Faculty of Civil & Environmental Engineering

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
BFC10102

CHAPTER 3
WASTEWATER TREATMENT DESIGN
 Topics on Wastewater Treatment Design
(9 hours lecture)
3.1 Types of wastewater
3.2 Effluent Discharge Standard
3.3 Hydraulic Load (Peak Flow)
3.4 Organic Loading
3.5 Preliminary Treatment
3.6 Primary treatment
3.7 Secondary treatment
(biological process)
3.8 Suspended growth :
Activated sludge ( Aerobic)
3.9 Suspended growth :
Septic tank( Anaerobic)
3.10 Attached growth system:
organic removal
3.11 Attached growth
:Rotating Biological
Contactor (RBC)
3.12 Attached growth
:Trickling filter
3.13 Sludge :By- product of
WWTP
 3.1 Types of wastewater
Wastewater is any water that has been adversely affected in quality by
anthropogenic influence

Domestic Wastewater comes from residential area, commercial outlets,

institutional facilities & recreational facilities. It
contains decomposable organic matter and
pathogenic agents
Industrial wastewater
Industry processes generate a wide variety of
wastewater pollutants. It contains toxic agents
ranging from metal salts to complex synthetic
organic chemicals, in which specific toxic and
hazardous compound may exist.
 3.1 Types of wastewater
Wastewater Contaminants
Contaminant Impact
Suspended Solids Cause sludge deposits and anaerobic conditions in the
environment
Biodegradable organics Cause anaerobic conditions in the environment
Pathogens Transmit disease
Heavy metals Toxicity to biota and humans
Refractory organics Toxicity to biota and humans
Dissolved solids Interfere with reuse
Nutrients Cause eutrophication
 3.1 Types of wastewater
Malaysia: Where sewage goes?

IWK Sustainability Report 2012-2013

Malaysia :Sewage Treatment Process at the STPs

Network Pump Stations (NPSs) pump sewage from low lying areas so it can flow to the Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).

IWK Sustainability Report 2012-2013

 Malaysia :Typical Sewage Treatment Flow Process

IWK Sustainability Report 2010.

IWK STP BUNUS- sewage and sludge treatment.
3.2 Effluent Discharge Standard

Effluent
 3.2 Effluent Discharge Standard
Industrial Plant

w
lo
rf
ve
Ri
Standard A Standard A

Raw water intake

Industrial Plant
Residential Area
Standard B
Water treatment plant
Standard B

Standard B
Residential Area

Treated effluent discharge standard ( )

3.2 Effluent Discharge Standard
Extracted from Environmental Quality (Sewage) Regulations 2009 (PU(A) 432)
 3.2 Effluent Discharge Standard
Extracted from Environmental Quality (Sewage) Regulations 2009 (PU(A) 432)
 3.3 Hydraulic Load (Peak Flow)

Based on MS 1228:1991 (Malaysian Standard : Code of Practice for Design

and Installation of Sewerage Systems),

Peak flow factor = 4.7 x p -0.11

where p = equivalent population, in thousand

The peak flow is required in the design of sewerage,

pumping stations and components of the treatment plant
3.3 Hydraulic Load (Peak Flow)
Table 1: Equivalent Population (PE) (MS 1228:1991)
No Type of premise/establishment Population equivalent
( recommended)
1 Residential 5 per unit *
2 Commercial ( includes 3 per 100 m gross area
entertainment/recreational centres, restaurants,
cafeteria, theatres)

3 School/educational institutions 0.2 per school

- Day schools/ institutions 1 pers chool
- Fully residential 0.2 per student for
- Partial residential non-residential student and
1 per student for residential student

4 Hospitals 4 per bed

5 Hotels ( with dining and laundry facilities) 4 per room
6 Factories (excluding process waste) 0.3 per staff
7 Market (wet type) 3 per stall
8 Petro kiosks/service stations 18 per service bay
9 Bus terminal 4 per bus bay

* 1 peak flow is equivalent to 225 l/cap

3.3 Hydraulic Load (Peak Flow)
Table 1: Continued
No Type of premise/establishment Population equivalent
( recommended)
10 Taxi Terminal 4 per taxi bay
11 Mosque / Church / Temple 0.2 per person
12 Stadium 0.2 per person
13 Swimming Pool or Sports Complex 0.5 per person
14 Public Toilet 15 per toilet
15 0.2 per passenger/day
Airport
0.3 per employee
16 Laundry 10 per machine
17 Prison 1 per person
18 Golf Course 20 per hole
3.3 Hydraulic Load (Peak Flow)
Example 1

Calculate the peak flow for a new development area consists of 150
unit houses.

Solution

Population = 250 house x 5 PE/house = 1250 PE

Dry weather flow = 225 L/day/cap

Hydraulic flow = 1250 PE x 225 L/day/cap = 281250 L/day =

0.08 m3/s

Peak flow = Peak factor x hydraulic flow

= 4.7 x p -0.11 x 0.08 m3/s
= 4.7 x (1250/1000)-0.11 x 0.08 m3/s
= 4.59 x 0.08 m3/s
= 0.37 m3/s
 3.4 Organic Loading

Based on MS 1228: 1991, the process design of

a new domestic waste treatment plant shall be on
the basis of

55 grams of BOD/cap/day
68 grams of BOD/cap/day
 3.5 Preliminary Treatment
3.5.1 Bar Racks and Screen

The objective of screens is to remove

large floating material and so protect
downstream mechanical equipment
(pumps).

