Dr Bharath G

Assistant Professor

Department of Environmental Studies

University of Delhi
 Secondary treatment
• Secondary Wastewater treatment is the second stage of wastewater treatment.

• In primary treatment, suspended solids, colloidal particles, oil, and grease are
removed.

• In secondary treatment, biological treatment is done on the wastewater to

remove the organic matter.

• This process typically uses microorganisms to break down and consume the
pollutants/organic matter in the water. It often involves the use of aeration and
settling tanks to help facilitate the process.
• Secondary Wastewater treatment is divided into two different treatment
processes:-

• Aerobic Treatment

• Anaerobic Treatment
• 1.Aerobic Treatment

• Aerobic wastewater treatment is a biological treatment that uses oxygen to break down
organic matter and remove other pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus.

Aerobic treatment technologies are:

Suspended
• Activated Sludge Process (ASP) / Extended Aeration System (EAS)
• Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR)
• Moving Bed Bio Film Reactor (MBBR)
• Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)
• Aerated lagoon
• Stabilization pond

Attached
• Trickling filter
• Rotating biological filter
• Suspended
• Activated Sludge Process: This widely used secondary treatment process uses a
suspended growth system. In the activated sludge process, microorganisms,
mainly aerobic bacteria, are suspended in a mixture of wastewater and recycled
sludge in an aeration tank. The aeration process provides oxygen to support the
growth and metabolism of the microorganisms, which consume organic matter
and nutrients in the wastewater.

• Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR): This batch process uses a single tank to carry
out the various stages of the treatment process. The tank is filled with
wastewater, aerated to support the growth of microorganisms, and then allowed
to settle and separate the biomass from the treated water.
• Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR): This process uses small plastic media to
create a biofilm on which aerobic microorganisms grow and consume
pollutants. The media are kept in motion by aeration and mixing, which
promotes the transfer of pollutants to the microorganisms.

• Membrane Bioreactor (MBR): This is a combination of an activated sludge

process and membrane filtration. The process involves using aeration to support
the growth of microorganisms, followed by filtration through a membrane that
retains the microorganisms and suspended solids in the wastewater.
• Aerated Lagoon: An aerated lagoon is a large, shallow, man-made basin that
uses the suspended growth system. The wastewater is pumped into the lagoon
and aerated using mechanical or diffused aeration systems, which provide the
oxygen required to support the growth of aerobic microorganisms. The
microorganisms consume organic matter and nutrients, and the treated effluent is
discharged or further treated if necessary.

• Stabilization Pond: A stabilization pond is a natural body of water that uses the
suspended growth system. The wastewater is pumped or flows into the pond,
and sunlight and natural processes provide the oxygen required to support the
growth of aerobic microorganisms. The microorganisms consume organic matter
and nutrients, and the treated effluent is discharged or further treated if
necessary.
• Activated Sludge Process-Basic steps:
• Wastewater is mixed with activated sludge in an aeration tank

• Microorganisms in the activated sludge consume and break down organic matter,
converting it into CO2, water, and new bacterial cells

• The microbes flocculate to form an active mass of microbes (biological floc) called as
activated sludge

• After aeration, wastewater is separated from activated sludge by settling in a

sedimentation tank

• Reason for recycling

• Prevent loss of microbes from aeration tank
• Maintain microbe population in treatment plant
• Second Sedimentation Tank
• The treated watery waste from the aeration tank is pumped into the second sedimentation
tank and allowed to settle. The microorganisms used in the aeration tank settle at the bottom
of the tank, forming a fine sludge known as ‘activated sludge.’ It is known as activated
sludge because it contains active microorganisms such as aerobic bacteria and oxygen.

• Some of the activated sludge is returned to the aeration tank to boost the population of
aerobic bacteria and accelerate the cleaning of watery waste. The digester tank receives the
remaining activated sludge. The water in the second sedimentation tank contains very little
organic material and suspended matter.

• This process involves the use of microorganisms (bacteria, algae, fungi, ptotozoa, rotifers,
nematodes) that decompose the unstable organic matter.
• Zoogloea ramigera
• Beggiatoa
• Sphaerotilus natans
• Thiothrix

• 75-95% removes BOD

ASP-Flow diagram
Key parameters
• The ASP is a completely mixed process.

• The process employs low organic loading, long aeration time, high MLVSS concentration,
and low F/M and BOD removal efficiency is high.

• Due to the higher requirement of oxygen, there is an impact on the total operating cost of the
system.

• The microorganisms in activated sludge form flocs that settle in a clarifier tank. Settled
sludge is separated from treated effluent, with a portion recycled to the aeration tank.

• The process can be customized by adjusting parameters such as aeration rate, hydraulic
retention time, and sludge retention time to optimize treatment performance.
• By controlling the organic loading, the amount of WW supplied to the microorganisms can
be regulated, and the long aeration time provides sufficient oxygen to support the growth and
metabolism of the microorganisms.

• The high MLVSS concentration ensures that there is a sufficient population of

microorganisms to consume the organic matter in the wastewater.

• The low F/M ratio, which is the ratio of food (organic matter) to microorganisms, also helps
to ensure that there are enough microorganisms to effectively consume the organic matter in
the wastewater.
• Too high or too low MLVSS concentrations can lead to operational problems such as
foaming, bulking, or poor effluent quality.
• MLVSS analysis
• Collect a representative sample of the mixed liquor from the aeration tank.

• Filter the mixed liquor sample using a filter paper to separate the suspended solids from the
liquid.

• Dry the filter at 103-105 °C for at least 2 hours in a drying oven until a constant weight is
obtained. This weight represents the total suspended solids (TSS).

• Burn the dried filter paper in a muffle furnace at 550-600 °C for 2 hours to remove the
volatile solids.

• Weigh the ash left in the crucible after burning. This weight represents the non-volatile
suspended solids (NVSS).
• Calculate the MLVSS concentration using the formula:

• MLVSS = (TSS - NVSS) x (100 / volume of mixed liquor)

• TSS = total suspended solids in mg/L

• NVSS = non-volatile suspended solids in mg/L
• The MLVSS concentration is reported in mg/L or g/L.
Typical MLSS and MLVSS Values in ASP

• MLSS: 2,000 – 5,000 mg/L (for conventional activated sludge)

• MLVSS: 60-85% of MLSS (usually around 70-80%)

• The Food to Microorganism (F/M) ratio is a key parameter used to measure the organic
loading rate in an activated sludge process.

• The Food is expressed as chemical oxygen demand (COD) or biological oxygen demand
(BOD), and microorganisms are expressed as MLVSS.

• The F/M ratio units of g COD or BOD per day per g MLVSS.

• A low F/M ratio means that there is a low amount of food available for the microorganisms to
consume, which can lead to slower treatment rates and longer aeration times.

• High F/M ratio means that there is a large amount of food available for the microorganisms,
which can lead to increased microbial activity and the production of excess biomass.

• Typically, optimal F/M ratios in the range of 0.1 to 0.4 g COD or BOD per day per g MLVSS
are used in the activated sludge process.
• Endogenous Respiration in Activated Sludge Process
• Endogenous respiration is a process in which microorganisms consume their own stored
organic matter to produce energy when external organic matter is not available

• It occurs during low organic loading or organic shock loading in the activated sludge process
of a wastewater treatment plant

• High endogenous respiration rate can deplete microorganisms' stored organic matter and
decrease biomass concentration and treatment efficiency

• Low endogenous respiration rate can lead to accumulation of excess biomass and reduced
treatment efficiency

• Control endogenous respiration rate by optimizing F/M ratio, maintaining appropriate sludge
age, and ensuring proper aeration and mixing in the aeration tank
• Mass of Sludge Recycle Flow Rate in the Activated Sludge Process
• The general approach to deciding the mass of sludge recycle flow rate in an ASP is to determine the
desired MLSS concentration, measure the concentration of the returned sludge, calculate the mass of
sludge required, and adjust the sludge recycle flow rate accordingly.

• Mass of sludge = Flow rate of wastewater * Desired MLSS concentration - Mass of returned sludge

• The mass of sludge recycle flow rate affects the treatment efficiency and stability of the process.

• Insufficient sludge recycle flow rate can lead to low MLSS concentration and poor treatment
efficiency.

• Excessive sludge recycle flow rate can lead to high MLSS concentration and operational problems
such as sludge bulking or foaming.

