Showing papers in "Journal of the Sanitary Engineering Division in 1963"
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that the rate of adsorption of persistent organic compounds on granular carbon is quite low and the rate is partially a function of the pore size distribution of the adsorbent, of the molecular size and configuration of the solute, and of the relative electrokinetic properties of adsorbate and adsorbents.
Abstract: Laboratory investigations show that rates of adsorption of persistent organic compounds on granular carbon are quite low. Intraparticle diffusion of solute appears to control the rate of uptake, thus the rate is partially a function of the pore size distribution of the adsorbent, of the molecular size and configuration of the solute, and of the relative electrokinetic properties of adsorbate and adsorbent. Systemic factors such as temperature and pH will influence the rates of adsorption; rates increase with increasing temperature and decrease with increasing pH. The effect of initial concentration of solute is of considerable significance, the rate of uptake being a linear function of the square-root of concentration within the range of experimentation. Relative reaction rates also vary reciprocally with the square of the diameter of individual carbon particle for a given weight of carbon. Based on the findings of the research, fluidized-bed operation is suggested as an efficient means of using adsorption for treatment of waters and waste waters.
7,115 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, linear systems analysis is used to construct a mathematical model of the variation of dissolved oxygen (DO) in a body of water, leading to a set of ordinary differential equations that can be solved for the DO response in one section due to an input in any other section.
Abstract: Systems analysis techniques are used to construct a mathematical model of the variation of dissolved oxygen (DO) in a body of water. The application of these techniques leads to a set of ordinary differential equations that can be solved for the DO response in one section due to an input in any other section. The function that expresses this input-output relationship is shown to be dependent on the hydrodynamic nature of the stream or estuary. Successive use of a linear systems analysis leads to an analytical relationship between the effluent BOD and the resulting DO in the stream.
77 citations
TL;DR: The photochemical decay rate of Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B is 1/2 that of rhodamine B and 1/25th that of fluorescein this paper.
Abstract: Laboratory tests on the behavior of the fluorescent dyes rhodamine B, Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B, and fluorescein in surface waters of variable quality indicate that Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B is the most suitable quantitative tracer. Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B and fluorescein demonstrate no physical adsorption on suspended solids indigenous to San Francisco Bay, whereas rhodamine B exhibits quite significant adsorption. The photochemical decay rate of Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B is 1/2 that of rhodamine B and 1/25th that of fluorescein. The use of fluorescein must be restricted to short-term studies in waters of only the highest quality, due to both its exceedingly high photochemical decay rate and natural background levels. Background levels of rhodamine B and Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B are sufficiently low, though significant, to permit their use as tracers in San Francisco Bay. The cost of Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B is appreciably higher than rhodamine B, but its use in most applications is believed justified for attainment of meaningful results from tracer studies.
67 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an empirical equation has been found that appears to closely fit the annual variation of temperature in a stress, and the applicability of the equation was verified using field data for 37 different stream stations.
Abstract: An empirical equation has been found that appears to closely fit the annual variation of temperature in a stress. This equation is a modified sine curve and gives the temperature of the stream water as a function of the day of the water year and the average annual temperature of the stream. The applicability of the equation was verified using field data for 37 different stream stations. This data was analyzed by the method of least squares, and the average index of correlation obtained was 0.979. It was observed that the annual average temperature of the streams studied did not vary appreciably from year to year. In addition, the empirical coefficients of the temperature sine curve also did not change materially from year to year. Analysis of only 12 monthly average temperatures was observed to yield almost identical results as an analysis of 365 daily temperature readings. Although all of the calculations were performed on an IBM 650 computer, this means that the required calculations can be made by hand within a reasonable time.
56 citations
52 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a basic approach to the problem of activated sludge synthesis and substrate oxidation has been taken by using the thermodynamic concept that free energy change is a measure of the maximum work of which a process is capable.
Abstract: A basic approach to the problem of activated sludge synthesis and substrate oxidation has been taken by using the thermodynamic concept that free energy change is a measure of the maximum work of which a process is capable. As a consequence, synthesis is proportional to substrate free energy of oxidation. The relationship was verified experimentally and by means of computations using data from the literature. Calculations also showed synthesis as being proportional to substrate COD. Finally, derivation indicated that the fraction of substrate oxidized is a function of the ratio of the COD to the carbon content of the substrate.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of backwashing inequalities on the performance of a sand filter are evaluated. And the authors suggest that there is much promise in the use of dual filter beds containing layers of heavy, fine, and coarse lightweight filter media.
Abstract: Water quality and operating practicability must be the aims in rapid sand filter design. The following design variables are examined to determine how their manipulation by the designer can effect the filter operation: Filtration rate; effective size, thickness and porosity of filter media; maximum filter head loss; surge amplitude; floc strength; and concentration of suspended matter in the applied water. These variables are related to the design objectives by functional equations. Data on effects of backwashing inequalities are also included and evaluated. Examples of resulting designs are described. It is suggested that there is much promise in the use of dual filter beds containing layers of heavy, fine, and coarse lightweight filter media.
16 citations
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a partial differential equation for the dispersion of dye from a point source in an infinite fluid is presented and the general solution for the one, two and three dimension cases is derived.
Abstract: The partial differential equation for the dispersion of dye from a point source in an infinite fluid is presented and the general solution for the one, two and three dimension cases is derived. The characteristics of the dye dispersion curve is determined as well as, the rate of diminution of the peak concentration of dye. Practical methods for determining the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical diffusion coefficients that govern the dye dispersion rates are given and some of the methods are demonstrated with numerical examples of actual studies. Data pertaining to the magnitude of diffusion coefficients is presented. The wide range of diffusion coefficients is explained by noting that the different diffusion coefficients may have different significant periods of time associated with each distinct coefficient. The data and theory presented enable a realistic design and interpretation of dye dispersion studies in fresh and tidal streams, lakes, bays, and oceans.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a fifteen month pollution survey of the Sacramento River showed the effects of agricultural, municipal and industrial discharges into the river, and limitations in both classical and modern approaches were identified.
Abstract: A fifteen month pollution survey of the Sacramento River showed the effects of agricultural, municipal and industrial discharges into the river. Limitations in both classical and modern approaches ...
8 citations
TL;DR: There is little, if any, conclusive proof that disease hazards are directly associated with coliform standards in recreational waters as mentioned in this paper, and therefore, there is little evidence to link disease hazards directly with these standards.
Abstract: Coliform standards are a major public health factor in judging the sanitary quality of recreational waters. There is little, if any, conclusive proof that disease hazards are directly associated wi...
TL;DR: In this article, preliminary investigations demonstrate that paddle design may be a major contributing factor to the flocculation process and the results indicate that especially surface perforations and certain degrees of surface roughness can significantly enhance the floc formation.
Abstract: Preliminary investigations demonstrate that paddle design may be a major contributing factor to the flocculation process. Laboratory tests using a solution of water with aluminum sulfate and sodium carbonate indicate that floc formation is affected by the following paddle parameters: (1) Surface roughness, (2) surface perforations, (3) paddle curvature, (4) surface area, and (5) paddle shape. A condition maintained throughout the entire test was a constant input of power through the paddles to the solution. The results indicate that especially surface perforations and certain degrees of surface roughness can significantly enhance the floc formation. It thus appears definite that the flocculation process may be more efficient with respect to the power input as a result of simple variations in the paddle design.
TL;DR: In this paper, the generation and use of nonsequential series of low-flow events, for improved mass-type analysis of proposed impounding reservoir; determination of reservoir capacity necessary to meet particular gross draft rates during critical droughts having various recurrence intervals.
Abstract: Generation and use of nonsequential series of low-flow events, for improved mass-type analysis of proposed impounding reservoir; determination of reservoir capacity necessary to meet particular gross draft rates during critical droughts having various recurrence intervals; determination of length of critical drawdown periods by mass-type analysis for selection of optimum economic reservoir design.
TL;DR: In this article, a theory of mixing and dispersion of wastes in tidal waters is developed, and a method for the computation of mixing coefficients is illustrated, utilizing data that are readily available for most coastal waters in the United States.
Abstract: A theory of the mixing and dispersion of wastes in tidal waters is developed. The resemblance of the final equations to the solution of a diffusion equation is noted, and the frequency and length parameters that control the mixing and dispersion are related to a mixing coefficient. The problem of maximum waste concentration with a continued waste discharge is examined, and it is concluded that for an inherently stable waste, there is no steady state concentration of waste. The related problem for an unstable waste is examined, and it is found that a steady state condition can exist. The equation for this condition is derived. The problem of the time of occurrence of maximum concentrations at other than the discharge point is solved, and examples are shown of the use of the equations. The influence of boundaries on the distribution and concentration of wastes in tidal waters is examined initially for a one dimensional model and later expanded to three dimensions. Equations are derived showing the influence of boundaries, and a graphical technique that simplifies the use of the equations is shown. A method for the computation of mixing coefficients is illustrated, utilizing data that are readily available for most coastal waters in the United States.