It is mechanically or manually cleaned.

Solid material stored in hopper and sent
to landfill.
 3.5 Preliminary Treatment
3.5.2 Grit chamber

 Grit is inorganic sand or gravel particles of size about 1 mm which are

washed into sewer collection systems from roads and pavements

 Grit should be removed because its inclusion within the system can
abrade mechanical equipment and also because it can settle out in the
biological treatment plant, reducing its space efficiency.

 The grit chamber is designed to remove discrete particles with

diameters of 0.2 mm and specific gravity of 2.65

 Normally the Type 1 Sedimentation is applied to remove grit

 3.5 Preliminary Treatment
3.5.2 Grit chamber

According to According to MS 1228: 1991, there are 3 types of grit removal system
and comprise either the horizontal Constant Grit Chamber, Aerated Grit Chamber
and Detritor

1) The horizontal flow grit chamber

* flow through velocity should not exceed 0.23 m/sec
* surface loading rate should not exceed 1500 m 3/d/m2

2) Aerated grit chamber

* Maximum detention time to be 3 min
* Air rates should be in the range of 4.5 to 12.5 liter/sec/m of tank
* Depth to width ratio of 1:2
* Length to depth ratio of 1: 2

Horizontal-flow grit chamber is applied commonly and comply to Type 1

Sedimentation
 3.5 Preliminary Treatment
3.5.2 Grit chamber

Example 2

Design a rectangular, horizontal grit removal facility to remove grit with a specific gravity of 2.65
and a particle settling velocity which ranges between 0.016 to 0.022 m/sec. The horizontal velocity
will be maintained at 0.3 m/sec by using a proportional weir. Determine the channel dimensions
for a maximum wastewater flow of 0.37 m3/s.
 
Solution:

Settling velocity (Vs): assume 0.016 m/sec for the design

 Detention time (tD): 60 sec
 
1) Depth of Flow (D),
  Knowing tD = D/Vs
So,
60 sec = D/0.016 m/sec
  D = 0.96 m
  Provide 0.3 m free board and 0.25 m grit accumulation zone depth, hence
the total depth = 0.96 + 0.30 + 0.25 = 1.51 m
 3.5 Preliminary Treatment
3.5.2 Grit chamber

2) Length of Tank (L)

 
Knowing, L = tDVh
 
Where: Vh = horizontal flow velocity in the tank = 0.3 m/sec
 
Therefore , L = (60 sec)(0.3 m/sec) = 18 m
Provide 25 % additional length to accommodate inlet and outlet zones,
hence the length of the grit chamber = 18 X 1.25 = 22.5 m
 
3) Width of Tank (w)
 
Knowing A = Q/Vh [cross sectional area, A= Qdesign x Vh)
 
Where: A = cross sectional area of flow
Q = flowrate
Vh = horizontal flow velocity in the tank
 
Q = 0.37 m3/sec
A = (0.37 m3/sec)/(0.3 m/sec) = 1.23 m2
Then w = A/D = (1.23m2)/(0.96 m) = 1.26 m
 3.5 Preliminary Treatment
3.5.3 Equalization Tank

 The wastewater produced often varies in overall wastewater flow rate (e.g.:
as a result of day vs. night production processes) as well as concentration of
pollutants (resulting from different types of operations being carried out at
different times).

 The objectives of balancing are:

1. To equalize the flows to minimize flow surge
2. To equalize the organic loads to dampen fluctuations
3. To neutralize the pH variations to bring it to the range 6.5-8.5
4. To provide a continuous influent to the plant
5. To control of high toxicity loads.
6. To equalize the flow rate.
7. To balance the nutrient
8. To balance the pH
 3.5 Preliminary Treatment
3.5.3 Equalization Tank

Example 3

Design the in-line storage volume required to equalize the flowrate by using the following
data.
Time period Average flowrate during Time period Average flowrate during
the period (L / s) the period (L / s)

24 - 01 275 12 - 13 425
01 - 02 221 13 - 14 405
02 - 03 164 14 - 15 385
03 - 04 130 15 - 16 351
04 - 05 105 16 - 17 326
05 - 06 99 17 - 18 326
06 - 07 119 18 - 19 328
07 - 08 204 19 - 20 365
08 - 09 354 20 - 21 399
09 - 10 411 21 - 22 399
10 - 11 425 22 - 23 379
11 - 12 430 23 - 24 345
3.5.3 Equalization Tank
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Solution Cumulative Cumulative
Influent volume Effluent volume Cumulative
Time period influent volume effluent volume
(m3) (m3) difference (m3)
(m3) (m3)
Provide 24 - 01 990.0 1,105.5 990.0 1,105.5 - 115.5

