Now showing 1 - 10 of 14
  • Publication
    Investigation of phosphorus desorption from P-saturated alum sludge used as a substrate in constructed wetland
    (Elsevier, 2009-04-07) ;
    Phosphorus (P) desorption from P-saturated alum sludge, which was used as main substrate in a novel constructed wetland for wastewater treatment, was studied. Groups of batch experiments were designed and conducted to explore the efficiencies of P extraction using different acids (HCl, HNO3, H2SO4) and bases (NaOH, KOH). The results showed that either acid or base is efficient for P-extraction and the efficiency relied mainly on the concentrations of H+/OH-, not the type of acid or base. Considering the efficiency, price and safety of the acids and bases tested, H2SO4 was chosen as most suitable reagent for P-extraction. A Box-Behnken experimental design based on the response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the optimum of H2SO4 extraction. The optimal condition for the mass of sludge, H2SO4 concentration and volume was 0.8 g, 0.063 M and 142 ml, respectively. At such optimal condition, the maximum P-extraction efficiency of 98.2 % was achieved. Additionally, most of the main components of the saturated sludge, such as metals (Al, Ca, Mg, Fe), TOC (total organic carbon) and nitrogen can also be extracted. Overall, the results supported that H2SO4 seems to be an efficient and cost-effective reagent among all the reagents tested for P-saturated alum sludge treatment.
      1184Scopus© Citations 37
  • Publication
    Comprehensive analysis of step-feeding strategy to enhance biological nitrogen removal in alum sludge-based tidal flow constructed wetlands
    Step-feeding strategies have been extensively studied and comprehensively analyzed in this study for a four-stage alum sludge-based tidal flow constructed wetlands (AlS-TFCWs) system. Enhanced total nitrogen removal of 83% is achieved under high nitrogen loading rate of 19.1 g N/m2 d. The key issues towards the success of a significant nitrogen removal in step-feeding TFCWs are the bed resting time (which provides better aeration for nitrification) and up flow stage/delayed input of side stream(s) (which ensure favorable environment for better denitrification). Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) was found effective in the 1st stage of the system and SND via nitrite is the main nitrogen conversion mechanism. The optimal influent distribution fraction for step-feeding purpose can be estimated from a theoretical basis, which is a function of the influent BCOD/TKN ratio. Therefore the influent distribution fraction should be adjusted according to the variety of influent characteristics, rather than a fixed value.
    Scopus© Citations 73  1246
  • Publication
    Transformation of beneficially reused aluminium sludge to potential P and Al resource after employing as P-trapping material for wastewater treatment in constructed wetland
    (Elsevier, 2011-10-15) ; ;
    The phosphorus (P)-saturated aluminium sludge used as substrate in constructed wetland (CW) for P-rich wastewater treatment was investigated to recover P and Al through chemical precipitations of the P-extraction leachate of the used aluminium sludge. pH plays a key role in such the precipitation processes. The obtained compounds were identified with XRD, FTIR and SEM analyses. The results showed that over 99% PO43− could be recovered as hydroxyapatite by adding calcium chloride at pH of 13. The remaining Al could be fully recovered as amorphous aluminium hydroxide at pH of 7.0 or alternatively as tris(8-hydroxyquinolino)aluminium (Alq3) by adding suitable quantity of 8-hydroxyquinoline. Although the purity, structure, characteristics and production control of the compounds are worthy for further investigation, this study successfully developed a post-treatment methodology for beneficially reused aluminium sludge. The significance of this study is not only transferring aluminium sludge from “waste” to potential P and Al resources but also reducing the environmental risk of final disposal of used aluminium sludge.
    Scopus© Citations 20  700
  • Publication
    Decolouration of H2SO4 leachate from phosphorus-saturated alum sludge using H2O2 and advanced oxidation processes in phosphorus recovery strategy
    (Taylor & Francis, 2009-11) ;
    As a part of attempt for phosphorus (P) recovery from P-saturated alum sludge, which was used as a low-cost P-adsorbent in treatment reed bed for wastewater treatment, decolouration of H2SO4 leachate obtained from previous experiment, possessing a great deal of P, aluminum and red-brown coloured materials (RBCMs), by using H2O2 and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) was investigated. The use of H2O2 and AOPs in the forms of Fenton (H2O2/Fe2+) and photo-Fenton (UV/H2O2/Fe2+) were tested. The changes in colour and total organic carbon (TOC) were taken place as a result of mineralization of RBCMs. The results revealed that all of these three processes examined were efficient. It was found that about 98 % colour and 47 % TOC can be removed under photo-Fenton treatment after 8 hours of UV irradiation. Correspondingly, the reaction rates of H2O2 and Fenton systems were slow, but 100 % colour and 59 % TOC removal of H2O2 process and 100 % colour and 67 % TOC reductions of Fenton process can be achieved after 72 hours of reaction. The changes of structure and molecular weight/size of RBCMs were also evaluated by HPLC and UV-vis spectroscopic analysis. From the results, some chromophores of RBCMs such as aromatic groups were appeared to be easily degraded to the smaller refractory components. Hence, based on the experimental results and considering the investment and expediency of operation, H2O2 and Fenton oxidation could be suitable technologies for the treatment of the RBCMs derived from P-extraction stage by using H2SO4 leaching.
      1609Scopus© Citations 7
  • Publication
    High rate nitrogen removal in an alum sludge-based intermittent aeration constructed wetland
    A new development on treatment wetland technology for the purpose of achieving high rate nitrogen removal from high strength wastewater has been made in this study. The laboratory scale alum sludge-based intermittent aeration constructed wetland (AlS-IACW) was integrated with predenitrification, intermittent aeration, and step-feeding strategies. Results obtained from 280 days of operation have demonstrated extraordinary nitrogen removal performance with mean total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency of 90% under high N loading rate (NLR) of 46.7 g N m–2 d–1. This performance was a substantial improvement compared to the reported TN removal performance in literature. Most significantly, partial nitrification and simultaneous nitrification denitrification (SND) via nitrite was found to be the main nitrogen conversion pathways in the AlS-IACW system under high dissolved oxygen concentrations (3–6 mg L–1) without specific control. SND under high dissolved oxygen (DO) brings high nitrogen conversion rates. Partial nitrification and SND via nitrite can significantly reduce the demand for organic carbon compared with full nitrification and denitrification via nitrate (up to 40%). Overall, these mechanisms allow the system to maintaining efficient and high rate TN removal even under carbon limiting conditions.
      1183Scopus© Citations 178
  • Publication
    Development of alum sludge-based constructed wetland : an innovative and cost-effective system for wastewater treatment
    (Taylor & Francis, 2009-05) ; ; ;
    This paper describes (in a summarised manner) a research attempt to integrate the dewatered alum sludge, a residual by-product of drinking water treatment process, into a constructed wetland (CW) system for the purpose of enhancing the wastewater treatment performance, thus developing a so called alum sludge-based constructed wetland system. A multi-dimensional research project including the batch tests of phosphorus (P) adsorption onto alum sludge followed by the model CWs trials of single and multi-stage CWs, has been conducted since 2004. It has been successfully demonstrated that the alum sludge-based CW is capable of enhanced and simultaneous removal of P and organic matter (in terms of BOD5 and COD), particularly from medium and high strength wastewater. The sludge cakes act as the carrier for developing biofilm for organics removal and also serve as adsorbent to enhance P immobilization. Batch P-adsorption tests revealed that the alum sludge tested possesses excellent P-adsorption ability of 14.3 mg-P/g.sludge (in dry solids) at pH 7.0 with the adsorption favored at lower pH. The results obtained in a 4-stage treatment wetland system suggest that high removal efficiencies of 90.4% for COD, 88.0% for BOD5, 90.6% for SS, 76.5% for TN and 91.9% for PO43--P under hydraulic loading of 0.36m3/m2·d can be achieved. The field demonstration study of this pioneering development is now underway.
      2369Scopus© Citations 38
  • Publication
    An innovative solution for managing waterworks sludge : developing an alum sludge-based multi-stage constructed wetland system for wastewater treatment
    Waterworks sludge continues to be an inescapable by-product of the potable water treatment process. Accordingly, final disposal of the sludge remains one of the most significant pressing problems for the potable water treatment industry. The possibility of reusing the sludge as a main substrate in a novel constructed wetland system was investigated in this study. Results show that significant phosphorus (P) and other pollutants removal were achieved in the system. With a mean influent BOD5 (5-day biochemical oxygen demand) and COD (chemical oxygen demand) levels of 392.7 mg/l and 579.8 mg/l, respectively, a removal efficiency of 90.6 % and 71.8 %, respectively, was obtained. P removal was however exceptionally high despite the high influent mean P level of 45.3 mg-P/l, which is about 2-3 times the level of P commonly found in sewage. This is attributable to the P adsorption capacity of the alum sludge and this highlights the benefits of its reuse in the system. The paper presents and discusses the findings from a laboratory scale research, which has potential for further large scale implementation.
      1679
  • Publication
    Phosphorus recovery as AlPO 4 from beneficially reused aluminium sludge arising from water treatment
    (Informa UK (Taylor & Francis), 2013-01) ; ;
    The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient and, possibly, a practically operated methodology to recover phosphorus (P) from P-saturated dewatered aluminium sludge cakes (DASC) after the DASC have been beneficially reused as constructed wetlands substrate for P-rich wastewater treatment. A three-step procedure of 1) P extraction by H 2SO 4, 2) decolorization of extraction leachate via H 2O 2 oxidation, and 3) AlPO 4 precipitation by pH adjustment, has been explored. The optimal conditions to form the precipitates of AlPO 4 were determined, with 97% of P and 99% of Al being recovered. The obtained compounds were identified by XRD, FTIR and SEM analyses. Although the purity, structure, characteristics and production control of the compounds are worthy of further investigation, this study provides a showcase of a ‘closed loop’ regarding the beneficial reuse of a ‘waste’ and the recovery of useful elements after the reuse.
    Scopus© Citations 16  553
  • Publication
    Pilot field-scale demonstration of a novel alum sludge-based constructed wetland system for enhanced wastewater treatment
    In this study, beneficial reuse of the alum-contained drinking water treatment sludge is extended into developing a novel constructed wetland system (CWs) using the alum sludge as main substrate. The study reports on the first pilot field-scale alum sludge-based CWs operated in the tidal flow mode with enhanced capacity for phosphorus and organic matter removal from animal farm wastewater. The concept of the development is presented and this is followed by the performance analysis of the first CWs of its kind. The CWs consists of four identical compartments in series operated using a tidal flow strategy with a hydraulic loading rate of 0.29 m3/m2.d. First year analysis of the system’s performance shows that it is a unique and promising low-cost wastewater treatment system. The mean monthly removal efficiencies obtained was determined to range from 57%-84%, 36%-84%, 11%-78%, 49%-93%, 75%-94%, 73%-97% and 46%-83% for BOD5, COD, TN, NH4-N, TP, P (inorganic phosphorus) and SS. The system showed a distinct phosphorus removal and also, the system was effective in reducing levels of organics and ammonium-nitrogen. More importantly, the system showcases a novel reuse alternative for the alum sludge as opposed to its landfilling, demonstrating a win-win technique with a great potential for larger-scale application.
    Scopus© Citations 154  1917
  • Publication
    Use of dewatered alum sludge as main substrate in treatment reed bed receiving agricultural wastewater : long-term trial
    This study aims to explore a novel application of dewatered alum sludge cakes (DASC) as the main medium in a single model reed bed to treat phosphorus-rich animal farm wastewater under "tidal flow" operation on a long term basis. It is expected that the cakes act as the carrier for developing biofilm and also serve as adsorbent to enhance phosphorus (P) immobilization. Results have demonstrated that average removal efficiencies of 73.3±15.9% for COD, 82.9±12.3% for BOD5, 86.4±6.0% for RP (reactive P), 88.6±7.2% for SRP (soluble reactive P) and 77.6±17.5% for SS can be achieved during the two year's operation. More significantly, the "P-adsorption proportion" by DASC in the reed bed is 42% of the overall P removal. The remaining removal of P may be contributed by the trapping and filtration process of DASC. Therefore, the lifetime of the DASC in reed bed is reasonably longer than that determined from the batch isotherm test.
    Scopus© Citations 97  2214