Natural Wastewater Treatment Systems

Natural Wastewater Treatment Systems: An Overview

Natural Treatment Processes

Project Development

References

Concept Evaluation

Site Identification

Site Evaluation

Site and Process Selection

References

Water Management

Biodegradable Organics

Organic Priority Pollutants and CECs

Pathogens

Metals

Nutrients

References

Introduction

Facultative Ponds

Partial-Mix Aerated Ponds

Complete-Mix Aerated Pond Systems

ASM1, ASM2, and ASM3 Models

Anaerobic Ponds

Controlled Discharge Pond System

Complete Retention Pond System

Hydrograph Controlled Release

High-Performance Aerated Pond Systems (Rich Design)

Proprietary Systems

Nitrogen Removal in Lagoons

Modified High-Performance Aerated Pond Systems for

Nitrification and Denitrification

Nitrogen Removal in Ponds Coupled with Wetlands and

Gravel Bed Nitrification Filters

Control of Algae and Design of Settling Basins

Hydraulic Control of Ponds

Removal of Phosphorus

Removal of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products and Antibiotic Resistant Genes

References

Solids Removal Methods

Modifications and Additions to Typical Designs

Performance Comparisons with other Removal

Methods

References

Process Description

Wetland Components

Performance Expectations

Potential Applications

Planning and Design

Hydraulic Design Procedures

Thermal Aspects

Design Models and Effluent Quality Prediction

Physical Design and Construction

Operation and Maintenance

Costs

Troubleshooting

References

Hydraulics of Subsurface Flow Wetlands

Thermal Aspects

Performance Expectations

Design of SSF Wetlands

Design Elements of Subsurface Flow Wetlands

Alternative Application Strategies

Potential Applications

Case Study: Minoa, New York

Nitrification Filter Bed

Design of On-Site Systems

Vertical-Flow Wetland Beds

Resolutions

Construction Considerations

Operation and Maintenance

Costs

Troubleshooting

References

Types of Land Treatment Systems

Slow-Rate Land Treatment

Design Objectives

Overland Flow Systems

Soil Aquifer Treatment Systems

Phytoremediation

Industrial Wastewater Management

References

Sludge Quantity and Characteristics

Stabilization and Dewatering

Sludge Freezing

Reed Beds

Vermistabilization

Comparison of Bed-Type Operations

Composting

Land Application and Surface Disposal of Biosolids

References

Types of On-Site Systems

Effluent Disposal and Reuse Options

Site Evaluation and Assessment

Cumulative Areal Nitrogen Loadings

Alternative Nutrient Removal Processes

Disposal of Variously Treated Effluents in Soils

Design Criteria for On-Site Disposal Alternatives

Design Criteria for On-Site Reuse Alternatives

Correction of Failed Systems

Role of On-Site Management

References

Appendices

Index

Biography

Ronald W. Crites is a senior associate with Brown and Caldwell in Davis, California. He consults on land treatment, water recycling and reuse, constructed wetlands, biosolids land application, decentralized wastewater treatment, and industrial wastewater land application systems. He received his BS in civil engineering from California State University in Chico and his MS and engineer’s degree in sanitary engineering from Stanford University. He is the recipient of the 2009 Camp Applied Research Medal from Water Environment Federation for innovation in natural systems. He has 44 years of experience in wastewater treatment and reuse experience. He has authored or coauthored over 200 technical publications, including seven textbooks. He is a registered civil engineer in California, Hawaii, and Oregon.

E. Joe Middlebrooks is a consulting environmental engineer based in Superior, Colorado. His 45 years as an engineering college professor as well as administrative positions, including dean of engineering at Utah State University, provided a platform for his extensive research and contributions to the environment engineering field. He received his BS and MS in civil engineering from the University of Florida and his PhD in civil engineering (environmental engineering) from Mississippi State University, followed by postdoctoral studies at the University of California at Berkeley. He has authored or coauthored 14 books and over 300 articles and reports.

Robert K. Bastian is a senior environmental scientist in the office of wastewater management at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC. He has extensive experience dealing with natural systems for wastewater treatment, wastewater, and biosolids reuse practices, and has coordinated the development of numerous agency policy and guidance documents, technology assessments, planning and design guidance documents, demonstration projects, and special studies related to treatment technologies and management practices involving natural systems. He received his BS and MS in biology, earth sciences, and mathematics from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and served as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Sherwood C. Reed (1932–2003) was an environmental engineer who was a leader in the planning and design of constructed wetlands and land treatment systems. He was the principal of Environmental Engineering Consultants (E.E.C.). He was a graduate of the University of Virginia (BSCE, 1959) and the University of Alaska (MS, 1968) and had a distinguished career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, during which he spent most of his time at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire. He was the author of four textbooks and over 100 technical articles.

"This text provides a thorough explanation on how soil and plants can successfully sustain microbial populations in the treatment of wastewater and also how these processes produce lower amounts of residual solids, and use little or no chemicals… The book is of particular interest for practicing wastewater engineers and scientists involved in the planning , design, and operation of ponds, wetlands, land treatment, biosolids, and onsite soil-based treatment systems."
—International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 2014

"The first edition of Natural Wastewater Treatment Systems has long served as the basis for understanding the design and performance of natural systems in treating wastewater. This updated edition will only enhance its recognition as an industry standard."
––Michael Hines, M.S., P.E., Founding Principal, Southeast Environmental Engineering, LLC

"In an age of concrete, steel, and chemicals — and their associated carbon/energy footprint — it is with whole-hearted enthusiasm that I commend this reference text to any reader who is interested in the common-sense, economical, and environmentally friendly alternative of natural wastewater treatment."
—Michael J. Cook, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

"… emphasizes a method to assess sites, soils, wastestreams, and available treatment options leading to appropriate solutions for wastewater systems. Designers, regulators, clients and the general public need a reliable reference addressing options and alternatives; this book provides that. … provides a pathway to assure water and nutrients are utilized and recovered effectively and efficiently while protecting public health and the environment with options that are economically feasible."
—A. Robert Rubin, NCSU – BAE, Emeritus Professor

"The second edition of Natural Wastewater Treatment Systems contains sufficient technical material to be scientifcially sound, and yet it it easily comprehended. The authors do an excellent job of translating science and technology into readable text. The examples incorporate lessons learned from operating systems into easily readable text. Each of the technologies addressed utilize a sound desing approach, and this approach is vital to understanding the natural system approach. The four authors collaborated in the development of text that reads as though from a single voice."
—Vadose Zone Journal, December 2015