[Evaluating the performance of Anaerobic Migrating Blanket Reactor [AMBR] in biodegradation of perchloroethylene [PCE]]

PCE is a chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon which has been widely used in some industries. The aim of this study was to determine the PCE biodegradation potential in anaerobic migrating blanket reactor [AMBR].In this study the concentration of PCE was more than that of other studies. So far AMBR has not been used for bioremediation of this compound. This study was an Experimental - laboratory study. A laboratory scale anaerobic migrating blanket reactor [AMBR] with a capacity of 10 L and with four compartments was used for biological degradation of PCE in synthetic substrate. Performance of the reactor was evaluated during 4 stages with PCE loading rate of 3.75 to 75 mgPCE/L.d. Excel software was used for data analysis. Optimum COD removal with 98% efficiency was obtained with COD loading of 3.1gCOD/L.d. For PCE removal, the optimum efficiency rate was 99.8% which was achieved with PCE loading rate of 37.5 mgPCE/L.d. The mean values for COD and PCE removal during the whole activity period of reactor were 91.4 and 99.5%, respectively. The results indicated that use of AMBR in full-scale studies using real industrial wastewater contaminated with PCE is a simple, efficient and reliable method for removal of PCE from industrial waste water

Determination of biokinetic coefficients for activated sludge processes on municipal wastewater

Biokinetic coefficients and efficiency for three activated sludge processes including conventional, extended aeration, and contact stabilization were determined in pilot-scale for six months in Isfahan south municipal wastewater treatment plant. These systems were operated under two different MLSS concentrations in aeration tank. For each MLSS, five periods were considered in base of flow rate and sludge retention time [SRT]. The samples from the influent wastewater, reactor and effluent were collected periodically and experimented by the Standard Methods. The data were analyzed by the Excel and SPSS softwares. The investigation showed that the yield coefficient [Y], decay coefficient [kd], maximum specific growth rate and saturation constant [Ks] for conventional activated sludge process were in the range of 0.48-0.8 mgVSS/mg sCOD, 0.0189-0.026 1/day, 0.95-0.98 1/day and 52-71 mg sCOD/L, extended aeration: 0.6174-1.2512 mgVSS/mg sCOD0.0198-0.0309,1/day 1.96-3.17, 1/day and 311.7-508 mg sCOD/L and for contact stabilization: 0.6322-0.713 mgVSS/mg sCOD1 0.0172-0.0387, /d0.23-1 0.42/d and13.8-50.8 mg sCOD/L, respectively. In the conventional and contact stabilization processes values of the coefficients were within the range of those reported in the literature. However, in the extended aeration process, values of Ks and Y in MLSS of 5000mg/L were out of ranges. The sensitivity analysis of changes in the biokinetic coefficients showed direct relationship of kd and Ks with the concentration of the effluent substrate. Whereas micro [max] is inversely related to concentration of the effluent substrate. In addition, regardless of the type of substrate and MLSS concentration, the effluent substrate concentration is more sensitive to micro [max] than kd and Ks. The results also showed a COD removal efficiency ranging for conventional process between 83 and 92.5%, for extended aeration process between 88 and 93.8%, and for contact stabilization process 77 and 92%. The effluent COD was simulated using the biokinetic coefficients determined during the study

[Inhibition effect of antibiotics ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin and hormone beta-stradiol 17 valerat on the methanogenic activity of anaerobic biomass]

