MODULE-4

SECONDARY TREATMENT

 The secondary treatment involves further treatment of the effluent, coming from the primary
sedimentation tank.

 The main objective of the biological treatment of wastewater is to remove organic matter
from the wastewater which is present in then form of soluble and colloidal form or to remove
nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous from the wastewater.

 This is generally accomplished through biological decomposition of organic matter, which

can be carried out either under aerobic or anaerobic conditions.

 In the biological units, bacteria will be decompose the fine organic matter, to produce clear
effluents.
 Biological process are classified by oxygen dependences of microorganisms responsible for waste
treatment. Based on this biological process may

1) Aerobic process

 Aerobic process are those which occur in the presences of dissolved oxygen. The aerobic
processes include the following

 Trickling filter

 Activated sludge process

 Aerobic stabilisation ponds

 Aerobic lagoons
2) Anaerobic process

 Anaerobic process are those which occur in the absences of dissolved oxygen. The anaerobic processes
include the following

 Anaerobic sludge digestion

 Anaerobic contact processes

 Anaerobic lagoons and ponds

3) Aerobic and Anaerobic processes

 Aerobic and Anaerobic processes are those in which stabilisation of waste is brought about by a
combination of aerobic, anaerobic and facultative bacteria.

 Most of the biological treatment preferred to work on aerobic bacteria decomposition. Because such
decomposition does not produce bad smells and gases as produced by anaerobic decomposition
Biological treatment techniques

 Biological treatment techniques used may be classified under the following

1) Attached growth process:-In which microorganisms are attached to some inert medium such as
rock, slag or specially designed ceramic or plastic materials. Such process includes the following

 Intermittent sand filter

 Trickling filter
2 ) Suspended growth process:- In which microorganisms are maintained in suspension within the
liquid in the reactor by employing either natural or mechanical mixing. Such process includes the
following

 Activated sludge process

 Aerated lagoons

3) combined process;-It consist of both attached and suspended growth processes .They include the
following

 Trickling filter, activated sludge process

 Activated sludge process, Trickling filter

 Facultative lagoons
Types of sewage filter

• Common filter used for sewage treatment are of the following types

 Intermittent sand filter

 contact beds

 Trickling filters
INTERMITTENT SAND FILTER
 It consist of a layer of sand with an effective size of 0.2 to 0.5mm, uniformity coefficient of 2-5
and depth 75-100cm.

 Sewage effluent from primary clarifier is supplied by means of a dosing tank and siphon.

 The effluent flows on the sand bed surface.

 In order to facilitate drainage of filtered effluent, a layer of about 15-30cm depth of gravel is
provided at the bottom of sand layer.

 To carry off the effluent, open jointed drainage pipes are laid in the gravel layer.

 Filter are generally rectangular in plan with l/b ratio b/w 3-4 and area of each unit vary from 0.2-
0.4 hectares, usually 3-4 beds are provided adjacent to each other .So that they can work in
rotation
Operation

 On each bed, the sewage is applied intermittently through a dosing tank containing a siphon.

 The flooding is done from 5-10cm depth after an interval of 24 hours.

 The sewage effluent then percolates through the sand bed, the suspended organic matter gets
trapped in the voids of top portion of the sand through straining action.

 During the rest periods the trapped organic matter is acted upon by aerobic bacteria present in the
filter layer. This aerobic bacteria flourish well in the presences of free oxygen available from
atmosphere during rest period when the sewage percolates down

 The effluent from the filter is so clear containing suspended solids less than 10ppm.which is well
nitrified and stable

 Also the BOD is less than 5ppm

.
 In order to maintain the efficiency of the filter, the top layer having a depth of 25mm should be
raked at regular intervals of time

 The sand of the filter should also be renewed from time to time.

 The rate of filtration depend upon the size of sand

 Finer sand will result is better quality effluent ,but the rate of filtration is less

 Generally top 15cm layer is kept of finer variety than the rest which is kept of uniform size.
Advantages

 The effluent from intermittent sand filter is of better quality.

 It is cleaner and more stable. Hence does not need treatment before disposal.

 The filter work under aerobic conditions, hence there is no trouble of odour ,flies
and insects

 Operation is very simple.

