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I detta projekt har experiment utförts med mål att förse kommunalförbundet Norrvatten med data som kan användas som underlag för beslutsfattande angående om deras fällningslinjer i vattenreningsprocessen ska köras i flotation eller sedimentering. För detta ändamål har koncentrationen av poly- och perfluorerade alkylsubstanser (PFAS) samt karaktär av agglomererade partiklar (flockar) undersökts och jämförts mellan fällningslinjer som körs i olika konfigurationer. För flockkaraktär har skapandet och stabiliteten av flockar varit av intresse, eftersom flotation har ett mer turbulent flöde där flockarna riskerar att brista. Partikelstorlek, storleksfördelning och zeta potential identifierades som egenskaper som reflekterar flockarnas karaktär, dessa analyserades i en zetasizer. Koncentrationen av elva vanligt förekommande PFAS ämnen analyserades i projektet. Resultatet av flockkaraktär tyder på att det ej fanns någon större skillnad i skapandet av flockar samt deras stabilitet mellan de olika fällningslinjerna som undersökts. Detta eftersom zeta potentialen var identisk (-6.45 mV) för de analyserade proverna från respektive process. Analyserna och provberedningen bedömdes ha en hög mätosäkerhet, och några förbättringar som föreslås för att öka säkerheten är genomförande av komplementerande fotoanalys för att bekräfta likheter i utseende mellan flockar, samt att genomföra mer analyser så att en statistisk giltighet av analysen kan kvantifieras. För PFAS koncentrationen så var koncentrationen av PFAS lägre i utgående vatten från fällningslinje som körs i sedimentation (7.5 ng/l), jämfört med prov från linje som körs i flotation (9.2 ng/l). För fällningslinjen som kördes i flotation så skapades skum med höga koncentrationer av PFAS (3800 ng/l) jämfört med analyserade vattenprover (5.5–9.2 ng/l), detta identifierades som en potentiell källa för PFAS-avlägsning. Resultaten av PFAS baserades endast på en provtagningsserie, och förbättringar av validitet kan åstadkommas genom samling av mer analysdata för samma processer, och genom att analysera ett av proverna i två olika instrument, som båda analyserar PFAS koncentration. / In this project, attempts have been made to collect data that allows the municipal association Norrvatten in the decision-making process on the  flotation/ sedimentation step of their water treatment process. In this sense, poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) concentration and the characteristics of agglomerated particles (flocs) have been investigated and compared between the two modes that the process can be operated. For the floc characteristics, the creation and stability of the flocs were investigated, and the particle size, size distribution and zeta potential was identified as important properties and thereafter analysed using the instrument zetasizer. The concentration of eleven different PFAS compounds were analysed. The results of floc characteristics show that there is no major difference in creation and breakage of flocs in the two investigated modes, since the analysed samples had the same zeta potential, -6.45 mV. The results were deemed uncertain because of varying results, and improvement suggestions include using photoanalysis to confirm similar floc appearances and to produce more data so a statistical validity can be quantified. As for the PFAS concentration, the concentration of PFAS were slightly lower in the treatment step in which sedimentation was utilized (7.5 ng/l) compared to when flotation was utilized (9.2 ng/l). The flotation mode did, however, create foam with a high PFAS concentration (3800 ng/l) compared to the liquid samples (5.5-9.2 ng/l), so a potential PFAS removal source was identified. The results were based on one sample series, so improvements of validity can be achieved by gathering more data, analysing more samples, and analysing the same sample in two different instruments measuring PFAS concentrations.