Antibiotics and hormones are excreted with other wastes following their influences on bodies. These substances can disturbed treatment process by their entery to the wastewater. In this study the inhibitory behavior of antibiotics Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin and hormone beta stradiol 17- valerat have been investigated on Specific Methanogenic Activity [SMA] of anaerobic biomass. Twenty one SMA tests were done using 120-mLvials in batch mode. In each vial, substrate, biomass and biogas were occupied 66, 17, and 17% [v/v], respectively. Each test longed in range of 15-30 days. Produced methane was measured by gas replacement with 2N KOH solution as CO2 absorbent. In this study, at the concentrations of 200, 500 and 1000 mg/L of antibiotic Ofloxacin, the methane production reduced to 45, 76 and 88 percent, respectively. Reduced methane production of 68, 81 and 88 percent was observed in Ciprofloxacin concentrations of 100, 200, and 500 mg/L, respectively. Cumulative methane at the concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 5 mg E2 /L was 66, 90, and 121 mL, respectively Antibiotic Ciprofloxacin at concentrations similar to the antibiotic Ofloxacin have a greater inhibitory effect on specific methanogenic activity of anaerobic biomass. Also, the hormone E2 at lower concentrations showed more inhibitory effect than other two antibiotics Ciprofloxacin and Ofloxacin

Synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles and evaluation of its efficiency for arsenic removal from simulated industrial waste water

In this study the efficiency of magnetic nanoparticles for removal of trivalent arsenic from synthetic industrial wastewater was evaluated. The nanoparticles was prepared by sol-gel method and characterized by X-ray methods including XRD, XRF, and SEM, and vibrating sample magnetometer [VSM]. The results showed that synthesized nanoparticles were in the size range of 40-300 nm, purity of about 90%, and magnetization of nanoparticles was 36.5emu/g. In initial conditions including: pH=7, As[III] concentration of 10 mg/L, nanomagnetite concentration of Ig/L, shaking speed of 250 rpm and 20 minute retention time, 82% of As [III] was removed. Competition from common coexisting ions such as Na[+], Ni[2+], Cu[2+], SO[4][2-], and Cl[-] was ignorable but for NO[3-] was significant. The adsorption data of magnetite nanoparticles fit well with Freundlich isotherm equations. The adsorption capacity of the Fe[3]O[4] for As [III] at pH=7 was obtained as 23.8 mg/g. It was concluded that magnetite nanoparticles have considerable potential in removal of As [III] from synthetic industrial wastewaters

Evaluation of stability parameters in in-vessel composting of municipal solid waste

Composting is a reliable technology for production of stabilized organic matter that is suitable for agriculture, but this process should be carefully monitored with appropriate indices. Quality of compost is important from maturity and stability viewpoint, but in most compost factories proper attention is not paid to it. This study was designed to evaluate the stability indices in municipal solid waste composting, for selecting the best index in quality monitoring of the wastes. Processed and shredded municipal solid waste from Isfahan compost plant was used as raw material in an in-vessel composting process. A cylindrical reactor with 1 m height and 50 cm diameter made of Pyrex glass was designed. Air was supplied at a specifically flow rate 0.2 L/min.kg to maintain aerobic condition. NH[4][+]/ NO[3] ratio, dehydrogenase enzyme activity [DA], pH, oxidation reduction potential [ORP or Eh] and specific oxygen uptake rate [SOUR] were used as stability indices. These parameters were measured during 40 days of composting process. Changes in these parameters during this period were surveyed and analyzed. Statistical analysis was carried out to choose best of them. Results showed that among the indices, SOUR can show the different stages of microbial decomposition and a numerical value for compost stability also SOUR value less than 2 mg O[2]/gVS.h can show the full stability of compost

[Evaluation of health, environmental, economic and technical aspects of disinfection of WWTP effluent in the north of Isfahan with UV instead of chlorine]

Today, chlorine is the most common material used for effluent disinfection. Chlorination is an established and effective method for effluent disinfection. But the use of chlorine for disinfection of effluent due to several major concerns should be reassessed. The aim of this study was to compare long-term benefits and costs of chlorination/de chlorination with those of UV by pilot studies. This pilot study consisted of pre-treatment units clarification and filtration systems with two types of low pressure and medium pressure UV lamps designed and installed at the wastewater treatment plant in the north of Isfahan. Medium pressure UV systems with dose of 230 mw.s/cm2 for disinfection of filtered effluent with SOR of 1090 lit/m2.hr is more economical than a low pressure system and chlorination/dechlorination process and has the least environmental and health adverse effects. In wastewater treatment plants use of UV disinfection technology should be considered in preference to chlorination, especially if the dechlorination of chlorinated effluent is required. Before application of this system pilot studies on actual effluent at plant sites are required