• Proper monitoring and adjustment of the sludge recycle flow rate are crucial to maintain the desired
MLSS concentration and optimal performance of the ASP.
• Oxygen Requirement in the Activated Sludge Process (ASP)

• Oxygen requirement depends on:

• Organic matter concentration
• Microorganism concentration in aeration tank
• Hydraulic retention time (HRT)
• Oxygen requirement can be estimated using the equation:
• Oxygen requirement (kg/d) = Q x COD x Y x (S0 - S)/1000 x F

• Y: yield coefficient (g VSS/g COD)

• F: safety factor (typically set to 1.2)

• Other factors such as temperature, pH, and nutrient concentration can also affect oxygen
requirement.

• Accurate estimation of oxygen requirement is critical for optimal treatment efficiency and
energy consumption.
• Common types of diffusers used in the ASP:

• Fine bubble diffusers: produce small bubbles, high surface area to volume ratio, made of
porous materials (ceramic, membrane, or plastic)

• Coarse bubble diffusers: produce larger bubbles, promote mixing and circulation, made of
rubber or plastic

• Surface aerators: mechanical devices that agitate the wastewater surface and promote oxygen
transfer by splashing and mixing, typically used in shallow tanks or lagoons

• Jet aerators: mechanical devices that create a high-velocity jet of wastewater that mixes with
air and promotes oxygen transfer, typically used in deep tanks
• Solids Retention Time (SRT) in Activated Sludge Process

• The Solids Retention Time (SRT) determines the amount of time microorganisms are
retained in the aeration tank and their concentration in the Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended
Solids (MLVSS).

• Increasing the SRT leads to higher MLVSS concentrations, which can improve the treatment
efficiency of the ASP by increasing the amount of microorganisms available to remove
organic matter from the wastewater.

• Decreasing the SRT leads to lower MLVSS concentrations, which can reduce the treatment
efficiency of the ASP by decreasing the amount of microorganisms available to remove
organic matter from the wastewater.

• Therefore, SRT is a critical parameter in the ASP that can be used to control the MLVSS
concentration and improve the treatment efficiency of the process.
• BOD:N:P Ratio in Wastewater Treatment

• A recommended ratio of BOD:N:P in wastewater treatment is 100:5:1

• Domestic sewage generally contains a balanced ratio of BOD, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

• Maintaining an appropriate BOD:N:P ratio is important to optimize biological treatment and

minimize environmental impacts.

• The optimal ratio may vary depending on the specific characteristics of the wastewater and
treatment goals.
• Key Variables in the Activated Sludge Process

• Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS): Measure of the amount of suspended solids
available for wastewater treatment

• Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids (MLVSS): Measure of the active biomass in the
ASP

• Food to Microorganism (F/M) Ratio: Ratio of organic food to microorganisms, affects

growth and activity of microorganisms

• Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT): Amount of time wastewater remains in the ASP, affects
treatment efficiency
• Solids Retention Time (SRT): Amount of time microorganisms remain in the ASP, affects
concentration and activity of microorganisms

• Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Concentration: Amount of oxygen available for microorganisms,

affects their growth and activity

• pH: Acidity or alkalinity of wastewater, affects growth and activity of microorganisms

• Temperature: Temperature of wastewater, affects growth and activity of microorganisms

• Optimizing these variables can improve ASP performance and efficiency. It is important to
monitor and control them for effective wastewater treatment.
• The design criteria for an Activated Sludge Process

• Loading rate: The loading rate should be determined based on the expected influent
characteristics, desired effluent quality, and design and operational constraints.

• Reactor volume: The reactor volume should be determined based on the loading rate, HRT,
and desired effluent quality.

• Sludge retention time (SRT): The SRT should be long enough to ensure stable and efficient
treatment of the wastewater, but short enough to avoid excessive biomass accumulation.
• Aeration: The aeration system should be designed to provide adequate oxygen transfer and
mixing throughout the reactor, while minimizing energy consumption and maintenance
requirements.

• Effluent quality: The effluent quality should be designed to meet the desired regulatory or
performance criteria, such as BOD, COD, TSS, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal.

• Solids handling: The solids handling system should be designed to handle the excess
biomass produced in the process, including sludge wasting, thickening, dewatering, and
disposal.

