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Wastewater treatment is essential to protecting the environment and human welfare. Although chlorination is widely used, the environmental and health concerns associated with chlorine are growing. Treatment facilities are implementing alternative technologies, though the cost and efficiency associated with these practices leave much room in the wastewater field for innovation. Hydropath Technologies Limited introduced a piece of equipment that uses the properties of a transformer to pass an alternating electric current through the pipe and into the contents of the channel. Hydroflow claims that the charged microorganisms react with the oppositely charged water molecule to force osmosis and kill the cell. Disinfection capabilities of three Hydroflow models with varying voltages are tested using municipal wastewater from the secondary clarifier using Escherichia coli concentration as the unit for quantification. After testing the results surrounding theses experiments cannot support the hypothesis that the Hydroflow technology could replace chlorination for municipal wastewater disinfection.

In this report, the application of Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Square (PLS)  regression analyzing methods used to understand the relationship of interdependent loads in municipal wastewater treatment plant. Two different wastewater treatment plants were chosen for analysis of  the relationship between interdependent loads. Firstly, the collected data of incoming wastewater and outgoing water from both Västerås and Eskilstuna wastewater treatment plants were analyzed to find some relationship or correlation between contents and compare the data of both the plants. Secondly, the correlated contents were used to generate the regression model for predicting the value in the future, in this report we have focussed only on ammonium nitrogen value for regression model. The PCA study shows the variation between incoming and outgoing wastewater’s characteristics  given by  Västerås and Eskilstuna plant. / BOD, ammonium nitrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus

Municipal wastewater effluent (MWWE) has the potential for aquatic degradation, as it is the largest, per volume, anthropogenic discharge in Canada and other areas in the world. With an increasing population in many areas, such as Southern Ontario, there is concern that infrastructure of wastewater treatment facilities will not be able to maintain adequate treatment and prevent further degradation of the environment. The Grand River watershed, in Southern Ontario, is predicted to have its population increase to 1.2 million people by 2031 (from 780,000 people in 2001). Although wastewater treatment has improved, concern remains for receiving environments due to inadequate treatment (i.e. Kitchener) and minimal dilution (i.e. Guelph). This research was conducted to understand current impacts of MWWE in the Grand River watershed on fish communities to support future management and protection. Study sites upstream and downstream were chosen for their proximity to the Guelph, Kitchener, and Waterloo MWWE outfalls, similarity in habitat, and wadeability. Habitat analysis indicated that there were no large physical differences among sites. Fish communities were collected in a standardized method with a backpack electroshocker at each site (six randomly selected 10 m by 10 m sub-sites for 5 min). Greenside Darter (Etheostoma blennioides) and Rainbow Darter (E. caeruleum), the most abundant species, were also analyzed for stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) at each site. Downstream of the Guelph outfall there were no changes in mean total catch per unit effort (CPUE) or mean total mass. Changes to diversity, resilience, and tolerance in the fish community were attributed to a decreased abundance of Greenside Darter and increased abundance of Rainbow Darter. Downstream of the Kitchener discharge, there was a trend towards decreasing mean total CPUE, especially for darter species, and an increase in mean total mass due to a community shift to larger species including Catostomids and Centrarchids. The changes in abundance of Rainbow Darter, Catostomids, and Centrarchids among reference and Kitchener MWWE exposed sites explained the pattern in resilience, tolerance, and diet classifications. Lower diversity downstream of all three MWWE outfalls can be attributed to the increase in Rainbow Darter abundance. Stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) of Greenside Darter did not change downstream of the Guelph and Waterloo discharges, but signatures of Rainbow Darter increased immediately below the two outfalls. This shift may be due to the Rainbow Darter being able to take advantage of a change in the environment (i.e. food availability), resulting in its increased abundance and changes in isotopic signature. Directly downstream of the Kitchener outfall both darter species had an increase in δ13C and a large decrease in δ15N, likely due to high nutrient inputs from the outfall. The Kitchener wastewater discharge is also associated with a decrease in abundance of fish and a shift in community structure. MWWEs are currently affecting the aquatic environment, including fish communities in the Grand River watershed. Future investments in infrastructure and watershed management should be made to mitigate degradation of water quality in this watershed.

