Secondary Treatment of Sewage

CE6605 Environmental Engineering- II Department of Civil Engineering 2018-2019
UNIT-IV
SECONDARY TREATMENT OF SEWAGE
1. Explain the components and the operational principles of Activated Sludge Process.
 The activated sludge process provides an excellent method of treating either raw
sewage or more generally the settled sewage.
 The sewage effluent from primary sedimentation tank, which is thus normally
utilized in the process, is mixed with 20 to 30 percent of own volume of active
aerobic micro-organisms.
Figure.1: Conventional Activated sludge plant

 The mixture enters an aeration tank, where the micro-organisms (coated around the
sludge solids) and the sewage are intimately mixed together, with a large quantity
of air for about 4 to 8 hours.
 Under these conditions, the moving organisms will oxidize the organic matter, and
the suspended and colloidal matter tends to coagulate and form a precipitate, which
settles down readily in secondary settling tank.
 The settled sludge called activated sludge, is then recycled to the head of the
aeration tank, to be mixed again with the sewage being treated.
 Now, Activated sludge is continuously being produced by this process, and a
portion of it being utilized and sent back to the aeration tank, whereas the excess
portion is disposed of properly along with the sludge collected during primary
treatment, after digestion.
 The effluent obtained from a properly operated activated sludge plant is of high
quality, usually having a lower BOD than that of a trickling filter plant.
 BOD removal is up to 80-95%, and bacterial removed is up to 90-95%. Moreover,
land area required also quite less.
 But, however, in this process, a rather close degree of control is necessary operation
to ensure (i) that an ample supply of oxygen is present, (ii) that there is intimate and
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continuous mixing of the sewage and the activated sludge added to the volume of
sewage being treated is kept practically constant.
 Moreover, there is the problem of obtaining activated sludge, at the start of new
plant. Hence, when a new plant is put into operation, a period of about 4 weeks may
be required to form a suitable return sludge, and during this period, almost all the
sludge from the secondary sedimentation tank will be returned through the aeration
tank. A new plant may also sometimes be seeded with the activated sludge from
another plant, so as to quickly start the process in the new plant.
2. What are the various methods of aeration? Explain.

There are two basic methods of introducing air into the aeration tanks, i.e.
(1) Diffused air aeration or Air diffusion; and
(2) Mechanical aeration
(3) Sometimes, a combination ofboth may also be used which may then be called as
combined aeration.
(1) Diffused Air Aeration
Figure.2: Ridge & furrow type aeration tank
Figure.3: Spiral aeration using plate diffusers Figure.4: Spiral flow type aeration tan
 In the diffused air aeration method compressed air undera pressure of 35 to 70
kN/m2 (0.35 to 0.7kg/cm 2).
 It is introduced into the aeration chamber, through diffusion plates or other devices,
called diffusers.
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 The main criteria for selection of a particular diffuser are that it should be capable
of diffusingair in small bubbles, so as to provide the greatest possible efficiency of
aeration.
 Porous plates and porous tubes, made of quartz or crystalline alumina (Aluminium
oxide) are generally used as diffusers.
 Plates are generally square in shape with dimensions of 30 cm x 30 cm, and they
are usually 25 mm thick.
 These plates are fixed at the bottom ofaeration tanks. Tube diffusers are generally
60 cm long with internal dia of 75 mm and thickness of wall equalto 15 mm.
 The effective areas for the above standard plate and tube diffusers work out to 780
cm2 and 1160 cm2respectively.
(2) Mechanical aeration:
 In the air-diffusion method, as pointed out above, a lot of compressed air (90 to 95%)
gets wasted.
 It simply escapes through the tank without giving oxygen to the sewage.
 Although it helps in bringing about the required agitation of sewage mixture.
 In order to affect economy, atmospheric air is brought in contact with the sewage in the
mechanical aeration method.
 In this mechanical aeration method, the sewage is stirred up by means of mechanical
devices, like paddles, etc. (called surface aerators).
Types:
(a) Haworth Paddle System:
Figure.5: Haworth paddle system

 The aeration tank is divided into long narrow parallel channels.
 Two paddles are provided between channel which rotates at 15 rpm and it causes spiral
motion of sewage.
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Figure.6: Hartley system
(b) Simplex system: (Bio-Aeration system)
 It is a square hopper bottom vertical flow tank.

 At the centre, a hollow uptake draft tube is suspended from the top.
 A steel cone with spiral vanes is provided at the top of the uptake tube and is driven by
motor.
 The cone revolves at a speed of 60 rpm which sucks the mixed liquor sewage through the
uptake tube by creating suction at the bottom and sprays it at the top surface.
 The spray then absorbs oxygen from the atmosphere.
Figure.7: Simplex aerator

(3) Combined Aeration:
 In combined aerators, the diffused-air aeration as well as the mechanical aeration are
combined together in a single unit, Awell known type of such an aerator unit is called
Dorr aerator.
 In this type of an aerator the aeration of sewage is achieved by diffusing air through
bottom diffuser plates, as well as by rotating paddles @ 10 to 12 r.p.m., as shown. Spiral
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motion, so set up, brings about the required aeration. Such an aerator is very efficient;
detention period is smaller (3 to 4 hours).
 It requires less amount of compressed air as compared to the diffused-air aeration.
Figure.8: Dorr Aerator

3. Define and explain the different loading criteria, based on which aeration tank of ASP is
operated.
Definition:
 Aeration is the most important operation in the Activated Sludge Process.
 In addition to supplying to the aeration devices have also to provide adequate mixing and
agitation so that the mixed liquor suspended solids do not settle down.
Loading Criteria:
The important terms which define the loading rates of an activated sludge plant, include,
1. Aeration period [i.e. Hydraulic Retention Time (H.R.T)]
2. BOD loading per unit volume of aeration tank (i.e. Volumetric Loading)
3. Food to Micro-organism ratio (F/M ratio)
4. Sludge age
1) The Aeration period (H.R.T):
 The aeration period (t) empirically decides the loading rate at which the sewage is applied
to the aeration tank.
 For continuous flow aeration tank, this value is determined in the same manner as it is
determined for and ordinary continuous sedimentation tank, as per equation as,
Volume of the tank
Detention period, t =Rate of sewage flow in the tank
V in m³
t = Q in m³/day
V
t = Q day
V
t = Q . 24 hour
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where t = aeration period in hours

V = Volume of aeration tank
Q = Quantity of waste water flow into the aeration tank, excluding the quantity of
recycled sludge
2) Volumetric BOD loading:

Another empirical loading parameter is volumetric loading, which is defined as the BOD5
load applied for unit volume of aeration tank. This loading is also called Organic loading
∴ Volumetric BOD loading or organic loading
Mass of BOD loading per day to the aeration tank through influent sewage in gm
= Volume of the aeration tank in m³
Q.Yo (gm)
= V (m3 )
Where Q = sewage flow into the aeration tank in m3
Yo = BOD5 on mg/l (or gm/m3) of the influent sewage
V = Volume of aeration tank in m3
This loading is quite similar to the BOD loading rate per cum of filter volume, as used an
adoption in biological filtration and discussed.
3) Food (F) to Micro-organisms(M) ratio:

 F/M ratio is an important rational organic loading rate, adopted for an activated sludge
process.
 It is a manner of expressing BOD loading with regard to the microbial mass in the
system.
 The BOD load applied to the system in kg or gm is represented as food (F), and the total
microbial suspended solids in the mixed liquor of the aeration tank is represented by M.
Daily BOD load applied to the aeration system in gm
∴ F/M ratio = Total microbial mass in the system in gm
 If Yo (mg/dl) represents the 5day BOD of the influent sewage flow of Q m³/day, then
eventually, the BOD applied to the aeration system = Yomg/l or gm/m³.
 BOD load applied to the aeration system = F = Q.Yogm/day
 The total microbial mass in the aeration system(M) is computed by multiplying average
concentration of solids in the mixed liquor of the aeration tank, called Mixed liquor
suspended solids(MLSS) which the volume of aeration tank(V)
M = MLSS × V
M = Xt× V
WhereXt is MLSS in mg/l.
Dividing (i) by (ii) we get,
F F Q.Yo
Ratio = M =
M V.Xt
F
Ratio for an activated sludge plant is the main factor controlling BOD removal.
M
 Lower the F/M value; the higher will be the BOD removal in the plant. The F/M ratio can
be varied by the MLSS concentration in the aeration tank.
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4) Sludge Age:
 The sludge age is an operation parameter related to the F/M ratio. It may be defined as
the average time for which particles of suspended solids remain under aeration.
 It thus, indicates the residence time of biological solids in the system, while aeration
period (i.e. liquid retention time) may be short as 3 to 30 hour, the residence time of
biological solids in the system is much greater, and is measured in days.
 While sewage passes through the aeration tank only once and rather quickly, the resultant
biological growths and the extracted waste organics are repeatedly recycled from the
secondary clarifier back to the aeration tank, thereby increasing the retention time of
solids.
 This time is called Solids Retention Time (SRT)orMean Cell Residence Time (MCRT)or
sludge age.
 The most common method of expressing sludge age, usually represented by O c in days, is
to express it as the ratio of the mass of MLSS in the aeration tank relative to the mass of
suspended solids leaning the per day.
Mass of suspended solids (MLSS)in the system(M)
∴ Sludge age (θc) = Mass of solids leaning the system
 For conventional activated sludge plant, with the flow (Q), concentration of solids (X t),
and BOD5(Y) as marked in fig. we can easily write,
(a)Mass of solids in the reactor.
M = V×(MLSS)
M = V× Xt.
WhereXt is MLSS in the aeration tank (mg/l).
(b)(i)Mass of solids removed with the wasted sludge per day = Q w× Xr
(ii)Mass of solids removed from the system per day =(Q−Qw)Xe
∴Total solid removed from the system = (i) + (ii)

= Qw.Xr + (Q−Qw) Xe
V . Xt
∴Sludge age (θc)=Qw.Xr+(Q−Qw)E
Where V = Volume of Aerator
Xr= Concentration of solids in the returned sludge/ waste sludge (mg/l)
Xt= Concentration of solids in the influent of the aeration tank called the MLSSi.e.
Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids in mg/l
Q = Sewage inflow per day
Xe= Concentration of solids in the effluent in mg/l
 When the value of Xe (Suspended solids concentration in the effluent of activated sludge
plant) is very small, then the term (Q−Q w)Xe is ignored, leading to
V.Xt
θc = Qw.Xr
 In addition to use sludge retention time (θc) as a rational loading parameter, another
rational loading parameter which has found wider acceptance is the specific substrate
utilization rate (U) per day, and is defined as
(Yo−Ye)
U = Q× V.Xt
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 Under steady operation, the mass of waste activated sludge is further given by
Qw.Xr = ∝y. Q(Yo−Ye)−Ke.Xt.V
Where∝y= max. yield co-efficient
Microbial mass synthesised
∝y= Mass of substrated utilised
∝y = 1.0 w.r.t TSS (i.e. MLSS)
∝y = 0.6 w.r.t VSS (i.e. MLVSS)
Ke= Endogenous respiration rate constant (per day)
Ke= 0.006 per day
1
∴ = ∝y.U−Ke
θc
Since both ∝y&Ke are constant for a given waste water, it becomes necessary to defined either θ c
or U.
5) Sludge Volume Index (S.V.I.)

 The term sludge volume index or sludge index is used to indicate the physical state of the
sludge produced in a biological aeration system.
 It represents the degree of concentration of the sludge in the system.
 It decides the rate of recycle of sludge (QR) required to maintain the desired MLSS and
F/M ratio in the aeration tank to achieve the desired degree of purification.
 The standard test which is performed in the laboratory to compute SVI of an aeration
system involvescollection of one liter sampleof mixed liquor from the aeration tank from
near its discharge end in a graduated cylinder.
 This 1litre sample of mixed liquor is allowed to settle for 30 minutes and the settled
sludge volume (Vob)in ml is recorded as to represent sludge volume.
 This volume Vobinml per litre of mixed liquor will represent the quantity of sludge inthe
liquor in ml/l.
𝑉 (𝑚𝑙/𝑙) 𝑉
𝑆𝑉𝐼 = 𝑋 𝑜𝑏(𝑚𝑔/𝑙) = 𝑋𝑜𝑏 𝑚𝑙/𝑚𝑔
𝑜𝑏 𝑜𝑏
 The usual adopted range of SVI is between 50-150 ml/gm and such a value indicates
good settling sludge.
6) Sludge Recycle and Rate of return sludge:

QR Xt
=X
Q R −Xt
Where QR = Sludge recirculation rate in m3/d
Xt = MLSS in the aeration tank in mg/l
XR = MLSS in the returned or wasted sludge in mg/l
QR X
= 106 t
Q –Xt
SVI
7) Wasting of Excess Sludge (Q w)

 The aeration tank has to be partly discharged and wasted out of the plant to maintain a
steady level ofMLSS in the system.
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 The excess sludge quantity will increase with the increasing FIM ratio, and decrease with
temperature.
 In thecase of domestic sewage, Qw will be about 0.50-0.75 kg per kg BODremoved for
the conventional sludge plants (having F/M ratio varyingbetween 0.4 to 0.3).
8) Size and Volume of the Aeration Tank:

αy .(Yo −YE )θc
V. X t = 1+Ke .θc
9) Oxygen Requirement of the Aeration Tanks:

Q(Yo −YE )
O2 required = [ − 1.42 Q w . XR ] gm/day
f
4. Explain about the advantages and disadvantages of Activated Sludge Plant

Advantages of ASP:
 Lesser land area is required.
 The head loss is in the plant is quite low.
 There is no fly or odour nuisance.
 Capital cost is less.
 Greater flexibility of operation, permitting, control on the quality of effluent is possible.
Disadvantages of ASP:
 High cost of operation, with greater power consumption.
 A lot of machinery to be handled.
 A sudden change in the quantity and character of sewage may produce adverse effects on
the working of the process, thus producing inferior effluent.
 Bulking of sludge is a common trouble, which has to be controlled, especially when
industrial waste wasters with high carbohydrate content or antiseptic properties are
present. In any case, if such bulking is not there, comparatively larger sludge volume is to
be handled.
 The quantity of returned sludge has to be adjusted every time as and when there is a
change in the quantity of sewage flow. Thus making the operation a little cumbersome.
5. Explain Bulking and Foaming Sludge in an Activated Sludge Treatment Plant

