VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "King, Paul H."

Browsing by Author "King, Paul H."

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Analysis of hydrologic systems
Chiang, Tsung-Ting (Virginia Tech, 1968-01-16)
It was found that the systems analysis technique is a useful tool for hydrologic systems and is not only applicable to artificial hydrologic systems but also to natural catchments. The general equation describing the relationship between surface runoff and rainfall excess of a hydrologic system is a second order nonlinear equation. The damping coefficient for hydrologic systems is approximately unity and the other parameters in the transfer function (Eq. 5-4) such as the time constant and the nonlinear parameter depend on basin characteristics and input intensity.
A comparison of oxygen utilization determination techniques for the activated sludge process
Stallard, Warren Michael (Virginia Tech, 1976-09-15)
Evaluation of the data from the series of batch experiments has led to the following conclusions: 1. Currently used methods of quantifying oxygen uptake rate, especially for batch reactors, yield values of oxygen utilization considerably lower than those predicted by mass balance considerations for these three wastes. In the face of Blok's published data indicating much better results with a short run reactor, it must be assumed that the length of run selected was at least partially responsible. 2. While quantitatively unsatisfactory, the methods for determining oxygen uptake used in these experiments seem to be of some use as monitors of biological systems. Changes in slope of the oxygen utilization curve were found to be more apparent at lower loadings.
Direct filtration of Virginia surface waters : feasibility and costs
McCormick, Richard F.; King, Paul H. (Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1980-11)
This research investigated the technical and economic feasibility of the direct filtration technique for treating high quality Virginia surface waters prior to domestic use. One of the flow schemes that was investigated eliminates the sedimentation basin while employing a full, conventional flocculation period. Another eliminates separate sedimentation and flocculation units altogether. Major variables that were assessed in terms of their effect on direct filtration performances included raw water characteristics such as turbidity, color# total dissolved solids, total hardness, algae count, and total coliform count; filter design variables such as type and size of media (two dual media filters and one trimedia were evaluated); and operating variables such as hydraulic loading rate and nature and dosage of applied coagulant. The most effective filtration scheme consisted of a three-minute rapid mix with alum and a cationic polymer as primary coagulants, followed by filtration at a 5 gallons per minute/sq ft loading rate through 20 inches of 1.3 mm effective size anthracite coal and 10 inches of 0.45 mm effective size silica sand. Color and algae concentrations had definite effects upon the direct filtration process. Results from the study show that raw waters with turbidities less than 10 NTU, color less than 15 APHA units, and algae concentrations less than about 1,000 colonies/ml should be excellent candidates for economical treatment by direct filtration.
The effect of bioxidation on the coagulation of dispersed color
Laing, Gary Thomas (Virginia Tech, 1967-08-15)
This thesis shows how the first plan of the Air War Plans Division (AWPD-l) became the most important document in the development of American strategic bombing doctrine in World War II. This plan was not only the first in the Air War Plans Division. but it was the first of its kind in the world. Beyond the history and importance of the plan itself, this study testifies to the success of a handful of dedicated airmen who believed in the power of a strong air force. General Henry H. Arnold deserves tribute for having had the wisdom and foresight to pick a former Air Corps Tactical School (ACTS) instructor to head the AWPD. Finally, the unofficial acceptance of AWPD-l was a triumph for the ACTS itself. Significantly, all four officers ultimately responsible for completing A WPD-l had been instructors at the ACTS.
