Användandet av deponier är en av de vanligaste metoderna för avfallshantering globalt. Trots insatser som gjordes för att förbjuda hushållsavfall i deponier under millennieskiftet, deponier skapade innan restriktionerna är fortfarande en risk för miljön. Under 2014 öppnade SÖRAB en kontinuerlig biologisk reningsanläggning (KBR-anläggning) på Löt Avfallsanläggning för att hantera lakvatten från en gammal deponi som under en tid fylldes med hushållsavfall. Sedan dess har SÖRAB arbetat med att förbättra KBR-anläggningen. Målet med denna studie är att utforma en driftstrategi för KBR-anläggningen för att förbättra kvävereningen vid låga temperaturer. Ett antal laborativa försök genomfördes, såsom den mikrobiella konsortiets livsduglighet i lakvattnet och tillväxten i både rumstemperatur och vid 4°C, bioaugmentation genom att berika den mikrobiella cellkulturen som redan finns i lakvattnet och hur detta förbättrar kvävereningen i jämförelse med tillsatser av den kommersiella bakterieblandningen ClearBlu Environmental och andra externa kolkällor. Resultaten från dessa laborativa försök påvisade komplett nitrifikation i både rumstemperatur och 4°C i berikat lakvatten från KBR-anläggningens L2A bassäng efter fem dagar. Försöket visade även på syresatt denitrifikation. Dessutom påvisades komplett denitrifikation inom fem dagar, vid rumstemperatur i lakvatten från anläggningens L2B bassäng. Under efterföljande pilotförsök påvisades möjligheten till upplivandet av den biologiska kvävereningen genom berikningen av den mikrobiella cellkulturen i lakvattnet. I ett pilotförsök då lakvatten från L2B bassängen berikades, komplett denitrifikation skedde under en anaerob fas på 16 dagar samt nitrifikation och aerob denitrifikation under ett påföljande 17 dagar lång aerob fas. Ett annat pilotförsök då lakvatten från L2A bassängen berikades påvisade både aerob och anaerob nitrifikation, då ammoniumrening skedde i både den syresatta och syrefria fasen. Tillsatsen av nutrient broth (näringsbuljong) kan påverka KBR-anläggningen, vilket kväver vidare studier. Resultatet från detta projekt tydligt påvisar att kvävereningen i KBR-anläggningen kan förbättras genom att berika den redan närvarande mikrobiella kulturen. / Landfilling has been one of the most popular methods of handling waste globally. Despite the efforts made to stop the disposal of household waste during the turn of the millennia, the landfills formed before these restrictions are still at risk for causing harm to the environment. In 2014, SÖRAB opened a continuous-flow biological treatment (KBR) facility in Löt to treat the leachate produced in one of their older landfills, once filled with household waste. Since then, SÖRAB has been working on improving the treatment facility. The aim of this the study is to find a suitable process to enhance the nitrogen removal at low temperature. Several laboratory scale experiments were performed, such as viability of microbial consortia in the leachate and growth at room temperature and at 4°C, testing bioaugmentation by enriching the microbial cell culture in the leachate and their efficiency in removing nitrogen, compared to the commercial cell culture ClearBlu Environmental and carbon source addition. The results displayed complete nitrification at both room temperature and 4°C in bioaugmented, enriched leachate originating from the L2A basin of the KBR facility, after five days. These trials also suggested the occurrence of aerated denitrification. Complete denitrification within five days was seen at room temperature in bioaugmented, enriched leachate from the L2B basin of the same facility. The ensuing pilot scale trials proved the possibility to revive the biological nitrogen removal by microbial cell culture enrichment. In one pilot in which leachate from the L2B basin was enriched, complete denitrification in the anaerobic phase consisting of 16 days occurred, along with some nitrification and aerated denitrification in the 17 day long aerated phase that followed. Another pilot scale trail in which leachate from the L2A basin was enriched, both aerobic and anaerobic nitrification occurred, as ammonium removal occurred in both the aerated and unaerated phases. The addition of nutrient broth might influence the KBR system which needs further study. The results from this project clearly demonstrate that nitrogen removal in the KBR facility could be enhanced using a culture naturally present in the facility.

