Settling regimen transitions quantify solid separation limitations through correlation with floc size and shape

This study monitored three different activated sludge systems from the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Plant for a 1 year period to explore the relationship between effluent quality and activated sludge settling and flocculation behavior. Hindered settling rates (ISV) and sludge volume index (SVI) measurements were collected weekly. Novel metrics based on the solids concentration at which the transition between settling regimens occurred were also collected weekly. The transitional metrics were Threshold of Flocculation (TOF), and Limit of Stokesian Settling (LOSS). They marked the transition from discreet to flocculant settling, and from flocculant to hindered settling, respectively. A pilot clarifier and settling column were run and filmed to determine floc morphological properties. SVI was found to lose sensitivity (r < 0.20) when characterizing ISV above a hindered settling rate of 3 m h^-1. ISV and LOSS had a strong correlation (r = 0.71), but ISV was subject to change, depending on the solids concentration. Two sludge matrix limitations influencing effluent quality were characterized by transition concentrations; pinpoint floc formation, and loose floc formation. Pinpoint flocs had TOF values above 400 mg TSS L^-1; loose floc formation sludge had TOF and LOSS values below 400 mg TSS L^-1 and 900 mg TSS L^-1, respectively. TOF was found to correlate with the particle size distribution while LOSS correlated to the settling velocity distribution. The use of both TOF and LOSS is a quick and effective way to characterize limitations effecting effluent quality.