TL;DR: In this article, hydraulic model studies were made of the waste dispersion characteristics of San Francisco Bay and the effects of several proposed salinity control barriers on these characteristics were investigated using a fluorescent dye tracer, Pontacyl Brilliant Pink "B", and the G. K. Turner Associates Fluorometer.
Abstract: Hydraulic model studies were made of the waste dispersion characteristics of San Francisco Bay. The effects of several proposed salinity control barriers on these characteristics were investigated. A fluorescent dye tracer, Pontacyl Brilliant Pink "B," and the G. K. Turner Associates Fluorometer were used. Using the results of the model studies, estimates were made of the effect of existing and future waste loads on the oxygen resources of the Bay. When applied to existing waste loads, the calculated general description of dissolved oxygen levels agreed favorably with observed conditions. It is concluded that the test procedures provide a suitable basis for estimating the effect of proposed changes in the Bay system on water quality and for determining the associated treatment and disposal practices necessary to meet desired water quality objectives. The use of the hydraulic model results in a significant saving of both time and expense.
TL;DR: A rational theory of thickener operation, based on the Kynch analysis of sedimentation, is used to develop a design method for thickeners using gravity settling of suspensions as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A rational theory of thickener operation, based on the Kynch analysis of sedimentation, is used to develop a design method for thickeners using gravity settling of suspensions. Kynch has shown that, in a batch settling process, waves of constant concentration rise with constant velocity. As a result, concentration, settling velocity, and interface height can be related. Application of mass balance equations to a continuous process then leads to a relationship between particle settling velocity and cross-sectional area that permits calculation of the required area. Using an expression that relates dilution factor and time, the volume of the compression zone may be determined, and from this the required depth may be calculated to complete the sizing of the tank.
TL;DR: In this paper, several arrangements for correcting unbalance are tested: (1) a vertical wall to advance the point of division and to reduce the effect of lace of symmetry; (2) top vanes that deflect top water into the side channel and force bottom water to move straight ahead; and (3) spiral motion that orients grit in the inlet conduit and alters flow division patterns.
Abstract: When sewage flows from a single inlet conduit to multiple grit chambers, large unbalances in liquid-grit distribution may occur. The slower moving bottom water that carries most of the grit is more easily diverted and will tend to concentrate in side channels at asymmetric bifurcations. Model tests support the proposed method of analysis of flow division distribution and show the complexities of the problem. Several arrangements for correcting unbalance are tested: (1) A vertical wall to advance the point of division and to reduce the effect of lace of symmetry; (2) top vanes that deflect top water into the side channel and force bottom water to move straight ahead; and (3) spiral motion that orients grit in the inlet conduit and alters flow division patterns. None of the tested systems cures all cases of unbalance, but all are effective for appropriate uses.
TL;DR: In this article, a guider was developed which would trigger the shutdown of Hanford's Plutonium Test Reactor, should such action be required to prevent unwarranted levels of radioactive contamination in the surrounding area.
Abstract: Operational guider were developed which would trigger the shutdown of Hanford's Plutonium Test Reactor, should such action be required to prevent unwarranted levels of radioactive contamination in the surrounding area. Under normal operating conditions, negligible amounts of radioactive materials with the gaseous and aqueous effluents are released. Significant amounts could escape under certain postulated accident conditions, however, and guides were developed for (a) the automatic closure of valves associated with the containment vessel; (b) prompt manual shutdown using normal procedures; and (c) abnormal concentrations of radionuclides in the effluents that should not be allowed to persist. Existing standards for radiation exposure of persons living near atomic installations are applicable for chronic conditions, but are of limited value as a basis for deriving guides for emergency situations. The PRTR guides were derived from predictions of the characteristics of contaminants which would be present in the case of an accident, from knowledge of how the effluents would become dispersed in the atmosphere and the Columbia River, and from knowledge of how the contaminants would ultimately reach people living in the vicinity.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The Committee recommends that beaches not be closed and other decisive action not be taken because current microbiological standards are not met except when evidence of fresh sewage or epidemiological data would support such action.
Abstract: Coliform standards are a major public health factor in judging the sanitary quality of recreational waters. There is little, if any, conclusive proof that disease hazards are directly associated with large numbers of coliform organisms. Comprehensive research is recommended to provide data for establishing sanitary standards for recreational waters on a more rational or sound public health basis. British investigations show that even finding typhoid organisms and other pathogens in recreational waters is not indicative of a health hazard to bathers but is only indicative of the presence of these diseases in the population producing the sewage. The Committee recommends that beaches not be closed and other decisive action not be taken because current microbiological standards are not met except when evidence of fresh sewage or epidemiological data would support such action.