Environmental concerns about winter nitrogen (N) leaching loss limit the amount of biosolids applied to winter small grains in Virginia. Ten field studies were established 2012-2014 in Virginia to determine the agronomic and environmental feasibility of fall biosolids applications to soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Eight studies were located in the Coastal Plain physiographic province and two in the Ridge and Valley physiographic province. The effects of eight biosolids and urea N treatments on 1) biomass production at Zadoks growth stage (GS) 25-30, 2) soil inorganic N at GS 25-30, 3) soil mineralizable N at GS 25-30,4) N use efficiency (NUE) at GS 58, 5) grain yield, 6) end-of-season soil inorganic N, and 7) estimated N recovery were studied. Anaerobically digested (AD) and lime stabilized (LS) biosolids were fall applied at estimated plant available N (PAN) rates of 100 kg N ha⁻¹ and 50 kg N ha⁻¹. The 50 kg N ha⁻¹ biosolids treatments were supplemented with 50 kg N ha⁻¹ as urea in spring. Urea N was split applied at 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha⁻¹, with 1/3 applied in fall and 2/3 in spring. Biomass at GS 25-30 increased with urea N rate and biosolids always resulted in equal or greater biomass than urea. Soil mineralizable N at GS 25-30 rarely responded to fall urea or biosolids N rate, regardless of biosolids type. Biosolids and urea applied at the agronomic N rate resulted in equal grain yield and estimated N recovery in soils where N leaching loss risk was low, regardless of biosolids type or application strategy. Lime stabilized biosolids and biosolids/urea split N application increased grain yield and estimated N recovery in soils with high or moderate N leaching loss risk. Therefore, AD and LS biosolids can be fall-applied to winter wheat at the full agronomic N rate in soils with low N leaching loss risk, while LS biosolids could be applied to winter wheat at the full agronomic N rate in soils with moderate or high N leaching loss risk. / Master of Science

Övergödning är ett utbrett miljöproblem i hav och sjöar, som yttrar sig i toxiska algblomningar och en minskad biodiversitet. Eftersom kväve är en betydande källa till övergödning, har flera avloppsreningsverk (ARV) krav på kväveavskiljning innan utsläpp i recipient. Tierp ARV omfattas [TA1] för närvarande inte av sådana utsläppskrav på kväve, men förväntas bli det i och med kommande lagstiftning. En utbyggnad av det biologiska reningssteget, som idag endast medför viss kväveavskiljning, kan därför bli nödvändigt för att åstadkomma fullständig kväverening.  Syftet med examensarbetet var att föreslå reningstekniker som kan åstadkomma tillräcklig kväveavskiljning vid Tierp ARV och bedöma vilken av dessa som är mest fördelaktig för implementering. Vidare utvärderades nuvarande reduktion av kväve och organiskt material samt rådande nitrifikation i det biologiska reningssteget. Massbalanser upprättades utifrån provtagning på dessa parametrar. Lämpliga kvävereningstekniker föreslogs med hänsyn till lokala krav och förutsättningar. Dessa tekniker jämfördes därefter i en multikriterieanalys med avseende på platsåtgång, växthusgasutsläpp, drift- och underhållskostnader, kapitalkostnader och arbetsinsats.  Massbalanserna uppvisade en reduktion på 31 % för totalkväve, 10 % för ammoniumkväve, 63 % för nitratkväve, 7 % för nitritkväve, 62 % för COD och 67 % för BOD7. Nuvarande nitrifikation bedömdes vara relativt låg, vilket troligtvis är resultatet av den låga temperaturen på avloppsvattnet, eventuell otillräcklig syretillförsel samt ogynnsamt pH. De reningstekniker som föreslås kunna minska kväveutsläppen från Tierp ARV är aktivslamprocess, membranbioreaktor (MBR) och hybridprocess med biofilmsbärare och aktivslam (IFAS). Utifrån en samlad bedömning av kriterierna i multikriterieanalysen bedömdes IFAS som mest fördelaktig för etablering och MBR som minst gynnsamt. / Eutrophication is a major environmental problem in oceans and lakes, which manifests itself intoxic algal blooms and reduced biodiversity. As nitrogen is a significant contributor toeutrophication, numerous wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) have requirements for nitrogenremoval before discharge into the recipient. Tierp WTP is not currently subject to suchregulation, but is expected to be so with forthcoming legislation. Consequently, an expansion ofthe biological treatment, which presently facilitates only partial nitrogen removal, may becomepertinent to achieve complete nitrogen removal. The objective of this thesis was to propose treatment methods capable of achieving adequatenitrogen removal at Tierp WTP and evaluate the most suitable option for implementation.Furthermore, the current nitrogen and organic material reduction, as well as present nitrificationin the biological treatment, were assessed. Mass balances were established based on sampling ofthese parameters. Suitable nitrogen purification techniques were proposed, considering localrequirements and conditions. These techniques were then compared through a multi-criteriaanalysis, taking into account space occupancy, greenhouse gas emissions, operation andmaintenance costs, capital costs and workload. The mass balances revealed reductions of 31% for total nitrogen, 10% for ammonium nitrogen,63% for nitrate nitrogen, 7% for nitrite nitrogen, 62% for COD and 67% for BOD7. The currentnitrification was assessed as relatively low, likely attributable to the low temperature of thewastewater, possibly insufficient oxygen supply and unfavourable pH. The treatment methodsproposed in the thesis to achieve sufficient nitrogen removal at Tierp WTP are the activatedsludge process, membrane bioreactor (MBR), and hybrid process with biofilm carriers andactivated sludge (IFAS). According to the multicriteria analysis, IFAS was deemed the mostadvantageous option for implementation, while MBR was evaluated as the least favourable.