 Foam formation and poorly settling sludge are the two most common problems of the
activated sludge process.
 A sludge that exhibits poor settling characteristics is called a bulking sludge. Filamentous
micro-organisms have been found to be responsible for a bulked sludge.
 Large surface area tovolume ratios of these microorganisms retards their settling
velocities.
 Fungi are the most familiar filamentous micro-organisms.
 Bacteria are usually found to develop in activated sludge systems which are characterized
by the low or variable nutrient concentrations. These bacteria may live on variety of
carbon and nitrogen sources present in the activated sludge system.
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Organic acids form an important class of carbon sources for the growth of filamentous
sulphur bacteria.
 These bacteria, however, do not develop well at low pH values.
 The most successful methods to control these organisms, as per latest research, are: (i)
reduction of the sludge age to less than 6 days and (ii) chlorination of return activated
sludge.
 Foam removal is also a logical and beneficial control measure.
 Carbohydrate-rich waters are more prone to give rise to filamentous populations.
Exclusion of such wastewaters may, therefore, sometimes help in controlling sludge
bulking.
 One of the first check made on a bulking activated .plant, therefore, is to measure
concentrations to determine whether they are sufficient for the amount of sludge being
produced. If not, the problem is readily solved by addition of nutrients to the waste water.
6. What is meant by rising Sludge?
 The rising sludge is caused by denitrification in the secondary clarifier.
 Denitrification results in the formation of nitrogen gas bubbles, which lifts up the settled
sludge, thereby deteriorating the quality of the clarified effluent.
 High temperatures (above 20°C) do accelerate the rate of denitrification.
 when the nitrates concentration in the influent of the secondary clarifier of an activated
plant exceeds 6-8 mg/l and temperatures are more, then enough nitrogen gas (due to
denitrification) would be produced the secondary clarifier during its usual 1 hour
detention time, causing rising sludge.
 Plants in areas of warm climates will be susceptible to this problem and the only practical
solution to be problem is to denitrify the effluent of the activated sludge process before
allowing its entry into the secondary clarifier.
7. An average operating data for conventional activated sludge treatment Plant is as

follows:
(1) Wastewater flow I = 35000 m31d
(2) Volume of aeration tank = 10900 m3
(3) Influent BOD = 250 mg/l
(4) Effluent BOD = 20 mg/l
(5) Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 2500 mg/l
(6) Effluent suspended solids = 30 mg/l
(7) Waste sludge suspended solids = 9700 mg/l
(8) Quantity of waste sludge = 220 m3ld.
Based on the information above, determine.
(a) Aeration period (hrs)
(b) Food to microorganism ratio (F/M) (kg BOD per day I kg MLSS)
(c) Percentage efficiency of BOD removal
(d) Sludge age (days).
Solution. Given values are symbolized as :
Q = 35000 m3/d; V = 10900 m3
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Yo = 250 mg/l; YE = 20 mg/l /

Xt = 2500 mg/l; XE = 30 mg/l
XR = 9700 mg/l; Qw = 220 m3/d
These values are now used to calculate the desired factors, as below
(a) Aeration period(t) in hr is given by
V 10900
t = Q . 24 = × 100 = 7.47 hrs = 7.5 hrs
35000
(b) F/M ratio
F = Mass of BOD removed = Q. Yo = 35000 X 250 gm/day
35000 ×250 kg
F= = 8750kg/day
1000 day
M =Mass of MLSS = V. Xt = 10900 m3 X 2500 gm/m3
10900×2500
M= kg = 27250 kg
1000
F 8750 day
ratio = = 0.32 kg BOD per of MLSS
M 27250 kg
(c) Percentage efficiency of BOD removal
Incoming BOD – OutgoingBOD 250−20
= = × 100 = 92%
Incoming BOD 250
(d) Sludge age (days)
Xt .V
Θc = Q
w .XR +(Q−Qw ).XE
27250 kg
Θc =
(220 m3 /d ×9700 mg/l)+(35000 m3 /d −220 m3 /d)×30 mg/l
27250 kg 27250
Θc = 220 ×9700 30 = 2134+3177.4 = 8.58 days
kg/d+(35000 −220)× kg/d
1000 1000
Trickling Filter:
8. Explain Construction and Operation of Trickling Filters
Figure.9: Typical cross-section.
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 It is an anaerobic and attached growth process (the micro-organisms remain

attached to the filter media).
 Trickling filter are also known as percolating filters (or) sprinkling filters
 Sewage is allowed to sprinkle (or) trickle over a bed of coarse, rough, hard filter
media and it is then collected in the under-drainage system.
 Spray nozzles (or) rotary distributors provided on top are used for sprinkling
sewage on filter media.
 The biological purification is brought about mainly by aerobic bacteria, which
form a bacterial film (biofilm) around particles of filter media.
 The color of this film is blackish, greenish and yellowish and apart from bacteria
it may consist of fungi, algae, protozoa etc.
 Sufficient O 2 (oxygen) is supplied inside filter for the existence of this bio-film.
 Organics are removed by Bisorption.
 The trickling filter is always proceeds by primary sedimentation tank along with
the skimming devices to remove the scum.
 This will prevent the clogging of the filter by settleable solids.
 The effluent from the filter is then taken to secondary sedimentation tank for
settling out organic solids oxidized while passing through the filter.
 The microbial film (or biofilm) (or) the slim film formed on the filter medium is
aerobic to a depth of only 0.1 to 0.2mm, and the remaining part of the film is
anaerobic.
 As the waste water flows over the microbial film, the soluble organic material in
the sewage is rapidly metabolished while the colloidal organics are absorbed onto
the surface.
 In the organic layer of the biological film, the organic matter is degraded by the
aerobic micro-organisms. The food concentration and oxygen supply is high at the
outer layer, which leads to rapid growth of aerobic microbes and thereby the
thickness of slime layer increases.
 The D.O is therefore consumed at the upper layer itself and prevents its
penetration to lower zone.
 Hence, the lower zone of the film is in starvation of oxygen and food due to whi ch
anaerobic environment is established.
 The micro-organisms in the lower zone therefore enter into endogeneousphase of
growth and lose their ability to stick to the media surface.
 Eventually there will be scouring of the slim layer and new fresh slime lay er
begins to grow again on the media.
 This phenomenon of scouring of the slime layer is called sloughing.
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Figure.10: Attached Growth Process in a Trickling Filter
Classification of Trickling filters:

9. What are the different types of trickling Filters?
(i) Low Rate Trickling Filters (or) Standard Rate Trickling Filter (SRTF)
(ii) High Rate Trickling Filter (HRTF)
Construction of conventional Trickling Filters:
A trickling filter consists of:
 A water tight holding tank made of masonry or concrete walls.
 Distribution system
 Filter media and
 Under-drainage system.
 Tank is either square, rectangular or circular in shape.
 Influent to the trickling filter is from the primary sedimentation tank.
Filter media:
 The filter media used should have high surface area, high void space, resistance to
abrasion and insoluble.
 Particles of filter media should be round (or) cubical in shape.
 The filtering media should be free from flat (or) elongated pieces and should not
contain dirt.
 The most commonly used filter media is broken stone, slag (or) gravel of size 25
to 75mm.
 The media should be packed atleast 30cm height above the under drainage.
 The filter depth varies from 1.8m to 3.0m.
Under-drainage system.
 The purpose of under-drainage system:
 To carry the liquid effluent and sloughed biological solids.
 To distribute air throughout the bed.
 They are formed of precast vitrified clay (or) concrete blocks with perforated
cover.
 The slope of the under drain should be same as that of floor sloping towards a
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common collection point.