<p>Over 750 million people, 80% of whom live in rural communities, lack access to improved water sources. Even where an improved water source is easily accessible, recontamination and/or inadequate infrastructure may make it unsafe for human consumption. A lack of safe water leads to elevated rates of waterborne diseases and can exacerbate cycles of poverty by forcing individuals to miss school and work and to travel greater distances to secure better-quality water. Households in rural and remote communities may thus choose to use point-of-use treatment as a means of gaining greater control over their water quality and the health of their families. The BioSand Filter (BSF) is one such technology: it is an intermittently-operated household-scale slow sand filter currently used in over 70 nations around the world.</p> <p>This thesis situates point-of-use water treatment, and specifically the BSF, within the context of the relationship between water and health and the continuum of technologies used for water treatment. From this foundation, it presents the methodology and results of a study carried out to inform best-practices around BSF use by: (a) examining the effects on BSF media and filtration performance of physical disturbances that may commonly occur in the field; and (b) assessing whether the biological community within BSFs promotes nitrification that could produce elevated nitrate/nitrite levels.</p> <p>Results demonstrated that disturbing the filters through moving and side impacts caused marked sand compaction and decreased flow rates for plastic (Hydraid) BSFs. Although these decreased flow rates may contribute to user frustration and disuse, they were not associated with reduced filtration performance. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations were well below WHO guidelines for all samples, but changes in nitrogen speciation suggested that nitrification was mediated by the biological community within the filters. Recommendations for practitioners and for future research are discussed in light of these findings.</p> / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Una parte importante del trabajo desarrollado en la presente tesis está basado en la puesta a punto y aplicación de la técnica de la microscopía electroquímica de barrido (SECM). Con esta técnica se han caracterizado electroquímicamente superficies sobre las que se han sintetizado una serie de materiales electroactivos desarrollados por nuestro grupo de investigación. Dichos materiales se sintetizan sobre diferentes substratos con el fin de disponer de electrodos de trabajo con aplicación en el contexto del tratamiento electroquímico de aguas residuales contaminadas con colorantes azoicos, provenientes de procesos de tintura en industrias textiles. Entre las superficies desarrolladas se incluyen: ¿ Ánodos dimensionalmente estables (DSAs) fabricados a partir de una superficie de Ti recubierta de SnO2 (Ti/SnO2), dopada con Sb (Ti/SnO2-Sb) y estabilizada con Pt (Ti/SnO2-Sb-Pt). ¿ Un tejido de poliéster (PES) recubierto de polipirrol (PPy) dopado con antraquinona sulfonato (PES/PPy-AQSA) o fosfotungstato (PES/PPy- PW12O403-). ¿ Un tejido de PES recubierto de polianilina (PANI) sintetizada en medios sulfúrico (PES/PANI-HSO4-) y clorhídrico (PES/PANI-Cl-). ¿ Un hilo de Pt recubierto de PANI con Pt electrodispersado (Pt/PANI-Pt). ¿ Un tejido de fibra de carbono recubierto de PANI (C/PANI) con o sin Pt electrodispersado (C/PANI-Pt). ¿ Un tejido de PES recubierto con óxido de grafeno (GO) o con su forma reducida (RGO). Los análisis locales efectuados a las superficies anteriormente descritas permitieron determinar su electroactividad frente a los pares redox Fe(CN)63-/4- y Ru(NH3)63+/2+ seleccionados como mediadores. Las curvas experimentales de aproximación obtenidas con el sistema en modo feedback, se compararon con las curvas teóricas establecidas por la teoría SECM para un substrato conductor (feedback +) y un substrato aislante (feedback -). Las imágenes SECM en 2D y 3D permitieron observar la distribución de la actividad electroquímica superficial para las diferentes muestras. Los resultados obtenidos con la microscopía SECM se utilizaron para validar los procedimientos de síntesis del material electroactivo en lo concerniente a su electroactividad y a la homogeneidad de su distribución. Las superficies textiles presentan una topografía muy irregular en comparación con la superficie metálica de un DSA. Aspecto especialmente reseñable en las muestras textiles es la influencia que ejerce la topografía del substrato textil en la imagen SECM de la electroactividad con el microelectrodo moviéndose a altura constante con respecto al substrato. En este sentido, las imágenes SECM obtenidas sobre las muestras textiles muestran como la electroactividad superficial reproduce el patrón geométrico del tejido. La influencia en la actividad electroquímica de aspectos tales como: tiempo de vida útil/corrosión en el caso de los DSAs, tipo de dopante/pH en el caso de la superficie PES/PPy, influencia del pH en las muestras de PES/PANI, el estado de oxidación de la especie electroactiva y la influencia del mediador (par redox) en el caso del grafeno, ha quedado puesta de manifiesto claramente en los estudios efectuados con la microscopía SECM. Una segunda parte importante del trabajo realizado en la presente tesis, se desarrolla como continuación a los trabajos que el grupo de investigación viene realizando dentro del contexto del tratamiento electroquímico de colorantes