[Evaluating the performance of clarification and ultraviolet units in disinfection of Isfahan North waste water treatment plant [WWTP] effluent in pilot plant]

Usage of municipal waste water treatment plant [WWTP], especially in agricultural applications, requires disinfection to standards level. Application of UV radiation due to fewer disadvantages in comparison with other disinfectants is being increased around the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment and disinfection of Isfahan North Wastewater Treatment Plant effluent by clarification and UV radiation. The combined system was used in series in pilot scale including: Clarifier + Low Pressure [LP] + Medium Pressure [MP] UV Lamps. Total coliform [TC], fecal coliform [FC] and fecal streptococcus [FS] were analyzed as microbiological parameters in all effluent samples. TSS, iron, total hardness, absorbtivity and transmittance [%UVT] were tested as physicochemical parameters before and after of units. Results of this study showed that the mean value of UVT in 254 nm and absorbance in clarified effluent were 34 percent and 0.47 au/cm, respectively. In disinfection of clarified effluent with LP, MP, and combination of LP and MP lamps, doses of 400, 576 and 407 mws/cm[2], the number of TC, FC, and FS was declined to standards of 1000 TC, and 400FC/100ml for effluent discharge. In addition, in doses of 400, 422 and 407, number of FS was reduced to 5 Log. Maximum regrowth of coliforms was seen after LP lamp and it was 7 percent. Maximum fouling on quartz sleeve was formed in TSS of 48mg/l, while concentration of iron and hardness was 0.48, 249 mg/l, respectively. Improving UV light penetration due to removal of coarse particles and flocks in clarifier, disinfection of clarified effluent with high irradiation time was possible in conventional doses. However, for upgrading the effluent quality and disinfection of high flow rate, using advanced treatment systems such as filtration is recommended

Treatment of low-strength industrial wastewater using anaerobic baffled reactor

The performance of an anaerobic baffled reactor at the pilot scale, with a 100-L volume and six compartments, that is used to treat low-strength industrial wastewater [671.5 +/- 49.9 mg COD/L, 350.1 +/- 36.8 mg BOD[5]/L and 443.8 +/- 60.7 mg SO[4][-2]/L] was studied. The reactor was started with a hydraulic retention time [HRT] of 25 h at 35 °C, which was gradually reduced to 3.33 h. The best reactor performance was observed with an organic loading rate [OLR] and a sulfate loading rate [SLR] of 4.45 g COD/L.d and 3.32 g SO[4][-2]/L.d, which was obtained at a HRT of 4 h. The COD and SO4-2 removal efficiencies were 78.6% and 89.2%, respectively. Additionally, the majority of the COD and SO[4][-2] removal occurred in the first compartment, up to 51.2% and 69.1%, respectively. Moreover, the pH in the first compartment was also the lowest. Subsequently, when the temperature was reduced to 20 °C at a HRT of 4 h, the maximum removal efficiencies for COD and SO[4][-2] decreased to 59.4% and 66.1%, respectively. In this case, the highest COD and SO[4][-2] removal efficiencies were observed in the third and fourth compartments, respectively, and these compartments had lower pH values. This phenomenon indicates that decrease in temperature causes transference of the acidogenic phase toward subsequent reactor compartments. In addition, these findings further show the potential for sulfate removal of the acidogenic phase

[Evaluation of powdered activated carbon efficiency in removal of dissolved organic carbon in water treatment]