Effectiveness of water treatment methods for removal of haloforms and their precursors
Goode, Robert Paul (Virginia Tech, 1977-03-05)
Using a simulated lake water containing humic acid, various combinations of water treatment processes were utilized to determine their effect on precursor removal and haloform removal subsequent to their formation. Laboratory tests t including temperature, pH, alkalinity, absorbance, and chlorine residual, were performed throughout the treatment process. Samples were collected and shipped to California Analytical Laboratory for volatile organic analysis. The results of this study supported those from past studies in that it showed humic .acid to be a precursor to volatile organics. The data indicated that effective precursor removal could be achieved by coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation, especially when followed by doses of activated carbon in the range of 30-50 mg/l. It was also observed that the chlorine concentration had more effect on the production of volatile organics than the humic acid concentration. The reaction between humic acid and chlorine was not instantaneous as haloform concentrations continued to increase for up to eight or more hours after chlorination. The data appear to show that the most effective treatment to insure minimum concentrations of haloforms in finished waters is precursor removal prior to chlorination. If the raw water is a surface water, then coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation, and possible powdered activated carbon treatment, should proceed chlorination. However, if prechlorination is necessary, chlorination should be rapidly succeeded by the routine water treatment processes which would insure reasonably low haloform levels in finished water.
The effects of nickel on the completely mixed activated sludge process
Sujarittanonta, Suthirak (Virginia Tech, 1979-04-05)
The purpose of this investigation was to conduct batch and continuous flow laboratory experiments with bench scale activated sludge units to determine the effects of nickel on the completely mixed activated sludge process. The model units were located in a constant temperature room maintained at 20±2°C. The batch reactors were operated under acclimated and shock loaded condition with various nickel concentration to determine its effects on the rate of COD removal. The continuous flow units were operated until steady state conditions were obtained at each mean cell residence time studied and then data were recorded for an approximate 7 days period and averaged to obtain one steady state data point. Nickel was added to the waste water at various concentration to determine its effects on COD removal efficiency, degree of nitrification and on the biokinetic constants Ymax and kd.
An evaluation of a modified membrane filter technique for the recovery of fecal coliforms exposed to selected heavy metals
Gayle, Benjamin P. (Virginia Tech, 1977-12-15)
A bench study was conducted to compare two membrane filter techniques for their efficiency in recovering fecal coliforms exposed to selected heavy metals. The effects on recovery by increasing time and metal concentration were also examined. The recovery methods employed included the standard membrane filter technique (S-MF) and a modified membrane filter technique (M-MF)~ which consisted of a lactose agar overlay and a five-hour preincubation at 35 C. The heavy metals Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn were examined, each at two concentrations, to evaluate their effect on the recovery of the I. coli test organism, after exposure for 6, 24, and 48 hours. A statistical analysis of the data found the recoveries obtained by the M-MF to be significantly greater (.0001 level) than those of the S-MF, in all cases. Time was also found to significantly effect recovery, with recoveries decreasing as time increased. A significant difference was also found between the effects of the heavy metals tested and the concentrations of metals was likewise found to significantly effect recovery, with decreased recoveries being obtained at the high concentration of each metal.
Evaluation of alternative pretreatment methods for use in direct filtration water treatment
Eberly, Harold Thomas (Virginia Tech, 1977-08-15)
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of alum alone, alum in conjunction with a polymeric coagulant aid, and a primary coagulant polymer in the coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation portion of a water treatment process and to study the implications of the results with respect to future use in direct filtration. The performance of the coagulant, coagulant aid, and primary coagulant polymer was evaluated by altering the flocculation and sedimentation retention times in the pretreatIDEnt process chain. Among the water quality parameters monitored were turbidity, pH, total alkalinity, total hardness, and total solids. A brief literature review for direct filtration and coagulation-flocculation theory was also conducted. The results of this investigation indicated that reduced retention times in the pretreatment process chain treated the selected raw waters sufficiently to enable consideration of direct filtration a viable treatment alternative. Analysis of data obtained indicated the use of polyelectrolyte as a primary coagulant or coagulant aid produced a pinpoint floc which is essential to successful utilization of direct filtration and that the floc formed settled more rapidly than floc from use of aluminum sulfate alone. The use of a polyelectrolyte as a primary coagulant or coagulant aid also reduced the chemical dosages required to provide appropriate turbidity removals.