azoicos en disolución acuosa. Así, en el capítulo 2 de la presente tesis, se estudia el desarrollo, caracterización y aplicación de una serie de electrodos fabricados a partir de un tejido activo de fibra de carbono. El objetivo que persigue el desarrollo de estos electrodos está en su aplicación a procesos industriales tales como: la electrooxidación de moléculas relativamente sencillas como por ejemplo metanol o, de acuerdo con nuestra línea de investigación, para el tratamiento electroquímico de aguas contaminadas con colorantes azoicos provenientes de los procesos de tintura en industrias textiles. Entre los electrodos textiles de fibra de carbono desarrollados en el capítulo 2 de la presente tesis se incluyen: ¿ Electrodos textiles de carbono sin modificar. ¿ Electrodos textiles de carbono modificados con Pt disperso. ¿ Electrodos textiles de carbono recubiertos de PPy o PANI. ¿ Electrodos textiles de carbono recubiertos de PPy o PANI con Pt disperso. Dos tipos de geometrías se eligieron a la hora de fabricar los electrodos de fibra de carbono anteriormente citados. Los electrodos monodimensionales (WE1D) fueron preparados a partir de una hebra tomada del propio tejido. Los electrodos bidimensionales (WE2D) se prepararon a partir de una banda de (1 cm x 3 cm) cortada del tejido de carbono. Por medio de la voltametría cíclica (CV) y utilizando los WE1D se establecieron las condiciones de síntesis para la fabricación de los WE2D modificados. Además, por medio de la CV se estudió la respuesta electroquímica de los WE1Ds en diferentes sistemas electroquímicos tales como: una disolución de H2SO4, una disolución de CH3OH/H2SO4 y una disolución de amarante/H2SO4. Para este último sistema, además, se utilizó un electrodo de carbono vítreo (GCE) ya que proporcionaba una respuesta voltamétrica más precisa que la obtenida con los WE1Ds. En la caracterización electroquímica que se realizó a los electrodos WE2D, la microscopía SECM jugó un papel relevante. Con la configuración 2D no era posible obtener voltagramas precisos que nos permitieran observar el comportamiento electroquímico de los diferentes WE2D modificados. Con la microscopía SECM, sí se pudo medir la actividad electrocatalítica de las diferentes superficies validándose, entonces, las condiciones de síntesis utilizadas. Algunas de estas condiciones, como los rangos de potencial, se habían establecido previamente para los WE1D. Así, la microscopía SECM se muestra como alternativa a la CV para la medida de la electroactividad superficial y de la distribución del material electrocatalítico para este tipo de muestras. Además de la caracterización electroquímica, se realizó también una caracterización morfológica de las superficies electródicas mediante la toma de imágenes por medio de la microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM) y del microscopio estereoscópico. El estudio voltamétrico efectuado para el sistema amarante/H2SO4 con los electrodos textiles WE1D y el electrodo GCE permitió el establecimiento de los potenciales de trabajo a los que realizar la electrólisis de oxidación y de reducción a potencial controlado con los electrodos WE2D, WE2D/Pt y WE2D/PANI-Pt. Con los electrodos de trabajo anteriores, se llevan a cabo diferentes electrólisis de electroreducción y electrooxidación a una disolución de amarante en medio sulfúrico utilizando una célula en forma de ¿H¿ con separación de compartimentos. El seguimiento del proceso de degradación de la molécula de amarante y por ende de la decoloración de la disolución, se efectuó por medio de la cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC) y las espectroscopías UV-visible, fluorescencia de emisión e infrarroja por transformada de Fourier con reflexión total atenuada (FTIR-ATR). Los resultados de eficiencia obtenidos en las electrólisis confirman la elección de los potenciales de trabajo seleccionados. El porcentaje de decoloración tanto con las electroreducciones como con las electrooxidaciones se sitúa por encima del 90 %. También se comprobó que la presencia de platino trae consigo una significativa reducción del tiempo de electrólisis para la electrooxidación a 900 mV. Los análisis de los espectros UV, de fluorescencia de emisión y FTIR-ATR permitieron establecer diferencias significativas en relación con el tipo de proceso electroquímico (electroreducción/electrooxidación), tipo de electrodo (modificado/no modificado) y la presencia/ausencia de cloruros en el medio de reacción. Con este trabajo se establece una metodología de cara a futuros estudios con otros colorantes azoicos utilizando electrodos basados en el tejido de fibra de carbono. / Fernández Sáez, J. (2014). Análisis por microscopía electroquímica de barrido de superficies electroactivas y desarrollo-caracterización de electrodos basados en un tejido de fibra de carbono [Tesis doctoral]. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/38239