Disadvantages

 The rate of filtration and that of loadings is very small, per unit surface area of
the filter. hence they cannot be employed for medium size or bigger plants
• They require large area and large quantity of sand.
CONTACT BEDS
 Contact beds also called contact filters are similar to intermittent sand filters in
construction except that the filtering media is very coarse consisting of broken
stone called ballast of 20-50mm gauge.
 A watertight tank of masonry walls and having rectangular shape.
 Depth is kept b/w 1 to 1.8m ( common depth being 1.2m)
 The tank is generally dug below G.L and are lined with water tight cement plaster
or of concrete surfaces instead of masonry.
 A siphonic dosing tank is provided to serve 2 or 3 contact beds.
 The effluent from the primary setting tank is first received by the dosing tank and
then distributed over 1 contact bed at a time.
 The effluent after passing through the coarse filtering media is collected at the
bottom and conveyed through the under drainage system to the effluent pipe.

 The sewage is uniformly applied over the whole surface of a contact bed by
means of distributing troughs having perforations bar outlets at regular intervals.

 The rate of loading is slow and many vary from 4000-6000m3 per hectare per
day.

 The area of one bed generally does not exceed 0.2 hectares.
Operation

 Filling

 The outlet value of the underdrain is closed and the tank is slowly filled with sewage effluent
through the closing tank.

 The depth of sewage effluent may be 5 to 10cm over the top of bed. This filling may take about 1-
2hours.

 Contact

 The dosing tank outlet is well closed and the sewage admitted over the contact bed is allowed to
stand for about 2 hours.

 During this period the colloidal and dissolved matter get transferred to the filter media and comes
in contact with the bacterial film covering the filter media.
• Emptying

 The outlet value of the underdrain is then opened. The sewage present in the
contact bed is then withdrawn slowly without disturbing the organic film.

 The operation may take about 1-2hours.

 Oxidation

 The contact bed is then allowed to stand empty for about 1-2 hours.

 During this rest period, atmospheric air enters into the void space of the contact
media thus supplying oxygen to the aerobic bacteria resulting in the oxidation of
organic matter present in the film.
 Thus each contact bed is given 2 or 3 loading per day. The stabilised organic
matter from the voids is finally washed down the contact material in the next
emptying operation of the tank.

 The voids inside the filtering media go on reducing continuously due to

accumulation of solids, hence after every 4-5 years, the filtering media is taken
out, washed, dried and refilled. Similarly the drain pipes are also washed and
cleaned every 4 to 5 years.
 The effluent received from contact bed is usually is non-puricibile but is turbid
and is high in bacterial content.

 In generally, 85-90% of suspended matter, 60-80% of organic matter and 50-

75% of bacteria are removed by contact filters. Hence the effluent from contact
bed is passed through final settling tank.

 If effluent of better quality is required, the contact bed is provided in series, the
effluent from one contact bed is taken to another one for better quality effluent.
Advantages

 Contract beds can work under small heads

 There is no nuisance of filter flies.
 The problems of odour is much less as compared to trickling filter.

Disadvantages

 Rate of loading is much less in comparison to trickling filters

 Large areas of land is required for the installation.
 Operation requires continuous attendance.
 The coast of contact beds is much more as compared to trickling filters.
TRICKLING FILTER
 Trickling filters also known as percolating filters or sprinkling filters are similar
to contact bed in construction but their operation is continuous and they allow
constant aeration.

 In this system, sewage is allowed to sprinkle or trickle over a bed of course,

rough and hard filter media and it is then collected through the underdrainage
system or rotary distributers.

 Biological purification is brought about mainly by aerobic bacteria which forms a

bacteria film known as bio film around the particles of the filtering media.

 The colour of this film is blackish, greenish or yellowish and apart from bacteria,
it may consist of fungi, algae, protozoa etc.
 For the existence of this film, sufficient oxygen is supplied by providing suitable
ventilation facilities in the body of the filter and also by the intermittent
functioning of the filter.

 Trickling filters is always preceded by primary sedimentation along with

slamming devices to remove scum. This will prevent clogging of filter by
settleable solids..
A typical trickling filter consist of

 A water tight holding tank

 Distribution system
 Filter media
 Under drainage system

Tank

 The tank is either square or rectangular in shape, if fixed nozzles are used
 It will be circular if rotary distribution are used.
 As rotary distribution are more reliable and easy to maintain and operate, circular
shape is most commonly used.

 The tank walls are either masonry or concrete and are made water tight.

 The tank are designed to withstand the inside pressure of sewage.

Filter Media

 It Should have high specific surface area, high percent void space, resistance to
abrasion or disintegration and resistance to spalling and flaking.

