Process Optimization and Bio-Augmentation of In-Sewer Treatment Strategies for Optimal Wastewater Quality Control And Nutrient Management

Sewage collection systems have long been considered as sanitation and hydraulic infrastructure, i.e., a medium for transporting wastewater to the treatment facility. Therefore, the management focus has been mostly on hydraulic performance and the prevention of particle settling/odor development in pipes. Current research extends beyond sewage conveyance into sites of chemical and biological transformation with the possibility of reducing H2S production while simultaneously modifying the influent wastewater characteristics to mitigate lower discharge limits and achieve reduced operational costs of the wastewater treatment plant. Thus, the optimization of physico-chemical and bio-chemical processes occurring in a collection system will help in achieving optimal management and control of wastewater effluent quality (especially in terms of phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations) and sludge production. Given the diversity of site-specific conditions encounterable in various geographies and flow variability, it is vital to optimize the process dynamically based on real-time measurement to rapidly identify plant-specific optimum conditions and “design” an ideal influent using in-sewer treatment chemistries.

Faculty Supervisor:

George Nakhla

Student:

Partner:

USP Technologies

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services; Utilities

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: