Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
Sir Sandford Fleming College of Applied Arts and Technology
$25,000.00
Optimization of On-site Advanced Wastewater Treatment System to reduce nitrogen and organic pollutants
FY 2015-16
Summary
In rural areas with low population densities and/or without access to centralized sewer systems, wastewater is most often treated in close proximity to the source of its generation. Most residents in these areas depend on conventional onsite septic systems where 30 to 50 % of the wastewater treatment is performed in the septic tank and an additional 50 to 70 % is performed in the soil. In many cases, however, implementation of a conventional septic system is limited due to site (i.e. elevation) and soil type / conditions. Regulations around treatment and effluent requirements vary depending on where the effluent. Decentralized advanced wastewater treatment systems with integrated fixed film processes are a reliable solution in these circumstances due to their ability to effectively and efficiently treat wastewater.
This research project will focus on an innovative Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) system for residential and commercial applications. The AWT system is an onsite system that combines gas infusion into liquid technology with a fixed film process to reduce organic matter, suspended solids, and nitrogen from wastewater. The primary objective of this applied research project is to optimize the current design in terms of flow, media type and volume, and aeration for enhanced reduction of nitrogen and organic compounds while minimizing cost. In order to meet these objectives two AWT systems will be run in parallel, each one utilizing a different media source. In addition some system modifications (e.g. additional recirculation) may be required to improve the overall nitrogen removal efficiency. This optimization study will be performed over a 6 month study period to (1) evaluate the current system, (2) incorporate modifications as needed, (3) optimize and evaluate each of the modified systems for treatment capabilities. The results of this applied research will improve knowledge of the current system, enhance the product, and increase technical credibility.
Program
Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
Location
Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
491745-2015
Name nom
Wootton, Brent
Department département
Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment
Organization id
4915
Institution établissement
Sir Sandford Fleming College of Applied Arts and Technology
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2015
Competition year année de concours
2015
Award amount
25000
Program id
CARD1
Program name en
Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
Program name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement appliquée - niveau 1
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
1561
Committee name en
Applied Research and Development Grants
Committee name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement appliquée
Area of application code
902
Area of application group en
Commercial services
Area of application group fr
Services commerciaux
Area of application en
Waste, waste management and recycling
Area of application fr
Déchets, gestion des déchets et recyclage
Research subject code
1502
Research subject group en
Environmental engineering
Research subject group fr
Génie de l'environnement
Research subject en
Waste water treatment
Research subject fr
Traitement des eaux usées
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Optimization of On-site Advanced Wastewater Treatment System to reduce nitrogen and organic pollutants
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
In rural areas with low population densities and/or without access to centralized sewer systems, wastewater is most often treated in close proximity to the source of its generation. Most residents in these areas depend on conventional onsite septic systems where 30 to 50 % of the wastewater treatment is performed in the septic tank and an additional 50 to 70 % is performed in the soil. In many cases, however, implementation of a conventional septic system is limited due to site (i.e. elevation) and soil type / conditions. Regulations around treatment and effluent requirements vary depending on where the effluent. Decentralized advanced wastewater treatment systems with integrated fixed film processes are a reliable solution in these circumstances due to their ability to effectively and efficiently treat wastewater.
This research project will focus on an innovative Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) system for residential and commercial applications. The AWT system is an onsite system that combines gas infusion into liquid technology with a fixed film process to reduce organic matter, suspended solids, and nitrogen from wastewater. The primary objective of this applied research project is to optimize the current design in terms of flow, media type and volume, and aeration for enhanced reduction of nitrogen and organic compounds while minimizing cost. In order to meet these objectives two AWT systems will be run in parallel, each one utilizing a different media source. In addition some system modifications (e.g. additional recirculation) may be required to improve the overall nitrogen removal efficiency. This optimization study will be performed over a 6 month study period to (1) evaluate the current system, (2) incorporate modifications as needed, (3) optimize and evaluate each of the modified systems for treatment capabilities. The results of this applied research will improve knowledge of the current system, enhance the product, and increase technical credibility.
