Biological Treatment Processes

The past few years have seen the emergence of a growing, widespread desire in this country, and indeed everywhere, that positive actions be taken to restore the quality of our environment, and to protect it from the degrading effects of all forms of pollution-air, noise, solid waste, and water. Since pollution is a direct or indirect consequence of waste, if there is no waste, there can be no pollution, and the seemingly idealistic demand for "zero discharge" can be construed as a demand for zero waste. However, as long as there is waste, we can only attempt to abate the consequent pollution by converting it to a less noxious form. In those instances in which a particular type of pollution has been recognized, three major questions usually arise: (1) How serious is the pollution? (2) Is the technology to abate it available? and (3) Do the costs of abatement justify the degree of abatement achieved? The principal intention of this series of books on environmental engineering is to help the reader formu­ late useful answers to the second and third of these questions, i. e. , to outline the best currently available engineering solutions, and to examine their costs in the light of the real level of benefits afforded. The traditional approach of applying tried-and-true solutions to specific pollution problems has been a major factor contributing to the success of environmental engineering, and in large measure has ac­ counted for the establishment of a "methodology of pollution control.

1 Bioscience Concepts for Environmental Control.- I. Introduction.- II. The Cell.- III. Biochemistry.- IV. Microbiology.- V. Ecology.- VI. Physical and Biological Factors in Waste Treatment Ecosystems.- VII. Conclusions.- 2 Treatment by Application Onto Land.- I. Introduction.- II. Types.- III. Processes.- IV. Design.- V. Evaluation.- References.- 3 Treatment by Subsurface Application.- I. Introduction.- II. Theory.- III. Design.- IV. State of the Art.- V. Conclusions.- References.- 4 Submerged Aeration.- I. Introduction.- II. Aeration Performance Evaluation.- III. Submerged Aeration Systems.- IV. Design Application.- Nomenclature.- References.- 5 Surface and Spray Aeration.- I. Introduction.- II. Fundamental Concepts.- III. Theories of Gas Transfer.- IV. Aeration Equation.- V. Surface Aeration.- VI. Spray Aeration.- Nomenclature.- References.- 6 Activated Sludge Processes.- I. Concepts and Physical Behavior.- II. System Variables and Control.- III. System Modifications and Design Criteria.- IV. Computer Aid in Process Design and Operation.- V. Practice and Problems in Process Control.- VI. Capital and Operating Cost.- VII. Latest Process Development.- Appendixes.- References.- 7 Waste Stabilization Ponds and Lagoons.- I. Concept and Physical Behavior.- II. System Variables and Control.- III. Design Criteria.- IV. Practice and Problems in Process Control.- V. Capital and Operation Costs.- VI. Latest Process Developments.- VII. Examples of Process Design.- References.- 8 Trickling Filters.- I. Introduction.- II. Theories and Mechanisms.- III. Types of Trickling Filters.- IV. Performance Models and Design Procedures.- V. Design and Construction Considerations.- VI. Process Control Considerations.- VII. Energy Considerations.- VIII. Application, Performance, and Reliability.- IX. Limitations and Environmental Impact.- X. Design Examples.- Nomenclature.- References.- 9 Rotating Biological Contactors.- I. Introduction.- II. Factors Affecting Performance and Design.- III. Performance Models and Design Procedures.- IV. Process Control Considerations.- V. Application, Performance, and Reliability.- VI. Limitations and Environmental Impact.- VII. Design Examples.- References.- Nomenclature.- 10 Anaerobic Sludge Digestion.- I. Introduction.- II. Theory.- III. Design Practice.- IV. Management of Digestion.- V. Capital and Operating Costs.- VI. Design Examples.