Glen Daigger

University of Michigan, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty Member

Followers

239

Following

Co-authors

Public Views

Interests

Uploads

Papers by Glen Daigger

Reclaiming Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Using Combined Membrane Bioreactor and Reverse Osmosis

Water practice, Oct 16, 2009

ABSTRACT Gippsland Water is implementing the Gippsland Water Factory (GWF) to reclaim 35,000 m3/d... more ABSTRACT Gippsland Water is implementing the Gippsland Water Factory (GWF) to reclaim 35,000 m3/day (9.2 mgd) of municipal and industrial (pulp and paper) wastewater to a quality matching the pristine quality of the existing raw water supply. Bench- and pilot-scale testing supported selection of the most sustainable approach, which consists of separate treatment in parallel treatment trains of the municipal and industrial wastewater using membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology and reclamation of the municipal MBR effluent by reverse osmosis (RO). Primary treatment is incorporated into the municipal treatment train, while the industrial treatment train includes anaerobic pretreatment. The industrial anaerobic pretreatment unit is also being used to stabilize municipal primary and waste activated sludge prior to dewatering. Anaerobic pretreatment of industrial waste helped minimize MBR membrane fouling. Results demonstrated that additional treatment of the industrial MBR effluent is needed to control RO membrane fouling to allow reclamation of this difficult to treat industrial wastewater. Work to define the most suitable approach is ongoing. Organics levels must be reduced to allow a chloramine residual to be maintained, as well as to control organic fouling of the RO membranes. The project is being implemented using an alliance model. Stage 1, which will treat both wastewater streams and will reclaim the municipal wastewater, is currently under construction. Stage 2, which will allow reclamation of the industrial wastewater, is being planned. Bench- and pilot-scale testing to refine the Stage 2 facilities is continuing.

Dynamic and Steady State Modeling for the Design of the Enhanced Nutrient Removal Facility at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2010

ABSTRACT

Creation of a sustainable water resource through reclamation of municipal and industrial wastewater in the Gippsland Water Factory

Journal of Water Reuse and Desalination, Mar 1, 2013

The Gippsland Water Factory (GWF) is being implemented to reclaim domestic and industrial (pulp a... more The Gippsland Water Factory (GWF) is being implemented to reclaim domestic and industrial (pulp and paper) wastewater to provide a reliable and sustainable industrial water supply, replacing the high quality raw water currently provided by Gippsland Water. A grassroots facility, the GWF will process domestic wastewater by preliminary treatment, primary sedimentation, membrane bioreactor (MBR) nutrient removal activated sludge, and reverse osmosis (RO). Domestic primary and waste activated sludge and industrial wastewater is treated in anaerobic reactors (ARs) (lagoons) prior to biological treatment via MBR. Significant H 2 S is produced in the ARs and is oxidized to elemental sulfur in the aerobic MBR by controlled oxidation. In Stage 2 of the GWF the industrial wastewater will be reclaimed using nanofiltration and RO. Extensive pilot testing supported design of the ARs and industrial MBR. Development of the GWF was based on multi-criteria analysis to create an innovative and sustainable solution. Innovative features in addition to those already mentioned include biological sulfur removal from the AR biogas and odor control which includes treatment of off-gases in the biological reactor followed by two-stage biological treatment.

Download

The Use of ASM based Models for the Simulation of Biological Sludge Reduction Processes

Water Practice & Technology, Sep 1, 2008

The advent of sludge reduction technologies that are capable of significantly reducing sludge pro... more The advent of sludge reduction technologies that are capable of significantly reducing sludge production from wastewater treatment facilities has garnered much interest from the wastewater treatment profession. As part of CH2M HILL's effort to better understand the mechanisms behind these processes, a research effort was completed that was focused on developing an ASM based model which adequately reflects the performance of the Cannibal® Sludge Reduction process by Siemens. A modification is proposed of the standard ASM 2d model to capture the effects of biological sludge reduction used in the Cannibal Solids Reduction process. This model is able to capture the essential aspects of this system and provides a more quantitative method for the sizing and performance of these types of systems. The primary components of this modification include separation of the microbiological decay products from the traditional particulate inert fraction, and into a separate particulate decay product for aerobic/anoxic microbes (XDAA). A new process rate is included in the model for anaerobic “hydrolysis” of XDAA to XS. The results were compared against the experience of Siemens on a wide range conditions. The results indicate that this model predicts operating characteristics of the Cannibal process with a reasonable level of accuracy.

Enhancing nitrification in North American activated sludge plants

Water Science and Technology, May 1, 2000

Many plant owners, operators and designers consider the nitrifying activated sludge process as be... more Many plant owners, operators and designers consider the nitrifying activated sludge process as being a high hydraulic residence time (HRT) process. However, in recent years a number of techniques have been developed to enhance the performance of activated sludge plants for nitrification. The result, when the proper combination of these techniques is used, can be a significant reduction in the biological process hydraulic residence time and a corresponding reduction in facility costs and space requirements. Several of these factors are discussed in this paper, including a discussion of the mechanistic basis for each technique and its impact on nitrification process sizing. Some full-scale North American examples are also discussed.

