Browsing by Author "Hoehn, Robert C."
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- Adsorption kinetics for the removal of soluble manganese by oxide- coated filter mediaHungate, Robert W. (Virginia Tech, 1988-12-05)This study was conducted to examine the kinetics of manganese sorption on oxide-coated filter media. Initial experimentation confirmed the findings of other investigators, the Mn²⁺ sorption capacity of oxide-coated media increases as solution pH increases. Further study revealed that uptake rate kinetics could be described by first order kinetics and also increased with increasing solution pH. The addition of free chlorine (HOCl) to solution greatly enhanced Mn²⁺ uptake rate kinetics. Later studies indicated that the oxide coating had very little impact on the physical properties of the media tested. Actual data from a water treatment plant filter confirmed laboratory experimental results by showing that sorption of soluble manganese does indeed occur on oxide-coated filters. The water treatment plant data also suggested that the sorption kinetics were relatively rapid, again upholding laboratory findings. Results from the manganese kinetics and sorption experiments were combined to formulate a theoretical model which would predict manganese breakthrough in a filter, given a known set of loading parameters. Preliminary use of the model indicated that oxide-coated filters could sorb significant quantities of soluble manganese before detectible levels of manganese appear in the effluent.
- Air quality at an electric-arc steel manufacturing plantOwen, Bruce William (Virginia Tech, 1975-06-03)An extended air sampling program was conducted at an electric-arc secondary steel manufacturing facility using the HI-VOLUME Sampler reference method for suspended particulates. A wind recording device was installed at the facility to provide a continuous record of wind data for correlation with the particulate concentrations collected. Weather data obtained from the National Weather Service were also used. A relationship between wind direction and speed with the levels of particulate matter collected was found indicating areas of significant pollution sources. Wind-pollution roses were constructed showing the frequency distribution of the wind during periods when particulate concentrations were above and below the national ambient air standards. These roses were compared with the atmospheric stability classes for each of those periods. Log-probability plots were constructed for each sampling point and an exponential relationship was found between mean concentrations at each sampler and each sampler's distance from the source. Using this relationship, an estimated emission rate for the facility was calculated. A background level for the area in the vicinity of the facility was found. Some conclusions were that the mean level of concentration decreased exponentially with distance from the source and that the estimated emission rate for the facility was below the maximum allowable by the State Air Pollution Control Board. It was also concluded that, in long term sampling, wind characteristics showed a positive relationship with particulate concentrations. The most significant conclusion was that the emission activity at the steel facility had minimal effect on a sampler located 1,000 yards away.
- Bacterial extracellular polymers and flocculation of activated sludgesKajornatiyudh, Sittiporn (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1986)The extracellular polymers produced by bacteria play an important role in bacterial aggregation or bacterial flocculation in secondary waste treatment. The mechanisms responsible for this floc formation are thought to be polymer induced adsorption and interparticle bridging among bacterial cells or between bacterial cells and inorganic colloids. The efficiency of the processes following flocculation in the treatment line such as sedimentation, sludge thickening, and sludge dewatering depends on the extent of this bacterial flocculation. In this research, sludge samples from under various substrate conditions were examined for type, molecular weight, physical characteristics„ and quantity of extracellular polymers so that the general characteristics of the various polymers could be established. An attempt was made to determine if a relationship exists between the state of bacterial aggregation and the polymer characteristics. This research also investigated the sludge physical properties. The effect of various parameters such as pH, divalent cation (mixture and concentration), and mixing (period and intensity) on dewatering properties were studied. A major goal of this study was to develop a flocculation model for activated sludge. This model could be used to determine if plants can increase the efficiency of waste treatment and sludge thickening and sludge dewatering processes.