and 01 - 02
02 - 03
795.6
590.4
1,105.5
1,105.5
1,785.6
2,376.0
2,211.0
3,316.5
- 425.4
- 940.5
Complete 03 - 04 468.0 1,105.5 2,844.0 4,422.0 - 1,578.0
the 04 - 05 378.0 1,105.5 3,222.0 5,527.5 - 2,305.5
05 - 06 356.4 1,105.5 3,578.4 6,633.0 - 3,054.6
table 06 - 07 428.4 1,105.5 4,006.8 7,738.5 - 3,731.7
07 - 08 734.4 1,105.5 4,741.2 8,844.0 - 4,102.8
08 - 09 1,274.4 1,105.5 6,015.6 9,949.5 - 3,933.9
09 - 10 1,479.6 1,105.5 7,495.2 11,055.0 - 3,559.8
10 - 11 1,530.0 1,105.5 9,025.2 12,160.5 - 3,135.3
11 - 12 1,548.0 1,105.5 10,573.2 13,266.0 - 2,692.8
12 - 13 1,530.0 1,105.5 12,103.2 14,371.5 - 2,268.3
13 - 14 1,458.0 1,105.5 13,561.2 15,477.0 - 1,915.8
14 - 15 1,386.0 1,105.5 14,947.2 16,582.5 - 1,635.3
15 - 16 1,263.6 1,105.5 16,210.8 17,688.0 - 1,477.2
16 - 17 1,173.6 1,105.5 17,384.4 18,793.5 - 1,409.1
17 - 18 1,173.6 1,105.5 18,558.0 19,899.0 - 1,341.0
18 - 19 1,180.8 1,105.5 19,738.8 21,004.5 - 1,265.7
19 - 20 1,314.0 1,105.5 21,052.8 22,110.0 - 1,057.2
20 - 21 1,436.4 1,105.5 22,489.2 23,215.5 - 726.3
21 - 22 1,436.4 1,105.5 23,925.6 24,321.0 - 395.4
22 - 23 1,364.4 1,105.5 25,290.0 25,426.5 - 136.5
23 - 24 1,242.0 1,105.5 26,532.0 26,532.0 0.0
Total 26,532.0 26,532.0 - - -
3.5.3 Equalization Tank
Solution

Step - 1 : Calculation of wastewater volumes entering the equalization tank during

the each time period (column 2 in table given below)

Example
Refer to time period 24 - 01
The wastewater volume = (275 L / s) (3,600 s / h) (10 -3 m3 / L)
= 990.0 m3 / h

Repeat to all time period

Step - 2 : Calculation of wastewater volumes pumping out from the equalization

tank (column 3 in table given below)
Total wastewater volume entering to the equalization tank is 26,532.0 m 3 during 24
h period

Wastewater volume should be pumped out from the equalization tank must be
equal to this amount during 24 h period
Wastewater volume should be pumped out from the equalization tank during the
each time period = (26,532.0 m3) / 24 = 1,105.5 m3
3.5.3 Equalization Tank

Solution

Step - 3 : Calculation of the cumulative influent volumes

(column 4 in table given below)

Refer to the time period 01 - 02 : 990.0 m3 + 795.6 m3 = 1,785.6 m3

Step - 4 : Calculation of the cumulative effluent volumes

(column 5 in table given below)

Refer to the time period 01 - 02 : 1,105.5 m3 + 1,105.5 m3 = 2,211.0 m3

Step - 5 : Calculation of the cumulative differences

(column 6 in table given below)

Refer to the time period 24 - 01 : 990.0 m3 - 1,105.5 m3 = - 115.5 m3

3.5.3 Equalization Tank
Solution

Step - 6 : Calculation of the equalization tank volume

Equalization tank volume = Absolute value of the smallest negative

difference + The largest positive
difference
VEqualization = abs(- 4,102.8 m3) + none = 4,102.8 m3

Step - 7 : Dimensioning of the equalization tank

Equalization tank volume determined from the calculations given in the

table shown above, should be increased at least 10 % as a safety
factor

VEqualization = (1.1) (4,102.8 m3) = 4,513.1 m3

Assume L = 2 W, and L = 50.00 m

Therefore, h = 3.65 m and W = 25.00 m

Equalization tank dimension = L x W x h = 50.00 m x 25.00 m x 3.65 m

 3.6 Primary treatment

 Unit process where the wastewater is allowed to settle for a period in a

settling/sedimentation tank or clarifier

 produce somewhat clarified liquid effluent in one stream and a liquid –

solid sludge (the settled solids called primary sludge/raw sludge) in a
second stream.

 The tank is either rectangular or circular in shape. Typically the circular

tank is used.
3.6 Primary treatment
Rectangular primary tank
3.6 Primary treatment
Circular primary tank
 3.6 Primary treatment

 The objectives of primary treatment are:

o To produce a liquid effluent of suitably improved quality for the next
treatment stage and
o To achieve a solids separation resulting in a primary sludge that can be
conveniently treated and disposed of.

 The benefits of primary treatment include:

o Reduction of suspended solids
o Reduction in BOD5
o Reduction in the amount of waste activated sludge (WAS) in the
activated sludge plant
o Removal of floating material
o Partial equalization of flow rates and organic load.
 3.6 Primary treatment
Example 4

Design the rectangular primary tank to treat sewage with peak flow of 12.6 MLD.
The weir of 70 m length is to be included. The raw sewage has an average of
230 mg/L BOD5 and 260 mg/L of suspended solids. By assuming the primary
treatment removes 40% of the BOD5 and 60% of the suspended solid of the raw
sewage, calculate the BOD5 and SS concentration in the primary tank effluent.
Also determine the mass of primary sludge produced per day in term of dry
mass and wet mass assuming a sludge concentration of 6% solids and a
specific gravity of 1.03.