Denna rapport presenterar resultat och analys av prestandan i ett pilotförsök om temperaturstegsrötning (TPAD). Pilotförsöket genomfördes på uppdrag av Käppalaförbundet. Resultaten jämfördes med en nedskalad mesofil process som simulerade den nuvarande fullskaliga rötningsprocessen på Käppala  avloppsreningsverk. Syftet var att utvärdera om TPAD kunde erbjuda fördelar jämfört med det mesofila systemet. TPAD har tidigare visat stor potential i pilotstudier och till viss del i fullskaliga implementeringar på avloppsreningsverk runt om i världen. Då prestanda och beteende vid rötningsprocesser dock är starkt beroende av lokal slamkomposition och processparametrar, behövdes en skräddarsydd pilotstudie för att utvärdera TPADs applicerbarhet vid Käppala avloppsreningsverk specifikt. Sammanfattningsvis visade TPAD något bättre metanutbyte än det mesofila kontollförsöket (MAD), och VSD ökade markant. Dessa fördelar erhölls trots den lägre totala retentionstiden för TPAD. Kvävemineraliseringen ökade dock också märkbart vilket potentiellt kan medföra ökade kostnader associerade med rening av kväve i rejektvattnet för avloppsreningsverket. Avvattningsprov på labbskala visade ett omfattande utsläpp av TSS i rejektvattnet efter det termofila rötningssteget. Detta förbättrades dock avsevärt (om än inte i samma utsträckning som MAD) efter det mesofila skedet. Mycket preliminära resultat indikerade att TPAD hade en utmärkt inneboende hygieniseringsförmåga tack vare det termofila skedet, och resulterade i ett slutgiltigt rötslam som uppfyllde hygieniseringsriktlinjer enligt Revaq. TPAD verkade uppvisa hög robusthet, utan någon uppenbar syrakollaps trots hög belastning i det termofila steget. Framtida stresstester föreslås för att tvinga fram en termofil syrakollaps, vilket skulle kunna ge en syra/gas-fasad TPAD, med potentiellt ytterligare ökad prestanda enligt mycket av den befintliga litteraturen. / This report analyzes the performance of a pilot scale temperature phased anaerobic digestion process (TPAD) undertaken on commission from the Käppalaförbundet wastewater treatment plant. Results from the newly initiated TPAD pilot were compared to those of a scaled down mesophilic process simulating the current full scale digestion used at Käppala, to evaluate whether TPAD could provide benefits over the mesophilic system. TPAD had previously showed great promise at pilot and full scale at other plants around the world, but given that anaerobic digestion performance and behavior are highly dependent on local sludge composition and process parameters, a bespoke pilot was needed to evaluate TPAD at Käppala WWTP specifically. In summary, the TPAD exhibited slightly better methane yields than the mesophilic control, and showed better removal of volatile solids. Such benefits were seen despite the lower overall retention time of the TPAD. Nitrogen mineralisation however also increased, potentially imposing increased costs associated with sludge liquor nitrogen purification. Dewaterability tests showed the thermophilic stage of TPAD releasing large amounts of problematic colloidal material, which however was reduced by the subsequent mesophilic stage. Preliminary results indicated the TPAD had an excellent inherent hygienization ability owing to the thermophilic stage, producing a final digestate which fulfilled Revaq hygienization guidelines. The TPAD also seemed to exhibit great robustness, with no acid collapse in the thermophilic stage apparent despite high loads and short retention times. Future stress tests are proposed to test an acid-gas phased TPAD, with potentially further increased performance as per much of the existing literature.

Swedavia är ett statligt ägt bolag som äger och driver tio flygplatser i Sverige, varav Stockholm Arlanda Airport är en. Flygplatsen har ett miljötillstånd där ett utredningsvillkor kallat U4 finns. Prövotidsutredningen syftar främst till att utvärdera reningseffekten hos dagvattenanläggningarna vid flygplatsen, med slutgiltiga villkor om utsläpp av bl.a. organiska föreningar och näringsämnen. När det under vintertid bildas snö- och isbeläggningar på flygplanen och banorna riskerar det att delvis påverka den aerodynamiska förmågan men också orsaka otillräcklig friktion mellan flygplansdäcken och marken. För att förhindra att olyckor sker eller att plan inte lyfter används framför allt kaliumformiat och propylenglykol som av-isning och halkbekämpningsmedel. Följden av att använda dessa blir förhöjda halter löst TOC (Total Organic Carbon) i dagvattnet och det kan leda till syrefria förhållanden i recipienten, vilket i detta fall är Märstaån. Swedavia har, med det primära syftet att rena dagvattnet på av-isning-och halkbekämpningsmedel, anlagt flera dagvattenanläggningar på flygplatsområdet. Dessa består av dammar som genom biologisk nedbrytning och sedimentering ska rena vattnet med avseende på TOC. Enligt ett prövotidsvillkor som uppkom i samband med miljödomen för flygplatsen ska slutgiltiga halter bestämmas och den potentiella reningseffektiviteten av dagvattnet ska undersökas. Reningseffektiviteten har dock visat sig vara svår att fastställa då dammarna kontinuerligt fylls på med vatten och att vattnet leds förbi dammarna via bypass-funktion vid för stora vattenflöden. Då reningseffektiviteten i dammarna fortfarande inte är fastställd är denna studies syfte att utvärdera reningseffekten och om den kan förbättras. Ett inkubationsförsök för nedbrytning gjordes med en experimentuppställning där vattenprover från Arlanda inkuberades i 3 olika temperaturer (5°C, 10°C och 23°C) med kategorierna låg/hög TOC-halt och med/utan tillsats av makronäringsämnena fosfor och kväve (N och P), enligt Redfield förhållandet 106:16:1. Försöket pågick i 33 dagar och kontinuerliga vattenprover togs för att sedan analysera TOC-halten. Resultatet visade att näringstillsats, enligt Redfieldförhållandet, inte hade någon statistisk signifikant påverkan på nedbrytningshastigheten vid 5°C och 10°C. Det fanns dock en statistisk signifikant skillnad vid 23°C, vilket tyder på att näringstillsats är gynnsamt för nedbrytningen vid högre temperaturer. Vid jämförelser