Novel Approaches Towards Wastewater Treatment

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation Process

   Gao Dawen, Mohammad Nabi

   Abstract

   Anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) process has attracted widespread attention in wastewater treatment due to its significant engineering and ecological significance. This chapter comprehensively outlines the growth and metabolic characteristics of anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB), as well as practical applications of anammox processes across multiple scenarios. Firstly, the microbiological structural characteristics of AnAOB are described in detail, highlighting their bacterial species diversity and unique cell structures, providing a systematic theoretical basis for understanding their physiological characteristics. Subsequently, strategies for effectively enriching AnAOB in various types of biological reaction systems are summarized, along with the influence of exogenous carriers on their growth and metabolic mechanisms. Detailed explanations are provided on the specific growth conditions of AnAOB influenced by important factors such as substrate concentration and temperature, offering specific guidance for optimizing the anammox process or regulating the growth of AnAOB. Building upon the diverse biological morphological characteristics of AnAOB, the practical applications of the anammox process in treating various types of wastewaters are summarized, outlining its multifunctionality in different environments. Exciting new discoveries regarding novel metabolic patterns and strains of AnAOB provide important insights into their future research and application potential. Finally, the prospects for further development of anammox technology are discussed, emphasizing its significant role in improving the efficiency and sustainability of wastewater treatment processes.

3. Chapter 2. Aerobic Granular Sludge

   Gao Dawen, Mohammad Nabi

   Abstract

   This chapter introduces the characteristics, formation mechanisms, start-up methods, microbiological features, storage methods, pollutant removal efficiency, application in wastewater treatment, and combination with other technologies of aerobic granular sludge. Aerobic granular sludge exhibits diverse physical and chemical properties such as settleability, specific gravity and moisture content, mechanical strength, shape and size, porosity, cell surface hydrophobicity, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Its formation is influenced by various factors including substrate, dissolved oxygen, EPS, metal ions, surface charges, hydraulic selection pressure, settling time, temperature, seed sludge, and pH. Formation mechanisms involve several theories like self-condensation hypothesis, selective pressure-driven hypothesis, EPS hypothesis, and others. Start-up methods include shortening settling time, increasing organic load, ion addition, different seed sludge, carrier addition, and inoculation with special strains. Microbiology encompasses EPS-producing bacteria, denitrifying bacteria, phosphorus-removing bacteria, and refractory organic matter removing bacteria. Aerobic granular sludge finds applications in various wastewater treatment sectors such as printing and dyeing wastewater, aquaculture wastewater, chemical wastewater, pharmaceutical wastewater, domestic sewage, and pulp and paper wastewater. Additionally, combining it with technologies like membrane bioreactors, microbial fuel cells, microalgae systems, and continuous-flow reactors enhances treatment efficiency. The chapter also provides prospects for the future development of aerobic granular sludge in wastewater treatment.

4. Chapter 3. Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor

   Gao Dawen, Mohammad Nabi

   Abstract

   This chapter explores the application of Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors (AnMBR) in wastewater treatment. Beginning with an introduction to AnMBR technology, it delves into its configuration and membrane materials, including the intricacies of AnMBR combined processes and internal filling materials. The study scrutinizes factors influencing AnMBR biotreatment performance such as hydraulic and sludge retention times, organic load, pH, temperature, and start-up period. Specific attention is given to AnMBR's efficacy in treating high-strength wastewater, encompassing pharmaceutical, municipal, and landfill leachate treatment. The monograph also assesses pollutant removal efficiency and biogas production, examining organics, phosphorus, and nitrogen removal alongside biogas generation. Furthermore, it investigates membrane fouling causes and control strategies, elucidating mechanisms, microbial community structures, and the impact of mixed liquor properties, environmental conditions, operational parameters, and material additives on fouling mitigation. Finally, the monograph offers insights into future prospects and concludes with a summary of key findings.

