Removal of Phosphorus, BOD, and Pharmaceuticals by Rapid Rate Sand Filtration and Ultrafiltration Systems
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 142, Issue 11
Abstract
This study determined the effectiveness of pilot-scale tertiary sedimentation and filtration systems on lowering phosphorus, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and pharmaceutical levels in municipal secondary wastewater effluent. Secondary effluent was diverted into five pilot-scale tertiary treatment systems. The systems used alum and a polymer during coagulation and flocculation, after which sedimentation was used to remove settleable solids, and filtration was used to remove nonsettleable solids. The filtration units following sedimentation were (1) continuous backwash upflow sand filtration following conventional sedimentation, (2) dual-media granular filtration following microsand ballasted sedimentation, (3) dual-media granular filtration following magnetite ballasted sedimentation, (4) ultrafiltration following microsand ballasted sedimentation, and (5) ultrafiltration following magentite ballasted sedimentation. Total phosphorus was in the secondary effluent and decreased to after sedimentation and ultrafiltration. BOD was in the secondary effluent and decreased to after the five systems. The pharmaceutical concentrations found in the secondary effluent were trimethoprim, carbamazepine, and sulfamethoxazole. The range of concentrations following tertiary treatment were trimethoprim, carbamazepine, and sulfamethoxazole. Overall, the tertiary sedimentation and filtration systems did not provide enhanced pharmaceutical removal. The results from this study corroborate other research findings, suggesting that rapid rate sand filtration and ultrafiltration may be inadequate for removing trace concentrations of water soluble pharmaceuticals, although phosphorus and BOD removal was and , respectively, comparing secondary and tertiary effluent.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the City of Spokane Wastewater Management Department (Spokane, Washington) and the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. This article was developed under STAR Fellowship Assistance Agreement No. FP-91714401 awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), although it has not undergone a formal EPA review. The authors acknowledge project mentor Dr. David R. Yonge.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 142 • Issue 11 • November 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 10, 2015
Accepted: Mar 11, 2016
Published online: May 31, 2016
Discussion open until: Oct 31, 2016
Published in print: Nov 1, 2016
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