- Biodegradation of methanol and tertiary butyl alcohol in previously uncontaminated subsurface systemsGoldsmith, Charles Douglas (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1985)The objective of this study was to determine the potential for biodegradation in subsurface soils and groundwater from sites in Williamsport, PA, Wayland, NY, and Dumfries, VA. These subsurface systems were characterized both physically, chemically and biologically. Bacterial populations were substantial in all systems and ranged from 10³ to 10⁸ colony forming units per gram. Soil sampling was done in a quality-controlled aseptic manner using conventional drilling end sampling equipment. A matrix of test-tube microcosms was used to determine biodegradation rates of methanol and t-butyl alcohol at concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 mg/L. Methanol degraded readily at all sites ranging from 0.8 mg/L/day to 20.4 mg/L/day and rates were generally greater in the saturated zone. TBA biodegraded at all sites, but was refractory in nature. Biodegradation rates for TBA in anaerobic subsurface systems were found to increase directly with initial concentration from 10⁻⁴ mg/L/day for 1 mg/L to 10⁻¹ mg/L/day for 80 mg/L. TBA biodegradation in the aerobic system was essentially constant over all concentrations. Biokinetic coefficients were determined for methanol and TBA at each site based on plots of utilization rates versus substrate concentration and reciprocal plots of these values. The K values found suggest that aerobic subsurface systems can utilize alcohols at a greater rate than anoxic subsurface systems and can be used for comparative purposes. The Ks of anoxic subsurface systems were found to be large due to the low temperature (10°C) found in aquifers. The results indicate that methanol contamination in groundwater has much less associated risk to drinking water supplies due to the ease of biodegradation. However, TBA poses a much greater risk due to the very slow removal rates at low concentrations, which could result in a residual level for over a decade in some cases.
- The biodegradation of valeric, butyric, propionic and acetic acids in anoxic, subsurface, soil environmentsSandberg, Scott A. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988)The biodegradation potential of two subsurface soils was characterized by monitoring the biodegradation of short-chain fatty acids in anaerobic soil microcosms. Valerate, butyrate, propionate, and acetate concentrations were monitored independently using separate microcosms. The effect of sulfate on the microbial communities was also investigated. One soil, from Newport News, Virginia, consisted of a sandy loam collected beneath a low lying, grassy field. The microcosms containing the soil were characterized by: a neutral pH, the utilization of sulfate with concomitant precipitation of iron sulfide , an increase in the degradation rate as a result of sulfate addition, and a production of bicarbonate directly related to acid mineralization. Another soil, from Blacksburg, Virginia, consisted of a silty-clay collected beneath a wooded hilltop. Microcosms containing the soil were characterized by : a pH between 4 and 5, little sulfate utilization with no visible iron sulfide precipitation, an increase in degradation rates upon the addition of sulfate, and little or no accumulation of bicarbonate. These results indicate that short-chain fatty acids are readily degraded in subsurface anaerobic soil systems and that these rates are dependent on the availability of electron acceptors and the diversity of the indigenous population.
- Biological and chemical monitoring of three streams in the area of Blacksburg, VirginiaHayles, Virginia Mosby (Virginia Tech, 1973-03-15)This study compares the sensitivity of biological and chemical parameters for monitoring water quality, examines several methods of analyzing diversity of the aquatic organisms and attempts to assess water quality in the three streams investigated. The Cairns-Dickson DIT diversity index was applied to two trophic levels of aquatic organisms and the results were compared to ascertain whether this diversity index is applicable to all levels of the trophic\structure or of greater use for a particular level. Two diversity indices, Cairns-Dickson DIT and Wilhm-Dorris d̅, were used to analyze the same component of the biological community and the results of these two indices were compared. A correlation test was performed among chemical and biological data and among chemical parameters.
- Biological Treatment of a Synthetic Dye Water and an Industrial Textile Wastewater Containing Azo Dye CompoundsWallace, Trevor Haig (Virginia Tech, 2001-07-16)In this research, the ability of anaerobic and aerobic biological sludges to reduce and stabilize azo dye compounds was studied. Synthetic dye solutions and an industrial textile wastewater were both treated using anaerobic and aerobic biomass, separately and in sequential step-treatment processes. The primary objective was to reduce the wastewater color to an intensity that complies with the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit level. This level is set at 300 American Dye Manufactures Institute (ADMI) units. Further objectives were to achieve reductions in the total kjehdal nitrogen (TKN) and total organic carbon (TOC) in the wastewater. Anaerobic and aerobic treatment systems were both effective in reducing the wastewater color; however, anaerobic treatment generally produced the greatest color removal. Anaerobic/aerobic (ANA/AER) sequential step-treatment provided the best reductions in ADMI color, TKN and TOC. Anaerobic/aerobic/anaerobic/aerobic (ANA/AER/ANA/AER) sequential step-treatment did not yield greater reductions in ADMI color, TKN, or TOC as compared to ANA/AER sequential step-treatment.