 At design flow, the velocity of drains may be 0.6 to 0.9m/s.
Main collecting channel:
 The main collecting channel is provided to carry away the flow from the under
drains and to admit air to the filter.
 The main collecting channel shall have semi-circular (or) other rounded inverts.
 The velocity shall not be less than 0.6m/s.
Filter Floor:
 The filter floor should be strong enough to support the under -drainage system.
 An R.C.C. slab of 10 to 15cm thick is provided.
Filter Walls:
 Filter walls may either be fully plastered stone (or) brick masonary (or) R.C.C.
Ventilation:
 Natural ventilation is ensured by providing under drains or forced ventilation is
done with air flow of 1m 3/min/m2 of filter area.
Figure.11: Conventional circular trickling filter with rotary distributors.
10. List out the Merits and Demerits of trickling filters?

Merits
1. Rate of filter loading is high, as such requiring lesser land areas and smaller
quantities of filter media for their installations.
2. Effluent obtained from the trickling filters is sufficiently nitrified and stabilized.They
can remove about 75% of BOD and about 80% of suspended solids. Theeffluent can,
therefore be easily disposed of in smaller quantity of dilution water.
3. Working of tricking filters is simple, and does not require any skilled supervision.
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4. They are flexible in operation, and they can, therefore, withstand the application of
variety of sewages having different concentrations and compositions. Even if they
are over-loaded, they can recoupe after rest.
5. They are self-cleaning.
6. Mechanical wear and tear is small, as they contain less mechanical equipment.
7. Moisture content of sludge, obtained from trickling filters, is as high as 99% or so.
8. Trickling filters have been found to operate more efficiently in warm weather, and
produce an effluent appreciably lower in BOD. Hence, they are of immense-use in
hot countries like India.
Demerits:
1. The head loss through these filter is high, making automatic dosing of the filters
necessary (through siphonic dosing tanks).
2. Cost of construction of trickling filters is high.
3. These filters cannot treat raw sewage, and primary sedimentation is a must.
4. These filters pose a number of operational troubles such as fly nuisance.
5. Odor nuisance and Ponding Trouble.
Design of Trickling filter.

11. Explain the design considerations in Trickling Filters?
Loading:
Hydraulic loading:
 Quantity of sewage per hectare of surface area per day.
 Loading varies from 25 to 40 million liter per hectare of surface area per day.
 SRTF = 1 to 4 m 3/d/m2.
 HRTF = 10 to 30 m 3/d/m2.
Organic loading:
 Loading varies from 1000 to 2200kg of BOD5 per hectare meter of filter volume
of per day.
 SRTF = 80 to 320 g/d/m 3.
 HRTF = 500 to 1000 g/d/m 3.
Population based loading:
 Number of persons served per hectare of filter surface area.
 Number of persons served per unit volume of filter media.
Efficiency:
Based on NRC equation (USA).
100 100
𝐸 (%) = (𝑜𝑟 )
1 + 0.0044 √𝑢 1 + 0.44√𝑈
𝐶𝑖 − 𝐶𝑒
𝐸= × 100
𝐶
E = Efficiency of filter and its secondary clarifier in terms of percentage BOD in
removal.
Ci = Influent BOD concentration.
Ce = Effluent BOD concentration.
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u = Organic loading in kg/ha-m/day applied to filter (unit hydraulic loading).

U = Unit hydraulic loading in kg/m3/day.
𝑊
𝑈=
𝑉𝐹
W = Total BOD in kg.
V = Filter volume in m3 (or) ha-m.
F = Recirculation factor.
Performance:
The trickling filter has high efficiency in removal of BOD and other organic matter.
 Suspended solids and BOD are reduced by 90% each.
 BOD left in the effluent is less than 20 ppm.
 Effluent is highly stabilized.
Types of trickling filter:
 Conventional Trickling Filter/Ordinary/Sandard/Low rate – No recirculation of
sewage.
 High Rate Trickling Filter – Recirculation of sewage (as in ASP), greater loading,
less space requirements and less filter media.
12. Compare conventional and high rate trickling filters.

Conventional or
S. No. Characteristics High rate filters
standard rate filters
Depth of filter
1 1.6 - 2.4 m 1.2 – 1.8m
media
2 Size of filter media 25 – 75 mm 25 – 60mm
More as filter loading is Less land area is required.

3 Land required
less. More loading of filters.
4 Cost of operation More Less
Continuous and more

Method of Continuous and less
5 flexible (Skilled attention
operation flexible.
is required).
6 Sloughing Intermittent Continuous
Type of effluent Highly stabilized, Less stable and inferior

7
produced nitrified BOD < 20ppm. quality, BOD > 30 ppm.
97
8 Dosing interval 3 – 10 min. >15 seconds
110 to 330
9 Hydraulic loading 20 to 44 ML/hectare/day
ML/hectare/day
900 to 2200 kg of BOD 5 6000 to 18000 kg of
10 Organic loading per ha-m of filter media BOD5 per ha-m of filter
/day media /day
Recirculation
11 Not provided Always provided
system
Quality of
12 Black, highly oxidized Brown, not fully oxidized.
secondary sludge
13. What is the need of recirculation of treated sewage in high rate trickling filters?
 Recirculation of sewage is an essential and important feature of high rate filters.
 The recirculation consists in returning a portion of the treated or partly treated
sewage to the treatment process.
 Usually, the return is from the secondary settling tank to the primary settling tank,
or to, the dosing tank of the filter, as shown in Fig.3.
 Sometimes, the effluent from the filter itself, before it enters the secondary
clarifier, may be sent back to the primary clarifier.
Figure.12:Single Stage commonly adopted Recirculation Process.

 In some other cases, and to obtain better efficiency, two stagerecirculation process
may be adopted.
 A two stage recirculationprocess consists of having two filters arranged in series,
as shown in Fig.4. Various other combinations are possible.
Figure.13:Two stage commonly adopted Recirculation Process.
98
 Recirculation improves the operating results of filters, because of the following

reasons:
(i) Recirculation allows continuous dosing of the filters, irrespective of the
fluctuations in flow.
(ii) Recirculationequalizes and reduces loading, thereby increasing the efficiency of
the filter.
(iii) Recirculationprovides longer contact of the applied sewage with the
bacteriafilm on the contact media, thereby seeding it with bacteria, 'and
accelerating the biological oxidation process.
(iv) Theinfluent remains fresh all the time, and also helps in reducing odours.
The fly nuisance is also comparatively less.
Figure.14: Flow diagrams for High Rate Trickling Filte
99
Efficiency of High rate filters:

The ratio (R/I) of the volume of sewage recirculated (R) to the volume of raw
sewage (I) is called recirculation ratio. The recirculation ratio is connected to another
term, called recirculation factor (F) by the relation
R
1+
I
F= R
(1+0.1 )2
I
The recirculation factor (F) also represents the number of effective passages
through the filter. Thus, when there is no recirculation and (R/I) is zero, F" is unity.
The efficiencyofthe single stage high rate trickling filter can then be worked out by using
the equation,
100
η(%) = Y
1+0.0044√
V.F
where Y = the total organic loading in kg/day applied to the filter, i.e. the total BOD in
Y
kg. The term is also called unit organic loading on filter, i.e., u.
V.F
V = Filter volume in hectare-meters.
F = Recirculation factor
Final efficiency in the two stage filter
100
= η′ ( % ) = ′
0.0044
1+ √ Y
1−η V′ .F′
Where,
Y' = Total BOD in effluent from firststage in kg/day.
V’ = Volume of second stage filter inha-m.
F' = Recirculation factor for thesecond stage filter.
η' = Final efficiency obtained aftertwo stage filtration.
Effects of Recirculation on Sizes of Treatment Units:

 Recirculation through the primary sedimentation tanks requires extra capacity in
these tanks, because the flow passing through them is increased, and under some
conditions.
 The size of the secondary sedimentation tanks may also have to be increased.
 The volume of the filter, no doubt, will not be affected by recirculation, but the
distributor will have the capacity to handle the increased flow.
14. Determine the size of a high rate trickling filter for the following data.
Sewage flow = 4.5 Mld
Recirculation ratio = 1.5
BOD of raw sewage = 250 mg/l
BOD of removal in primary tank = 30%
Final effluent BOD desired = 30 mg/l
100
SOLUTION:
Quantity of sewage flowing into the filter per day = 4.5Ml/d
BOD concentration in raw sewage = 250 mg/l
∴Total BOD present in raw sewage = 4.5Ml × 250 mg/l = 1125 kg
BOD removed in primary tank = 30%
BOD left in the sewage entering per day in the filter unit
= 1125 × 0.7= 787.5 kg
BOD concentration desired in final effluent = 30 mg/l
∴ Total BOD left in the effluent per day = 4.5 × 30 kg = 135 kg
BOD removed by the filter = 787.5 – 135 = 652.5 kg
BOD removed
Efficiency of the filter = × 100
Total BOD
652.5
= 787.5×100
= 82.85 %
Now, using equation we have
100
η= Y
1+0.0044√
V.F
Where η = 82.85 % ; Y = Total BOD in kg = 787.5 kg

R
1+
I
F= R ;
(1+0.1 )²
I
R
Here I = 1.5 (given)
1+1.5
F = (1+0.1×1.5)² = 1.89
100
∴82.85 = 787.5
1+0.0044√
V×1.89
V = 0.2 hectare-m
V = 2000 m3
Assuming depth of the filter as 1.5m, we have

2000
Surface area required = m2= 1333.3 m2
1.5
4
∴Diameter of the circular filter required = √1333.3 × π
= 41.2 m
Hence, use a high rate trickling filter with 41.2m diameter, 1.5m deep filter media, and
with recirculation (single stage) ratio of 1.5.
15. Determine the surface area of a flow rate trickling filter to treat 10MLD of average
sewage flow with a BOD of 300 mg/l at an organic loading rate of 0.2 kg BOD/m 3/day.
SOLUTION:
Average sewage flow = 10MLD
101
BOD of sewage = 300 mg/l

Organic loading = 0.2 kg BOD/m3/day
Total BOD per day = (10×106×300×10-6)
=3000 kg/day
Total BOD
∴ Volume of filter media required = Organic loading
3000
= 0.2
= 15000 m3
The depth of the filtering media may vary between 2 to 3m
15000
∴Surface area = 2.5
= 6000 m2
16. A single stage filter is to treat a flow of 3.79 M.l.d. of raw sewage with BOD of240 mg/l.
It is to be designed for a loading of 11086 kg of BOD in. raw sewage per hectare meter, and
the recirculation ratio is to be 1. What will be the strength of the effluent?
Solution:
Total BOD present in raw sewage = 3.79 ML x 240 mg/l= 909.6 kg
Total BOD in raw sewage in kg
Now, filter volume required = Given BOD loading rate of 11086 kg/ha−m
909.6
Volume required = 110`86 ha − m = 0.082 ha − m
Now, assuming that 35%ofBOD is removed in primary clarifier, we have
The amount of BOD applied to the filter= 0.65 x 909.6 kg= 591.24 kg.
Now, using equation
100
η(%) = Y
1+0.0044√
V.F
Y = Total BOD applied to the filter in kg = 591.24 kg

V = Vol. of the filter in ha-m. = 0.082 ha-m.
R
1+ R
I
F= R Here =1
(1+0.1 )2 I
I
1+1 2
F= = = 1.65
(1+0.1×1)2 1.21
100 100
Η(%) = 591.24
= 1+0.291 = 77.45%
1+0.0044√
0.082×1.65
The amount of BOD left in the effluent = 591.24 [1 – 0.7745] kg. = 133.32 kg.
Total BOD
BOD concentration in the effluent = Sewage volume
133.32×106
BOD concentration in the effluent = = 35.15 mg/l
3.79×106
102
Up flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket
17. With the help of neat sketch explain the function and operation of UASB.
High rate anaerobic system
Figure.15: UASB Reactor
 The UASB reactor maintains a high concentration of biomass through the formation of
biomass through the formation of highly settleable microbial sludge aggregates.
 Waste water flows upwards through a layer of very active sludge (sludge bed) to cause
anaerobic digestion of organics of the waste water.
 At the top of reactor, three phases separation between gas-solid liquid takes place.
 This process is suitable for both soluble waste water as well as waste waters containing
particulate matter.
 The waste water enters the tank from the bottom and flow upwards through the sludge
bed, which is formed during the process itself.
 The sludge bed consists of anaerobic and facultative micro-organisms capable of
flourishing in a oxygen deficient environment.
 The sludge bed (blanket) traps the suspended organics from the upflowingsewge which
are degraded by anaerobic and facultative bacteria, which produce methane (CH4) and
carbondioxide (CO2) (Biogas).
 The biogas produced helps in gentle mixing and stirring of biomass thereby increasing
the efficiency of decomposition and reducing the BOD and suspended solids
concentration of the waste water.
 The gas produced is sufficient to keep the sludge fully mixed.
 The biogas consists of 65 to 70% CH4 and 30 to 35% CO2.
103
 The methane (or) biogas is collected at the top of the tank in a gas collector.
 The water sludge mixture is made to enter a settling tank, where the sludge settles down
and flows back into the bottom of the reactor.
 The sludge has good settling properties.
 There is no packing material. The microbes attach to each other or to small particles,
agglomerate, granulates to form sludge bed or blanket.
 Retention time is about 6-8 hours with continuous bacterial process.
 The treated effluent is collected in gutters and discharged out of the reactor.
 The methane generated can be used for generating electricity to run the plant.
 The sludge is dewatered in drying beds and used as soil enricher.
Advantages :
 Space required is less compared to ASP/Oxidation pond/Aerated lagoons.

 Capital cost is less.
 System requires lesser/simpler electromagnetic parts.
 Low operation and maintenance cost.
 Electricity consumption is low and can withstand power failures.
 Low sludge production.
 Sludge has quick dewatering properties.
 Quicker sludge digestion.
 Biogas produced as by-product is used for electricity generation.
 It is used for treatment of high strength waste waters like those from municipalities and
industries like food processing, distilleries, dairies etc.
Disadvantages:
 System lowers only two parameters of waste water.