• Process control: The process control system should be designed to monitor and control key
parameters, such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and MLSS, to ensure optimal treatment
performance.
• Loading Rate in Activated Sludge Process (ASP)

• Loading rate is the amount of organic matter (BOD or COD) introduced into the aeration
tank of the ASP per unit of time per day per cubic meter of aeration tank volume.

• Low loading rates can lead to poor treatment efficiency, while high loading rates can cause
excess sludge and the formation of foam and scum.

• A loading rate of 0.2-0.4 kg BOD/m3/day is recommended for domestic wastewater

treatment, while 0.4-0.8 kg BOD/m3/day may be appropriate for industrial wastewater
treatment.

• It is important to monitor BOD/COD concentrations of influent and effluent wastewater, as

well as MLSS and MLVSS concentrations in the aeration tank, to adjust the loading rate for
optimal treatment efficiency.
• The loading rate for an Activated Sludge Process (ASP) can be calculated using the
following formula:

• Loading rate = (Q × BOD concentration) / (V × MLVSS)

• where:
• Q = flow rate of wastewater (m3/day)
• BOD concentration = concentration of BOD in the wastewater (mg/L)
• V = volume of the aeration tank (m3)
• MLVSS = mixed liquor volatile suspended solids concentration (mg/L)

• It is important to note that the loading rate is just one of several key variables that
should be considered in the design and operation of an ASP. Other factors, such as the
hydraulic retention time (HRT), sludge retention time (SRT), and oxygen transfer rate,
are also important and should be carefully balanced to ensure efficient and effective
treatment of wastewater.
• Design Criteria
• Typical values of loading parameters for various activated sludge process
• key engineering considerations for ASP systems include:

• Material selection: The materials used for the construction of the ASP tank and other
components should be resistant to corrosion, chemical attack, and other factors that could
cause deterioration over time.

• Aeration system design: Aeration is critical to the biological treatment process in ASP
systems. The aeration system should be designed to provide sufficient oxygen and mixing for
the microorganisms to thrive and the wastewater to be treated effectively. The aeration
system must also be energy-efficient and easy to maintain.

• Control system design: The control system for the ASP system should be designed to provide
accurate and reliable monitoring and control of the treatment process. The control system
must be capable of tracking the wastewater flow rate, dissolved oxygen levels, and other key
parameters that affect treatment performance.
• Sludge handling: An ASP system produces sludge during the treatment process, which must
be removed from the tank. The system should be designed to handle the sludge produced
during each treatment cycle, and the sludge handling system should be integrated with the
overall design.

• Instrumentation and automation: An ASP system can benefit from the use of instrumentation
and automation technologies to improve the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of the
treatment process. Examples of such technologies include sensors, programmable logic
controllers (PLCs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).

• Energy efficiency: The ASP system should be designed to be as energy-efficient as possible.

This can be achieved through the use of energy-efficient components such as variable
frequency drives (VFDs) and high-efficiency motors.

• Maintenance and repair: The ASP system should be designed to facilitate maintenance and
repair. This includes providing easy access to the various components of the system, as well
as designing the system to be easily disassembled and reassembled if necessary.
• Activated Sludge Process advantages
• High treatment efficiency: The ASP is a highly effective treatment process that can remove a
wide range of pollutants, including organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

• Flexibility: The ASP can be adapted to treat a variety of wastewater streams, including
municipal and industrial wastewaters, and it can be used for both small-scale and large-scale
treatment systems.

• Reduced sludge production: The ASP can be optimized to produce less sludge than other
treatment processes, which can reduce disposal costs and minimize the environmental impact
of sludge disposal.

• Robustness: The ASP is a robust treatment process that can handle variations in wastewater
quality and flow rates, making it well-suited to sites with variable wastewater loads.
• Activated Sludge Process disadvantages

• Energy consumption: The ASP requires aeration to supply oxygen to the microorganisms, and this can
be energy-intensive, particularly in larger treatment plants.

• Space requirements: The ASP can be space-intensive, particularly for larger treatment systems, which
can be a limitation for sites with limited available space.

• Sensitivity to toxic substances: The microorganisms in the ASP are sensitive to toxic substances,
which can inhibit the treatment process and reduce treatment efficiency.