- Chemical Identification and Flavor Profile Analysis of Iodinated Phenols Produced From Disinfection of Spacecraft Drinking WaterMirlohi, Susan (Virginia Tech, 1997-12-05)The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is considering the use of iodine for disinfection of recycled wastewater and potable water in the International Space Station (ISS). Like Chlorine and other halogen compounds, iodine can form disinfection by-products (DBPs) in the presence of organic compounds. Recycled wastewater sources proposed for reuse in the space station include laundry, urine, and humidity condensate. These contain large concentrations of iodine-demanding compounds, including phenol (Barkely et al., 1992). Therefore, the potential for the formation of iodine disinfection by-products (IDBPs) is of concern. Based on the characteristics of the ISS recycled wastewater sources and potable water treatment system, a series of experiments was designed to evaluate the formation of IDBPs under different experimental conditions. Studies were conducted by reacting various concentrations of iodine with phenol at pH 5.5 and 8.0.Iodine concentrations of 10 and 50 mg/L and phenol concentrations of 5 and 50 mg/L were used. Reactions were monitored for up to 32 days for the formation of IDBPs. All reactions were maintained at 20 C in dark. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) were used for identification and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds. Spectrophotometry was used to monitor the iodine concentrations. Falvor Profile analysis (FPA) method was used to evaluate the odor characteristics of the phenolic compounds. Reactions of iodine with phenol resulted in the formation of the following by-products: 2-iodophenol, 4-iodophenol, diiodophenols, and 2,4,6-triiodophenol. Most reaction conditions studied resulted in the formation of all or some of the specified iodophenols. The initial mass ratio of iodine to phenol was the major determining factor in the concentrations and types of by-products formed. The IDBPs were formed within one hour after initiation of the reactions. Extended reaction times did not lead to significant increases in the concentration of IDBPs. Under most reaction conditions, mono-subsituted phenols were detected at significantly higher concentrations than di-substituted phenolic compounds; triiodophenol was the major by-product when iodine:phenol mass ratio was 10:1. The greatest number of IDBPs were formed when reaction solutions consisted of 1:1 mass ratio of iodine to phenol. FPA panel indicated the odor threshold concentrations for phenol, 2-iodophenol, and 4-iodophenol were 5 mg/L, less than 1 ug/L, and 1 mg/L respectively. The most common odor descriptions for all these compounds were "chemical", "phenolic", and "medicinal".
- Chemical Identification and Organoleptic Evaluation of Iodine and Iodinated Disinfection By-Products Associated with Treated Spacecraft Drinking WaterDodd, Jennifer Peters (Virginia Tech, 1997-02-11)Aboard the International Space Station, potable water will likely be produced from recycled wastewater. The National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) plans to use iodine as a disinfectant, and, consequently, the formation of iodinated disinfection by-products (IDBPs) requires investigation. Objectives of this research were to determine possible precursors of IDBPs, identify IDBPs formed, and apply flavor profile analysis (FPA) as a tool to evaluate water qaulity. Experiments were performed by separately reacting iodine with each of the following organic compounds: methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, acetone, and formaldehyde. NASA previously identified all of these compounds in wastewater sources under consideration for recycling into potable water. Experiments were performed at pH 5.5 and 8, iodine concentrations of 10 and 50 mg/L, and organic concentrations of 5 and 50 mg/L. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to identify and monitor the concentrations of organic species. Spectrophotometry was used to monitor the iodine concentration. Acetone was the only compound identified as an IDBP precursor and it reacted to produce iodoacetone and iodoform. Concentrations of iodoform from 0.34 mg/L to 8.637 mg/L were produced at conditions that included each pH level, iodine concentration, and acetone concentration. The greatest iodoform concentration was produced at pH 8 from 50 mg/L of iodine and acetone. FPA indicated that the odor threshold concentration (OTC) of iodoform was 1.5 ug/L, and the OTC of iodine was 500 ug/L. Both iodine and iodoform have medicinal odors, making it difficult to distinguish each compound when present in a mixture.