 The particle will not be soluble in sewage water.

 Should be approx. round or cubical in shape.
 Should not contain any dirt or any other undesirable material.
Physical properties

 Crushing strength not less than 100 N/mm2

 Hardness not less than 12
 Specific gravity not less than 2.6
 Most commonly used filter media is broken stone or gravel of size 25-
75mm.
 filtering media should be of the same size from top to bottom.

 The filtering media should be washed before it is placed in position.

 It Should be placed and packed by hand for atleast a height of 30m above the
underdrainage s/m.

 The remainder of the material may be placed by means wheel barrows or boxes or by
belt conveyers.

 They should not be dumped or tripped from lorrys

Filter Depth

 The effectiveness of the filter decreases as depth increases. The filter depth usually
varies from 1.8 to 3m.
Filter Floor

 It Should be strong enough to support the underdrainage s/m along with fully
loaded superimposed filter media.

 Provide a nominally reinforced cement concrete slab 10-15cm thick over a proper
levelling coarse, slope b/w 0.5-5% ( usually 1% )

Filter walls

 Fully plastered stone or brick masonry or of reinforced concrete

 For flooding operations, reinforced concretes is preferred

 The filter walls are made honeycombed or otherwise provided with openings for
Under drainage systems

 The purpose is to carry away the liquid effluent and distribute air through the
beds.

 The slope of the underdrains should be same as that of the floor sloping towards a
common collection point or a channel.

Main collecting channel

 Provided to carry away flow from underdrains and also for admit air to the filter.

 In circular filter, the main channel may be located along a diameter

 The main collecting channel must have semi-circular or other rounded inverts.

 The velocity shall not be less than 0.6 m/s2

Flow distribution system

 The function of distribution is to spread or spray the influent evenly on the

surface of the trickling filter

 This can be done either by fixed or moving sprays

 In circular s/m, we are using rotary distributions for distributing the sewage
influent.
Merits

 The effluent can be disposed safely because the can be highly nitrified and
stabilised.

 They can remove 80% of suspended solids and 75-80% of BOD.

 The rate of filter loadings is highly when compared with other filters.

 Working is simple and cheap

 They are self-cleaning

 Operation required less electric power.

 It require lesser land space.

Demerits

 Loss of head is high

 Cost of construction is high

 They require large area when compared to other biological treatment process.

 Process may developed odour and noise.

Trickling filter troubles and remedies

 Following are the common troubles occurring at the site and operation of
trickling filters.
1. Fly nuisance

 Slow rate trickling filters often becomes infested with small moth like, deceptively
fragile flies called Psychoda . This flies do not bite, but may get into the eyes, nostrils
and ears of men and animals.

 Remedial measures

 Flooding the filter is for about 24 hours at weekly intervals.

 Jetting done the inside walls of the filter with a high pressure hose.

 Chlorinating the filter influent

2. Odour nuisance

 Odours from filter are due to undesirable growth,sludging and anaerobic decomposition.

 The presence of excessive odours is an indication that the filter is not operating efficiently.

 Remedial measures

 Maintaining a well ventilated filter, either by natural ventilation or by forced ventilation.

 Recirculation of filter effluent or secondary clarifier effluent through the filter bed, dilute the
influent sewage and add dissolved oxygen.

• Aeration or chlorination of sewage before primary settling of sewage.

3. Ponding nuisance

 This nuisance is caused when all the voids of the trickling filters are filled up due to chocking by
heavy fungus or other suspended matters.
 Due to which the sewage cannot pass through the filter and accumulation at the surface
in the form of pond.

 Ponding decreases filter ventilation, reduce the effective volume of the filter and reduce
the filter efficiency.

 Remedial measures

 Open the clogged section by flushing with a fire hose and simultaneously loosening the
aggregates by steel bar.

 Reduce the strength of filter influent by recirculation.

 Flooding the filter once in a day and allowing of it to stand for 24 hours.

 Chlorinate the influent.

 Stopping the distributor over ponded area.

High rate trickling filters

 The basic difference between high rate trickling filter and conventional trickling filter is that the
rate of filter loading of the former is several times more than that of the latter.

 The construction details and functioning of high rate trickling filter are same that of the
conventional trickling filter.

 But the difference that provision is made in them for recirculation of sewage through the filter, by
pumping a part of the filter-effluent to the primary settling tank, and repassing through it and the
filter.

 The high rate filters make it possible to pass sewage at greater loadings, thus requiring lesser
space and lesser filter media.