Solution

From MS 1228: 1991

Surface loading rate = not more than 60 m 3 /day/m2
Depth of rectangular tank = 2.5 -3.0 m
Width : depth ratio = 1:1 to 2.5 : 1
Length : width ratio =  3:1
Detention time = 90 - 150 min (1.5 – 2.5 hours)
Weir loading rate = 150 - 180 m 3/day/m
 3.6 Primary treatment

1) The surface area of the tank = 12 600 m3/d / 60 m3/d = 210 m2

2) Assume the depth of rectangular tank = 2.5 m and width = 5.0 m.

then the width to depth to ratio is 5.0 : 2.5 = 2:1 (Ok !),

therefore the length = 210 m2/ 5 m = 42 m

then the length : width ratio = 42 : 5 = 8.4 :1  3: 1 (Ok !)

3) Volume of the tank = 42 m (L) x 5.0 m ( W) x 2.5 m ( d) = 875 m3,

Therefore the detention time = Volume / flow rate

= 875 m3 /12600 m3/day
= 0.07 day
= 1.7 hour = 102 min (Ok !)

4) Weir loading = flowrate / weir length

= 12600 m3/day / 70 m
= 180 m3/day/m (Ok !)
 3.6 Primary treatment
5) Primary tank effluent

BOD5 primary effluent = (1 -0.40) 230 mg/L = 138 mg/L

SS primary effluent = ( 1-0.60) 260 mg/L = 104 mg/L

6) The production of dry solid and wet mass in the primary tank would be

SS dry mass = Flowrate x removed SS (in mg/L)

= 12600 m3/d x (260 -104) mg/L
= 12600 m3/d x 156 mg/L
= 1.97 kg/d

SS wet mass = 1.97 kg/d / 0.06 = 32.83 kg/d

Then , the flow of the sludge , Q sludge = 32.83 kg/d / 1.03 kg/L
= 31.9 L/d
 3.6 Primary treatment
Example 5

Evaluate the following primary tank design with respect to detention time, overflow rate
and weir loading. Given,
Flow = 0.150 m3/s Length = 40.0 m
Width = 7.5 m Weir length = 75.0 m
Depth = 3.0 m

Solution
Length, width and depth were given. Meaning that the primary tank is the rectangular tank

Check the,
Length to width ratio, 40 m : 7.5 m = 5.3 : 1 > 3 : 1 (ok!)
as required by MS 1228: 1991 (ok),

Width to depth ratio, 7.5 m : 3 m = 2.5 : 1 (ok!)

as required by MS 1228: 1991 (ok), the ratio
could be higher up to 2.5 :1
 3.6 Primary treatment
V
i) The detention time, : 
Q
40.0 m x 7.5 m x 3.0 m

0.150 m3 /s
 6000s or 1.7h ( 102 min) Ok!
MS 1228 : 1991, retention time between 90 min to 150 min

0.150 m 3 /s
ii) Overflow rate, Vo: 
40.0 m x 7.5 m
12960 m 3 /day

300m 2
 43.2 m 3 /day.m 2 MS1228:1991,Ok!

iii) The weir loading 0.150 m3 /s

WL 
75.0 m
 0.0020 m3 /s.m x 86,400 s/day
 172.8 or 173 m3 /day.m
MS 1228 : 1991 (ok! )
3.7 Secondary treatment (biological
process)
Provide BOD removal beyond what is achieved in
primary treatment
- removal of soluble BOD
- additional removal of suspended solids

Objective is to allow the BOD to be exerted in the treatment plant rather than
in the stream

Biological processes are the most important unit operations in wastewater

treatment. Because the success of biological processes depends on the
environment provided by treatment units, design engineers need a basic
understanding of factors affecting the growth of mixed cultures.

The stabilization of organic material (pollutant) is accomplished by

microbes which convert colloidal and dissolved organic matter into gases
and protoplasm.
 3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)

3.7.1 Role of microorganism

organic material + Microbes Gases + new

(colloidal & cell (protoplasma)
dissolved)

is organic, will be
major requirements for microbial growth measured as BOD
a) A terminal electron acceptor in the effluent.
b) Macronutrients:
i) Carbon to build cells
ii) Nitrogen to build cells
iii) Phosporus for ATP (energy carrier)
and DNA has a specific gravity slightly
c) Micronutrients greater than water, it can be
i)Trace metals removed from the treated
ii) Vitamins (required for some bacteria liquid by gravity settling.
d) Appropriate environment
iv) Moisture
v) Temperature
vi) pH
3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)
3.7.1 Role of microorganism
Bacteria Growth in Pure Cultures
 3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)
3.7.1 Role of microorganism

Phases of Growth (Wikipedia)

• During lag phase, bacteria adapt themselves to growth
conditions.
• Individual bacteria are maturing and not yet able to divide. During the lag
phase of the bacterial growth cycle, synthesis of RNA, enzymes and other
molecules occurs. So in this phase the microorganisms are not active.
• Exponential phase (log phase or the logarithmic phase) is a
period characterized by cell doubling. 
• Number of new bacteria appearing per unit time is proportional to the present
population.  Exponential growth cannot continue indefinitely, however,
because the medium is soon depleted of nutrients and enriched with wastes.
• During stationary phase, the growth rate slows as a result of
nutrient depletion and accumulation of toxic products.
• This phase is reached as the bacteria begin to exhaust the resources that are
available to them. This phase is a constant value as the rate of bacterial growth
is equal to the rate of bacterial death.
• At death phase, bacteria run out of nutrients and die.
 3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)
3.7.1 Role of microorganism

How is this accomplished?