Powdered Activated-carbon is known as a suitable absorbent for organic materials. The aim of this research is evaluation of Powdered Activated-Carbon [PAC] efficiency in removal of Dissolved Organic Carbon [DOC] in water treatment in Isfahan. The increase of PAC for DOC reduction has done in three paths in the Isfahan water treatment plant [WTP]. These paths including: 1] Intake up to entrance of WTP 2] Intake to exit of WTP 3] Between entrance and exit of waterworks. The paths were simulated by the Jar test system. Then DOC and UV[254] absorption were analyzed and SUVA parameter for samples and activated-carbon adsorption isotherm was calculated. The injected PAC doses of 20,40,60,80 and 100 mg/l caused decreasing in DOC and UV [254] absorption in every sample in all paths. The average of this decrease, from intake to WTP.s exit [second path] was the greatest 69.8 +/- 3.9% and the common WTP process had capability of removing 35% of DOC. The first path also showed that PAC can reduce 33 +/- 2% DOC of raw water by itself. Activated-carbon absorption results were adhered from Freundlich adsorption isotherm. In the third path there was less DOC removal efficiency than excepted when Activated-Carbon injected in rapid mixed basin with coagulant. Powdered activated carbon porosity reduction due to effect of coagulant can be the reason for this issue. Also according to different paths, the point of intake is more suitable for powdered activated carbon addition

[Identification of total and fecal coliforms and heterotrophic to Microbiological method and E.Coli O157:H7 to immunological, and real time PCR methods in Isfahan water treatment plant]

Total and Fecal coliforms [TC and FC], heterotrophic plate count [HPC], were counted by microbiological method and E.coli O157:H7 were detected through immunological and Real time PCR methods in water intake and all of units of Isfahan water treatment plant [IWTP]. The microbial profile including TC, FC, and HPC, were monitored and turbidity and total organic carbon were analyzed in 8 locations of water intake, and unit operation and processes of IWTP, including, inlet, sedimentation, ozonation, and filtration and finished water. Immunological method through anti-serum kits and molecular method of RT-PCR were used to detect E.coli O157:H7 in the 8 locations and also the sludge of the sedimentation basin and filters backwash water of IWTP. Survival of E.coli O157:H7 in sludge sample of sedimentation basin was indicated by formation of agglutination particles in immunological method and through indicator probes in the RT-PCR method. However, E.coli O157:H7 was not detected in water samples of other units of IWTP. The removal percent of TC, FC, and HPC were: 59.5, 49, and 54.8% in sedimentation basin; 66, 45.8, and 57% in ozonation;: 98.8, 98, and 78.8 in the filtration; and 96, 100, 91% in disinfection, respectively. This study approved the existence of the pathogenic coliform, E.coli O157:H7 in the sludge of sedimentation basin. Absent of E.coli O157:H7 in the finished water indicates that the existing units of IWTP could eliminate these pathogenic bacteria, before reaching the final units of the plant, including the filters and disinfection

Removal of cadmium and humic acid from aqueous solutions using surface modified nanozeolite A

The sorption of cadmium and humic acids from aqueous solutions using surface-modified nanozeolite A has been investigated under various examination conditions. The morphology of untreated and treated nanozeolite was studied under scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Isotherms of cadmium adsorption onto surface-modified nanozeolite A were studied at different pH, solid to liquid ratio, adsorbate concentration and interaction time. Kinetic and equilibrium studies were conducted and the equilibrium data have been analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The study revealed that experimental results were in agreement with the Freundlich model. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be 1666.67 g cadmium and 6.75 g humic acid per gram of modified nanozeolite A, which is higher than that of reported value for other zeolites. The sorption ability was enhanced by surface modification and reduction in size and enabled the zeolite to adsorb cadmium. The adsorption of cadmium and humic acid on nanozeolite was found to be the highest at pH 6 and 3, respectively. Results showed that solid to liquid ratio and pH are the most important factors for cadmium and humic acid removal, respectively. Effect of competitive ions was studied and results showed that there is no competition between cadmium and humic acid sorption and presence of these ions

Spatial analysis of three agrichemicals in groundwater of isfahan using GS[+]

