Biosensor for Toxic Detection and Process Control in Nitrification Plants
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 131, Issue 4
Abstract
This paper presents the design and possible applications of a nitrification biosensor suitable for continuous monitoring of the potential toxicity of incoming wastewater at a treatment plant. The measurement principle of the biosensor is based on the on-line determination of the alkaline consumption required for the neutralization of protons produced during nitrification. Toxicity is detected by a rapid decrease in the consumption of . Based on early diagnosis of incoming toxicity, a process control concept for flow pattern manipulation is proposed and tested in a pilot plant, where programmed toxic substances were added. The pilot plant behavior with and without flow pattern control was compared. The control system was capable of diverting most of a toxic load to a buffer tank at the head of the plant, from which it can be released it later in a safer way. A significant process improvement is demonstrated in the case of flow pattern control. The experimental results show that the biosensor is a useful diagnostic tool for continuous monitoring of the nitrification activity and potential toxicity of incoming wastewater to the treatment plant.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 131 • Issue 4 • April 2005
Pages: 658 - 663
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Mar 29, 2002
Accepted: Oct 9, 2003
Published online: Apr 1, 2005
Published in print: Apr 2005
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