The feasibility of using solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) as an in vivo sampling tool for analysis of trace environmental contaminants in fish exposed to municipal wastewater effluents (MWWEs) was validated using controlled laboratory and field experiments. SPME was compared with traditional extraction techniques， including solid phase extraction (SPE) in water and solid-liquid extraction (SLE) in fish tissues to assess relative efficiencies. All three techniques were used to quantify the presence of eight compounds of interest in fish exposed to MWWEs in the laboratory, as well as in wild and field caged fish upstream and downstream of three wastewater treatment plants in the Grand River watershed. Atrazine, carbamazepine, naproxen, diclofenac, gemfibrozil, bisphenol A, fluoxetine and ibuprofen were selected as target compounds due to their diverse chemical characteristics and frequent detection in surface waters and sediments around the world. The distribution coefficients between various sample matrices (water, fish) and extraction phases (SPME fibers) were compared, as were extraction profiles and bioconcentration factors of target analytes in muscle of fish exposed to MWWEs under laboratory conditions, during field caging studies, or collected (wild) from the Grand River. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) medical grade tubing was utilized as the SPME extraction phase, which when kinetically calibrated, were effective at extracting and quantifying the target analytes from both water and fish tissue relative to traditional techniques. Caged and in wild fish exposed to MWWEs from all three municipal treatment plants bio-accumulated detectable levels of several of the target chemicals. All target analytes (except for fluoxetine) were identified in the MWWEs and exposed fish by SPME at low concentrations (ng/L). The presence and concentration of the targeted analytes in both water and wild fish living in the Grand River watershed varied with season and proximity to the wastewater outfalls. Results demonstrate that properly applied SPME can detect and quantify selected contaminants in fish tissues, surface water, and wastewater effluents. In vivo SPME allows for non-lethal sampling of fish, which creates the opportunity for monitoring contaminant exposure in receiving environments influenced by MWWEs or non-point-source runoff while minimizing the impact on the organisms.

Most of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are operated under low loading both in water quality and water capacity (flow rate) in Taiwan. Because various treatment methods used in WWTP would cause different power consumptions. In general, the flow rate of wastewater treated is proportional to the power consumption. The purpose of this study is simulating water quality and water capacity with a case of municipal wastewater treatment plant, using standard activated sludge method. In this work we will investigate the feasibility of save power using operation and parameters adjustment in wastewater system. A further step is to conduct the save energy in current WWTP under normal wastewater treatment capacity and national effluent standard. Results showed the major save energy was at inflow pump and aeration system of biological treatment stage. Both power consumptions of two were about 60 ~70 % of total power consumption in the plant. Thus we should focus the operating conditions to plan the save energy project, and calculate the total power system and energy consumption of all unit facilities before we are going to improve the energy save in WWTP. Important note is firstly to select units and facilities having high energy consumption for evaluating the possibility of energy save. Secondly is develop and using a good management system to attain the goal of save energy.

Municipal wastewater effluent (MWWE) has the potential for aquatic degradation, as it is the largest, per volume, anthropogenic discharge in Canada and other areas in the world. With an increasing population in many areas, such as Southern Ontario, there is concern that infrastructure of wastewater treatment facilities will not be able to maintain adequate treatment and prevent further degradation of the environment. The Grand River watershed, in Southern Ontario, is predicted to have its population increase to 1.2 million people by 2031 (from 780,000 people in 2001). Although wastewater treatment has improved, concern remains for receiving environments due to inadequate treatment (i.e. Kitchener) and minimal dilution (i.e. Guelph). This research was conducted to understand current impacts of MWWE in the Grand River watershed on fish communities to support future management and protection. Study sites upstream and downstream were chosen for their proximity to the Guelph, Kitchener, and Waterloo MWWE outfalls, similarity in habitat, and wadeability. Habitat analysis indicated that there were no large physical differences among sites. Fish communities were collected in a standardized method with a backpack electroshocker at each site (six randomly selected 10 m by 10 m sub-sites for 5 min). Greenside Darter (Etheostoma blennioides) and Rainbow Darter (E. caeruleum), the most abundant species, were also analyzed for stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) at each site. Downstream of the Guelph outfall there were no changes in mean total catch per unit effort (CPUE) or mean total mass. Changes to diversity, resilience, and tolerance in the fish community were attributed to a decreased abundance of Greenside Darter and increased abundance of Rainbow Darter. Downstream of the Kitchener discharge, there was a trend towards decreasing mean total CPUE, especially for darter species, and an increase in mean total mass due to a community shift to larger species including Catostomids and Centrarchids. The changes in abundance of Rainbow Darter, Catostomids, and Centrarchids among reference and Kitchener MWWE exposed sites explained the pattern in resilience, tolerance, and diet classifications. Lower diversity downstream of all three MWWE outfalls can be attributed to the increase in Rainbow Darter abundance. Stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) of Greenside Darter did not change downstream of the Guelph and Waterloo discharges, but signatures of Rainbow Darter increased immediately below the two outfalls. This shift may be due to the Rainbow Darter being able to take advantage of a change in the environment (i.e. food availability), resulting in its increased abundance and changes in isotopic signature. Directly downstream of the Kitchener outfall both darter species had an increase in δ13C and a large decrease in δ15N, likely due to high nutrient inputs from the outfall. The Kitchener wastewater discharge is also associated with a decrease in abundance of fish and a shift in community structure. MWWEs are currently affecting the aquatic environment, including fish communities in the Grand River watershed. Future investments in infrastructure and watershed management should be made to mitigate degradation of water quality in this watershed.