Evaluation of parameters affecting the colloidal destabilization of spent vegetable tannin liquor
Barkley, William A. (Virginia Tech, 1970-08-05)
The overall objective of this investigation was to develop a chemical method for treating spent vegetable tannin liquor. Vegetable tannin wastes are plagued by a multitude of undesirable characteristics, principal of which is a color problem. Historically, chemical coagulation processes have been successful in reducing color associated with industrial wastes. The coagulants tested were aluminum sulfate and polyelectrolytes. In addition, the pH and the time interval between aluminum ion and polyelegtrolyte addition were studied. Considerable difficulty was encountered in obtaining a waste product of uniform characteristics over an extended period. This problem was solved by storing a large quantity of waste of typical properties at temperatures near zero degrees centigrade.
Ground water management in Virginia: a comparative evaluation of the institutional framework
Cox, William E. (Virginia Tech, 1976-03-05)
The general purpose of this study is the examination of the institutional framework for ground water management, with specific consideration given to Virginia as a case study. The following objectives are encompassed within the general goal of institutional evaluation: (1) identification of the physical determinants of institutional structure, (2) description of current management institutions in Virginia, (3) comparative evaluation of the Virginia institutional framework, and (4) development of institutional guidelines of general applicability and specific recommendations for Virginia. The principal physical characteristic of ground water that determines institutional requirements for management is the dependence of the resource on a broad range of natural processes and the resulting propensity toward a variety of externalities. These external effects exist among individual water uses and also involve a variety of land use practices, indicating the need for a management framework with the capability for integration of a broad scope of considerations. The oldest institutional framework for ground water decision-making consists of private rights that define the limits of individual action affecting the resource. Private rights are significant with regard to withdrawal of ground water, use of land that affects the resource, and use of aquifer storage space through artificial recharge operations. Development of rights in these areas has proceeded at varying rates among the states and has reached differing results, but private rights in general have been relatively ineffective in restraining excessive pumping and other activities adversely affecting the resource. The institutional framework for ground water management also encompasses a variety of statutory laws and programs involving all levels of government, Primary responsibilities of the federal government consist of quality protection and data collection. Developing federal planning procedures have a potentially significant impact on ground water management. In Virginia, state law establishes an administrative ground water allocation system for application within specially designated districts. The state also regulates a number of activities that threaten ground water quality and carries out a data collection and management program. The primary authority of the local level of government concerning ground water is land use control. The development of guidelines for improved ground water management institutions involves a variety of issues. One of the most basic consists of the dgree of governmental involvement and the division of responsibilities among the levels of government. Due to the traditional inability of private control measures to constrain ground water externalities and the need for mechanisms to provide for planning and other non-regulatory management functions, direct governmental involvement and control appear inevitable ag burdens placed on the resource increase, With regard to vesting of governmental authority, considerations of managerial capabilities and perspectives indicate that the state level of government should exercise primary authority. Other issues addressed in the general guidelines and the Virginia recommendations include the feasibility of an allocation program applicable solely to ground water, guidelines for determination of "beneficial use," scope of exemptions from controls, criteria for permit issuance, permit duration, and the scope and administrative structure of ground water quality protection programs.
An integrated modular watershed planning model applied to the Upper South River watershed, Waynesboro, Virginia
Steger, Charles W. (Virginia Tech, 1978-07-01)
The problems associated with urban development and its resultant effects on environmental quality present increasingly complex decisions for elected and technical officials. Current approaches to modeling often result in the development of models which are too complex to be understood and require such long time periods to be modified that by the time the model is operational the problem has changed. A modular modeling framework is proposed which considers land use, runoff, and water quality and connects these factors to a budgetary function. In addition, the modular configuration facilitates the process of modifying components of the model in response to a changing problem environment. In order to test the feasibility of the proposed modeling approach, the model is applied to the Upper South River watershed, Waynesboro, Virginia. The following three alternative development plans are evaluated: 1. To permit no additional population growth and preserve the area for agriculture and recreation. 2. To permit concentrated development in the form of two new communities each with a population of three thousand persons. 3. To increase the population by three thousands persons but to allow development to continue to follow the existing pattern of urban sprawl. The study concludes by stating that if zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans focus on consolidating development within the framework of existing water and sewer networks, the cost of providing the sewer network for Alternative 2 will be ten million dollars less than Alternative 3 for the same increase in population.