- Chlorine dioxide and by-products in water distribution systemsFerreira, Francisco Cardoso (Virginia Tech, 1991-12-04)Chlorine dioxide is used as both a pre-oxidant and/or a post-disinfectant in several water treatment plants in the United States. Chlorine dioxide is associated with its byproducts chlorite and chlorate. Chlorine dioxide, chlorine, chlorite and chlorate were sampled in four distribution systems where chlorine dioxide is used for disinfection purposes: Charleston, WV, Columbus, GA, New Castle, PA, and Skagit, WA. The fate of chlorine dioxide and its by-products in distribution systems is discussed. A constituent transport model (TRAK) was applied to New Castle, PA distribution systems to assess times of travel. No relationship was found between the concentrations of chlorine, chlorine dioxide, chlorite and chlorate and the computed travel times. Water treatment plant and distribution system data received from Galveston, TX where the use chlorine dioxide has being tested is analyzed and discussed. Median chlorine dioxide concentrations are relatively constant in distribution systems with a value of approximately 0.2 mg/L; however, chlorine dioxide dosages applied at the treatment plant can induce different concentrations in the distribution system. Median chlorite concentrations in distribution systems range from 0.5 to 0.8 mg/L while median chlorate concentrations are generally lower in a range between 0.1 to 0.3 mg/L. The effects of distribution systems skeletonization in constituent transport modeling are also presented. Skeletonization does not affect significantly computed times of travel when the median percentage of constituent has to be detected. However, depending on the layout of each distribution system, small variations can be observed.
- Chlorine dioxide by-products in drinking water and their control by powdered activated carbonGrabeel, Margaret N. (Virginia Tech, 1992-05-05)The concentrations of chlorine dioxide (CI02), chlorine, chlorite (CIO2), and chlorate (CI03) were evaluated following pretreatment of raw water by CI02 at water treatment plants in New Castle, Pennsylvania; Charleston, West Virginia; Skagit, Washington; and Columbus, Georgia. Chlorite and chlorate concentrations were unaffected by any of the water treatment processes and did not vary as a function of time of travel in the distribution system. Chlorine dioxide, which was analyzed on-site at two water treatment plants, reformed in the clear well and in the distribution system following post chlorination. The chlorite-removal capability of powdered activated carbon (PAC) was evaluated in both laboratory- and pilot-scale studies. Chlorite removal by PAC in laboratory studies decreased with increasing pH over a range from pH 5.5 to 7.5 and varied with the type of PAC. Chlorite was reduced to chloride at pHs ranging from 5.5 to 7.5, but CI03- formed at the pH 5.5 through 6.0. The pilot plant study; which was conducted at Newport News, Virginia; evaluated CI02 removal by PAC enmeshed in a floc blanket in a pulsed-bed, solids-contact clarifier. An average of 27 percent of the CI02 was removed when the PAC dose was 10 mg/L PAC and 57 percent when it was 20 mg/L PAC. Chlorate was not removed by PAC, but the concentrations could be reduced if the CIOz generator was properly operated.
- Comparative Analytical Methods for the Measurment of Chlorine DioxideDesai, Unmesh Jeetendra (Virginia Tech, 2002-06-10)Four commercially available methods used for the analysis of low-level Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2) concentrations in drinking water were evaluated for accuracy and precision and ranked according to cost, efficiency and ease of the methods under several conditions that might be encountered at water treatment plants. The different analytical methods included: 1.The DPD (N, N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine) method 2.Lissamine Green B (LGB) wet-chemical method 3.Palintest® kit LGB 4.Amperometric titration All these tests were performed with standard 1.0 mg/L ClO2 either alone or in the presence of different chlorine species, including chlorite ion (ClO2-, 0.5 mg/L), chlorate ion (ClO3-, 0.5 mg/L) and chlorine (Cl2, 1.0 mg/L). The tests were performed with four different matrices, with different concentrations of 0.1 mg/L ClO2, 0.5 mg/L ClO2 and 1.0 mg/L ClO2 at a constant temperature of 20oC and at different temperatures of 0oC, 10oC and 20oC at a fixed ClO2 concentration of 1.0 mg/L. None of the four methods produced the desired level of either accuracy or precision. For all four methods, interference to the measured ClO2 concentration from the addition of ClO2-, ClO3-, and Cl2 was minimal when the methods were performed according to specifications. The Palintest® was the best all-round method because it was easy to perform, performed well at all concentrations tested, and its colored product was stable. The HACH® DPD method was also easy to perform and gave the best results when measuring concentrations of 1.0 mg/L ClO2. The DPD method was less accurate than the Palintest® at lower concentrations. The DPD colored product that formed upon reaction of ClO2 and DPD was unstable, making it necessary to measure the intensity of the colored product at exactly 1 minute. The amperometric titration and lissamine green methods were more cumbersome and time-consuming to perform than either the DPD or Palintest® methods; for this reason they are less desirable for routine use.