• Create a very rich environment for
growth of a diverse microbial
community
 3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)
3.7.1 Role of microorganism

Most Abundant Microbes in W/W Aerobic treatment

Amoeba Rotifer

Ciliated Protozoa

Flagellated Protozoa

Filamentous
Vorticella
3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)

3.7.2 Decomposition of organic waste

Decomposition is the process by which organic substances are

broken down into simpler organic matter. 

It can accomplished is three ways

1) Aerobic
2) Anoxic
3) Anaerobic
3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)

3.7.2 Decomposition of organic waste

Aerobic Decomposition
• Occurs in the presence of oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor

organic matter + O2  CO2 + H2O + newcell

Large production because large amount of energy released

• aerobic decomposition generates a large production of sludge (dead

and living cells).Therefore, it is suitable for low strength wastewater (ie
< 500 mg/l BOD) because decomposition is rapid, efficient and has a
low odor potential.

• For high strength w/w (>1000 mg/l BOD), aerobic decomposition is not
suitable because of difficulty in supplying of enough oxygen and also
because of the amount of sludge produced.
3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)

3.7.2 Decomposition of organic waste

Anaerobic Decomposition (AnD)

When the NO2-3 are finished, strict anaerobic conditions occur
Here, sulfates are used and reduced to sulfides

Sulfate reduction bacteria

and CO2 is converted into methane (CH4­)­ methanogenesis-

hydrogenotrophic methanogen

acetotrophic methanogen
Anaerobic digester
 3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)

3.7.2 Decomposition of organic waste

•The anaerobic decomposition of organic matter considered to be a three-step
process (figure):

1.Hydrolysis of waste.

2.Acidogenesis
(fermentation) and
acetogenesis –
Conversion of complex
organic compounds to
low-molecular fatty acids
(volatile acids).

3.Methanogenesis -
Conversion of organic
acids to methane.
Processes in anaerobic degradation
Differences between aerobic and anaerobic
decomposition of wastewater
Differences between aerobic and anaerobic decomposition in terms of
COD balance
3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)

3.7.3 Microorganism growth

In biological/secondary treatment system, the microorganism are divided into

the followings:

1) Suspended growth- microorganisms and bacteria treating the wastes

are suspended in the wastewater being treated.

2) Attached growth- microorganisms and bacteria treating the wastes are

attached to the media in the reactor
 3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)

3.7.3 Microorganism growth

Stabilization Pond
Aerobic, anaerobic,
facultative, maturation
Activated Sludge
Extended aeration, conventional
3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)

3.7.3 Microorganism growth

Aerated lagoon

Constructed wetland
3.7 Secondary treatment (biological process)

3.7.3 Microorganism growth

Attached growth system

Rotating biological contactor (RBC)

Trickling filter
3.8 Suspended growth : Activated sludge
(Aerobic)
3.8 Suspended growth : Activated sludge
(Aerobic)

• Process in which a mixture of wastewater and

microorganisms (biological sludge) is agitated and
aerated (disperse growth)
• Leads to oxidation of dissolved organics
• After oxidation, separate sludge from wastewater
• Induce microbial growth
• Need food, oxygen
• Want Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) of 3,000 to 6,000 mg/L
 3.8 Suspended growth : Activated sludge
(Aerobic)

Example 6

A wastewater treatment plant to treat wastewater to meet effluent standard of 25 mg/L

BOD and 30 mg/L suspended solids. The treatment plant flow rate is 0.029 m 3/s. The
effluent from the primary tank has BOD of 240 mg/L. Using the following assumptions,
estimate the required volume of the aeration tank;
 
i. BOD of effluent suspended solids is 70% of the allowable suspended solids
concentration
 
Given:
a. Soluble BOD5 concentration at one half the maximum growth rate, Ks = 100
mg/L BOD
b. Decay rate of microbes, Kd = 0.025 /d,
c. max growth rate, µm = 10/d,
d. Yield coefficient, Y = 0.8 mg VSS/mg BOD5
e. Microorganism concentration of VSS conc. entering aeration tank, MLVSS = 3000
mg/L
 70%

Effluent BOD5 Effluent SS

Initial pollutant concentration

Effluent BOD5 from primary tank

Sludge age
a measure of the length of time a particle of suspended
solids is retained in the activated sludge process, (d).
 Refer module,
Eqn 4.24
Equals to t0,
hydraulic retention
time

Refer module,
Eqn 4.19
 3.8 Suspended growth : Activated sludge
(Aerobic)
Example 7
A conventional activated sludge plant without primary clarification operates under the following
conditions:

Design flow : 8100 m3/d

Influent BOD : 185 mg/L
Suspended Solids : 212 mg/L
Aeration basins : 4 units, 12 m square x 4.5 m deep
Mixed liquor Suspended solid : 2600 mg/L
Recirculation flow : 3800 m3/d
Waste sludge quantity : 150 m3/d
Suspended solids in waste sludge : 8600 mg/L
Effluent BOD : 15 mg/L
Suspended Solids : 15 mg/L
Calculate :
(a) Aeration period
(b) BOD loading
(c) Return activated sludge age
(d) F/M ratio
(e) suspended solids and BOD removal efficiencies
(f) Sludge age
3.8 Suspended growth : Activated sludge
(Aerobic)
Solution:

(a) Aeration period

Aeration basin volume = 4 units X ( 12m x 12m x 4.5m)

= 2592 m3
Aeration period, t = V/Q
= 2592 m3/ 8100 m3/d
= 7.7 hr

(b) BOD loading = (Q x Concentration BOD )/ Volume

= (8100 m3/d x 185 mg/L)/ 2592 m3
= 578 g/m3/day

(c) Return activated sludge = (Recirculation flow/Q) x 100

= (3800 m3/d/8100 m3/d) x 100
= 47 %

(d) F/M ratio = (Q x Concentration BOD )

Volume x Mixed liquor suspended solid
= (8100 m3/d x 185 mg/L)
(2592 m3 x 2600 mg/L)
= 0.22 g BOD/day
g MLSS
 3.8 Suspended growth : Activated sludge
(Aerobic)
(e) Suspended solids removal = (212 – 15) x 100 = 93 %
212
BOD removal = 185 – 15 x 100 = 92 %
185

(f) Sludge age

SS in the effluent = Q x Concentration SS
= 8100 m3/d x 15 mg/l
=121 kg/d

SS in waste activated sludge = Qsludge x Concentration SS Sludge

=150 m3/d x 8600 mg/l
= 1290 kg/d
 
Sludge age = V x Mixed liquor suspended solid
SS effluent + SS activated sludge
= (2592 m3 x 2600 mg/l )
121 kg/d + 1290 kg/d
= 4.8 days
 
Sludge age (c) = mean cell residence time (c)
= solid retention time (SRT)

Longer sludge age (c) would resutt in bigger tank and longer aeration time ( power consumption)
 3.8 Suspended growth : Activated sludge
(Aerobic)
Example 8
A sewage treatment plant generated 2000 m3/d of wastewater each day. The
average BOD5 of the raw wastewater after primary settling is 1500 mg/L. The
aeration tank has effective dimensions of 6.0 m wide by 10.0 m long by 6.0 m
deep. The activated sludge plant operating parameters are as follows;
 
(i) BOD5 after secondary settling = 95 mg/L
(ii) MLVSS = 2100 mg/L
(iii) MLVSS/MLSS = 0.75
(iv) Settled sludge volume after 30 minutes = 250 mg/L
 
Determine;
(v) BOD5 loading
(vi) The aeration period
(vii)The food to micro-organism ratio (F/M ratio)
(viii)The sludge volume index (SVI)
(ix) The percentage of BOD5 removal
3.8 Suspended growth : Activated sludge
(Aerobic)

Solution:

i) BOD loading = Q (m3/d) x Concentration of BOD (mg/L)

Volume
= 2000 m /day x 1500 mg/L
3

( 6 m x 10 m x 6 m)
= 8,333.33 g/m3.day = 8.33 kg/m3.day

ii) Aeration period = V/Q

= 360m3/ 2000 m3/d
= 0.18 day
= 4.32 hours

iii) F/M ratio = QS/VX = 2000 m3/day x 1100 mg/L

360 m3 x 2100 mg/L
= 2.9
 3.8 Suspended growth : Activated sludge
(Aerobic)

Solution:

iv) SVI = Sludge volume x 1000 mg/g

MLSS

if MLSS = MLVSS/0.75 = 2100 mg/L /0.75 = 2800 mg/L then

SVI = 250 mg/L x 1000 mg/g = 89.3 mg/g SVI is used to control the rate of sludge
2800 mg/L return to the reactor basin in activated
sludge process

v) BOD removal = BOD in – BOD out x 100%

BOD in

= 1500 – 95 x 100%
1500

= 93.7 %
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
 Septic tanks are commonly used for wastewater treatment for individual
households in low-density residential areas, for institutions such as schools
and hospitals, and for small housing estates
 Septic tanks have been used for anaerobic treatment of raw sewage

iwk.com.my
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 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)

 Household wastewater is retained for 1-3 day

 A thick crust of scum is formed (helps anaerobic condition)
 Sludge accumulates then desludging should be done to remove the sludge
 Desludging is done for every 1-5 years
iwk.com.my
3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)

Based on “ A guide to the Development of on-site sanitation

(WHO,1992)”

The guiding principles in designing a septic tank are:

 
 to provide sufficient retention time for the sewage in the tank to allow
separation of solids and stabilization of liquid;
 to provide stable quiescent hydraulic conditions for efficient
settlement and flotation of solids;
 to ensure that the tank is large enough to store accumulated sludge
and scum;
 to ensure that no blockages are likely to occur and that there is
adequate ventilation of gases.
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)

Based on “ A guide to the Development of on-site sanitation (WHO,1992)”

Retention time

A sewage retention time of 24 hours is assumed to be sufficient. In

summary, if the wastewater flowrate is Q m3 per day, it recommends
that the retention time should be T hours, as follows

If Q is less than 6 T = 24

If Q is between 6 and 14 T = 33-1.5 Q
If Q is greater than 14 T = 12
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
Based on “ A guide to the Development of on-site sanitation (WHO,1992)”

Liquid retention volume

If the water supply per person is known, the sewage flow may be taken
as 90% of the water supply.