Denitrification is a microbially-catalyzed reaction which reduces nitrate to N2 through a series of intermediate nitrogen compounds. Nitrate is a nutrient and its release into the environment may lead to eutrophication, depending on the amount that is released and the state of the recipient. The release of nitrate from the mining industry in Kiruna (Sweden) has been identified as an eutrophication risk, and a denitrifying bioreactor is to be constructed at the site to reduce the nitrate release.Since the denitrification rate decreases with temperature and the temperature in Kiruna during large parts of the year drops below 0˚C, the denitrifying bioreactor therefore has to be designed for the site-specific environment in terms of flow rate and hydraulic residence time. Laboratory column studies are used to study and determine the nitrate removal rate in a low temperature environment (5˚C) with pine wood chips as reactive matrix/ electron donor; the input solution had an average concentration of 35 mg NO3-N/L and a high sulfate concentration. Nitrate removal was studied as a function of hydraulic residence time and temperature. Parameters that were monitored include pH, alkalinity and concentrations of ammonium, nitrite and sulfate in the effluent from the columns. On three occasions, samples were gathered along the flow path in the columns (concentration profiles) such that changes in nitrate, nitrite, and occasionally ammonium concentration could be studied in relation to each other. The study concluded that a denitrifying bioreactor utilizing pine wood chips as the reactive matrix is a suitable option for nitrate treatment in a low temperature (5˚C) environment. Under the conditions of the study, effluent nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium concentrations are below limits established in legislation. Nitrate removal rates are given for zero-order nitrate reduction and overall first-order nitrate reduction, as the concentration profiles revealed a decrease in nitrate removal rate as nitrate concentration dropped below 3 mg NO3-N/L. / Nitrat är ett näringsämne som kan orsaka övergödning vid utsläpp, beroende på halterna och recipienten. Växterna som tar upp kväve kommer så småningom att dö och sjunka mot botten där de förmultnar. Förmultningen kräver syre, och vid ökad växtlighet så ökar även konsumtionen av syre då det finns mer organiskt material att bryta ned. Detta leder i slutändan till syrefria områden, där djurliv och växtlighet är mer begränsade. Nitratutsläpp från gruvindustrin i Kiruna har blivit identifierad som en potentiell övergödningsrisk och en denitrifierande bioreaktor ska därmed installeras för att minska utsläppen. Denitrifikation är en mikrobiell reaktion som reducerar nitrat till kvävgas genom en serie av intermediära kväveföreningar. En denitrifierande bioreaktor använder sig utav denitrifikation för att minska nitratkoncentrationer i vatten som passerar genom bioreaktorn som består av huvudsakligen; (1) bakterierna som sköter denitrifikationen, och (2) en kolkälla som fungerar som ”mat” till de denitrifierande bakterierna, Hastigheten varvid nitrat omvandlas till kvävgas genom denitrifikation, minskar med temperatur och den denitrifierande bioreaktorn måste därmed anpassas till omgivningen där den ska placeras med avseende på uppehållstid i reaktorn. Uppehållstiden måste vara tillräcklig för att minska nitratkoncentrationen till önskad nivå, men samtidigt så får uppehållstiden inte vara för lång då andra ämnen kan reagera och bilda ofördelaktiga produkter vid låga nitratkoncentrationer. Kolonnstudier i en låg-tempererad miljö (5˚C) är ett första steg för att studera hastigheten av nitratförbrukning i en sådan omgivning, och används i detta arbete med träflis av tall som kolkälla. Parametrar som påverkar, och varierar som ett resultat av, denitrifikation (exempelvis pH och sekundära föroreningar) övervakas. Hastigheten av nitratförbrukning som fås från kolonnstudierna kan sedan används som riktlinjer för konstruktionen av en denitrifierande bioreaktor i fältskala i Kiruna. Studiens slutsats är att en denitrifierande bioreaktor med träflis av tall som reaktivt medium är ett fungerande alternativ för nitrat reducering i en lågtempererad miljö (5˚C) då nitrat effektivt reduceras till under gränsvärden fastslagna i lag. Även andra potentiella biprodukter (exempelvis nitrit och ammonium) som kan resultera från den miljö som den denitrifierande bioreaktorn ger upphov till är under de gränsvärden som finns fastslagna i lag.

I takt med att Uppsala växer behöver kapaciteten för avloppsvattenrening på Kungsängsverket byggas ut. För att möta en framtida ökad belastning bedömer Uppsala Vatten & Avfall AB att en kolkälla kommer behöva tillsättas i den biologiska kvävereningen för att effektivisera den heterotrofa denitrifikationen på Kungsängsverket, som idag sker utan tillsats av kolkälla. Potentialen till förbättrad denitrifikation med olika kolkällor utvärderades genom satsvisa laboratorieförsök och litteraturstudier. Syftet var att bättre förstå de studerade kolkällornas funktion och prestanda i denitrifikation för att ge underlag inför en framtida fullskalig implementering av kolkälla. Det övergripande målet var att identifiera vilken eller vilka kolkällor som är mest fördelaktiga med avseende på reningseffektivitet, processpåverkan, doseringsbehov, ekonomi och miljöpåverkan. Triplikata försök genomfördes som denitrifikationstester med aktivt slam vid en genomsnittlig slamtemperatur på 14 ℃ och pH 7-8, där fem externa kolkällor (etanol, Brenntaplus VP1 och tre industriella restprodukter) samt försedimenterat avloppsvatten testades. I litteraturstudien inkluderades även metanol. Från försöksdata bestämdes specifika denitrifikationshastigheter, COD/N-kvoter och utbyteskoefficienter. Även bieffekter såsom nitritackumulering och fosforsläpp studerades. Därefter uppskattades doseringsbehov och kostnader baserat på erhållna resultat och antaganden om framtida produktionsmål för nitratkväve. En likartad prestanda erhölls med en av restprodukterna (RTP-vätska) och etanol som uppnådde högst denitrifikationshastigheter och reduktionsgrader (98 % respektive 97 %). Doseringsbehovet uppskattades vara 4 gånger högre med RTP-vätska jämfört med etanol. Med de två andra restprodukterna (dextrandrank och sackaroslösning) uppnåddes lägst denitrifikationseffektivitet och reduktionsgraderna uppgick till 79 % respektive 47 %. Vid test av sackaroslösning observerades dessutom ofullständig denitrifikation samt höga fosforsläpp. Dextrandranken uppträdde på liknande sätt. I egenskap av restprodukt är RTP-vätskan intressant för fortsatt utvärdering. Fullskalig implementering av RTP-vätska förutsätter att doseringsbehoven kan tillgodoses samt att lämplig distribuering och lagerhållning kan ordnas på Kungsängsverket. / The city of Uppsala is expanding and consequently enhanced capacity at the wastewater treatment plant of Kungsängen will be required in the future. As for the biological nitrogen removal process, Uppsala Vatten & Avfall AB expects an additional carbon source to be necessary in the future denitrification process. Currently, the nitrogen removal is employed without the addition of a carbon source. The potential of enhancing denitrification with different carbon sources was evaluated by conducting lab-scale batch tests and compiling literature data. The objective of this work was to better understand the performance of the chosen carbon sources as electron donors in heterotrophic denitrification and thereby provide groundwork for a future full-scale implementation of a carbon source. Based on information drawn from batch tests and literature, the carbon sources were evaluated with respect to removal efficiency, process compliance, quantitative dosing requirements, costs, and environmental sustainability. Lab-scale trials were conducted as denitrification tests (triplicate) at a mean sludge temperature of 14 ℃ and pH 7-8 with five external carbon sources (ethanol, Brenntaplus VP1, and three industrial waste products) and pretreated wastewater. In the literature review, methanol was included as well. Results obtained from the batch tests were used to determine kinetic parameters, mainly specific denitrification rates, COD/N ratios, and anoxic yield coefficients. Moreover, unwanted side effects due to addition of carbon sources were examined. Dosing requirements and costs were assessed based on previously determined kinetic parameters and supposed future production guidelines for effluent quality with respect to nitrate concentration. Similar performance was observed with one of the waste products (RTP liquid) and ethanol which achieved the highest denitrification rates and degree of removal (98 and 97 %, respectively). The estimated dosing requirement was 4 times higher with the RTP liquid compared to ethanol. The other two waste products, solutions of fructose (dextran) and sucrose, reached the lowest denitrification efficiency and removal degrees were 79 and 47 %, respectively. During tests with sucrose solution, incomplete denitrification and release of phosphorous were observed. The fructose solution showed somewhat similar behavior but to a lesser degree. Being a waste product, the RTP liquid is interesting for future evaluation. Full-scale implementation needs further considerations regarding dosing requirements, distribution, and storage conditions at the site of Kungsängsverket.