- A comparative study of freeze-thaw processes for conditioning wastewater and water treatment sludgesTrahern, Patti Gremillion (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1989)This research effort involved the application of indirect- and direct-contact, freeze-thaw conditioning techniques for improving the dewatering characteristics of both wastewater and water treatment sludges. Sludges tested included waste activated sludge, primary sewage sludge, waste activated/primary sewage sludge mixtures and alum sludge. The direct-freeze methods examined were the use of a secondary refrigerant (butane) evaporated in the sludge and the use of gas hydrate or clathrate formation by addition of Freon 12 under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions. Sludges were also frozen solid using indirect freezing methods, thawed and tested for comparative purposes. Particle size distribution and floc density measurements were used to determine changes in particle characteristics; specific resistance values and dewatered dry solids concentration were used to assess dewatering characteristics. Results of direct- and indirect-contact, freeze-thaw conditioning were compared to the effects of polymer conditioning. The results indicated that direct-freeze methods do not appear technically or economically competitive with currently accepted conditioning methods. The superior results obtained with the indirect-contact, freeze-thaw process when compared to the direct-contact processes suggested that the extent and rate of freezing may greatly influence the particle characteristics of the conditioned sludge, and thus its dewatering characteristics.
- A comparison of subsurface biodegradation rates of methanol and tertiary butanol in contaminated and uncontaminated sitesWhite, Kevin D. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1986)The use of alcohols as inexpensive octane enhancers in gasoline has contributed to an increased concern about the potential contamination of groundwater. Being highly soluble in water, alcohols may easily separate from other, more insoluble gasoline components, and rapidly enter the groundwater flow system. The alcohols are relatively tasteless and odorless, and thus, may go undetected until potentially harmful concentrations are reached. This study was designed to determine the potential for alcohol biodegradation in a groundwater system that had been previously contaminated with gasoline containing tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA). Laboratory microcosms, utilizing actual aquifer material and groundwater, were constructed to determine the rate of alcohol biodegradation in a system closely resembling the subsurface environment. The only microorganisms used were those naturally present in subsurface soil obtained aseptically. Bacterial counts and degradation kinetics were evaluated at each of three subsurface depths (10, 26, and 45 feet) and results were compared to similar studies utilizing uncontaminated aquifer material. Significant bacterial populations were found to exist at all depths studied in the contaminated subsurface system. Bacterial plate counts ranged from 10 6 to 10 7 colony forming units per gram of soil (dry weight). Methanol was found to be a readily degradable substrate. Complete degradation of up to 1000 mg/L was degraded in a matter of months. The biodegradation of methanol in the contaminated system was similar to that observed at pristine sites, indicating that a similar degradation mechanism is involved. TBA biodegradation in the contaminated system occurred and was accompanied by microbial growth. Complete TBA degradation of up to 100 mg/L occurred in less than one year. In contrast, TBA biodegradation in the uncontaminated systems occurred at a very slow rate, which appeared to be constant over time, and thus zero order. However, the zero order rate was found to vary directly with initial substrate concentration. Several mechanisms may explain TBA biodegradation, including the presence of a non-specific exocellular enzyme system. Such a system would describe observed results and suggest that a widespread potential exists for the degradation of a large number of organic compounds.
- Densities of indicator bacteria in urban and rural runoffCox, James Warren (Virginia Tech, 1974-08-05)This study was designed to investigate the indicator bacterial densities in runoff from urban and rural sources and to compare these densities with the densities in both raw and secondary-treated, unchlorinated sewage effluents. Analysis was performed on a total of 42 samples, 22 of which were taken at the urban and the rural sites and correlated with storm flow. The remaining 20 samples were taken, 5 at each of the 4 sites, in order to establish respective baseline densities for total coliform, fecal coliform, and fecal streptococcus. Results indicated that mean values for total coliforms and fecal coliforms during dry flow were within Virginia State standards for urban runoff, but exceeded those two standards 100 percent and 91.9 percent of the time, respectively, during storm flow conditions. Mean values for total coliforms and fecal coliforms during dry flow at the rural site exceeded Virginia State standards 100 percent and 75 percent of the time, respectively. During storm flow the standards for both of these indicators were exceeded 100 percent of the time. It was also determined that the increase in densities typically lagged behind flow increases and maintained this lag while returning to baseline values. Finally, the FC/FS ratio as originally proposed by Geldreich was statistically supported as being valid for use in the identification of fecal pollution sources. Individual ratios were less than 0.7 at the urban watershed for 80% of the dry flow samples and 64.6 percent of the storm flow samples. For the rural site, FC/FS ratios were less than 0.7 for 25 percent of the dry flow samples and 81.8 percent of the wet flow samples. Samples of raw and secondary treated sewage exhibited ratios above 4.0, 40 percent, and 25 percent of the time respectively.