The minimum capacity required for 24 hours' liquid retention is:

A = P × q litres

where

A = required volume for 24 hours' liquid retention;

P = number of people served by the tank
q = sewage flow per person (litres per person per day). 90% of
the daily water consumption per person (Q). .
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
Based on “ A guide to the Development of on-site sanitation (WHO,1992)”

Volume for sludge and scum storage

The volume required for the accumulation of sludge and scum is

B=P×N×F×S

where

B = the required sludge and scum storage capacity in litres;

N = the number of years between desludging (often 2-5 years; more
frequent desludging may be assumed where there is a cheap and
reliable emptying service);
F = a factor which relates the sludge digestion rate to temperature and the
desludging interval, as shown in Table A;
S = the rate of sludge and scum accumulation as shown in Table B
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
Based on “ A guide to the Development of on-site sanitation (WHO,1992)”

Table A. Value of the sizing factor F in determining volume for sludge

and scum storage
Value of F

Number of years
between desludging Ambient temperature
>20°C >10°C <10°C
throughout year throughout year during winter

1 1.3 1.5 2.5

2 1.0 1.15 1.5
3 1.0 1.0 1.27
4 1.0 1.0 1.15
5 1.0 1.0 1.06
6 or more 1.0 1.0 1.0
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
Based on “ A guide to the Development of on-site sanitation (WHO,1992)”

Table B. Suggested maximum sludge accumulation rates

(litres per person per year)

Sludge accumulation rate

Wastes retained in water where degradable anal 40

cleaning materials are used

Wastes retained in water where non-degradable anal 60

cleaning materials are used
Waste retained in dry conditions where degradable 60
anal cleaning materials are used
Wastes retained in dry conditions where non- 90
degradable anal cleaning materials are used
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
Based on “ A guide to the Development of on-site sanitation (WHO,1992)”

Total tank volume

The total capacity of the tank (C) is:

C = A + B ( litres)

In practice, there are limitations on the minimum size of tank that can
be built
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
Based on “ A guide to the Development of on-site sanitation (WHO,1992)”
Shape and dimensions of septic tanks

A tank may be divided into two or more compartments by baffle walls. Most settlement
and digestion may occur in the first compartment with some suspended materials carried
forward to the second.

The following guidelines can be used to determine the internal dimensions of a rectangular
tank.
 
1. The depth of liquid from the tank floor to the outlet pipe invert should be not less than
1.2 m; a depth of at least 1.5 m is preferable. In addition a clear space of at least 300 mm
should be left between the water level and the under-surface of the cover slab.
2. The width should be at least 600 mm as this is the minimum space in which a person can
work when building or cleaning the tank. Some codes of practice recommend that the
length should be 2 or 3 times the width.
3. For a tank of width W, the length of the first compartment should be 2W and the length
of the second compartment should be W (figure below). In general, the depth should be
not greater than the total length.
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
Based on “ A guide to the Development of on-site sanitation (WHO,1992)”

Septic Tank dimensions

 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)

Example 9

Design a septic tank suitable for a household with up to eight occupants

in a low-density housing area in which the houses have full plumbing, all
household wastes go to the septic tank and the nominal water supply is
200 L per person per day. Water is used for anal cleaning and the ambient
temperature is not less than 25°C for most of the year. Assume period
between desludging is 3 years

Solution

1) Volume of liquid entering the tank each day

A=Pxq
= 8 person x ( 0.9 × 200 L/person)
= 8 × 180
= 1440 litres
3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)

2) The volume of sludge and scum is given by

B=P×N×F×S
= 8 person × 3 × 1.0 × 40 L/person
= 960 litres

3) Total volume of tank

C= A+B
= 1440 + 960
= 2400 litres (2.4 m3)
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
4) Tank dimension

Assume liquid depth = 1.5 m

Assume tank width is W m
Assume two compartments,
length of first = 2W
length of second = W

Volume of tank (V)

= 1.5 × (2W + W) × W Therefore:

= 4.5 W2
width of tank = 0.73 m
Thus, length of first compartment= 1.46 m
length of second compartment = 0.73 m
4.5 W2 = 2.4 m3
W = 0.73 m Depth of tank from floor to soffit of cover slab
= liquid depth + freeboard
= 1.5 + 0.3 = 1.8 m
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
Example 10

Design a septic tank for a household having five occupants in a medium-density

housing area in which the houses have full plumbing. The ambient temperature is
more than 10°C throughout the year. Assume period between desludgings is 3
years

Solution

1) Daily volume of liquid

A=P×q

If the WC has a 10-litre cistern and each person flushes it four times a day, the
sewage flow q = 4 × 10 = 40 litres per person per day,

Therefore, A = 5 × 40 = 200 litres.

 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
2) Volume for sludge and scum

B=P×N×F×S

Since N = 3 years, then F = 1.0;

only WC wastes go to septic tank, then S = 25 litres per person per year.

Then

B = 5 × 3 × 1.0 × 25 As this is less than the

= 375 litres minimum recommended
volume of 1.0 m3, the
3) Total tank volume V dimensions for the minimum
volume should be calculated.
=A+B
= 200 + 375
= 575 l (0.575 m³)
 3.9 Suspended growth : Septic tank
(Anaerobic)
4) Assume liquid depth = 1.5 m.
Assume tank width is W m.
Assume two compartments:

Length of first = 2W
Length of second = W

Volume of tank = 1.5 × (2W + W) × W

= 4.5 W2

If 4.5 W2= 1.0 m3, then W = 0.47 m

As this is less than the recommended minimum width of 0.6 m, assume W = 0.6 m.