Observations and implications of sediment-water interactions in the Niagara impoundment of southwest Virginia
Grizzard, Thomas J. (Virginia Tech, 1977-10-05)
A program of in situ and laboratory studies was conducted to elucidate the role of the deposited sediments of the Niagara Reservoir in affecting the quality of the flow of the Roanoke River above the headwaters of Smith Mountain Lake. Agronomic analysis techniques were adapted and applied to provide quantitative analysis capability for the sediments. The superficial sediments were observed to constitute a considerable reservoir of nitrogen and phosphorus, which, during the anoxic bottom conditions occurring during the summer months, caused an enhancement of concentrations in the water column. Conversely, during the winter months, the superficial sediments acted as a phosphorus and nitrogen sink, removing both materials from the water column. Laboratory batch and microcosm studies made it possible to quantify the release and removal of nitrogen and phosphorus under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and to elucidate the factors upon which the exchanges depended. The phosphorus interactions were found to be governed principally by sediment iron and organic matter content. Under aerobic conditions, phosphorus adsorption could be described by the Langmuir Isotherm. The most important nitrogen release mechanism was found to be a cation exchange phenomenon under reducing conditions. Aithough the effective zone of exchange was found to extend only about 2 mm into the sediment surface, the analysis of cores showed the existing profile to be rich in both phosphorus and nitrogen forms, which could be exposed to the water column with sufficient mixing. The deposited sediments of Niagara Impoundment showed a capacity to redistribute the impoundment influent nutrient load, causing an enhance~ ment of the quantities released during the summer months, thus magnifying the impact on the waters of Smith Mountain Lake. The maintenance of aerobic benthic conditions could, at a tremendous energy cost, prevent the sediment releases from occurring. In the long term, sediment nutrients deposited in the past, without proper control, could provide a continuing source of N and P to the waters of Smith Mountain Lake, thereby reducing the effectiveness of upstream control of point and diffuse sources.
Physio-morphological effects of abrupt thermal stress on diatoms
Lanza, Guy R. (Virginia Tech, 1971-08-31)
Introduction: Increased temperature as a stress factor in aquatic environments has recently received much attention. Human population growth accompanied by expanded demands for electrical energy has resulted in increased construction of power generating facilities. Conventional fossil fuel power plants are being built to produce many times the electricity of those built in previous years. Nuclear power plants, not economically feasible in small sizes, are being constructed to generate even more electrical energy per unit than the new conventional units. Nuclear power facilities produce heat less efficiently and, thus, require approximately fifty percent more cooling per BTU than usual methods (Kolflat, 1968). Increased exposure of populations and communities of aquatic organisms to thermal pollution can thus be anticipated when natural water systems are utilized as a cooling source. The majority of research effort relative to the effects of heated waste waters on aquatic systems has been directed towards macro- as opposed to micro-organisms. While the use of microorganisms in general pollution monitoring is not a nevi concept; for examples see Kolkwitz and Marsson (1908); Butcher (1947); Fjerdingstad (1962), most of the existing effort has been in the area of correlation of species to various polluted situations. The major disadvantages of such approaches as well as the use of populations and communities of microorganisms in pollution monitoring are discussed in Cairns and Lanza (1971) and Cairns, etc. (submitted)... Vita removed Nov. 30, 2011. GMc
Pollution aspects derived from non-point sources
Heckel, Paul James (Virginia Tech, 1974-08-05)
This study was conducted for the purposes of discerning pollution potential for specifically defined types of storm runoff and for determination of whether non-point sources of pollution are great enough to be included in water pollution abatement programs. The Town of Blacksburg, Virginia, was the area of study with eleven sampling sites determined by size of drainage area and dominant land use existing within the drainage basin. Concentrations of specific water pollution parameters were measured for the runoff from each drainage area. Conclusions drawn from this investigation are that nonpoint sources of pollution are serious sources of degradation to water quality, and proper land management is necessary if pollution abatement programs are to be successful. In addition, where man has disturbed a natural ecosystem by activities that severely reduce ground cover within a watershed, the greatest concentration in most pollution parameters was found.