mellan nedbrytningshastigheterna vid olika temperaturer fanns det en statistisk signifikant skillnad mellan proverna, förutom för kategorin med hög initialhalt utan näring. Vid låg initialhalt och en temperatur på 5°C, 10°C och 23°C kunde en reduktion av TOC på 65-73%, 83-86% samt 80-90% för respektive temperatur observeras efter en inkubationstid på 33 dagar. För proverna som startade med hög initialhalt i temperaturerna 5°C, 10°C reducerades TOC med 4-42% och 11-16%, och för 23°C skiljde sig nedbrytningen mellan kategorierna näringstillsats/ingen näringstillsats. Utan näring ökade TOC-halten med 38% och med näring reducerades den med 88 % efter 33 inkubationsdagar. En ökning av halten tyder på felkällor i metoden. Nedbrytningshastigheten och tiden för 100% nedbrytning vid låg och hög initialhalt för olika förutsättningar för hela perioden var mellan 0.34-1.02 mg/l respektive 8.45-11.47 mg/l TOC per dag samt 30-47 respektive 39-84 dagar. Efter en vecka var spannet mellan nedbrytningshastigheter för låga och höga initialhalter 1.63-6.98 mg/l respektive 33.21-83.28 mg/l TOC per dag och reningskapacitetenefter en vecka var 33-100% respektive 30-81%. De förbättringar som kan föreslås, baserat på resultatet i studien, är att se över möjligheten att ha ett kostnadseffektivt uppvärmt system, eventuellt genom att nyttja spillvärme på flygplatsen. Vid uppvärmning kan ett alternativ vara att tillföra näringsrikt avloppsvatten, för att upprätthålla en effektiv nedbrytning. Om detta inte är möjligt bör man överväga möjligheten att introducera ett ytterligare reningssteg, som ett biofilter som reducerar TOC-halten innan vattnet lagras i dammarna. Mer studier krävs dock för att kunna dra välgrundade slutsatser från arbetet, eftersom det i studien uppkommit osäkerheter i resultatet. / Swedavia is a state-owned company that owns and operates ten airports in Sweden, of which Stockholm Arlanda Airport is one. The airport has an environmental permit where an investigation condition called U4 exists. The investigation condition primarily aims to evaluate the treatment of stormwater at the airport, with final conditions regarding emissions of e.g. organic compounds and nutrients. Snow and ice deposits form on airplanes and runways during winter, this affects the aerodynamic ability of the airplanes and cause insufficient friction between the airplane tires and the ground. To prevent crashes or planes not taking off, anti-icing agents such as mono propylene glycol and potassium formate are being used. The consequence of using these agents is increased levels of dissolved organic material in the stormwater and in the worst case this can lead to oxygen depletion in the recipient, which in this case is Märstaån. Swedavia has, with the primary purpose of purifying stormwater, built several stormwater facilities in the airport area. These consist of ponds that through biological decomposition depletes the water of the dissolved organic material. According to the trial period investigation, the final conditions for the storm water should be decided and the potential TOC-removal efficiency from the storm water needs to be evaluated. However, it has been hard to establish how well the ponds reduction of TOC work since water continuously fills up the ponds and because water sometimes gets bypassed when there are high flows. Since the reduction of TOC in the ponds is still not determined, the the purpose of this study was to evaluate the TOC-removal efficiency and whether it can be improved. Experimental incubations for degradation of TOC where conducted with water samples from Arlanda, incubated at 3 different temperatures (5°C, 10°C and 23°C) with the categories low/high TOC content and with/without addition of nutrients, according to the Redfield ratio 106:16:1. The experiment lasted 33 days and continuous water samples were taken to then analyze the TOC content. The result showed that nutrient addition according to the Redfield ratio had no statistically significant influence on the degradation, except at 23°C, which suggests that nutrient addition is beneficial at higher temperatures. When comparing the degradation rates at different temperatures, there was a statistically significant difference between the samples, except for the high initial content category without added nutrients. At a low initial content and a temperature of 5°C, 10°C and 23°C, a TOC-reduction of 65-73%, 83-86% and 80-90% was observed for the respective temperature after 33 days of incubation. For the samples that started with a high initial content in the temperatures 5°C, 10°C, a TOC removal of 4-42% and 11-16% was observed and for 23°C, the TOC-removal differed between the the samples without and with addition of nutrients. Without added nutrient, the TOC content increased by 38% and with added nutrient, it was reduced by 88 % after 33 days of incubation. An increase in the TOC content indicates sources of error in the method. The degradation rate and time to 100% degradation at low and high initial content for different conditions and the entire test period was between 0.34-1.02 mg/l respectively 8.45-11.47 mg/l TOC per day and 30-47 and 39-84 days respectively. After a week the range of degradation rates for low and high initial concentrations was 1.63-6.98 mg/l respectively 33.21-83.28 mg/l TOC per day and the TOC-removal capacity after one week was 33-100% respectively 30-83%. The improvements suggested, based on the results of the study, is to investigate the possibility of having a cost-effective heated pond system, possibly if there is waste heat to use from the airport. When heating, an alternative may be to add nutrient-rich wastewater, to maintain efficient degradation. If this is not possible, consideration should be given to the possibility of introducing an additional step for TOC-removal, such as a biofilter that reduces the TOC content before the water is stored in the ponds. However, more studies are required to draw well-founded conclusions from the study, as there were uncertainties in the results.

