Intensified Hydrolysis for High Solids Destruction: Testing the limits of Advanced Digestion
Principal Investigators:
George Washington University
DC Water
Collaborators:
Bucknell University
Hampton Road Sanitation District
Thames Water Utilities, Ltd., UK
CAMBI
PUB, Singapore National Water Agency
Sponsor:
Water Environment & Reuse Foundation (WERF)
The goals of the project are to improve our understanding of the factors that affect hydrolysis and evaluate technologies/ approaches for increasing hydrolysis rates during anaerobic digestion. Three main mechanisms will be studied with their subsequent technological approach to intensify hydrolysis:
Improve hydrolysis through physicalapproaches solubilizing particulates into readily available substrate (THP operation and position)
Improve hydrolysis through improved operational conditions increasing biologicalhydrolytic enzyme production (co-substrate, bio-P sludge with P stripping, recuperative thickening)
Improve hydrolysis through allowing for more time available for hydrolysis (SRT, recuperative thickening, cake digestion).
Bioflocculation Management and Carbon Redirection through High-Rate Contact Stabilization
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Rumana Riffat, The George Washington University, USA
Sponsor:
DC Water
The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of reactor configuration and process parameters on potential carbon harvesting from low strength wastewater. Three major reactor configurations were studied in pilot-scale reactor set up at DC Water labs: continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR), contact stabilization (CS) and plug flow (PF) reactor. Compared to the CSTR and PF configurations, the CS configuration demonstrated a superior potential for carbon capture and recovery. Therefore, to aim at carbon or energy recovery from low strength wastewater, a balance needs to be established between carbon redirection and inventory management.
Recent Projects
Small Scale Sewage Treatment and Wastewater Reuse System for Pakistan
PAKISTAN-US SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION PROGRAM Principal Investigators:
Dr. Rumana Riffat, The George Washington University, USA
Dr. Safia Ahmed and Dr. Naeem Ali, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan
This project addressed two basic problems — improper sewage disposal and water scarcity — with the overall objective of developing an efficient method for the treatment of sewage, and reuse of wastewater and biosolids. The major outcome was the development of a land based sewage treatment system applicable to a small community, with its output consisting of reusable water and biosolids for use as fertilizer. This collaboration improved the quality and capacity of research and education at QAU in the water and sanitation area and resulted in improved public health and environment.