The feasibility of using solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) as an in vivo sampling tool for analysis of trace environmental contaminants in fish exposed to municipal wastewater effluents (MWWEs) was validated using controlled laboratory and field experiments. SPME was compared with traditional extraction techniques， including solid phase extraction (SPE) in water and solid-liquid extraction (SLE) in fish tissues to assess relative efficiencies. All three techniques were used to quantify the presence of eight compounds of interest in fish exposed to MWWEs in the laboratory, as well as in wild and field caged fish upstream and downstream of three wastewater treatment plants in the Grand River watershed. Atrazine, carbamazepine, naproxen, diclofenac, gemfibrozil, bisphenol A, fluoxetine and ibuprofen were selected as target compounds due to their diverse chemical characteristics and frequent detection in surface waters and sediments around the world. The distribution coefficients between various sample matrices (water, fish) and extraction phases (SPME fibers) were compared, as were extraction profiles and bioconcentration factors of target analytes in muscle of fish exposed to MWWEs under laboratory conditions, during field caging studies, or collected (wild) from the Grand River. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) medical grade tubing was utilized as the SPME extraction phase, which when kinetically calibrated, were effective at extracting and quantifying the target analytes from both water and fish tissue relative to traditional techniques. Caged and in wild fish exposed to MWWEs from all three municipal treatment plants bio-accumulated detectable levels of several of the target chemicals. All target analytes (except for fluoxetine) were identified in the MWWEs and exposed fish by SPME at low concentrations (ng/L). The presence and concentration of the targeted analytes in both water and wild fish living in the Grand River watershed varied with season and proximity to the wastewater outfalls. Results demonstrate that properly applied SPME can detect and quantify selected contaminants in fish tissues, surface water, and wastewater effluents. In vivo SPME allows for non-lethal sampling of fish, which creates the opportunity for monitoring contaminant exposure in receiving environments influenced by MWWEs or non-point-source runoff while minimizing the impact on the organisms.

The application of natural tundra wetlands for municipal wastewater treatment is an option to meet upcoming federal wastewater systems effluent regulations for Canada’s Far North. A treatment performance assessment with physical, hydraulic and biogeochemical contextual data was conducted on the wetland treatment area of Coral Harbour, Nunavut. A modified Tanks-In-Series model was used to model treatment kinetics. The study showed seasonal variability in treatment performance and hydraulic characteristics. A decrease in vegetation diversity and deposition of organic detritus was observed in high effluent loading areas. Effective reduction in effluent concentrations was observed. Dilution from watershed contributions accounted for much of the reductions observed. The importance of the determination of the hydraulic residence time, field delineation of the wetted area, and delineation of the watershed was demonstrated. First order rate coefficients determined suggested that the selection of the lowest percentiles from literature of southern treatment wetlands is conservative in this case.

This study was carried out to develop combined cultures which were composed of anaerobic and aerobic cultures, and could survive and operate under alternating aerobic and/or microaerobic / anaerobic conditions in semi-continuous and Upflow Sludge Blanket (USB) reactors. Granular combined cultures with median diameter of 1.28-1.86 mm and 0.8 mm were developed from suspended anaerobic and aerobic cultures in semi-continuous and USB reactors, respectively. Significant specific methanogenic activity (SMA, 14-42 mL CH4/g VSS.hr) and specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR, 6-47 mg DO/g VSS.hr) values of combined granules in semi-continuous reactors were comparable to those of anaerobic and aerobic granules. Similarly, combined granules in USB reactors exhibited noteworthy SMA and SOUR values of 11-77 mL CH4/g VSS.hr and 10-75 mg DO/g VSS.hr, respectively. Combined granules developed in semi-continuous reactors were found to overcome the drawbacks of both anaerobic and aerobic granules such as the need for long start-up and low stability, respectively. Combined cultures were also developed from anaerobic granular and suspended aerobic cultures in three USB reactors aerated at 10 mL air/min for 4 hours/day (R2), every other day (R3) and 24 hours/day (R4). The use of combined cultures was found to be advantageous compared to the anaerobic granules for the treatment of low strength wastewaters. During municipal wastewater treatment at influent 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) concentration of 53-118 mg/L (Hydraulic retention time, HRT: 0.75 day), combined cultures in R2, R3 and R4 exhibited average BOD5 removal efficiencies of 52, 75 and 76%, respectively. Combined granules developed in USB reactor also displayed significant BOD5 removal efficiencies (66-68%) during municipal wastewater application (HRT: 0.75 day). Combined cultures/granules developed in USB reactors might be proposed as an alternative for municipal wastewater treatment due to their advantages such as achievement of required discharge standards, prevention of biomass loss / settleability problems unlike activated sludge systems and possible methanogenic activity as well as high settling characteristics comparable to those of anaerobic granules.