The provision of clean drinking water typically involves treatment processes to remove contaminants. The conventional process involves coagulation with hydrolysing metal salts, typically of aluminium (‘alum’) or trivalent iron (‘ferric’). Along with the product water this also produces a waste by-product, or sludge. The fact of increasing sludge production — due to higher levels of treatment and greater volume of water supply — conflicts with modern demands for environmental best practice, leading to higher financial costs. A further issue is the significant quantity of water that is held up in the sludge, and wasted. / One means of dealing with these problems is to dewater the sludge further. This reduces the volume of waste to be disposed of. The consistency is also improved (e.g. for the purpose of landfilling). And a significant amount of water can be recovered. The efficiency, and efficacy, of this process depends on the dewaterability of the sludge.In fact, good dewaterability is vital to the operation of conventional drinking water treatment plants (WTP’s). The usual process of separating the particulates, formed from a blend of contaminants and coagulated precipitate, relies on ‘clarification’ and ‘thickening’, which are essentially settling operations of solid–liquid separation.WTP operators — and researchers — do attempt to measure sludge dewaterability, but usually rely on empirical characterisation techniques that do not tell the full story and can even mislead. Understanding of the physical and chemical nature of the sludge is also surprisingly rudimentary, considering the long history of these processes. / The present work begins by reviewing the current state of knowledge on raw water and sludge composition, with special focus on solid aluminium and iron phases and on fractal aggregate structure. Next the theory of dewatering is examined, with the adopted phenomenological theory contrasted with empirical techniques and other theories.The foundation for subsequent analyses is laid by experimental work which establishes the solid phase density of WTP sludges. Additionally, alum sludges are found to contain pseudoböhmite, while 2-line ferrihydrite and goethite are identified in ferric sludges. / A key hypothesis is that dewaterability is partly determined by the treatment conditions. To investigate this, numerous WTP sludges were studied that had been generated under diverse conditions: some plant samples were obtained, and the remainder were generated in the laboratory (results were consistent). Dewaterability was characterised for each sludge in concentration ranges relevant to settling, centrifugation and filtration using models developed by LANDMAN and WHITE inter alia; it is expressed in terms of both equilibrium and kinetic parameters, py(φ) and R(φ) respectively.This work confirmed that dewaterability is significantly influenced by treatment conditions.The strongest correlations were observed when varying coagulation pH and coagulant dose. At high doses precipitated coagulant controls the sludge behaviour, and dewaterability is poor. Dewaterability deteriorates as pH is increased for high-dose alum sludges; other sludges are less sensitive to pH. These findings can be linked to the faster coagulation dynamics prevailing at high coagulant and alkali dose.Alum and ferric sludges in general had comparable dewaterabilities, and the characteristics of a magnesium sludge were similar too.Small effects on dewaterability were observed in response to variations in raw water organic content and shearing. Polymer flocculation and conditioning appeared mainly to affect dewaterability at low sludge concentrations. Ageing did not produce clear changes in dewaterability.Dense, compact particles are known to dewater better than ‘fluffy’ aggregates or flocs usually encountered in drinking water treatment. This explains the superior dewaterability of a sludge containing powdered activated carbon (PAC). Even greater improvements were observed following a cycle of sludge freezing and thawing for a wide range of WTP sludges. / Further aspects considered in the present work include deviations from simplifying assumptions that are usually made. Specifically: investigation of long-time dewatering behaviour, wall effects, non-isotropic stresses, and reversibility of dewatering (or ‘elasticity’).Several other results and conclusions, of both theoretical and experimental nature, are presented on topics of subsidiary or peripheral interest that are nonetheless important for establishing a reliable basis for research in this area. / This work has proposed links between industrial drinking water coagulation conditions, sludge dewaterability from settling to filtration, and the microstructure of the aggregates making up that sludge. This information can be used when considering the operation or design of a WTP in order to optimise sludge dewaterability, within the constraints of producing drinking water of acceptable quality.

