Tutorial 5

1.0 Answer the following questions:

a. Using the knowledge of nitrogen cycle and nitrification and activated sludge processes, state
the processes taking place in A, D, and E.
b. What is the purpose of B and C?
c. What are the advantages of not aerating in compartment A?

Influent Effluent
D E
A Clarifier
Aerated

C
Waste sludge

Figure 1:

Solution :

a) state the processes taking place in A, D, and E

 A-Anoxic denitrification
 D -Aerobic Oxidation
 E -Aerobic nitrification
b)
 B - Mixed liquor return line
 C - Sludge return line

C) Making a favourable (oxygen free) environment for anoxic bacteria in compartment A.

2.0 Estimate the volume of the air to be supplied (m 3/day) for the nitrogen removal processes using
the following data. Wastewater flow rate: 0.15 m 3/sec, NH4+-N = 20 mg/L

Assume the oxygen transfer efficiency is 10% for both cases

Solution :

2NH4+ +3O2 2NO2 + 4H+ + 2H2O

2NO2+O2 2NO3

O2 demand for N-NH4 oxidation,

 2*(14) N-NH4 => 3*32 O2
For 1g N-NH4 => [(3*32)/(2*14)] = 3.43 g-O2

Then, NO2 will convert to NO3, which requires O2. So,

O2 demand for N-NO2 oxidation,

2NO2+O2 2NO3

2*(14) N-NO2 => 32 O2

For 1g N-NH4 => [(32)/(2*14)] = 1.14 g-O2
O2 demand for complete oxidation of 1g of N-NH 4 = (3.43 + 1.14) g-O2 = 4.57 g-O2

Daily wastewater flow = 0.15 m3/s *60*60*24 = 12960 m3/d

Daily N-NH4 inflow to be treated = 12960 m 3/d * (20 *1000/1000) g-N-NH4/m3 = 259,200 g/d
O2 daily demand (by mass) = 259,200 g/d * 4.57 g-O 2 = 1,184.5 kg-O2/d
O2 transfer efficiency = 10%

Therefore, O2 requirement for N-NH4 oxidation = 1,184.5 kg-O 2/d * (100/10) = 11,845 kg-O2/d

Assume,
Density of air = 1.185 kg/m3
% O2 in the air = 23.2%

Volume of air required = 11,845 kgd-1/1.185 kg/m3 * (100/23.2) = 49,979 m3/d

3.0 If wastewater has soluble PO4-P of 10 mg/L & wastewater flow rate is 0.15 m 3/sec. Calculate the
theoretical amount of lime and ferric chloride required in a day to remove 95% of soluble PO 4-P from
wastewater. Also, calculate the amount of sludge produced in a day.

Solution :

Phosphorous removal using lime

5Ca(OH)2 + 3HPO42- => Ca5(OH)(PO4)3 + 3H2O + 6OH-

Lime requirement for P-PO4 removal

3*31 g P-PO4 requires 5*74 g Ca(OH)2

For 1g of P-PO4, Ca(OH)2 requirement = (5*74)/(3*31) = 3.98 g

Daily wastewater flow = 0.15 m3/s *60*60*24 = 12,960 m3/d

Daily P-PO4 inflow to be treated = 12,960 m 3/d * (10*1000/1000) g/m3 = 129,600 g/d

Daily Ca(OH)2 requirement for 95% removal of P-PO 4 = 129,600 g/d *3.98* (95/100) = 490 kg/d
Sludge production during the P removal process,

5Ca(OH)2 + 3HPO42- => Ca5(OH)(PO4)3 + 3H2O + 6OH-

Molar mass of Ca5(OH)(PO4)3 precipitate = 5*40 + 16 + 1 + 3*(31+4*16) = 502 g/mol

So, P-PO4 3*31g produces 502 g sludge
Therefore, daily sludge production from P-PO4 129,600 g = 129,600 * 502/(3*31) = 699,840 g/d
Sludge production during 95% P removal = 699,840 g/d * (95/100) = 664.85 kg/d