Les rivières reçoivent de l'azote de leurs bassins versants et elles constituent les derniers sites de transformations des nutriments avant leur livraison aux zones côtières. Les transformations de l’azote inorganique dissous en azote gazeux sont très variables et peuvent avoir un impact à la fois sur l’eutrophisation des côtes et les émissions de gaz à effet de serre à l’échelle globale. Avec l’augmentation de la charge en azote d’origine anthropique vers les écosystèmes aquatiques, les modèles d’émissions de gaz à effet de serre prédisent une augmentation des émissions d’oxyde nitreux (N2O) dans les rivières. Les mesures directes de N2O dans le Lac Saint-Pierre (LSP), un élargissement du Fleuve Saint-Laurent (SLR) indiquent que bien qu’étant une source nette de N2O vers l'atmosphère, les flux de N2O dans LSP sont faibles comparés à ceux des autres grandes rivières et fleuves du monde. Les émissions varient saisonnièrement et inter-annuellement à cause des changements hydrologiques. Les ratios d’émissions N2O: N2 sont également influencés par l’hydrologie et de faibles ratios sont observés dans des conditions de débit d'eau plus élevée et de charge en N élevé. Dans une analyse effectuée sur plusieurs grandes rivières, la charge hydraulique des systèmes semble moduler la relation entre les flux de N2O annuels et les concentrations de nitrate dans les rivières. Dans SLR, des tapis de cyanobactéries colonisant les zones à faible concentration de nitrate sont une source nette d’azote grâce à leur capacité de fixer l’azote atmosphérique (N2). Étant donné que la fixation a lieu pendant le jour alors que les concentrations d'oxygène dans la colonne d'eau sont sursaturées, nous supposons que la fixation de l’azote est effectuée dans des micro-zones d’anoxie et/ou possiblement par des diazotrophes hétérotrophes. La fixation de N dans les tapis explique le remplacement de près de 33 % de la perte de N par dénitrification dans tout l'écosystème au cours de la période d'étude. Dans la portion du fleuve Hudson soumis à la marée, la dénitrification et la production de N2 est très variable selon le type de végétation. La dénitrification est associée à la dynamique en oxygène dissous particulière à chaque espèce durant la marée descendante. La production de N2 est extrêmement élevée dans les zones occupées par les plantes envahissantes à feuilles flottantes (Trapa natans) mais elle est négligeable dans la végétation indigène submergée. Une estimation de la production de N2 dans les lits de Trapa durant l’été, suggère que ces lits représentent une zone très active d’élimination de l’azote. En effet, les grands lits de Trapa ne représentent que 2,7% de la superficie totale de la portion de fleuve étudiée, mais ils éliminent entre 70 et 100% de l'azote total retenu dans cette section pendant les mois d'été et contribuent à près de 25% de l’élimination annuelle d’azote. / Rivers receive nitrogen (N) from their watershed and are the final sites of nutrient processing before delivery to coastal waters. Transformations of dissolved inorganic N (DIN) to gaseous N are highly variable and can impact both coastal eutrophication and greenhouse gas emissions. With anthropogenic N loading to aquatic ecosystems on the rise, nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from rivers should increase. Direct measurements of N2O from lake St. Pierre (LSP), an enlargement of the St. Lawrence River (SLR) indicate that although LSP is a net atmospheric source of N2O to the atmosphere fluxes are low compared to others rivers. Emissions are seasonally and inter-annually highly variable due to changes in hydrological conditions. N2O: N2 is also influenced by hydrology and lower ratios are observed in conditions of higher water discharge and elevated N charge into the ecosystem. In a cross system analysis, hydraulic load mitigates the relation between annual N2O flux and nitrate concentrations in rivers. In SLR, cyanobacterial mats colonizing low nitrate areas are a net source of N with high negative di-nitrogen (N2) fluxes. Given that fixation occurred during daylight and that oxygen concentrations in the water column were supersaturated, we hypothesize that N2 fixation is performed by the dominant cyanobacteria in anoxic micro-zone of the mat and/ or possibly by heterotrophic diazotrophs. Our estimates indicate that N fixation in the mats account for the replacement of up to 33% of the N loss via denitrification in the entire ecosystem during the study period. In the tidal Hudson River N2 production is highly variable between vegetated shallows and was associated with species-driven differences in dissolved oxygen (DO) dynamics during the ebb tide. N2 production was extremely high in invasive floating-leaved plants (Trapa natans) but was insignificant in submersed native vegetation. An estimate of summertime N2 production in Trapa beds suggests that these beds are a major seasonal hotspot for N removal. Large Trapa beds represent only 2.7% of the total area of the tidal Hudson but they remove between 70 and 100% of the total N retained in this section of the river during summer months and contribute to as much as 25% of the annual N removal.