The freshwater dinoflagellate species, Ceratium hirundinella (C. hirundinella) possesses unique characteristics, such as a thecal-plate cell covering of cellulose, spines and flagella. Unlike most other algae and cyanobacteria, C. hirundinella cells are relatively large in size (up to 450 μm in length and 50 μm in width). These unique characteristics (e.g. cell covering and flagella) and adaptations (e.g. spines) give the dinoflagellate cells the ability to reduce their sinking rate from the euphotic zone and to migrate easily through the water column. When source water contains high concentrations of C. hirundinella cells, water treatment problems and poor aesthetic water quality can be expected. These water treatment problems may include 1) the disruption of coagulation and flocculation, 2) clogging of sand filters and 3) taste and odour problems when cells penetrate into the final water. In Chapter 9 of this study, a list of operational guidelines (including alert levels) and recommendations to assist managers and operators of plants when C. hirundinella cells are causing water treatment problems. During events of high C. hirundinella concentrations in source water, managers and operators of conventional water treatment plants need strategies to optimize coagulants and unit processes. Thus when source water contains motile nuisance algae, such as C. hirundinella, in moderate or abundant quantities, it is advisable to conduct jar stirring test experiments using both turbidity and total photosynthetic pigment (or chlorophyll-a) analyses as indicators of appropriate coagulant choice and dosages. The aims of this study are summarized as follows:  To optimize coagulants and conventional water treatment processes by implementing relevant algal removal strategies and indicators during jar stirring test experiments,  To investigate the changes in surface charge (known as zeta potential) on C. hirundinella cells before and after adding coagulants as part of the treatment processes,  To investigate the physical and chemical impacts on the morphology of C. hirundinella cells after coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation,  To identify organic compounds that may be responsible for taste and odour problems associated with C. hirundinella,  To investigate the efficiency of pre-chlorination on the removal C. hirundinella cells when dosing various coagulants, and  Give recommendations and operational guidelines relevant for a conventional water treatment plant to improve C. hirundinella removal A combined water treatment system (Phipps and Bird Model), consisting of a six paddle jar test apparatus and six sand filter columns, was used to simulate conventional processes (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation and rapid sand filtration). Source water samples containing relatively high C. hirundinella concentrations (> 500 cell/mℓ) were collected from Benoni Lake (26º10’50.40’’S; 28º17’50.11’’ E) in plastic containers and stored as a homogenous sample in a 200 litre container under laboratory conditions (± 22 °C). Samples were collected from the source water as well as after sedimentation (from the supernatant or sludge) to determine turbidity, total photosynthetic pigment analyses (chlorophyll) and for phytoplankton analyses. Flocs (containing C. hirundinella cells) were collected from the sludge or sediment for scanning electron microscopy investigations and to perform zeta potential analyses. Concentrated C. hirundinella samples were frozen at -80 °C according to the proposed sampling protocol for organic compound analyses. Results obtained from this study proved that using the relevant indicators to determine the appropriate coagulant dosages during jar stirring tests may generally improve the removal of problem-causing algae, such as C. hirundinella cells. Improved algal removal efficiencies will subsequently ensure final water with good aesthetic quality. The surface charge (zeta potential) on C. hirundinella cells can be used to evaluate the best coagulation conditions within an operating window of -10 mV to +3 mV when dosing various coagulants. Scanning electron microscopy investigations revealed major damaging effects to C. hirundinella cells when dosing high Ca(OH)2 concentrations. However, when dosing lower Ca(OH)2 concentrations, in combination with organic polymer, better C. hirundinella cell removal efficiencies with less damaging effects to cells was observed. This study also indicated that the pre-chlorination, without causing cell lyses, can be applied to render the highly motile cells immobile which will subsequently assist the coagulation unit process. The aesthetic quality (e.g. tastes and odours) of drinking water may be influenced when C. hirundinella cells release organic material into the water as a result of cell lyses. Organic compounds, such as fatty acids and dicarboxylic acids can lead to taste and odour problems which associate with the presence of C. hirundinella. Organic compounds also serve as precursors for the formation of harmful chlorine by-products formed during chlorination. / PhD (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The