- Destruction of algae-produced taste-and-odor compounds by chlorine, potassium permanganate, and chlorine dioxideDufresne, Laura C. (Virginia Tech, 1994-09-05)Most taste-and-odor problems in the United States are caused by algal blooms in rivers and reservoirs. In the past, most of the attention has been focused on the formation of geosmin and MIB by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which cause earthy and musty odors, respectively. Little work has been performed, however, on equally obnoxious odors caused by other golden-brown and yellow-brown algae which are responsible for fishy, grassy, floral, and melon odors. Additionally, the production of odorous compounds can occur upon oxidation of a nonodorous parent compound. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of three oxidants - chlorine, potassium permanganate, and chlorine dioxide - on solutions of pure odorous as well as nonodorous compounds and algal extracts containing a mixture of odor-related compounds. Oxidant dosages used were in the ranges expected during water treatment. Rashash (1994) identified several odor-causing compounds in pure cultures of golden-brown, yellow-brown, green, and blue-green algae. The compounds selected for oxidation during this study were isolated by Rashash (1994) and are as follows: isovaleric acid (rancid, dirty socks), β-cyclocitral (tobacco, grape), phenethyl alcohol (roses), myristic acid (odorless), palmitic acid (odorless), linoleic acid (odorless), and linolenic acid (watermelon). All seven compounds were oxidized and evaluated by a trained flavor panel for sensory analysis. Because the three oxidants used in this study produced substantial changes in the odors of linoleic acid and linolenic acid, test solutions buffered to a pH of 7 of linoleic acid and linolenic acid were further evaluated by Flavor Profile Analysis (FPA) for sensory determination and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) for quantitative measurement of odorous compounds. Volatile compounds produced by Synura petersenii (fishy/cucumber) were also analyzed and evaluated. When linoleic acid (odorless) was treated with potassium permanganate (0.25 mg/L, 1.0 mg/L, and 1.5 mg/L) and chlorine dioxide (1.0 mg/L and 2.0 mg/L), a grassy odor was produced at an FPA intensity of 2-4 (weak). The compound causing this odor was confidently identified from GC/MS analysis as n-hexanal. The compound 2,4-decadienal, which exhibits a frying odor, was also identified in oxidized samples and could contribute to off-odors. Chlorine dioxide and potassium permanganate at the same doses were also effective in eliminating watermelon odors in linolenic samples. Flavor Profile Analysis of samples treated with chlorine was inconclusive since chlorine and acetone, which was used as an organic solvent, produce an alcohol odor at an FPA intensity of approximately 2 (weak) which masked other odors present. Flavor Profile Analysis of oxidized Synura extracts indicated that the fishy odor was destroyed and cucumber or grassy odors were unmasked. Potassium permanganate at a concentration of 0.25 mg/L was effective in eliminating all odors in Synura culture samples. Chlorine and chlorine dioxide at concentrations of 2.0 mg/L and 3.0 mg/L, respectively, eliminated the fishy odor in Synura samples. In both cases, however, vegetation or grassy odors were detected at an FPA intensity of less than 2 (very weak).
- Development and application of techniques for evaluating the success of local groundwater protection programsFacciolo, Mary T. (Virginia Tech, 1994-09-06)The existence of comprehensive groundwater protection programs on the federal, state, and local levels was investigated. Because of the unique characteristics of aquifers and contamination sources, local groundwater protection programs were found to be the most comprehensive; however, it was discovered that no universally accepted method existed to measure their effectiveness. An evaluation method was developed to determine local groundwater protection program effectiveness, and the method was applied in two case studies, one urban and one rural. The urban program, developed in Dayton, Ohio, was found to be a comprehensive and effectively implemented program; the rural program, developed in Clarke County, Virginia, was found to be a comprehensive program, but lacked full implementation. The experience gained in the case studies was used to revise the format of the evaluation method, and draw conclusions concerning the usefulness of the method. A description of the evaluation method, the case studies, and all related data collection are included.
