Hydrothermal carbonisation of sewage sludge: effect of process conditions on product characteristics and methane production.

Hydrothermal carbonisation of primary sewage sludge was carried out using a batch reactor. The effect of temperature and reaction time on the characteristics of solid (hydrochar), liquid and gas products, and the conditions leading to optimal hydrochar characteristics were investigated. The amount of carbon retained in hydrochars decreased as temperature and time increased with carbon retentions of 64-77% at 140 and 160°C, and 50-62% at 180 and 200°C. Increasing temperature and treatment time increased the energy content of the hydrochar from 17 to 19 MJ/kg but reduced its energy yield from 88% to 68%. Maillard reaction products were identified in the liquid fractions following carbonisations at 180 and 200°C. Theoretical estimates of the methane yields resulting from the anaerobic digestion of the liquid by-products are also presented and optimal reaction conditions to maximise these identified.

Pilot plant study of alternative filter media for rapid gravity filtration.

Sand has been the main filter media used in rapid gravity filtration since its introduction. The dominance of sand has been due to its low cost and availability. Extensive experience has led to sand filters with a dependable and predictable performance. Sand remains the preferred filter medium but usually with a larger sized anthracite capping to reduce the onset of head loss. Other approved filter media are now commercially available and this paper compares sand with recycled glass, Filtralite(®) and slate at pilot scale. The results have reaffirmed the basic importance of particle size on head loss and turbidity performance rather than surface activity or specific surface area. The results did suggest, however, that particle shape and packing exerted a stronger influence on performance than previously acknowledged. These could be used to improve the design and the contribution to sustainability made by rapid gravity filters.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions from clinical waste incineration.

Since the introduction of the Environmental Protection Act in the UK, there are few reports of PAH emissions from clinical waste incinerators (CWIs) operating to improved performance standards. The main aim of this study is to determine PAH emissions from a state-of-the-art CWI focusing on the effects of reactive gases and operating variables on emissions. This was carried out by collection of stack samples over three phases of operation. At stack conditions, most PAHs are predicted to be in the vapour phase. Reactive losses of PAHs were closely correlated by rank with expected reactivities from laboratory studies. Estimates of emissions incorporating sampling losses were derived, although no correlation was found between PAH losses and the modest levels of reactive stack gases. PAH concentrations were one to two orders of magnitude lower than earlier reports from incinerators without effective air pollution control equipment (APCE). The low levels of carbon monoxide recorded were not correlated with any PAHs. This study demonstrates the impact of efficient combustion conditions and APCE on PAH emissions from a CWI.

Occupational exposure to diesel exhaust fumes.

There is currently no OEL for diesel fumes in the UK. This study reports parallel measurements of airborne levels of diesel fume pollutants in nine distribution depots where diesel powered fork-lift trucks (FLTs) were in use. Correlations between individual pollutants are assessed as well as their spatial distribution. Samples were collected on board FLTs and at background positions at nine distribution depots. Substances measured and the range of exposures by site were: respirable dust (n = 76) GM

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in solid residues from waste incineration.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) levels in solid residues from clinical waste incineration were measured using HPLC with fluorescence detection. PAH mass emission rates and emission rates as a function of waste burned are also reported. For bottom ash, PAH levels and physical properties were found to be quite consistent. Levels of high molecular mass PAHs were comparable to levels previously reported in the literature when adjusted for differences in sample preparation techniques. However, levels of low molecular mass PAHs were considerably elevated in this study. Possible reasons for this finding include the composition of the waste, combustion conditions and methods of sample preparation. In contrast, no PAHs were found in fly ash, an unexpected finding which is probably attributable to matrix effects resulting from a surfeit of lime in the fly ash. Factors effecting the partitioning of PAHs and their environmental fate are also discussed.

Measuring metal and phosphorus speciation in P-rich anaerobic digesters.

High concentrations of soluble orthophosphate, magnesium and potassium are released during anaerobic digestion of biological phosphorus removal (BPR) sludge. This research was undertaken to investigate the effects of phosphorus enrichment on digester performance, metal and phosphorus speciation. High concentrations of soluble PO4-P (> 250 mg/l) were found to have a retarding effect on anaerobic digestion, reducing the rate of volatile solids digestion and methane production in comparison to control digesters. This was found to be reversible after a period of time, which was related to the amount of PO4-P added to the digesters, higher concentrations of PO4-P requiring more time for digester recovery. Addition of magnesium and potassium to the digesters, together with PO4-P, reduced the inhibitory effect of phosphorus enrichment but these digesters still showed lower rates of volatile solids digestion and methane production in comparison to the control digesters. Phosphorus enrichment resulted in extensive precipitation of calcium, magnesium and manganese, markedly reducing the soluble and easily available fractions of these metals. Other trace metals such as copper, zinc, chromium, nickel and cobalt actually showed increased levels of solubility as a result of phosphorus enrichment. This was thought to be caused by high levels of soluble organic carbon in the phosphorus-rich anaerobic digesters, which acted as organic ligands for metal complexation.

Anaerobic/aerobic treatment of coloured textile effluents using sequencing batch reactors.

Conventional biological wastewater treatment plants do not easily degrade the dyes and polyvinyl alcohols (PVOH) in textile effluents. Results are reported on the possible advantages of anaerobic/aerobic cometabolism in sequenced redox reactors. A six phase anaerobic/aerobic sequencing laboratory scale batch reactor was developed to treat a synthetic textile effluent. The wastewater included PVOH from desizing and an azo dye (Remazol Black). The reactor removed 66% of the applied total organic carbon (load F: M 0.15) compared to 76% from a control reactor without dye. Colour removal was 94% but dye metabolites caused reactor instability. Aromatic amines from the anaerobic breakdown of the azo dyes were not completely mineralised by the aerobic phase. Breakdown of PVOH by the reactor (20-30%) was not as good as previous reports with entirely aerobic cultures. The anaerobic cultures were able to tolerate the oxygen and methane continued to be produced but there was a deterioration in settlement.