, nos ensaios realizados, atingiu os maiores valores de redução dos compostos estudados. / Many regions in Brazil have problems associated with the water quality of their supplies, which bring problems to the production of safe drinking water that is distributed in communities. Generally, consumers judge the drinking water safety through the use of their organoleptic senses. The conventional processes used in water treatment are not effective to remove many compounds that cause color, taste and odor in water. For this reason water utilities frequently receive complaints by angry consumers unsatisfied with the quality of drinking water. Among the compounds that cause taste, odor and color in drinking water are hydrogen sulfide, iron and manganese. Sulfide generates a "rotten egg" smell, perceptible at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.1 mg·L-1. Manganese and iron are mainly associated with the formation of color and precipitates in water. The objective of this research was to study alternative treatment technologies to remove hydrogen sulfide, iron and manganese from drinking water. The investigated processes were air-stripping, nanofiltration and oxidation with potassium permanganate. Air stripping and nanofiltration pilot plants were supplied with water from Lomba do Sabão reservoir, located in Porto Alegre. Potassium permanganate oxidation was studied in laboratory using Jar tests systems and water from Lomba do Sabão. Oxidation tests associated with chemical clarification were performed in four different phases. In the first, the coagulants ferric chloride and aluminum sulfate were tested, with preparation of coagulation diagrams. In the second phase, it was measured the removal of Fe(II), Mn(II) and H2S during chemical clarification. The water oxidation demand was tested in the third experimental phase. Finally, the fourth phase encompassed tests using potassium permanganate associated with chemical clarification for the removal of Fe(II), Mn(II) and H2S. The results demonstrated that coagulation removed iron efficiently, but not manganese. Using permanganate, reductions in iron, manganese and sulfide increased to 92%, 59% and 94% (pH 7,0), and 93%, 74% and 100% (pH 8,0), respectively. Higher removals were achieved at pH 8,0 and one time the compounds stoichiometric oxidation relation. The air-stripping tower prototype was located at the Lomba do Sabão Water Treatment Plant. It operated with air to water ratios between of 8 and 12 m3:m3. Iron removal rates varied from 14% to 31%, while there were no removal for manganese. Hydrogen sulfide concentrations in plant’s effluents were below the detection level, showing full volatilization of the gas during stripping. The nanofiltration system prototype was also installed at Lomba do Sabão Water Treatment Plant. Tests were performed using flowrates of 2 and 4 L·min-1, corresponding to hydraulic application rates of 14 e 28 L∙h-1∙m-2 a 25°C. The rejections for the 14 L∙h-1∙m-2 tests were 91%, 96% and 100% (<LD) for iron, manganese and sulfide, respectively; for 28 L∙h-1∙m-2, the reductions achieved 89%, 92%, and 100%. The tested treatment processes were effective for hydrogen sulfide removal. Air-stripping was particularly inefficient for Mn(II) removal; on the contrary, permanganate oxidation reached 75% at pH 8,0. Tests with nanofiltration reached the highest removal rates for the studied compounds.

Inúmeras regiões brasileiras apresentam problemas qualitativos em seus mananciais de abastecimento, originando dificuldades para a potabilização da água distribuída nas cidades. Geralmente, os consumidores julgam a segurança da água potável que bebem através de seus sentidos organolépticos. Os processos convencionais utilizados nas estações de tratamento de água não são efetivos na remoção de muitos compostos que causam cor, gosto e odor na água. Devido a isto, é comum que as companhias de saneamento recebam reclamações por parte dos consumidores sobre a qualidade da água distribuída. Dentre os compostos que causam gosto, odor e cor na água encontram-se o sulfeto de hidrogênio, o ferro e o manganês. O sulfeto gera um odor de “ovo podre”, perceptível a concentrações que variam entre 0,05 e 0,1 mg·L-1. Manganês e ferro estão associados principalmente a produção de cor e precipitados na água. Desta forma, o objetivo da pesquisa proposta foi estudar técnicas de tratamento alternativas as convencionais para controlar gosto, cor e odor na água potável pela presença de sulfeto de hidrogênio, ferro e manganês. Os processos investigados foram aeração em torre de dessorção, nanofiltração em membrana e oxidação com permanganato de potássio. Os testes foram realizados com água bruta oriunda do reservatório da Lomba do Sabão, em Porto Alegre. Os ensaios de oxidação anteriormente à clarificação físico-química constaram de 4 etapas. Na primeira, foram testados o cloreto férrico e o sulfato de alumínio, possibilitando a elaboração de diagramas de coagulação. Na segunda etapa, foi calculada a eficiência da coagulação na remoção de Fe(II), Mn(II) e H2S. Na terceira