Recovery and reuse of coagulants from treatment of water and wastewater
King, Paul H.; Chen, Ben Hsueh Hai; Weeks, R. Kenneth (Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1975)
The focus of water quality research in the decade ahead will emphasize the development of processes which will enable reclamation and reuse as opposed to wastewater treatment and disposal to a nearby water course. In th is regard the importance of chemical treatment processes similar to those utilized by the water utility industry for many years is now well established. Two problems in this type of system are the increasing expense and scarcity of appropriate chemicals and the resulting large volumes of sludge. The use of coagulant recovery techniques promise~ to alleviate both problems. Until economical coagulant recovery schemes have been developed, the potential benefits associated with water reuse cannot be fully realized. The primary objectives of this research were to evaluate the possibilities and procedures for coagulant recovery in chemical treatment processes employed in water and wastewater treatment systems. Attention was focused on the extent of coagulant recovery achievable; the separation, dewatering, and ultimate disposal of the remaining solids after recovery; the effectiveness of the recovered coagulant during reuse; and the economic considerations which determine the feasibility of utilizing the proposed processes.
Removal of selected contaminants from water by sorption on coal
King, Paul H.; McNeice, Francis R.; Warren, Pierre S. (Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 1969)
Conventional water and wastewater treatment practices have little or no effect on an increasing number of both inorganic and complex synthetic organic wastes which presently contaminate our nation's watercourses. Among the inorganics particular concern in recent years has been directed toward phosphorus containing compounds, since it is widely thought that phosphorus is the nutrient which limits the growth of large quantities of algae in lakes and other bodies of water. Concern regarding organic pollutants has been directed toward synthetic organic pesticides which in the past decade have become recognized as significant water pollutants. In order to protect the water resources of our nation new technologies for water and wastewater treatment must be developed. One of the more promising processes to be discovered in recent years is the use of activated carbon as an adsorbent for organic pollutants. The technical feasibility of this process has been fully demonstrated. Economic considerations, however, are frequently unfavorable owning to the high cost of the activated carbon. More recently a number of processes have been suggested which utilize the properties of coal as an adsorbent, flocculent, filter aid and filter media for the purpose of facilitating treatment of a variety of wastewaters. In evaluating these processes, there is a real need for quantitative data which describe the extent of uptake of a wide variety of contaminants on coal. The research reported in this bulletin enables the evaluation of. the sorption of selected pesticides and phosphorus containing compounds by a variety of grades of coal. The rate at which the uptake reaction proceeds is reported, and the optimum environmental conditions for sorption are noted. Information of this type helps to facilitate the proper evaluation of the various coal processes which are presently being proposed. In particular the extent to which sorption on coal may be substituted for sorption on activated carbon is discussed.
A response surface approach to the mixture problem when the mixture components are categorized
Cornell, John A. (Virginia Tech, 1968-12-05)
A method is developed for experiments with mixtures where the mixture components are categorized (acids, bases, etc.), and each category of components contributes a fixed proportion to the total mixture. The number of categories of mixture components is general and each category will be represented in every mixture by one or more of its member components. The purpose of this paper is to show how standard response surface designs and polynomial models can be used for estimating the response to mixtures of the k mixture components. The experimentation is concentrated in an ellipsoidal region chosen by the experimenter, subject to the constraints placed on the components. The selection of this region, the region of interest, permits the exclusion of work in areas not of direct interest. The transformation from a set of linearly dependent mixture components to a set of linearly independent design variables is shown. This transformation is accomplished with the use of an orthogonal matrix. Since we want the properties of the predictor ŷ at a point w to be invariant to the arbitrary elements of the transformation matrix, we choose to use rotatable designs. Frequently, there are underlying sources of variation in the experimental program whose effects can be measured by dividing the experimentation into stages, that is, blocking the observations. With the use of orthogonal contrasts of the observations, it is shown how these effects can be measured. This concept of dividing the program of experiments into stages is extended to include second degree designs. The radius of the largest sphere, in the metric of the design variables, that will fit inside the factor space is derived. This sphere provides an upper bound on the size of an experimental design. This is important when one desires to use a design to minimize the average variance of ŷ only for a first-degree model. It is also shown with an example how with the use of the largest sphere, one can cover almost all combinations of the mixture components, subject to the constraints.