The purpose of this study was to undertake a spatial analysis of total organic carbon, electrical conductivity and nitrate, in order to produce a pollution dispersion and prediction map for the investigated area in the province of Isfahan in Iran. The groundwater samples were collected from a zone as a pilot study area of 80 km[2], including 25 water wells, based on the criteria of vulnerability assessment projects, that is, about one well per 3 km[2], during four seasons in 2008-09. In order to make any inferences about the areas that did not have well data, a statistical relationship between explanatory total organic carbon, electrical conductivity and nitrate variables related to well coordination was developed. The probability of the presence of elevated levels of the three compounds in the groundwater was predicted using the best-fit variogram model. According to spatial analysis, the highest R[2]=0.789 achieved was related to electrical conductivity and followed the exponential model with 0.266 for NO[3] [spherical model] and 0.322 for total organic carbon [exponential model] in the spring 2009. This showed the high confidence level for electrical conductivity dataset and forecasted trends. The results of the spatial analysis demonstrated that the transfer trends of electrical conductivity in the groundwater resources followed the route of groundwater movement in all seasons. However, for nitrate and total organic carbon, a definite trend was not obtained and pollution dispersion depended on many parameters

[Survey on possibility of disinfection of Isfahan north wastewater treatment plant effluent by low and medium pressure ultraviolet systems in pilot scale]

Today, due to health, environmental and economical problems, of chlorine application, UV radiation is better option than chlorine for disinfection of effluent. The aim of this study was disinfection of secondary effluent with UV radiation. Two types of UV disinfection system including low pressure [LP] and medium pressure [MP] was used to disinfection of Isfahan North Wastewater Treatment Plant [INWWTP] effluent without pretreatment. Single and combined lamps were operated to evaluate the removal of total and fecal coliforms [TC and FC], and fecal streptococcus [FS]. TSS, iron, hardness, UV absorption and transmittance were analyzed in order to observe the fouling of the quartz sleeves. After using LP lamp with dose of 161 mws/cm[2], TC and FC content was declined to standard level [1000 TC, and 400 FC/100ml]. In addition, disinfection with MP lamp was led to FS content of 400 MPN/100 mL. Combination of LP and MP, with dose of 460 mws/cm[2] could be met the environmental requirements of TC and FC, and the FS count was reached to 400 MPN/100 mL with dose of 237 mws/cm[2]. Maximum photo-reactivation percentage of coliforms after LP and MP lamps were appeared 15 and 3 percent respectively, while it was not observed for FS. High fluctuation in secondary effluent quality of INWWTP mainly TSS concentration was caused to decline of the UVT value. Therefore, disinfection of effluent by LP, MP and even combined both systems are not applicable in conventional UV dose. Hence, using advanced process unit before UV disinfection system is necessary for removal of TSS

Effects of 4-chlorophenol loadings on acclimation of biomass with optimized fixed time sequencing batch reactor

Chlorinated phenols in many industrial effluents are usually difficult to be removed by conventional biological treatment processes. Performance of the aerobic sequencing batch reactor treating 4-chlorophenol containing wastewater at different loadings rates from 0.0075 to 1.2 g4CP/L.d was evaluated. The sequencing batch reactor was operated with fill, react, settle and decant phases in the order of 10:370:90:10 min, respectively, for a cycle time of 8 h at 10 days solid retention time and 16 h hydraulic retention time in the stable period. The effects of 4-chlorophenol loadings on the 4-chlorophenol and chemical oxygen demand removal percents, yield coefficient [Y], biomass variation and sludge volume index were investigated. High chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies [95 +/- 3.5%] and approximately complete 4-chlorophenol removal [>99%] were observed even in the absence of growth substrate. The degradation of 4-chlorophenol led to formation of 5-chloro-2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde, which was more oxidized, indicating complete disappearance of 4-chlorophenol via meta-cleavage pathway. A compact sludge with excellent settleability [sludge volume index=47 +/- 6.1 mL/g] developed during entire acclimation period. High removal efficiencies with sequencing batch reactor may be due to enforced short term unsteady state conditions coupled with periodic exposure of the microorganisms to defined process conditions which facilitate the required metabolic pathways for treating xenobiotics containing wastewater

[Correlation between toluene environmental monitoring and biological index of urinary hippuric acid of workers in the coke industry]