 BOD
 Suspended solids.
 It does not remove heavy metals and toxic pollutants.
 Require larger quantity of organic matter (20 to 30 minutes) for growth of anaerobic
bacteria.
 Acids produced by breakdown of organic matter in UASB may cause corrosion of
reactor.
 Efficiency of BOD/SS removal is low.
 Pretreatment (Screening/Grit removal) is necessary.
18. Explain the working principle of waste stabilization ponds and mention their
classification. (Stabilization Ponds:
 Stabilization ponds are open flow through earthen basins, specifically designed and
constructed to treat sewage and biodegradable industrial waste waters.
 Such ponds provide comparatively long detention periods, extending from a few days to
several days, during which time the wastes get stabilized by the action of natural forces.
104
Figure.16: Oxidation pond

 Stabilization ponds may be classified as aerobic, facultative or anaerobic, depending
upon the mechanism of purification.
 The term oxidation pond was originally referred to that stabilization pond which received
partially treated sewage; whereas the pond that received raw sewage was used to be
called a sewage lagoon; but in recent years, the term oxidation pond has been widely used
as a collective term for all types of ponds and most particularly the facultative
stabilization ponds.
 The results of the oxidation pond treatment are: the oxidation of the original organic
matter and the production of algae, which are discharged with the effluent.
 This results in a net reduction in BOD, since the algae are more stable than the organic
matter in waste water and degrade slowly in the river stream into which the effluent is
discharged.
 The oxidation ponds, throwing their effluents in rivers, just upstream of some lake or
reservoir are therefore, generally not preferred as the discharged algae may settle in the
reservoir, and cause anaerobic decomposition and other water quality problems.
 However, the effluents from oxidation ponds can be easily used for land irrigation,
particularly at places, where they cannot be discharged into river stream.
Figure.17: Process in Oxidation pond\
105
Aerobic Ponds:
In a totally aerobic pond, the stabilization of wastes is brought about by aerobic pond bacteria,
which flourish in the presence of oxygen.
 The oxygen demand of such bacteria which flourish in the presence of oxygen.
 The oxygen demand of such bacteria in such a pond is met by the combined action of
algae and other micro-organisms, called algal photosynthesis, or algal symbiosis.
 In this symbiosis, the algae (which are microscopic plants) while growing in the presence
of sunlight, produce oxygen by the action of photosynthesis; and this oxygen is utilized
by the bacteria for oxidizing the waste organic matter.
 The end products of the process are CO2, ammonia and phosphates which are required by
the algae to grow and continue to produce oxygen.
Anaerobic Ponds:
 In an anaerobic pond, however, the stabilization of waste is mainly brought about by the
usual anaerobic conversion of organic wastes to carbon dioxide, methane and gaseous
end products, with exception of foul odour and pungent smells.
 In a facultative pond, the upper layer work under aerobic conditions, while the anaerobic
conditions prevail in the bottom layers.
 The upper aerobic layer of the pond acts as a good check against the evolution of the foul
odour from such a pond.
 The treatment affected from such a pond is comparable to that of conventional secondary
treatment process.
 The totally aerobic ponds will have to be of very small depths such as below 0.5m and
still then may require occasional stirring, to prevent anaerobic condition in the settled
sludge.
 It is therefore practicing difficult to construct and use such purely aerobic ponds.
Facultative Ponds:
 The facultative ponds, with depths varying between 1m to 1.5m, are thus most widely
used for treatment of sewage.
 Deeper ponds in the depth range of 2.5m to 4m also sometimes are constructed to work
anaerobically.
 Treatment ponds have been used to treat waste water for many years, especially for small
communities.
Oxidation Ditch:
19. Explain Oxidation ditch/ Pasveer ditches / Extended Aeration in detail?

It is a modified activated sludge process (ASP).
 It eliminates primary sedimentation and sludge digestion.
 As the aeration time is longer, it is called extended aeration process.
106
 Oxidation-ditch plant is economical for population upto 1.5 lakh, compared to ASP or
trickling filters.
 Land requirement is less.
 Oxidation ditch plant involves the construction of number of ditch channels, placed side
by side having depth of 1-1.5m, width of 1-5m based on the rotors used. The length may
vary from 150m to 1000m.
 The oxidation ditches may be constructed either in earthwork with earthern embankments
(or) in brick (or) in stone masonry walls.
 Each ditch channel is equipped with a horizontal axis rotor for agitating and circulating
the sewage and thereby oxygenating the sewage and keeping the sewage-solids in
suspension.
 The velocity of sewage is 0.3m/s.
 The aerated sewage is then settled in a settling tank by stooping the rotors for 2 hours.
 When rotors are stopped, the supernatant liquor is taken out.
 A part of settled sludge is recirculated and the excess sludge (stabilized) is easily dried in
sand beds and disposed suitably.
Types of oxidation ditches:
(i) Intermittent Flow type:
 There is no separate settling tank.

 When the rotor is stopped, the sludge get settled and the supernatant is withdrawn.
 The surplus sludge is removed and disposal after treatment.
Figure.18: Intermittent Flow type. Figure.19: Continuous Flow type
(ii) Continuous Flow type:
 There is continuous operation.

 The mixed liquid gets settled in a separate settling tank.
Design considerations:
 Long aeration basin to carry MLSS concentration – 3000 to 8000mg/l.

 F/M ratio (loading factor) is low – 0.03 to 0.1.
 Efficiency – 95% for suspended solids removal.
107
 98% for BOD removal.

 Settled sludge which is mineralized is dried without odours.
 Detention of period = 12 to 15 hours (or)
= 0.8 to 2.5m3 per kg of BOD5 load in sewage.
 Volume of ditch = 150m3 per meter length of rotor.
Kinetic Equations (Similar to ASP):
 Normally MLVSS is taken as the mass of active micro-organisms in reactor, but in

oxidation ditch, it includes inactive volatile suspended solids also.
Influent soluble BOD S0 = La – BOD of suspended solids in influent
(0.25 kg/kg of SS)
BOD of SS escaping with effluent = 0.45 kg/kg of SS.
Microbial mass conc = 60% MLSS.
𝐹 𝑄. 𝑌𝑂
= 𝑉
𝑀 (1000) × 𝑋𝑡
𝑄𝑟 𝑋𝑡
Sludge return ratio, = 106
𝑄
−𝑋𝑡
𝑆𝑉𝐼
𝑄 (𝜃𝐶 . 𝑌(𝑆0−𝑆 )
𝑥=
𝑉 1 + 𝐾𝑑. 𝜃𝑐
SS – Suspended solids
MLVSS – Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids

𝑋𝑉
Microbial mass in excess sludge, 𝑃𝑋 = 𝜃𝐶
𝑉
Wasting of excess sludge = 𝜃
𝐶
Active microbes in return sludge.
𝑋(𝑄 + 𝑄𝑟 ) = 𝑋𝑟 . 𝑄𝑟
𝑉
Hydraulic retention time = 𝑄
𝑄(𝑌0 −𝑌)
Process loading = kg total BOD/kg of MLSS.
𝑋𝑡 .𝑉
Where,
108
X = MLVSS mg/l.
Q = Sewage inflow.
V = Volume of aeration tank/ Oxidation ditch.
𝜃𝐶 = MCRT (days).
Y = Growth yield co-efficient.
𝑆0 = Influent soluble BOD (mg/l)
S = Effluent soluble BOD (mg/l)
𝑄𝑟 =Return sludge flow.
SVI = Sludge volume Index.
20. Explain the Design Considerations in Oxidation Ditch.

 The volume of the aeration channel required under Indian climates should be such as to
give a detention period of 12 to 15 hours, or 800 to 2500 litres per kg of BOD load
present in the sewage admitted.
 The concentration of the suspended solids in the mixed liquor should be high, say about
4000 to 5000 mg/l.
 The volume of the ditch approximates 120 to 150 cum per metre length of the rotor.
 The length of the standard horizontal axis cage type rotor used is 1 m.
 The rotor is in the form of a cylindrical cage of 0.7 m in diameter, and is rotated at a
speed of 75 RPM, while dipping 10 cm into the liquid.
21. Describe in detail the mechanically Aerated Lagoons.