freshwater dinoflagellate species, Ceratium hirundinella (C. hirundinella) possesses unique characteristics, such as a thecal-plate cell covering of cellulose, spines and flagella. Unlike most other algae and cyanobacteria, C. hirundinella cells are relatively large in size (up to 450 μm in length and 50 μm in width). These unique characteristics (e.g. cell covering and flagella) and adaptations (e.g. spines) give the dinoflagellate cells the ability to reduce their sinking rate from the euphotic zone and to migrate easily through the water column. When source water contains high concentrations of C. hirundinella cells, water treatment problems and poor aesthetic water quality can be expected. These water treatment problems may include 1) the disruption of coagulation and flocculation, 2) clogging of sand filters and 3) taste and odour problems when cells penetrate into the final water. In Chapter 9 of this study, a list of operational guidelines (including alert levels) and recommendations to assist managers and operators of plants when C. hirundinella cells are causing water treatment problems. During events of high C. hirundinella concentrations in source water, managers and operators of conventional water treatment plants need strategies to optimize coagulants and unit processes. Thus when source water contains motile nuisance algae, such as C. hirundinella, in moderate or abundant quantities, it is advisable to conduct jar stirring test experiments using both turbidity and total photosynthetic pigment (or chlorophyll-a) analyses as indicators of appropriate coagulant choice and dosages. The aims of this study are summarized as follows:  To optimize coagulants and conventional water treatment processes by implementing relevant algal removal strategies and indicators during jar stirring test experiments,  To investigate the changes in surface charge (known as zeta potential) on C. hirundinella cells before and after adding coagulants as part of the treatment processes,  To investigate the physical and chemical impacts on the morphology of C. hirundinella cells after coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation,  To identify organic compounds that may be responsible for taste and odour problems associated with C. hirundinella,  To investigate the efficiency of pre-chlorination on the removal C. hirundinella cells when dosing various coagulants, and  Give recommendations and operational guidelines relevant for a conventional water treatment plant to improve C. hirundinella removal A combined water treatment system (Phipps and Bird Model), consisting of a six paddle jar test apparatus and six sand filter columns, was used to simulate conventional processes (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation and rapid sand filtration). Source water samples containing relatively high C. hirundinella concentrations (> 500 cell/mℓ) were collected from Benoni Lake (26º10’50.40’’S; 28º17’50.11’’ E) in plastic containers and stored as a homogenous sample in a 200 litre container under laboratory conditions (± 22 °C). Samples were collected from the source water as well as after sedimentation (from the supernatant or sludge) to determine turbidity, total photosynthetic pigment analyses (chlorophyll) and for phytoplankton analyses. Flocs (containing C. hirundinella cells) were collected from the sludge or sediment for scanning electron microscopy investigations and to perform zeta potential analyses. Concentrated C. hirundinella samples were frozen at -80 °C according to the proposed sampling protocol for organic compound analyses. Results obtained from this study proved that using the relevant indicators to determine the appropriate coagulant dosages during jar stirring tests may generally improve the removal of problem-causing algae, such as C. hirundinella cells. Improved algal removal efficiencies will subsequently ensure final water with good aesthetic quality. The surface charge (zeta potential) on C. hirundinella cells can be used to evaluate the best coagulation conditions within an operating window of -10 mV to +3 mV when dosing various coagulants. Scanning electron microscopy investigations revealed major damaging effects to C. hirundinella cells when dosing high Ca(OH)2 concentrations. However, when dosing lower Ca(OH)2 concentrations, in combination with organic polymer, better C. hirundinella cell removal efficiencies with less damaging effects to cells was observed. This study also indicated that the pre-chlorination, without causing cell lyses, can be applied to render the highly motile cells immobile which will subsequently assist the coagulation unit process. The aesthetic quality (e.g. tastes and odours) of drinking water may be influenced when C. hirundinella cells release organic material into the water as a result of cell lyses. Organic compounds, such as fatty acids and dicarboxylic acids can lead to taste and odour problems which associate with the presence of C. hirundinella. Organic compounds also serve as precursors for the formation of harmful chlorine by-products formed during chlorination. / PhD (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015