Response to parameter variation of a one-inch diameter hydrocyclone for pyritic sulfur removal
Amundson, Lynn Vinzant (Virginia Tech, 1975-10-18)
An investigation of the literature showed that as the diameter of a hydrocyclone was decreased, smaller particles could be effectively separated on the basis of specific gravity. Consequently, a laboratory scale study was conducted to determine the possibility of removing pyritic sulfur from fine coal using a 1.0" diameter hydrocyclone. A 1.0" diameter hydrocyclone was constructed from stainless steel. The hydrocyclone was fabricated with easily interchangable parts that permitted rapid variations in the inlet diameter, apex discharge diameter, vortex finder diameter, vortex finder position, and cone angle. The feed pressure to the hydrocyclone could also be varied. A recirculating system was used. Synthetic material was used in place of actual coal during this investigation. The synthetic material, made from casting resin and barium sulfate, duplicated the coal with respect to particle size, shape, and specific gravity distribution. The synthetic coal had the advantage of not degrading during the course of the experiment. Three coals were simulated for the purposes of this experiment. Pocahontas 113 coal served as the "light" coal, the Hagy seam was selected as the "medium" coal, and coal from the Cortes area of New Mexico was chosen as the "heavy" coal. By optimizing the 1.0" diameter hydrocyc1one for these three coals, it would be possible to extend the results of the investigation to any coal. The results of the investigation showed that the 1.0" diameter hydrocyclone was an effective device for removing pyritic sulfur from 65 x 200 mesh coal. The results for the minus 200 mesh size fraction were not good. A smaller diameter hydrocyclone would be necessary in order to effectively process the minus 200 mesh size fraction.
Streamflow and water quality modeling of the Chowan River
Contractor, Dinshaw N.; King, Paul H. (Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1980)
The Chowan River system in Southeast Virginia consists of three rivers that form two confluences before flowing into Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. This study investigated, by means of numerical simulation, the river's water quality problems related to excessive algal growth. A computer program was developed to determine flow rates, velocities, and depths at 51 computer stations by routing flows through the river system. The output of this flow program provided the input for calculating the concentrations of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), and four nitrogen parameters (organic, ammonia, nitrite-nitrate, and algal) at each of the computer stations. The four nitrogen parameters were solved for simultaneously. Measured field data collected in 1974. were used to calibrate the model. The program was then used to simulate algal growth for 1974 and 1975 and was compared with measured data for verification of the program. The program was also used to study management strategies for water quality control. The first such plan was to measure the effects of reducing the concentration of nutrients from overland runoff on algal concentrations at the mouth of the river. Another application of the program assumed the watershed to consist only of forests and nutrient runoff from the forests to be the river's only nonpoint source of pollution. This primeval condition resulted in roughly half the concentrations measured in 1974.
A study of nutrient distributions and productivity potential in lake sediments
Burns, Bruce Bennett (Virginia Tech, 1974-03-15)
The purpose of this investigation was to study the sediment in the upper reaches of Claytor Lake. The lake is a manmade impoundment on the New River near Radford, Virginia. Eleven core samples, varying in length from 66 cm. to 141 cm, were taken from the lake. The concentration of various water quality parameters were determined for segments of the entire length of each core. An in vitro assay was performed in the laboratory to determine the productivity potential of the nutrients contained in the sediments. Results of this investigation showed that sufficient nutrients are contained in the sediments to sustain algae growth. These nutrients, when released under controlled conditions, were found to sustain abundant growth of three algal genera: S. capricornutum, A. flosaguae, and M. aeruginosa. Several nutrients were found to exhibit trends with sediment depth and also to correlate with each other. Particle size distributions were also determined on several of the sediment samples. Several nutrients were found to correlate with particle size of the sediment.

Browsing by Author "King, Paul H."

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