 A mechanically aerated lagoon is a deeper oxidation pond, with oxygen introduced by
mechanical aerators rather than relying on the photosynthetic oxygen production alone.
 These ponds are deeper than the oxidation ponds, and as they are artificially aerated, less
detention time and areas are required.
 The depth of these basins normally ranges between 2.4 to 3.6 m,
 Detention time between 4 to 10 hours.
 The land area required is about 5 to 10% of that required for an equivalent oxidation
pond. The efficiency obtained ranges between 65 to 90%.
 The aerated lagoons are frequently used for treating industrial waste waters as well as city
sewage.
109
Figure.20:Aerated lagoon
22. Explain Rotating Biological Contactors (RBCs).

 A rotating biological contactor (RBC) is a cylindrical media made of closely mounted
thin flat circular plastic sheets or discs of 3 to 3.5 m in diameter, 10 mm thick, and placed
at 30 to 40 mm spacing mounted on a common shaft.
 Thinner materials can be used by sandwiching a corrugated sheet between two flat discs
and welding them together as a unit.
 The R.B.C. are usually made in up to 8 m length, and may be placed in series or parallel
in a specially constructed tank(s) through which the wastewater is allowed to pass.
 The RBC's are kept immersed in wastewater by about 40% of their diameter.
 The RBC's are rotated around their central horizontal shaft, at a speed of l-2 rpm by
means of power supplied to the shaft.
 Approximately 95% of the surface area is thus alternately immersed in the wastewater
and then exposed to the atmosphere above the liquid.
 When the process is operated, the microorganisms of the wastewater begin to adhere to
the rotating surfaces and grow there, until the intersurface area of the disc gets covered
with 1 to 3 mm layer of biological slime.
 As the discs rotate, they carry a film of wastewater into the air, where it trickles down the
surface of the discs absorbing oxygen.
 As the discs complete their rotation, this film mixes with the wastewater in the tank,
adding to the oxygen of the tank and mixing the treated and partially treated wastewater.
 As the attached microorganisms pass through the tank, they absorb other organics for
breakdown. The excess growth of microorganisms is sheared from the discs, as they
move through the wastewater tank.
 The dislodged organisms are kept in suspension by the moving discs. This suspended
growth finally moves down with the sewage flowing through the tank to a downstream
settling tank for removal.
 The effluent obtained is of equal or even better quality than what is obtained from other
secondary treatments.
 The quality of the effluent can further be improved by placing several contractors in
series along the tank.
 The method can thus provide a high degree of treatment, including biological conversion
of ammonia to nitrates. As is evident, a given set of discs (i.e. an RBC) serves the
following purposes:
 They provide media for buildup of attached microbial growth.
110
 They bring the growth of microbes in contact with the wastewater.

 The aerate the wastewater and the suspended microbial growth in the wastewater
tank.
 In this process, the attached growths are similar in concept to a trickling filter, except that
here the microorganisms are passed through the wastewater, rather than the wastewater
passing over the microbes, as happens in a trickling filter.
 The hydraulic loading rates may vary between 0.04-0.06 m/day
 Organic loading rates between 0.05-0.06 kg BOD/m2/ day, based upon the disc surface
area.
Figure.21: Rotating biological contactor
23. Discuss the operational problems of standard high rate trickling filter and their
remedies.
Trickling filters
(i) Fly Nuisance
 The filter fly, psychoda, which develops in the filter particles, may prove to be
nuisance, as the same may be carried away into the habitation.
 This problem may be controlled by flooding the filter with sewage for 24 hours or
more.
 The flooding will destroy the larvae, and usually interfere slightly with the results
of operation.
 Another method of controlling fly nuisance is by using insecticides, such as D.D.T.,
and benzene hexachloride, etc. in the filter plant.
(ii) Odour Nuisance
 When fixed nozzles are used, H 2S and other odour gases are frequently released
from the sprays into the atmosphere.
 The usual remedy is to chlorinate the sewage to prevent formation of H 2S gas, or
to neutralize that already formed.
 The remedy is to chlorinate the sewage, and to keep sewage fresh by
recirculation, as is done in rapid filters.
(iii) Ponding trouble
 Sometimes, the voids in the filter media get clogged due to heavy growth of fungi
111
and algae.
 This may result in Ponding of the sewage over the filter bed.
 This trouble, posed by algae and fungi, can be controlled by chlorinating the
sewage, which kills the algae, thus causing unloading of the accumulated
material.
 Other methods of controlling algae are to add copper sulphate to the sewage, and
resting the bed for some time.
24.Design an oxidation pond for treating sewage from a hot climatic residential colony with
5000 persons, contributing sewage at 120 liters per capital per day. The 5-day BOD of
sewage is 300mg/l
Solution:
The quantity of sewage to be treated per day = 5000×120 = 6,00,000litres = 600 cu.m
The BOD content per day = 0.6 ML × 300 mg/l = 180 kg
Now, assuming organic loading rate in the pond (in hot climates as say 300kg/hec/day) we have,
180 kg/d 180 180
Surface required = = hec = ×104 m2
300 kg/hec/day 300 300
= 6000m2
Assuming the length of the tank(L), as twice the width(B), we have
2B2= 6000
B = 54.7m ~ 55m
6000
∴ Use L= = 110m
55
Using a tank with effective depth 1.2m, we have
The provided capacity = 110×55×1.2 = 7260m3
Now, Capacity = Sewage flow per day × Detention time(days)
Capacity in cu.m 7260
Detention time in days = Sewage flow per day in cu.m/day= 600
= 12 days
Hence, use an oxidation pond with length = 100m, width = 55m and Overall depth = (1.2+1) =
2.2m and Detention period of 12 days.
Design of Inlet Pipe:
Assuming, an average velocity of sewage as 0.9 m/sec, and daily flow for 8 hours only.
600
Discharge = 8×60×60 cumecs
Area of inlet pipe required,
Discharge 600 1
= = 8×60×60× 0.9m2= 0.0232 m2
Velocity
= 232 cm2
Diameter of inlet pipe,
4×232
din =√ = 18 cm
π
Diameter of outlet pipe may be taken as 1.5 times that of the inlet pipe diameter.
dout = 1.5×18 = 27 cm
∴ Diameter of Inlet pipe =18 cm
Diameter of Outlet pipe = 27 cm
112
25. Design an oxidation ditch for a community of 7500 with a per capita sewage
contribution of 90 lpcd and BOD 250 mg/l. The desired BOD of the treated sewage
is 30 mg/l.
Solution:
Population = 7500
Per capita sewage = 90 lpcd
Influent BOD = 250 mg/l
Effluent BOD = 30 mg/l
(i) Inflow rate & BOD removal efficiency:

Waste water flow = 7500 X 90 = 675000 lit/d = 675 m 3/d
250−30
BOD removal required = × 100 = 88%
250
(ii) Volume of ditch:
F Q.Yo
= V
M ( ×Xt )
1000
𝐹
Choosing 𝐹 = 0.1 Xt = 4000 mg/l
675××250
0.1 = V
( ×4000)
1000
1000×675×250
V= = 421.875 m3
0.1×4000
(iii) Volumetric loading rate:
Q in terms of MLD
Q×Yo 0.675×250
Volumetric loading rate = = = 0.4 kg BOD/m3
V 421.875
(iv) Hydraulic retention time:
V 421.875
HRT = Q = = 15 hours
675
(v) Return sludge ratio:
Qr Xt
r= = 106
Q
−Xt
SVI
Adopting value of SVI = 100,
Qr 4000
r= = 106 = 0.667
Q
−4000
100
Which is within prescribed range of 0.35 to 1.5
(vi) Oxygen requirement & no. of rotors
O2 required = 1.2 kg/kg of BOD removed
= 1.2 (250-30) X 0.675 = 186.3 kg/day
= 7.7625 kg/hr
Oxygenation capacity of cage rotor of dia. 70 cm, @ 75 rpm, at immersion depth of 10 cm = 2.8
kg of O2/hr/m length.
7.7625
= = 2.77 m; say 2.8 m
2.8
Length of rotor needed d=from velocity consideration of 0.3 m/s (assuming 150 m 3 of ditch
volume per m length of rotor for adequate circulation)
113
421.875
= = 2.8125 m
2.8
Hence adopt 2 rotors of 1.4 m length each. Giving a clearance of 0.25 m on either side, width of
ditch = 1.4+2X0.25 = 1.9 m
Let us keep a depth of 1.5 m
421.875
Surface area required = = 281.25 m2
1.5
Adopting one ditch, surface area of ditch = 281.25 m2
281.25
Length of ditch = = 148; say 150 m
1.9
(vii) Power required:
Power required for each rotor @ 1.35 kW/m length = 1.35 X 1.4 = 1.90 kW
(viii) Design of settling tank:
Let us SOR of 20 m3/m2/day and detention time for 2 hours
Q 675
Surface area A = SOR = = 33.75 m2
20
675 3
V= × 24 = 56.25 m
24
56.25
Depth of tank = 33.75 = 1.67 m
33.75×4
Dia of tank = √ = 6.55 m
π
Provide 6.6 m dia. tank of 1.7 m depth with hopper bottom,
𝜋
Actual area A = (6.6)2 = 34.21 m2
4
675
Actual SOR = 34.21 = 19.73 m3 /m/day
Figure.22: Designed Oxidation ditch
114
26.What are the basic requirements of successful operation of sewage treatment

plant?
1. Thorough knowledge of processes
2. Knowledge of plant and machinery
3. Proper and adequate tools in the work place
4. Adequate spare parts and chemical goods stocks to be maintained
5. Specific maintenance responsibility to the plant operator
6. Training all the operators
7. Good housekeeping of the plant
8. Systematic and periodic maintenance schedule
27. Explain about the sewage recycle in residential complex

Sewage Treatment & Recycle Technologies
 Sewage treatment and recycle plants are usually divided into primary, secondary and
tertiary treatment.
 Whatever the technology that is selected, primary and tertiary treatment requirements are
more are less similar.
 Primary treatment includes screens for removing floating and large sizes objects from
sewage which may otherwise choke the pipe lines and pumps in the subsequent treatment
process.
 Grit chambers are also provided to remove particles such as sand, bone chips, etc. which
would otherwise increase the wear and tear of moving mechanical equipment.
 In small sewage treatment plants, however, many designers avoid grit chambers for
simplicity of the scheme.
 Also, the quantity of grit from housing complexes or commercial complexes is usually
low.
 One of the important primary treatment units in the case of small sewage treatment
systems is the equalization tank.
 As most of the secondary treatment systems are biological, they need to be operated
continuously.
 The size of the treatment system can also be small when designed as a continuous
process.
 Continuous treatment also increases efficiency of the system. Sewage generation from
housing complexes is not continuous and will be more in morning and evening hours.
 In case of commercial complexes, sewage generation is limited to the working hours.
 Hence, the equalization tank acts like a buffer tank, which stores sewage during peak
hours and supplies the same continuously into the biological treatment unit.
 Aeration of equalization tank is important to avoid septic conditions, thereby avoiding
bad odour.
115
 Tertiary treatment at the end of secondary treatment is provided to further treat the
sewage to make it suitable for recycle.
 Tertiary treatment units generally include chlorination, sand filtration and activated
carbon.
 For treating sewage from toilets, a wide range of commercially available technologies
exists.
 These include the age-old activated sludge process, compact high rate fixed film
biological systems and state-of-the-art submerged membrane systems.
 Based on the economics and end use of the treated sewage, different schemes can be
adopted.
 Usually treated sewage is used for gardening after tertiary treatment.
 The state-of-the-art technology adopted for sewage treatment these days is usually the
membrane bio-reactor (Fig. 3).
 Membrane bio-reactors use bacteria to digest the organic matter in the sewage, and
membranes to separate the water from the contaminants.
 The treated water from the membrane bio-reactor can be further treated using the reverse
osmosis process, to produce high quality water suitable even for drinking.
 But the human mind rejects treated sewage even though the quality is much better than
raw water available from many sources.
 But these kinds of systems can be used in industries for producing process quality water.
Figure.23: Treatment of Sewage Using Membrane Bio-reactor
116

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CE6605 Environmental Engineering- II Department of Civil Engineering 2018-2019

SECONDARY TREATMENT OF SEWAGE

Figure.1: Conventional Activated sludge plant

2. What are the various methods of aeration? Explain.

Figure.2: Ridge & furrow type aeration tank

Figure.5: Haworth paddle system

Figure.6: Hartley system

(b) Simplex system: (Bio-Aeration system)

 It is a square hopper bottom vertical flow tank.

Figure.7: Simplex aerator

Figure.8: Dorr Aerator

where t = aeration period in hours

2) Volumetric BOD loading:

3) Food (F) to Micro-organisms(M) ratio:

∴Total solid removed from the system = (i) + (ii)

5) Sludge Volume Index (S.V.I.)

6) Sludge Recycle and Rate of return sludge:

7) Wasting of Excess Sludge (Q w)

8) Size and Volume of the Aeration Tank:

9) Oxygen Requirement of the Aeration Tanks:

4. Explain about the advantages and disadvantages of Activated Sludge Plant

5. Explain Bulking and Foaming Sludge in an Activated Sludge Treatment Plant

7. An average operating data for conventional activated sludge treatment Plant is as

Yo = 250 mg/l; YE = 20 mg/l /

Figure.9: Typical cross-section.

 It is an anaerobic and attached growth process (the micro-organisms remain

Figure.10: Attached Growth Process in a Trickling Filter

Classification of Trickling filters:

common collection point.

Figure.11: Conventional circular trickling filter with rotary distributors.

10. List out the Merits and Demerits of trickling filters?

Design of Trickling filter.

u = Organic loading in kg/ha-m/day applied to filter (unit hydraulic loading).

12. Compare conventional and high rate trickling filters.

2 Size of filter media 25 – 75 mm 25 – 60mm

More as filter loading is Less land area is required.

4 Cost of operation More Less

Continuous and more

6 Sloughing Intermittent Continuous

Type of effluent Highly stabilized, Less stable and inferior

8 Dosing interval 3 – 10 min. >15 seconds

Figure.12:Single Stage commonly adopted Recirculation Process.

Figure.13:Two stage commonly adopted Recirculation Process.

 Recirculation improves the operating results of filters, because of the following

Figure.14: Flow diagrams for High Rate Trickling Filte

Efficiency of High rate filters:

Effects of Recirculation on Sizes of Treatment Units:

Where η = 82.85 % ; Y = Total BOD in kg = 787.5 kg

Assuming depth of the filter as 1.5m, we have

BOD of sewage = 300 mg/l

Y = Total BOD applied to the filter in kg = 591.24 kg

Up flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket

Figure.15: UASB Reactor

 Space required is less compared to ASP/Oxidation pond/Aerated lagoons.

 System lowers only two parameters of waste water.

Figure.16: Oxidation pond

Figure.17: Process in Oxidation pond\

19. Explain Oxidation ditch/ Pasveer ditches / Extended Aeration in detail?

Types of oxidation ditches: