Image analysis of sludge aggregates obtained at preliminary treatment of sewage.

The results of wastewater treatment by Al and Fe salts and by electrocoagulation with aluminum electrodes are discussed and interpreted. Those processes used alone or combined with biological treatment, were analyzed for 50 and 90% removal of phosphates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the resulting sludge from three coagulation processes defined the perimeter P and area A of 129-142 differently sized objects in each contrast-enhanced image. Plots of lg A against lg P revealed that the analyzed sludge samples were made of self-similar aggregates-flocs with fractal characteristics. The slope of 'log plots' was used to determine surface fractal dimension Da, which was extrapolated to volumetric fractal dimension Dv. Dv was applied in a quantitative description of sludge aggregates-flocs. Aggregates-flocs of sludge obtained by Al ions (pre-polymerized Al and electrocoagulation) were characterized by higher values of Dv in comparison with sludge obtained by iron salts. The structure of {Al(OH)(3)} and {Fe(OH)(3)} aggregate-flocs was graphically simulated to determine the effect of size distribution and Dv on sweep flocculation and sludge separation and dehydration. Phosphate removal efficiency of 50% occurred at low ratios of Al:P and Fe:P. Adsorption-charge neutralization was suggested during coagulation with pre-polymerized coagulants, and sweep flow mechanism during electrocoagulation.

Simulation of coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation.

The computer program ZB2 was used to study simulated coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation. The effect of the initial velocity of soil particles on the values of reaction-rate constants was investigated. In this respect, the results obtained with the program ZB2 corresponded to the theory and realities of coagulation carried out under practical conditions. The effect of coagulant excess/deficiency on the formation of the first floc and on the rate of coagulation of 50% of a soil was also estimated. An increase in simulated coagulant excess caused a decrease in the simulated rate of soil coagulation. In this respect, the results obtained with the program ZB2 did not correspond to the realities of coagulation carried out under practical conditions. An attempt was made to explain this inconsistency referring to the coagulation-flocculation theory. The simulation program ZB2 may provide a basis for developing "local" programs simulating coagulation-flocculation, which can be successfully applied at wastewater treatment plants.

Modification of zearalenone structure in model and natural conditions.

Zearalenone is a mycotoxin widely occurring in cereals and animal feed, and it is associated with hyperestrogenism and other reprodutive disorders in animals. A new method of detoxication of feedstuffs involves alkaline hydrolysis of toxic macrolactone (1) (as well as model compounds (2a, 2b)). The method caused modification of zearalenone structure under mild conditions and the toxin underwent irreversible hydrolysis with high efficiency.

Metabolic profile of pigs fed feed containing zearalenone destructor.

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a member of macrocyclic lactons family. It is a toxin--phytosteride produced by fungi of Fusarium ssp. genus. Zearalenone contaminates food and animal feeding stuffs and its destruction is difficult. It requires application of particular compounds that would bind zearalenone in the feed or feeding stuff or in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease its bio-accessibility. It should also fulfil all the safety requirements regarding the plant supplements and animals that are fed with this feed. The aim of the study was to estimate if the feed supplemented with different doses of zearalenone and zearalenone destructor causes changes of the metabolic profile in gilts. The results obtained show that applied destructor did not cause negative haematological and biochemical changes in the blood of the gilts examined. It can be suggested that it is a safe feed supplement pigs in prevention of zearalenone micotoxicosis.