Tendo em vista a crescente problemática quanto à eutrofização de corpos dágua em países em desenvolvimento, devido ao lançamento de esgoto mesmo que tratado em nível secundário, o processo de lodo ativado vem sendo estudo e aprimorado para efetuar a remoção conjunta de matéria orgânica, nitrogênio e o fósforo, nutrientes limitantes para ocorrência da eutrofização. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho pretende contribuir com informações quanto à remoção biológica de nutrientes de esgoto sanitário através de estudo em escala piloto em um sistema cíclico de lodo ativado. Este sistema, operado em regime de bateladas sequenciais, difere da configuração habitual, pois possui três compartimentos internos, zonas 1, 2 e 3 que apresentam condições anaeróbias/anóxicas, anóxicas e aeróbias respectivamente, além do retorno de lodo da zona 3 para zona 1 durante o período de reação, sob vazão de 20% da vazão afluente a unidade. Cada batelada possui duração de 4 horas, distribuídas em 4 etapas de 1h cada, sendo elas o enchimento com aeração, reação, sedimentação e descarga. Com essas características o sistema cíclico de lodo ativado do presente estudo, demonstrou no tratamento de esgoto sanitário, elevada eficiência na remoção de matéria orgânica, sempre acima de 90%, além da boa eficiência de remoção nitrogênio através do processo de nitrificação e desnitrificação, cuja concentração média de amônia e nitrato no efluente final foram respectivamente de 2,8 e 11,4 mgN.L-1 para idade de lodo de 25 dias e quando operado com 12 dias de idade, o efluente apresentou concentração de 6,6 e 12,4 mgN.L-1. Também foram determinadas via respirometria as taxas máximas de crescimento (n,max) para bactérias nitrificantes e nitratantes, os valores obtidos foram respectivos, de 0,45 d-1 e 0,37 d-1 para idade de lodo de 12 dias, resultados próximos a literatura. A remoção biológica de fósforo foi obtida com melhor resultado na segunda etapa, superando 95% de eficiência, produzindo efluente final com teor de fósforo total inferior a 0,5 mgP.L-1. / Given the growing problem regarding the eutrophication of water bodies in developing countries, due to discharge of sewage treated even at the secondary level, the activated sludge process has been enhanced to study and perform the joint removal of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus, the limiting nutrient for the occurrence of eutrophication. In this context, this work aims to contribute information for biological nutrient removal from wastewater by pilot scale study in a cyclic activated sludge system. This system operated in sequential batch system differs from typical configuration because it has three internal compartments, zones 1, 2 and 3 show that anaerobic / anoxic, aerobic and anoxic respectively, beyond the conditions of return sludge from zone 3 to zone 1 during the reaction, flow rate under 20% of the influent flow unit. Each batch has a duration of 4 hours, distributed into 4 stages each 1H, they aeration and filling, reaction, settling and discharge. With these characteristics the cyclic activated sludge system of the present study showed for the treatment of sewage, high efficiency in the removal of organic matter, always above 90%, besides the good efficiency of nitrogen removal by nitrification and denitrification, which average concentration of ammonia and nitrate in the final effluent were respectively 2.8 and 11.4 mgN.L-1 for sludge age of 25 days, when operated at 12 days of age, the effluent showed a concentration of 6.6 to 12 4 mgN.L-1. Were also determined via respirometry maximum growth rates (n, max) for nitrifying bacteria and nitratantes, the respective value obtained were, 0.45 d-1 and 0.37 d-1 for sludge age of 12 days, results Nearby literature. Biological phosphorus removal was obtained with better results in the second stage, surpassing 95% efficiency, producing the final content of the effluent below 0.5 mgP.L-1 total phosphorus.

