In this collection, the authors report on the pretreatment methods for waste activated sludge based on pulsed electric field and corona discharge techniques. The effects of pulse magnitude, frequency, temperature and pretreatment time are demonstrated on the basis of cell membrane electroporation. The influence of voltage polarity, frequency, magnitude, treating time and temperature has also been demonstrated. A description of fundamental techniques in molecular biology for the analysis of the microbiota of activated sludge is provided. Activated sludge is a heterogeneous system of organisms, organic and inorganic material, and therefore giving a specific protocol for each molecular technique would be imprudent. The authors go on to discuss the Monod model, which provides a functional relationship between specific growth rate and substrate concentration in the bulk. Important research efforts dedicated to adequate use of the Monod model are presented, consolidating knowledge from activated sludge and biofilm modelling, identifying misdirections, and setting parameters for further research. In one study, different microwave power outputs and times were optimised for sludge solubilisation without evaporation loss in waste activated sludge from two different sources. The variable effects of pre-treatments on extracellular polymeric substances fraction, cellular oxidative stress and solubilisation of both sludges were evaluated to understand the impact of sludge complexity. The penultimate chapter examines how toxic carbon sources can cause higher residual effluent dissolved organic carbon than easily biodegraded carbon sources in the activated sludge process. Based on the variations of chemical components of activated sludge, mainly intracellular storage materials, extracellular polymeric substances and soluble microbial products, the performance and mechanism of toxic carbon on the activated sludge process can be clarified. The purpose of the final study is to research the supplementation of different concentrations of substrate on the degradation rate of xenobiotics, and to determine the optimal concentrations of auxiliary substrates that are most beneficial. The results show that sugar and peptone can affect 2,4-D degradation rate by several different degrees at different concentrations.

Biodegradable Waste Management in the Circular Economy Presents the major developments in new technologies and strategies for more effective recovery of matter, resources, and energy from biodegradable waste The volume of biodegradable waste produced worldwide is progressively increasing--a trend that is predicted to continue well into the foreseeable future. Developing sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approaches for processing food waste, agricultural and organic industrial waste, cardboard, biodegradable plastics, sewage sludge, and other types of biodegradable waste is one of the most significant challenges of the coming decades. Biodegradable Waste Management in the Circular Economy provides a detailed overview of the latest advances in the management of biomass for economic development. Featuring contributions from an interdisciplinary team of experts, this comprehensive resource addresses various technologies and strategies for recycling organic matter and many other renewable compounds. In-depth chapters describe the concept of circular economy, identify new sources of biodegradable waste, explore technologies for the production of biodegradable waste end-products, discuss the positive and negative effects of end-products on soil and the environment, and more. Throughout the text, the authors explore systematic approaches for secure biodegradable management in various countries and regions around the world. Explores the social, governance, and economic aspects of "waste as a resource" Addresses metal recovery, biofuel and fertilizer production, and biosorbents and biochar derived from biomass waste Discusses nutrient recovery and energy and bio-methane production from biodegradable waste Covers use cases, collection systems, and regulation of agricultural, industrial, and municipal biodegradable waste streams Presents various technologies for the production of biodegradable waste end-products, including biorefineries, anaerobic digestion, and hybrid methods Reflecting the latest trends in the rapidly changing field, Biodegradable Waste Management in the Circular Economy is essential reading for researchers, engineers, scientists, and consultants working in waste engineering and management, resource recovery, renewable resources, environmental science, agricultural and environmental engineering, soil science, and bioenergy.

AWWA's most popular operator training aid, this study guide is specially designed to give water operators and students practice in answering questions that are similar in format and content to the questions that appear on state certification exams. Sample questions and answers for both water treatment and distribution systems are included. This study guide was developed by AWWA in cooperation with the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), which certifies water and wastewater operators in most states. ABC certification is not only a way to protect public health and the environment, but also provides numerous career benefits to both employees and employers. If you were previously familiar with AWWA's Water Operator Certification Study Guide, Sixth Edition this replaces that book, with all-new questions and answers.

Today we can predict storms, reuse wastewater, and desalinate inland waters. And while technology makes it easier to quickly communicate, it can also strip away our humanity. Rather than succumb to the pull of anonymity created by that same technology, this book was written to help blur the lines between the experts and the public they affect. It means the experts never forgetting there are real people trusting them that the water is indeed "safe" to swim in or the wastewater can be treated to a level safe enough to drink. It means the public recognizing that operators must fix a main break no matter when it occurs. It means bringing the public into the mix upstream, at the discovery point of the problem rather than waiting to hand them only the preferred solution. No longer is lifting the experts' curtain only when they're ready to theatrically reveal solutions acceptable. Gone are the days when the public trusts all of the negotiations, problem solving, and hidden props appearing after the production of the water experts is complete. For the one thing you can predict about us humans is that hidden beneath the facade of logic, is our deep-seated emotional side. For only with a solid understanding of the consumer's hidden world of perceptions and irrationality, can we truly communicate the value of water. This book reveals the power of engaging the public when communicating the value of water when it involves wastewater, stormwater and watersheds. Through stories of success and why communications can fail, this book is written for wastewater utilities, watershed stewards and stormwater managers, engineers, operators, stakeholders, elected officials, and anyone that truly wants to make a difference in the public's perception when it comes to the value of water.

The purposes of this report are to 1) assess and document the occurrence and concentrations of selected pharmaceuticals and other organic wastewater compounds in WWTP influent and effluent, groundwater, canal water, and canal sediment samples at selected sites in Miami-Dade County; 2) assess the persistence of these compounds during wastewater treatment by comparing influent and effluent concentrations, loads, and seasonal variations, and by calculating percent reduction of individual compounds during treatment at each plant; and (3) assess the potential transport of these compounds from recharge areas through the groundwater system and into the canal system by comparing effluent concentrations at the HSWWTP with concentrations in nearby groundwater, nearby canal water and bed sediments, and more distant canal water and bed sediments.

Electrical and electronic waste is a growing problem as volumes are increasing fast. Rapid product innovation and replacement, especially in information and communication technologies (ICT), combined with the migration from analog to digital technologies and to flat-screen televisions and monitors has resulted in some electronic products quickly reaching the end of their life. The EU directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) aims to minimise WEEE by putting organizational and financial responsibility on producers and distributors for collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of WEEE. Therefore all stakeholders need to be well-informed about their WEEE responsibilities and options. While focussing on the EU, this book draws lessons for policy and practice from all over the world. Part one introduces the reader to legislation and initiatives to manage WEEE. Part two discusses technologies for the refurbishment, treatment and recycling of waste electronics. Part three focuses on electronic products that present particular challenges for recyclers. Part four explores sustainable design of electronics and supply chains. Part five discusses national and regional WEEE management schemes and part six looks at corporate WEEE management strategies. With an authoritative collection of chapters from an international team of authors, Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) handbook is designed to be used as a reference by policy-makers, producers and treatment operators in both the developed and developing world.