etapa, foi calculada a demanda do oxidante na água. Finalmente, na quarta etapa realizaram-se ensaios de oxidação do permanganato associado à clarificação físico-química. Os resultados mostraram que o processo de coagulação conseguiu remover o ferro satisfatoriamente, mas não o manganês. Nos ensaios usando permanganato os resultados mostraram que as remoções de ferro, manganês e sulfeto de hidrogênio foram de 92%; 59% e 94% (pH 7), e 93%; 74% e 100% (pH 8,0), respectivamente. No caso da relação estequiométrica, as reduções foram maiores quando foi usada a relação estequiométrica de 1,0 e pH 8,0 (89% para Mn e 95% para Fe). O protótipo de torre de dessorção, localizado na ETA Lomba do Sabão, foi operado com razões ar:água de 8 e 12 m3:m3. As remoções de ferro variaram entre 14% a 31%; para manganês, não houve redução aparente. As concentrações efluentes de sulfeto de hidrogênio foram inferiores ao limite de detecção do método analítico, mostrando que houve volatilização do gás neste processo. O protótipo do sistema de membranas de nanofiltração foi também instalado na ETA Lomba do Sabão. Foram realizados ensaios com vazões de 2 e 4 L∙min-1, correspondentes a taxas de aplicação de 14 e 28 L∙h-1∙m-2 a 25°C. As rejeições da membrana para a taxa de 14 L∙h-1∙m-2 foram de 91%, 96% e 100% (<LD) para ferro, manganês e sulfeto de hidrogênio, respectivamente; para a taxa de 28 L∙h-1∙m-2 as reduções foram de 89%, 92% e 100%. Os três processos mostraram ser efetivos para remover sulfeto de hidrogênio. A dessorção foi particularmente ineficiente na redução de Mn(II), ao contrário da oxidação com permanganato, onde a remoção atingiu cerca de 75% ao pH 8,0. A nanofiltração, nos ensaios realizados, atingiu os maiores valores de redução dos compostos estudados. / Many regions in Brazil have problems associated with the water quality of their supplies, which bring problems to the production of safe drinking water that is distributed in communities. Generally, consumers judge the drinking water safety through the use of their organoleptic senses. The conventional processes used in water treatment are not effective to remove many compounds that cause color, taste and odor in water. For this reason water utilities frequently receive complaints by angry consumers unsatisfied with the quality of drinking water. Among the compounds that cause taste, odor and color in drinking water are hydrogen sulfide, iron and manganese. Sulfide generates a "rotten egg" smell, perceptible at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.1 mg·L-1. Manganese and iron are mainly associated with the formation of color and precipitates in water. The objective of this research was to study alternative treatment technologies to remove hydrogen sulfide, iron and manganese from drinking water. The investigated processes were air-stripping, nanofiltration and oxidation with potassium permanganate. Air stripping and nanofiltration pilot plants were supplied with water from Lomba do Sabão reservoir, located in Porto Alegre. Potassium permanganate oxidation was studied in laboratory using Jar tests systems and water from Lomba do Sabão. Oxidation tests associated with chemical clarification were performed in four different phases. In the first, the coagulants ferric chloride and aluminum sulfate were tested, with preparation of coagulation diagrams. In the second phase, it was measured the removal of Fe(II), Mn(II) and H2S during chemical clarification. The water oxidation demand was tested in the third experimental phase. Finally, the fourth phase encompassed tests using potassium permanganate associated with chemical clarification for the removal of Fe(II), Mn(II) and H2S. The results demonstrated that coagulation removed iron efficiently, but not manganese. Using permanganate, reductions in iron, manganese and sulfide increased to 92%, 59% and 94% (pH 7,0), and 93%, 74% and 100% (pH 8,0), respectively. Higher removals were achieved at pH 8,0 and one time the compounds stoichiometric oxidation relation. The air-stripping tower prototype was located at the Lomba do Sabão Water Treatment Plant. It operated with air to water ratios between of 8 and 12 m3:m3. Iron removal rates varied from 14% to 31%, while there were no removal for manganese. Hydrogen sulfide concentrations in plant’s effluents were below the detection level, showing full volatilization of the gas during stripping. The nanofiltration system prototype was also installed at Lomba do Sabão Water Treatment Plant. Tests were performed using flowrates of 2 and 4 L·min-1, corresponding to hydraulic application rates of 14 e 28 L∙h-1∙m-2 a 25°C. The rejections for the 14 L∙h-1∙m-2 tests were 91%, 96% and 100% (<LD) for iron, manganese and sulfide, respectively; for 28 L∙h-1∙m-2, the reductions achieved 89%, 92%, and 100%. The tested treatment processes were effective for hydrogen sulfide removal. Air-stripping was particularly inefficient for Mn(II) removal; on the contrary, permanganate oxidation reached 75% at pH 8,0. Tests with nanofiltration reached the highest removal rates for the studied compounds.