O aumento na produção de carne bovina aumentou a concentração e volume dos resíduos líquidos produzidos durante seu beneficiamento, conhecidos como água residuária de matadouros (ARMV). Isso vem estimulando o desenvolvimento de processos que operem em alta carga com alta eficiência para seu tratamento. Visto o exposto, objetivou-se avaliar um sistema de tratamento para a ARMV operando em condições anaeróbia/aeróbia/anóxica de forma conjugada visando a remoção de matéria orgânica, nutrientes e toxidade. As unidades que compunham o sistema estudado eram três reatores com biofilme denominados: Reator Anaeróbio Híbrido (RAH), Reator Aeróbio de Leito Móvel (MBBR) e Reator Anóxico com Biofilme (RAB). A ARMV in natura era coletada em um frigorífico e matadouro bovino do vale do Paraíba e caracterizada em termos físicos, químicos e toxicológicos a nível agudo e crônico. O experimento durou aproximadamente 370 dias, operando sob variações de carga orgânica. A coleta ao longo do sistema foi feita semanalmente e as amostras caracterizadas em termos físico-químicos e toxicológicos tanto a nível agudo quanto crônico. Nos reatores RAH, MBBR e RAB foram realizadas testes hidrodinâmicos em condições abiótico e biótico, respectivamente. Com os dados obtidos nas três fases estudadas foram levantados os parâmetros cinéticos de crescimento da biomassa dispersa, além da caracterização microbiológica da mesma e do biofilme. Os resultados obtidos com base na caracterização físico-química e toxicológica da ARMV, in natura, revelaram altas concentrações em toda série de sólidos, de ácidos voláteis totais, alcalinidades, macro e micronutrientes, matéria orgânica em termos de DBO520°C e DQO nas formas total, solúvel e particulada e também de COD. Apresentou-se como um efluente extremamente tóxico a nível agudo para os organismos, bactérias P. putida e E. coli e microcrustaceo D. similis, e extremamente tóxico a nível crônico para os organismos, microcrustaceios C. silvestri e C. dúbia, bactérias E. coli e P putida e alga P. subcaptata. Com base nos testes toxicológicos, concluiu-se que os microcrustaceos e algas foram mais sensíveis as toxinas da ARM testada que as bactérias. O reator RAH operando sob choques orgânicos demonstrou ótimo desempenho operacional. As cargas orgânicas (COV) aplicadas ao RAH foram 608,9; 3.030,4 e 9.581,5 mg L-1 d-1 em termos de DQO para as fases I, II e III, estatisticamente diferente entre si. Apresentando para as três fases eficiências estatisticamente iguais. O reator MBBR operando sob choques orgânicos demonstrou ótimo desempenho operacional. As cargas orgânicas (COV) aplicadas ao MBBR foram 286,5; 2085,2 e 3889,6 mg L-1 d-1 em termos de DQO para as fases I, II e III, estatisticamente diferente entre si. Apresentando para as fases I, II e III eficiências de 76,9%; 60% e 81%, respectivamente, e estatisticamente iguais. Conclui-se com a pesquisa realizada que os reatores RAH e MBBR foram capazes de absorver choques orgânicos e hidráulicos submetidos a biomassa mantendo-se em altos valores de eficiência. O reator MBBR também apresentou bom desempenho no processo de nitrificação com eficiências de 61,2%; 68,1%; 50,7% para as fases I, II e III, respectivamente. A concentração média de OD de 3 mg L-1 mantida no MBBR apresentou-se acima do suficiente. O reator RAB operando sob choques orgânicos demonstrou ótimo desempenho operacional. As cargas orgânicas (COV) aplicadas ao RAB foram 194,9; 1769,1 e 2230,6 mg L-1 d-1 em termos de DQO para as fases I, II e III, estatisticamente diferente entre si. As fases I, II e III apresentaram eficiências de 70,7%; 46,4% e 69,8%, respectivamente, e estatisticamente, iguais entre as fases I e III. Em termos de toxidade, os parâmetros estudados nas fases I e II, mostraram-se ideais para remoção de toxidade, sendo que no final de ambas a ARM tratada apresentou-se livre de toxidade a nível agudo e crônico. Os reatores RAH, MBBR e RAB demonstraram ótimo desempenho hidrodinâmico e cinético. Concluiu-se que o sistema anaeróbio/aeróbio/anóxico estudado foi eficiente no tratamento da ARMV, aliando condições de fácil monitoramento, rapidez no processo e ótimo desempenho. / Development in bovine meat production has increased volume and concentration of liquid residues produced during their improvement, known as slaughterhouses wastewaters (SW). This fact has been stimulating the develpment of processes operating in highly charge and efficience for their treatment. As seen, we focused to develop a treatment system for the SW operating in a anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic condition in a conjugated form, aiming the remotion of organic matter, nutrients and toxicity. The units evolving the studied system were three biofilms reators named: Anaerobic Hibrid Reactor (AHR), Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors (MBBR), and Anoxic Biofilm Reactor (AnBR). The SW in natura was collected in the slaughterhouse of the Paraíba Valley, and were characterized in physical, chemical and toxically in a highly sharp and cronically levels. The experiment has lasted for 370 days, operating under organic load rate (OLR). The withdraws along the system were done weekly and the samples were characterized in physical-chemical and toxicological terms and in both sharp and cronical ways. Hidrodinamic tests were realized in reactors AHR, MBBR and AnBR in abiotic and biotic condictions, repectivelly. With the data obtained in the three studied phases, knetics parameters were collected for the dispersal biomass, besides its biofilm and biomass characterization. The results, based on SW physico - chemical and toxicological characterization, showed high concentrations in all solids series, in total volatic acids, alcalinity, macro and micro nutrients, organic matter in terms of BOD520°C and COD in their solute and particulate forms and also in DOC. It was presented as highly toxix effluent in a sharp level for organisms, bacteria P. putida ans E. coli, and D. similis microcrustacean. And extremely toxic to organisms chronic C. silvestri and C. dúbia microceustacean and P. subcaptata algae. According with toxicological tests it was concluded that the microcrustaceos and a algae were more sensitive to the SSW toxines than bacteria. The AHR reator operating under organic shocks showed excelent operational development. The OLR applied to the AHR were 608.9; 3,030.4 and 9,581.5 mg L-1 d-1 in terms of COD for the phases I, II, III, statiscally different among it, showing for the three phases scores of 76,9%; 60% and 81%, respectivelly, and the same, statistically speaking. We may conclude with this research that the AHR and AMBR reators were capable to absorb hidraulic and organic shocks submitted to biomass keeping high levels of efficiency. The MBBR reator has shown also a good performance in nitrification process, scoring 61.2%; 68.1%; 50.7% in effectiveness for phases I, II and III, respectively. The average DO concentration of 3 mg L-1 maintained in MBBR showed over sufficience. The AnBR reator under organic shocks showed highly operational performance. The OLR applied to AnBR were 194.9; 1,769.1 e 2,230.6 mg L-1 d-1 in terms of COD for the phases I, II, III statistically different among them. The phases I, II, III presented efficiences of 70.7%; 46.4% and 69.8%, respectively, and statiscally the same between phases I and III. In terms of toxicity, the studied parameters in phases I and II showed to be ideal to remove the toxicity from both sharp and chronical levels. The reators AHR, MBBR and AnBR showed excelent hidraulic and kinetic performances. We may conclude that the studied anaerobic/aerobic/ anoxic system was efficient in the treatment of SW, joining, easy feasible conditions, velocity in processing and high performance.

