Paul Vincent Knopp

Bio: Paul Vincent Knopp is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sewage treatment & Contactor. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 355 citations.

of wastewater treatment

Abstract: The invention relates to a wastewater treatment process. In one embodiment, introducing raw sewage in a biological contactor 22 having a series of discs 24 mounted on a common shaft 25. To the wastewater stream an adsorbent capable of adsorbing impurities from the liquid. This adsorbent is, for example activated carbon is added at 26. The addition of this adsorbent improves the operating characteristics of the biological contactor and the solids were removed accumulated on the contactor at a rate equivalent to the rate at which these solids accumulate.

Traitement d'eaux usees

Abstract: L'invention concerne un procede de traitement d'eaux usees Dans un mode de realisation, on introduit des eaux usees brutes dans un contacteur biologique 22 comportant une serie de disques 24 montes sur un arbre commun 25 On ajoute au courant d'eaux usees un adsorbant pouvant adsorber les impuretes du liquide Cet adsorbant est par exemple du charbon active que l'on ajoute en 26 L'addition de cet adsorbant ameliore les caracteristiques de fonctionnement du contacteur biologique et on enleve les matieres solides accumulees sur le contacteur a une vitesse equivalente a la vitesse a laquelle ces solides s'accumulent

Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks

Abstract: This memorandum documents the updates implemented in EPA’s 2020 Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks (GHGI) for gathering and boosting (G&B) stations. Additional considerations for G&B were previously discussed in memoranda released November 2019 (Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990-2018: Updates Under Consideration for Natural Gas Gathering & Boosting Station Emissions),1 October 2018 (Inventory of U.S. GHG Emissions and Sinks 1990-2017: Updates Under Consideration for Natural Gas Gathering & Boosting Emissions),2 and April 2019 (Inventory of U.S. GHG Emissions and Sinks 1990-2017: Updates to Natural Gas Gathering & Boosting Pipeline Emissions).3

Microplastics in the aquatic and terrestrial environment: sources (with a specific focus on personal care products), fate and effects.

Abstract: Due to the widespread use and durability of synthetic polymers, plastic debris occurs in the environment worldwide. In the present work, information on sources and fate of microplastic particles in the aquatic and terrestrial environment, and on their uptake and effects, mainly in aquatic organisms, is reviewed. Microplastics in the environment originate from a variety of sources. Quantitative information on the relevance of these sources is generally lacking, but first estimates indicate that abrasion and fragmentation of larger plastic items and materials containing synthetic polymers are likely to be most relevant. Microplastics are ingested and, mostly, excreted rapidly by numerous aquatic organisms. So far, there is no clear evidence of bioaccumulation or biomagnification. In laboratory studies, the ingestion of large amounts of microplastics mainly led to a lower food uptake and, consequently, reduced energy reserves and effects on other physiological functions. Based on the evaluated data, the lowest microplastic concentrations affecting marine organisms exposed via water are much higher than levels measured in marine water. In lugworms exposed via sediment, effects were observed at microplastic levels that were higher than those in subtidal sediments but in the same range as maximum levels in beach sediments. Hydrophobic contaminants are enriched on microplastics, but the available experimental results and modelling approaches indicate that the transfer of sorbed pollutants by microplastics is not likely to contribute significantly to bioaccumulation of these pollutants. Prior to being able to comprehensively assess possible environmental risks caused by microplastics a number of knowledge gaps need to be filled. However, in view of the persistence of microplastics in the environment, the high concentrations measured at some environmental sites and the prospective of strongly increasing concentrations, the release of plastics into the environment should be reduced in a broad and global effort regardless of a proof of an environmental risk.

In Situ Characterization of Nitrospira-Like Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacteria Active in Wastewater Treatment Plants

Abstract: Uncultivated Nitrospira-like bacteria in different biofilm and activated-sludge samples were investigated by cultivation-independent molecular approaches. Initially, the phylogenetic affiliation of Nitrospira-like bacteria in a nitrifying biofilm was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Subsequently, a phylogenetic consensus tree of the Nitrospira phylum including all publicly available sequences was constructed. This analysis revealed that the genus Nitrospira consists of at least four distinct sublineages. Based on these data, two 16S rRNA-directed oligonucleotide probes specific for the phylum and genus Nitrospira, respectively, were developed and evaluated for suitability for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The probes were used to investigate the in situ architecture of cell aggregates of Nitrospira-like nitrite oxidizers in wastewater treatment plants by FISH, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and computer-aided three-dimensional visualization. Cavities and a network of cell-free channels inside the Nitrospira microcolonies were detected that were water permeable, as demonstrated by fluorescein staining. The uptake of different carbon sources by Nitrospira-like bacteria within their natural habitat under different incubation conditions was studied by combined FISH and microautoradiography. Under aerobic conditions, the Nitrospira-like bacteria in bioreactor samples took up inorganic carbon (as HCO3− or as CO2) and pyruvate but not acetate, butyrate, and propionate, suggesting that these bacteria can grow mixotrophically in the presence of pyruvate. In contrast, no uptake by the Nitrospira-like bacteria of any of the carbon sources tested was observed under anoxic or anaerobic conditions.