 The main defect of the conventional trickling filter is that it has high initial cost, it requires large
area of construction and it requires large quantity of filtering media.
Comparison between conventional and high rate trickling filters
Activated sludge process
 Activated sludge process provides an excellent method of treating sewage.

 The sewage effluent from primary sedimentation tank is mixed with 20% -
30% of activated sludge which contains a large concentration of highly
active aerobic microorganisms.

 The moisture enters an aeration tank where they are mixed together with a
large quantity of air for about 4-8 hours.

 Under this conditions, the organisms will oxidise the organic matter, the
suspended and colloidal matter tend to coagulate and form a precipitate
which settle down in the secondary sedimentation tank.
 The settled sludge containing microorganisms called activated sludge is then
recycled to the aeration tank where the process is repeated.

 A portion of activated sludge is sent back to the aeration tank where the excess
portion is disposed off properly to the sludge digestion tank.

 Activated sludge is the sludge obtained by settling sewage in presences of

abundant oxygen and supercharged with favourable microorganisms.

Three basic operation involved in the activated sludge process.

1) Mixing of activated sludge

 The activated sludge is added to the effluent of primary clarifier.

2) Aeration of mixed liquor

 The mixed liquor containing activated sludge and effluent is agitated or

aerated. This is the chief operation of activated sludge process

 Methods of aeration

 Diffused air aeration :-It involves the introduction of compressed air into
the sewage through submerged diffusers or nozzles.

 Mechanical aeration:-mechanical aerator generally consists of large

diameter impeller plates revolving on vertical shaft at the surface of the
liquid with or without draft tubes.
 A hydraulic jump is created by the impellers at the surface causing air
entrainment in the sewage. The impellers also induce mixing.

 combination of diffused air aeration and mechanical aeration

3) Settling in secondary clarifier

 The mixed liquor after agitation is taken to the secondary clarifier. It

is allowed to settled in the sedimentation tank.

 The extra activated sludge is taken to sludge digestion tank and then
to sludge drying beds for further treatment.
Extended aeration process
 Primary sedimentation tank is avoided, but grid chamber or communitor is provided for screening.

 The aeration process is quite large and extended to about 20-30 hours.

 BOD removal efficiency is quite high about 90-98% as compared to 85-95%of a conventional
plant

 No separate sludge digestion tank is required. Because the solids undergo considerable
decomposition and get well established over the long detention period adopted in the aeration
tank.

 The sludge produced can be directly taken to sludge dryig beds.

Advantages

 Lesser area required

 Head loss is quite low

 Less capital cost

 Greater flexibility of operation

 No odour

Disadvantages

 High operation cost with greater power consumption

 A lot of machinery to be handled

 Bulking of sludge is a common trouble.

 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 com
ROTATING BIOLOGICAL CONTACTORS (RBC’s)
 Each container is made of thin plastic sheets, having length 8m, diameter 3 to 3.5m,
thickness 10mm and containers are spaced apart 30 to 40mm from each other.

 These containers can be placed in tanks in series or parallel.

 Sewage is allowed to enter into tanks and RBC’s are rotated at a steady rate

 This rotation causes organic matter to stick onto surface of RBC’s and when RBC’s rises
above water, organic matter gets oxidised by air

 Also air gets dissolved into water and favours aerobic decomposition

 This treated sewage is passed into a settling tank where organic matter settles down
Operation

 RBC’s are kept in these tanks and waste water is allowed to enter into these tanks.

 RBC’s are placed such a way that about 40% of the diameter of RBC’s comes in contact
with wastewater.

 Onces the tank is filled, the RBC’s are rotated under mechanical power around its shaft
at a speed of 1-2 rpm.

 Wastewater sticks onto the surface of RBC’s and its rotation causes wastewater to come
in contact with atmospheric air.

 Microorganisms present in sewage sticks onto RBC’s and grows.

 The entire surface of RBC’s gets covered with 1-3 mm of biological slime.
 As the discs rotate, the carry a film of waste water into air. This film of waste
water absorp oxygen from air and mixes with the wastewater in the tank.

 This process occurs repeatedly along with the rotation of the disc and thus causes
mixing of air into wastewater in tank.

 Rotation causes organic matter gets dislodged from the surface due to rotation
and these remain in suspension by the moving discs

 After the required no of rotations, the tank is emptied and the effluent is passed to
a settling tank where all the solids settle down leaving clear water on the top.