O escopo principal desse projeto foi o de criar um conjunto de ações integradas que permitissem minimizar os impactos de sistemas de saneamento in situ nos recursos hídricos subterrâneo. Sendo as fossas sépticas, mesmo as bem construídas, pouco efetivas onde há alta densidade populacional, foi desenvolvido e aplicado no loteamento Jardim Santo Antônio (situado na APA de Capivari-Monos, Parelheiros) um novo conceito de saneamento in situ: uma fossa alternativa melhorada com uso de barreiras reativas, que possibilitasse a degradação mais eficiente de nitrato e de microorganismos patogênicos. Para a degradação de microorganismos, o material reativo utilizado correspondeu ao BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace - resíduo de altos fornos de fundição em siderúrgicas) e para a desnitrificação, a serragem. A barreira reativa para remoção de nitrato foi alvo de estudos desse projeto. Desenvolveu-se um questionário de avaliação de risco sanitário para uma área onde foram cadastrados 178 lotes, em um total de 218 poços e 182 fossas. A partir da análise dos dados por Cluster foi possível selecionar um conjunto de perguntas que estivessem mais relacionadas a riscos de contaminação por bactérias e nitrato. Observou-se que a relação entre as características de construção e operação dos poços pouco pode prever a contaminação por nitrato, o que evidencia que sua presença é de caráter regional, fruto de uma ocupação desordenada e densa. Em contrapartida, as perguntas tiveram maior relação com o parâmetro bactérias, o que implica em uma característica local (do poço em si). Antes da implantação da fossa alternativa melhorada, foram realizados experimentos de colunas de sedimentos em laboratório para se testar a eficiência de serragem na degradação de nitrato. Montaram-se 3 colunas: uma só com sedimentos da área, que correspondeu ao branco, e as outras duas com sedimentos e 10cm e 20cm de espessura de uma mistura de serragem (Cedrinho) com areia, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram uma eficiência de degradação do nitrato de até 96,5% e 99,7% para as colunas de 10cm e 20cm. Foram instaladas duas fossas na área de estudo: a fossa alternativa melhorada com o uso de barreiras reativas (FA) e a fossa controle (FC), equivalente ao esgotamento usualmente empregado pela comunidade (ausência de materiais reativos). Na Fossa Alternativa, estruturada com as barreiras reativas contendo BOF (1m abaixo do tanque receptor do efluente) e serragem (abaixo do BOF, mas separada deste por 1m de pacote arenoso), é possível discriminar certos comportamentos ao longo de suas posições. O BOF que é rico em óxidos de cálcio e ferro confere ao efluente percolante uma condutividade elétrica mais acentuada e um pH muito básico, em torno de 12. Já a barreira com serragem caracterizou-se por concentrações de oxigênio dissolvido mais baixas e presença de C orgânico na forma dissolvida, condições necessárias para a ocorrência da desnitrificação do nitrato gerado perfil acima. No entanto, as concentrações de oxigênio não devem ter sido suficientemente baixas para uma maior eficiência na desnitrificação na barreira de serragem. Além disso, a eficiência pode ter sido comprometida pelo elevado pH que essa barreira foi submetida pelo efluente percolado antes no BOF, o que afetou a capacidade das bactérias desnitrificantes em suas reações metabólicas. Na Fossa Controle, os íons distribuíram-se ao longo do perfil de forma mais regular. A composição dessa fossa representa a fonte em si, com altas concentrações de N-amoniacal e de carbono orgânico dissolvido e baixas concentrações de oxigênio dissolvido. Para esse tipo de cenário, a nitrificação deve ocorrer na zona não-saturada abaixo da fossa, para que depois o nitrato possa alcançar o lençol freático. / The main purpose of this project was to create a set of integrated actions that could minimize impacts of septic systems on groundwater resources. Since the septic tanks, even the well-constructed ones, are not effective on areas where the population density is high, an alternative latrine improved with reactive barriers was developed and applied in Jardim Santo Antônio settlement (Parelheiros, São Paulo, SP). In order to degrade the microorganisms, the reactive material was BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace) slag from steel producer facilities, and in order to enhance the denitrification, the material of the reactive barrier was sawdust. The sawdust barrier was the main issue in this project. A risk assessment questionnaire was developed and it was applied to an area where 178 residences were evaluated, totalizing 218 water wells and 182 latrines. A Cluster Analysis was used to select the questions that would be related to the risk of contamination by bacteria or nitrate. It was observed that the inapropriated construction and operation of the wells are poorly related to the level of nitrate contamination, what suggests that the nitrate contamination is a more regional problem. On the other hand, it was found a good relationship between the level of bacteria contaminations and the characteristics of construction and operation of the wells, what suggests that this contamination has a local factor. Before the installation of the enhanced septic tank, soil columns breakthrough experiments were conducted in laboratory to test the efficiency of sawdust in nitrate removal. Three soil columns were set up: one filled only with sediments of Jardim Santo Antonio settlement, and another two with the same kind of sediments and sawdust layers introduced with 10cm and 20cm thickness. The results showed an efficiency of sawdust to denitrification of 96,5% and 99,7%, respectively. Two septic tanks were installed in the study area: the alternative latrine enhanced with reactive barriers (AL), and the control latrine (CL), equivalent to the usual tanks founded on the area. In AL, structured with reactive barriers containing BOF (1m below the wastewater tank) and sawdust (under the BOF layer, but first separate from it by 1m of sand package), it\'s possible to discern few parameter behaviors. BOF, which is rich in calcium oxides and iron oxides, incrises the electrical conductivity and the pH of the effluent (~12). The sawdust barrier, in its turn, was characterized by low concentration of dissolved oxygen and by the presence of dissolved organic carbon, essential conditions denitrification ocurrence. The denitrification efficiency of the sawdust barrier was affected by the high pH observed in the effluent that crossed the BOF barrier, which perturbed the denitrifying bacteria performance. In CL, the vertical distribution of the ions was more regular. The samples from this system presented high levels of ammonium and DOC and low values for dissolved oxygen. For this case, the nitrification must happen in the unsaturated zone bellow the tank, so the nitrate formed can reach the groundwater.