5. Chapter 4. New Constructed Wetlands

   Gao Dawen, Mohammad Nabi

   Abstract

   Constructed wetlands are human-made environmental ecosystems designed for sewage treatment, but their effectiveness depends on proper design, maintenance, and consideration of local conditions as time passed, the efficiency of constructed wetlands diminished due to the gradual deceleration of physical and chemical processes. These processes included sediment adsorption, solid accretion, and particle accumulation. Consequently, over time, the concentration of pollutants in the regenerated water exhibited an upward trend. Thus, constructed wetlands face some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed in order to improve their performance and sustainability. The main challenges may include: significant land area are required for effective operation; additional treatment steps may be necessary for complete nutrient removal; higher maintenance costs to ensure proper function and to prevent clogging problem. The novel and innovate wetland implementation requires site-specific planning, and adaptive management. By addressing these challenges, we can harness the benefits of constructed wetlands while minimizing drawbacks. Hence, this chapter centers its efforts on several key aspects related to constructed wetlands: novel and inventive wetland materials and hybrid systems were explored; fine-tuned of the design and operational parameters of constructed wetlands to tailor various wastewater types and diverse climatic conditions; rigorous evaluation of constructed wetlands’ performance and their environmental impact using cutting-edge monitoring and modeling tools; the ability to remove emerging pollutants and pathogens from wastewater were enhanced. In essence, this chapter aims to advance the science and practice of constructed wetlands, addressing critical challenges and unlocking their multifaceted potential.

6. Chapter 5. Fate and Transport of Emerging Pollutants in Aquatic Environment

   Gao Dawen, Mohammad Nabi

   Abstract

   This chapter provides an overview of some of the typical and widely publicized emerging pollutants that occur in various environmental matrices. These include, among others, phthalates, environmental endocrine disruptors, microplastics and antibiotics. The text focuses on the different types of these emerging pollutants, their respective characteristics, the main sources of emerging pollutants, their distribution in the environment, and the ecological hazards of these emerging pollutants. In addition to this, biotic and abiotic treatment technologies for emerging pollutants and their migration in wastewater treatment plants are also outlined. Biotic treatment technologies, as the main removal methods of emerging pollutants, mainly include aerobic sludge, anaerobic sludge, isolated bacterial strains, genetically engineered bacteria, and bioactivated carbon; and abiotic treatment technologies mainly include adsorption, coagulation, membrane separation, and chemical oxidation. Various biotic and abiotic treatment technologies have been shown to have a good effect on the treatment of emerging pollutants. However, compared with abiotic treatments, biotic treatments have the advantages of economy, easy operation and no secondary pollution. Therefore, the fate of emerging pollutants in different biotic treatment units of actual wastewater treatment plants in countries around the world are briefly described. This chapter summarizes the sources, transport, and treatment of emerging pollutants, which will help to raise awareness of emerging pollutants and make targeted treatment plans for their transport in the environment.

7. Chapter 6. Innovations in Pretreatment of Sewage Sludge

   Gao Dawen, Mohammad Nabi

   Abstract

   Sewage sludge, generated in significant quantities globally, poses a formidable challenge for environmentalists due to its volume and management. Various treatment methods have been explored to address this issue, among which anaerobic digestion stands out as an environmentally friendly approach. However, the hydrolysis step within anaerobic digestion presents a bottleneck, hindering its efficiency. To overcome this limitation, diverse pretreatment methods—physical, chemical, biological, and their hybrids—have been investigated to enhance sewage sludge solubilization and accelerate hydrolysis, thereby improving overall anaerobic digestion efficiency. This chapter systematically reviews different pretreatment technologies preceding anaerobic digestion. Furthermore, it explores methods to enhance methane production through pretreatment strategies. Economic feasibility analysis of these pretreatment methods is also conducted, providing valuable insights for practical implementation in biogas production plants utilizing sewage sludge as a substrate. Overall, this chapter serves as a valuable resource and reference for integrating pretreatment technologies into biogas production plants, contributing to more efficient sewage sludge management and sustainable energy production.