- Development of a test system for screening toxic substances: a comparison using organic substancesThomas, Carolyn L. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1985)The purpose of this research was to develop a test system for screening toxic substances by predicting their aquatic ecosystem effects. The system studied was a static, one liter microcosm with a diverse species assemblage. Teh microcosm was composed of biotic inoculum, chemically defined medium and sediment. The biotic inoculum cotained primary producers, grazers, carnivores and decomposers. The chemical medium used was Taub #82 modified by adding sodium bicarbonate. Three different types of sediment were studied: sand, clay and clay plus sand. Four organic chemicals: phenol, triethylene glycol (TEG), quinoline and naphtoquinone were evaluated with this test system. The toxicities of TEG, quinoline and naphthoquinone were compared for each sediment type. Toxicity was evluated in terms of the chemicals' effects on primary productivity and heterotrophic activity though other effects are also noted. The toxicity of the chemicals in this study was compared to those from other toxicological evaluations based on threshhold toxicity values (EC20 and LC50). The screening test sytem evaluated in this study did not demonstrate significanly different threshhold toxicity values than the other screening systems to which it was compared. The ranking of the toxicants based on EC20 values was different for the two ecosystem properties, net production and heterotrophic activity. Naphthoquinone concentration exhibited no correlation between ecosystems property values and therefore, could not be ranked. Phenol exhibited the greatest toxicity to net production immediately after the toxicant addition. Quinoline was most toxic to net production over the longer time scale. TEG exhibited the least toxicity to net production, however, TEG exhibited higher toxicity to heterotrophic activity than either quinoline or phenol. Although the type of sediment used in the nicrocosms did not change the relative toxicities of the chemicals, the microcosms with clay sediment always were observed to exhibit lower net production and higher variability. Nonparametric statistical analyses are recommended for microcosm studies because of the lack of normally distributed data. Confidence limits of 80% are recommended because of the need for biologically conservative estimates of ecosystem toxicity.
- The economic impacts of the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act amendmentsGaw, Christopher D. (Virginia Tech, 1991-12-05)During the early 1980s, concern over the poor quality of the nation's drinking water began to arise. Though the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) had been passed almost a decade earlier, many problems still existed. These problems included the inability of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate new drinking water standards and to enforce new and existing standards. To address the shortcomings of the original act, Congress passed the 1986 SDWA Amendments. This document attempts to accomplish two main goals. The first is to summarize selectively the requirements of the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments as reflected in proposed and finalized drinking water regulations. The areas of coverage include proposed regulations for eight inorganic and thirty synthetic organic chemical contaminants, the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), and the Total Coliform Rule (TCR). In order to facilitate an understanding of the SDWA and the 1986 Amendments, a sectional analysis was provided in an appendix. The second goal of this document is to assess the economic impact of this legislation upon Virginia water facilities. In this regard, the cost of water treatment technologies whose use will likely increase as a result of the legislation have been estimated, compiled, and documented. These technologies include granular activated carbon (GAC); reverse osmosis; ion exchange; and various aeration, filtration, and disinfection technologies. Several case studies that assess and highlight the direct impacts of the 1986 SDWA Amendments upon Virginia water facilities are presented.
- The Effect of Predisinfection with Chlorine Dioxide on the Formation of Haloacetic Acids and Trihalomethanes in a Drinking Water SupplyHarris, Charissa Larine (Virginia Tech, 2001-07-27)In an effort to maintain compliance with current and future United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations governing haloacetic acids (HAAs) and trihalomethanes (THMs), the Blacksburg, Christiansburg, VPI (BCVPI) Water Authority in Radford, Virginia elected to eliminate prechlorination and replace it with preoxidation using chlorine dioxide (ClO2). Prior to full-scale application at the BCVPI Water Treatment Plant, jar testing was done to determine the effects of ClO2 on the formation of HAAs and THMs. Jar testing results showed a significant reduction in THM formation potential when 2.0 mg/L ClO2 was applied to raw water and chlorination was delayed. Chlorine dioxide doses less than 2.0 mg/L were statistically insignificant in the reduction of THM formation potentials below samples that were prechlorinated according to the BCVPI Water Treatment Plant's current practice. Likewise, ClO2 did not alter HAA formation potentials in such a way that statistical differences could be detected between ClO2 pretreatment and prechlorination, even at a dose of 2.0 mg/L ClO2. The two inorganic byproducts of ClO2, chlorite and chlorate, were also measured following jar tests. Chlorite concentrations increased with an increased ClO2 dose, but remained below 1.0 mg/L. Chlorate was formed in all jar-test samples.