Dans un contexte de destruction des zones humides à l’échelle mondiale, conséquence des activités d’origine anthropique, la restauration écologique de ces milieux et de leurs fonctions est devenue un enjeu écologique et sociétal. L’objectif de ce projet est de recréer des prairies humides à vocation agricole aux caractéristiques pédologiques et floristiques aussi proches que possible de celles des prairies totalement détruites par l’exploitation de matériaux alluvionnaires. L’étude présentée ici se focalise sur l’incidence des matériaux pédologiques utilisés pour la recréation de quatre sols sur les fonctions du sol et les cortèges floristiques associés. L’hypothèse principale est que la recréation d’un sol morphologiquement proche de celui détruit devrait permettre d’orienter la restauration écologique.L’hypothèse sous-jacente est qu’en utilisant différents matériaux pédologiques locaux, on hérite de leurs caractéristiques physico-chimiques et biologiques ce qui permettait de conserver les fonctions pédologiques qui leur sont associées et favorisait le retour d’un cortège floristique compatible avec un usage agricole. La première partie est consacrée à l’étude de deux fonctions remplies par les sols de zones humides à savoir le stockage du carbone organique et la dénitrification. Deux années et demi après la fin des travaux de comblement de ballastières, ces deux fonctions sont conservées au sein des quatre types de sols recréés. Les principaux résultats montrent un niveau d’efficience des matériaux pédologiques testés, fonction de leur sol origine et de leurs caractéristiques physico-chimiques. La deuxième partie est consacrée à l’étude des mécanismes de structuration des communautés végétales. Le suivi de la colonisation spontanée de la végétation a permis d’appréhender la forte contribution de la banque de graines issue des matériaux pédologiques locaux. Malgré la mise en évidence d’un début de trajectoires dynamiques au sein des quatre sols recréés, la similarité entre les communautés obtenues et les communautés cibles des prairies de référence n’excède pas 50 %. Les productions de biomasses aériennes associées à ces communautés sont comparables en quantité à celles des prairies de référence mais pas en qualité. La mise en place d’une gestion par semis associée à une fauche montre dès la première année une production de biomasses de qualité se rapprochant de celles des prairies locales.La dernière partie de ce manuscrit est consacrée à l’effet de trois niveaux d’engorgement des sols sur le processus de dénitrification et sur les traits de réponse d’une espèce prairiale, Holcus lanatus. Placer les quatre matériaux pédologiques dans des conditions identiques d’engorgement permet de souligner l’importance de l’héritage des communautés bactériennes dénitrifiantes sur le processus de dénitrification. Parallèlement, ces conditions expérimentales permettent de mettre en évidence les traits de réponses morphologiques et fonctionnels de l’espèce considérée. À l’issue de ces suivis, le meilleur compromis de restauration alliant sol, végétation et coûts économiques doit prendre en considération l’origine et l’histoire (i.e. gestion) des matériaux utilisés lors de la recréation écologique. / In a worldwide context of wetland destruction, a consequence of anthropic activities, ecological restoration of such habitats and their functions has become a societal and ecological issue. The objective of this project is to recreate agriculture-oriented wet grasslands with pedological and floristical properties as similar as possible to typical grasslands destroyed by alluvial materials extraction. The study presented here focuses on the impact of pedological materials, used in the re-creation of four soils, on soil functions and associated floristic processions. The main hypothesis is that re-creation of a soil morphologically similar to the previously destroyed one should drive ecological restoration. The underlying hypothesis is that different local pedological materials inherit their previous physicochemical and biological properties. This should conserve associated pedological functions and favor the return of a floristic procession compatible with agricultural exploitation. The first part is dedicated to the study of carbon storage and denitrification, two wetlands soils functions. These two functions are retained within the four re-created soils two and a half year after gravel-pit filling. Main results highlight functional efficiency levels of tested pedological material inherited from their respective initial topsoil physico-chemical properties. The second part is devoted to the study of mechanisms structuring plant communities. The high contribution of local pedological materials seed bank during the colonization process and its impact on aforementioned mechanisms was highlighted from our monitoring. Despite demonstration of the start of a dynamic trajectory in the four created soils similarity between obtained and target communities never exceeds 50%. Aerial biomass production associated to these communities is comparable to the production in reference wet grasslands in terms of quantity, but not quality. Implementation of management (sowing and mowing) shows biomass production of comparable quality to reference grassland from the first year onwards. The last part focuses on the effect of three soil waterlogging levels on the denitrification process and the response traits of Holcus lanatus, a meadow species. Pedological materials placement in identical waterlogging conditions highlights the importance of denitrifying bacteria communities inheritance on the denitrification process. These experimental conditions also enabled us to highlight the considered species morphological and functional response traits. To conclude and following our monitoring the best compromise for concurrent restoration of soil and vegetation while considering cost-effectiveness needs to account for topsoils origin and history (i.e. management).