Length of first compartment (2W) = 1.2 m
Length of second compartment (W) = 0.6 m
Depth of tank from floor to soffit of cover slab
= 1.5 m (liquid depth) + 0.3 m (freeboard) = 1.8 m
The tank volume (excluding freeboard) is:
= (1.2 + 0.6) × 0.6 × 1.5 = 1.62 m³
which is larger than the required
volume calculated in stage 3. This
is no disadvantage; in practice the
minimum retention time will be
greater than 24 hours or the tank
will provide longer service than
three years before requiring
desludging.
3.10 Attached growth system: organic
removal

Attachment of biofilm( slime) to support media

3.11 Attached growth :Rotating Biological
Contactor (RBC)
3.11 Attached growth :Rotating Biological
Contactor (RBC)

In the RBC, the medium

moves the biofilm alternately
through water and air
3.12 Attached growth :Trickling filter
 3.12 Attached growth :Trickling filter

 Not a true filtering or sieving process

 Material only provided surface on which bacteria to grow
 Can use plastic media
o Lighter, can get deeper beds ( up to 12 m)
o Reduced apace requirement
o Larger surface area for growth
o Greater void ratios ( better air flow)
o Less prone to plugging by accumulating slime
3.12 Attached growth :Trickling filter
3.12 Attached growth :Trickling filter
 3.12 Attached growth :Trickling filter

Rotating distribution arm sprays primary effluent over circular bed of rock or
other coarse media. Air circulates in pores between rocks and “biofilm”
develops on rocks and micro-organisms degrade waste materials as they
flow past. Organisms slough off in clumps when film gets too thick
 3.12 Attached growth :Trickling filter

Advantages
a) Small land area required
b) Can be operated at a range of organic and hydraulic loading rates.
 
Disadvantages/limitations –
c) High capital costs and moderate operating costs
d) Requires expert design and construction.
e) Requires constant source of electricity and constant wastewater flow.
f) Flies and odours are often problematic.
g) Not all parts and materials may be available locally.
h) Pre-treatment is required to prevent clogging.
i) Dosing system requires more complex engineering.
 3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP

 The higher the degree of wastewater treatment, the

larger residue of sludge that must be handled.
 Wastes from screens and grit chamber Not true
sludge, not a fluid. It can be drained easily and is
relatively stable, it can be disposed of directly in a
municipal landfill
 To treat and dispose of the sludge produced from
wastewater plants in the most effective manner, it is
important t know the characteristics of the solid and
sludge that will be processed.
3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP
 3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP

Sources of sludge

Primary Or Raw Sludge

• Sludge from bottom of the primary clarifiers contains from 3- 8 %
solid which is approximately 70 % organic. This sludge rapidly
becomes anaerobic and is highly odiferous.
 3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP

Secondary Sludge
 This sludge consists of microorganisms and inert
materials that have been wasted from the
secondary treatment processes.
 In some cases secondary sludge contains large
quantities of chemical precipitates because of
aeration tank is used as the reaction basin for the
addition of chemicals to remove phosphorus.
3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP

Sludge Characteristic
 3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP

Sludge Treatment
The basic processes for sludge treatment are as follows:
 3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP

Sludge Treatment: Thickening

Flotation Gravity thickening
• Especially effective • Best with primary
on activated sludge sludge
• Increases solids • Increases solids
content from 0.5 - 1% content from 1-3% to 10%
to 3-6%
3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP
 3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP

Sludge Treatment: Stabilization

Aerobic Digestion Anaerobic Digestion

• Extension of activated • 2 stage: acid

sludge
• Accomplished by aeration of
sludge then followed by
sedimentation
• Supernatant goes back
to head of plant
(high in BOD, TKN, TP)
• Treated sludge is 3% solids
Fermentation followed by
methane production
• Advantages:
 produce methane
 do not add oxygen
• As with aerobic digestion,
supernatant goes to
headworks
3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP
 3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP

Sludge Treatment: Conditioning

Chemical Conditioning Heat Treatment

 Add lime, ferric  High temperatures (175- 230oC)

chloride, or alum  High pressures (10 to 20
 Can also add polymers atmospheres)
 Chemicals are added  Advantages
just prior to de-watering o bound water is released and
Stage sludge is easily dewatered
 Disadvantages
o complex process
o highly concentrated liquid stream
 3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP

Sludge Treatment: De-watering

Sludge Drying Beds
Most popular method essentially
squeezing water between two moving
filter belts

Filtration
• Apply vacuum to
pull out water
• Force out water by
• Simple
• Low maintenance
• Effected by climate
 3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP

Sludge Treatment: Volume Reduction

Incineration Wet Oxidation

• Complete evaporation • Treated sludge is wet
of water from sludge • Requires energy
• Requires fuel • Solid material is inert
• Solid material is inert • Exhaust air must be
• Exhaust air must be treated prior to
treated prior to discharge
discharge
3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP
 3.13 Sludge :By- product of WWTP

Sludge Disposal
Method
 Land Spreading
o lawns, gardens
o agricultural land
o forest land
o golf courses and other public recreational areas
 Municipal Solid Waste Landfill (Subtitle D)
 Utilization in other materials
Malaysia :Sludge Treatment Process

IWK Sustainability Report 2012-2013

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