Toluene is an organic solvent that it is one of the byproducts in the coke industry. Exposure to toluene causes central nervous system dysfunction and others disorders. Many workers are exposed to toluene due to leakage from tracks. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the levels of exposure through environmental and biological monitoring of toluene Air toluene sampling of air inhaled by 36 coke oven workers was done by using activated charcoal tubes and personal sampling pumps. At the e[1id of the shift, urine samples of workers and control group were collected by urine samplers. Air toluene was determined by GC, urinary hippuric acid by FIPLC and urine creatinine level was determined by auto analyzer. The mean of air toluene and urinary hippuric acid levels in exposed and control samples were 14.34 ppm, 0.33 and 0.28 g/g creatinine. Air toluene and urinary hippuric acid showed a correlation of r = 0.8. Toluene TWA was lower than the TLV-TWA [p=0.000]. Urinary hippuric acid concentration was also lower than the BEI [p=0.008]. Difference between exposed and unexposed group was not significant. This study showed that hippuric acid because of its interaction with background factors can not be used as a sensitive biomarker for biomonitoring

studies on skin affections among local and imported camels in Halaieb, Shalateen and Abou-Ramad areas

A total of 47 skin scrapings from 27 local and 20 imported camels showing skin lesions were collected during Summer [32] and Winter [15], prepared and examined microscopically for the presence of mange and or ringworm infection. The overall prevalence rates of mange were 14.8 1% and 30% for local and imported camels and 18.75% and 26.66 in Summer and Winter seasons, respectively. Sarcoptic scabiei var cameli was the only identified mite species. Ringworm infection rate was 14.81% and 12.5% in local camels in Summer and Winter, respectively. No cases of ringworm were observed in imported camels. Clinical examination of 185 local and 76 imported camels, revealed that the overall prevalence rate of tick infestation was 44.86% in local camels and 57.89% in imported camels. Tick infestation was peaked during Summer [62.29%], followed by Winter [55.17%], then lower rates were recorded during Autumn [46.26%] and Spring [34.66%]. Concerning the identified ticks, only 2 spp. of ticks were identified, one of them Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent [81%] and was usually found on camel's body, while the other species was Ornithodros savagnyi which recorded in few cases [19%] and was found usually in camel resting places

Studies on some bacterial infections of camels in Halaieb, Shalateen and Abou-Ramad triangle

The bacteriological examination of 40 swabs from the nasal discharges of 20 local and 20 imported camels revealed that, 37 of them gave 47 bacterial isolates, out of them [25.53%] were Gram-positive and the others were Gram-negative. The most important identified bacterial spp. were Staphylococcus aureus [21.27%]. Staphylococcus epidermidis [4.25%], Pseudomonase aeruginosa [4.25%] and E. coli [38.29%]. The examination of 40 faecal swabs from 20 local and 20 imported diarrhoeic camels reaveled isolation of 50 bacterial isolates, all of them were Gram-negative. The most important isolates were, Salmonella spp. [4%], E.coli [42%], Citrobacter spp.[24%] and Klebseilla spp. [12%]. The prevalence of antibodies to brucella was studied serologically among 126 camels [95 local and 31 imported] using 3 different serological methods, namely, RBPT, STAT and ELISA. For local camels, the prevalence rate was 9.47%, 5.26% and 9.47%, respectively .In males the rate was higher than in females except by the STAT. Regarding imported camels, the prevalence rate was 6.67%, 9.67% and 25.80% using the same tests respectively. Also, in males the rate was higher than in females except by ELISA

Mental retardation in the centre for rehabilitation and care of handicapped children in Arbil

Children with mental retardation [MR] in the centre for Handicapped Children in Hawler [Arbil] were identified and studied regarding the etiology and family circumstances in order to help in planning for future programs to prevent this handicap in the area

Thefts in Arbil juvenile court

Individuals accused for theft were examined at Arbil Juvenile court. The work lasted for 62 months. data about the types of cases, the accused individuals and their parents were described. Three hundred-forty one [341] individuals were studied. Very few cases with Psychiatric disorders were identified