• Risk of sludge bulking and foaming: The ASP can be susceptible to sludge bulking and foaming,
which can reduce treatment efficiency and require additional process control measures.

• Nutrient removal limitations: While the ASP can be effective for removing organic matter, it may
require additional treatment processes to achieve optimal nutrient removal, particularly for nitrogen
and phosphorus.

• Maintenance requirements: The ASP requires ongoing maintenance to ensure optimal treatment
efficiency, which can be labor-intensive and require specialized expertise.
Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR)
• The Sequential Batch Reactor is a fill and draws an activated sludge system for wastewater
treatment.

• Equalization, Aeration, and Clarification all can be achieved using a single batch reactor.
SBR system is successful for large industrial effluents.

• The SBR eliminates the need for a secondary clarifier. Although SBR has shown more
maintenance in operation, but it shows higher efficiency and less area requirement for the
ETP.
• The SBR system follows a sequence of treatment cycles that include five stages:
• Filling - The wastewater is introduced into the tank.

• Reacting - During this stage, microorganisms in the tank break down and consume the
organic matter in the wastewater. The tank is aerated to maintain a high level of dissolved
oxygen to support the microbial activity.

• Settling - After the reacting stage, the wastewater is allowed to settle, and the solid particles
settle to the bottom of the tank, forming a sludge layer.

• Decanting - Once the wastewater has settled, the clear water at the top of the tank is drained
or decanted, leaving the sludge layer behind.

• Idle - After decanting, the tank remains empty for a period of time before the next filling
cycle begins. During this period, any remaining solids in the tank continue to undergo
biological treatment.
• Design considerations for SBR systems include:

• Tank size: The tank size for an SBR system is determined by the wastewater flow rate and
the desired treatment capacity. The tank should be large enough to accommodate the peak
wastewater flow and have sufficient volume to allow for a complete treatment cycle.

• Aeration system: Aeration is a crucial factor in an SBR system as it provides oxygen to the
microorganisms for aerobic biological treatment. The aeration system should be designed to
provide sufficient oxygen and mixing for the microorganisms to thrive and the wastewater to
be treated effectively.

• Sludge handling: An SBR system produces sludge during the treatment process, which must
be removed from the tank. The system should be designed to handle the sludge produced
during each treatment cycle, and the sludge handling system should be integrated with the
overall design.
• Engineering considerations for SBR systems include:

• Material selection: The materials used for the construction of the SBR tank and other
components should be resistant to corrosion, chemical attack, and other factors that could
cause deterioration over time.

• Structural design: The SBR tank must be designed to withstand the forces and stresses
generated during the filling, reacting, settling, and decanting stages of the treatment cycle.
The structural design must also account for external factors such as wind and seismic loads.

• Aeration system design: The aeration system is critical to the biological treatment process in
SBR systems. The system should be designed to provide sufficient oxygen and mixing for the
microorganisms to thrive and the wastewater to be treated effectively. The aeration system
must also be energy-efficient and easy to maintain.
• Control system design: The control system for the SBR system should be designed to
provide accurate and reliable monitoring and control of the treatment process. The control
system must be capable of tracking the wastewater flow rate, dissolved oxygen levels, and
other key parameters that affect treatment performance.

• Instrumentation and automation: An SBR system can benefit from the use of
instrumentation and automation technologies to improve the accuracy, reliability, and
efficiency of the treatment process. Examples of such technologies include sensors,
programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).

• Energy efficiency: The SBR system should be designed to be as energy-efficient as possible.

This can be achieved through the use of energy-efficient components such as variable
frequency drives (VFDs) and high-efficiency motors.

• Maintenance and repair: The SBR system should be designed to facilitate maintenance and
repair. This includes providing easy access to the various components of the system, as well
as designing the system to be easily disassembled and reassembled if necessary.
References
• Water and Wastewater Engineering: Design Principles and Practice by
Mackenzie L. Davis. Publisher: McGraw Hill

• Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Reuse by Metcalf & Eddy. Publisher:

McGraw Hill Education

• Water Treatment: Principles and Design by Crittenden et al., Publisher: Wiley

• Unit Operations and Processes in Environmental Engineering by Reynolds and

Richards. Publisher: CL Engineering

• CPHEEO Manual