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Treatability study of a seafood-processing wastewater.
Richard O Mines1, Robert R Robertson
1Environmental Engineering, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia 31207, USA. mines_ro@mercer.edu
Summary
Seafood processing wastewater, high in nitrogen and solids, was effectively treated using a bench-scale modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) process. This study confirms the MLE system
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Biological Nutrient Removal
Background:
- Seafood processing wastewater presents unique treatment challenges due to high nitrogen and suspended solids concentrations.
- Effective treatment is crucial for environmental compliance and resource recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the treatability of seafood processing wastewater using a bench-scale modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) process.
- To determine key performance parameters and biokinetic coefficients for the MLE system treating this specific wastewater.
Main Methods:
- A 10 L/day bench-scale MLE system was operated for eight months.
- Influent and effluent parameters including COD, TSS, TKN, TN, and TP were monitored.
- Mean Cell Residence Time (MCRT) was the primary control parameter.
Main Results:
- The MLE process demonstrated effective biological treatment of seafood processing wastewater.
- Biokinetic coefficients determined include a yield coefficient (Y) of 0.42 mg TSS/mg COD and an endogenous decay coefficient (kd) of 0.22 days⁻¹.
- Observed specific nitrification and denitrification rates were 0.084 days⁻¹ and 0.051 days⁻¹, respectively.
Conclusions:
- The modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) process is a viable and effective method for the biological treatment of seafood processing wastewater.
- UV-Vis spectroscopy shows potential for characterizing the biological treatment process.