Enhanced performance of simultaneous carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus removal from municipal wastewater in an anaerobic-aerobic-anoxic sequencing batch reactor (AOA-SBR) system by alternating the cycle times

Bioresource Technology, Apr 1, 2020

The performance of simultaneous carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) removal was investiga... more The performance of simultaneous carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) removal was investigated by altering the cycle times in an anaerobic-aerobic-anoxic sequencing batch reactor (AOA-SBR) system. Results showed that the AOA-SBR system achieved high simultaneous C, N and P removal efficiency with a cycle time of 6 h, with average removal efficiencies for COD, TN, and TP of 96.81%, 96.32% and 94.33%, respectively. The highest anoxic removal rate of NOX-N was 203.44 mg·g-1- MLVSS·d-1. Meanwhile, anaerobic release rate and aerobic, anoxic removal rate of TP reached peak values of 104.31 and 85.81 mg·g-1- MLVSS·d-1, respectively. Microbial community analysis demonstrated that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Candidatus Saccharibacteria at phylum level and Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Sphingobacteriia, Deltaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria at the class level benefited AOA-SBR performance. Functional analysis of genes indicated that the metabolic potential related to C, N and P metabolism increased under the optimal cycle time condition.

Achieving Low Effluent Nutrient Concentrations Using Membrane Bioreactor Technology: Documenting “How Low You Can Go”

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2009

Page 1. Achieving Low Effluent Nutrient Concentrations Using Membrane Bioreactor Technology: Docu... more

Quantitative Sustainable Design of Wastewater Treatment Plants: Balancing Economic, Engineering, and Life Cycle Environmental Impact Considerations in Process Selection

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2011

Evaluation of oxygen transfer efficiency and alpha-factor on a variety of diffused aeration systems

Water Environment Research, Jul 1, 1992

ABSTRACT:  Because the aeration system in an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant typicall... more ABSTRACT:  Because the aeration system in an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant typically represents more than 50% of total plant energy requirements, designers and operators can substantially reduce overall plant energy costs by using accurate oxygen transfer information to make the aeration system as energy efficient as possible. This paper presents data from 65 off‐gas analysis tests performed at 21 wastewater treatment plants. The effect of various factors on oxygen transfer was evaluated by comparing pairs of tests in which all factors but one were held relatively constant. Factors evaluated were diffuser type, diffuser layout, diffuser age, solids retention time, and level of nitrification. Flexible membrane diffusers had more than a 30% higher oxygen transfer efficiency than coarse bubble diffusers. Grid layouts had higher oxygen transfer efficiencies than spiral roll layouts. Flexible membrane diffusers that were 3.5 years old had a 20% lower oxygen transfer efficiency than new flexible membrane diffusers. Systems at low solids retention times that were not nitrifying had lower oxygen transfer efficiencies than nitrifying systems at high solids retention times. For some wastewater systems, use of this information on solids retention time in plant design and operation can decrease overall energy costs despite the additional oxygen required to meet the nitrogenous oxygen demand.

Characterization of Simultaneous Nutrient Removal in Staged, Closed-Loop Bioreactors

Water Environment Research, May 1, 2000

This research was conducted in the context of an overall research project directed at better unde... more This research was conducted in the context of an overall research project directed at better understanding and controlling simultaneous biological nutrient removal (SBNR) in full‐scale wastewater treatment plants. The basic hypothesis of the overall research is that three general mechanisms are responsible for SBNR and that all three can operate, to different degrees, within any biological nutrient removal (BNR) system. The three mechanisms are (1) biological reactor (bioreactor) mixing patterns that allow the anoxic and anaerobic zones necessary for BNR to develop, referred to as the bioreactor macroenvironment, (2) the development of anoxic and anaerobic zones within the floc, referred to as the floc microenvironment, and (3) the presence of novel microorganisms. System design and operating parameters will determine the relative importance of each mechanism. The objective of the overall research project is to identify the factors affecting the relative contributions of the three mechanisms to SBNR, thereby allowing SBNR to be implemented and controlled more effectively in full‐scale plants. In the research reported in this paper the operating characteristics of seven full‐scale wastewater treatment plants using the staged, closed‐loop bioreactor process known as Orbal were evaluated to determine the degree of SBNR occurring. Low effluent total nitrogen concentrations from a process without distinct anoxic zones indicate that simultaneous nitrification and denitrification occur reliably in these facilities. Nitrogen removal is encouraged at these facilities by use of solids retention times sufficiently long to allow nitrifiers to grow under the low dissolved oxygen concentrations in channel 1 of the process. Environmental conditions are relatively uniform throughout each channel, and distinct anoxic and aerobic zones do not seem to form. This suggests that the anoxic conditions necessary for denitrification may develop principally within the biological flocs. Biological nitrogen removal was characterized using the International Association on Water Quality Activated Sludge Model Number 1. Influent and effluent total phosphate and biochemical oxygen demand data and microbiological observations suggest that biological phosphorus removal occurs. Distinct anaerobic zones were not observed, but anaerobic conditions may develop within the lower portion of channel 1. These systems are good candidates for further study of SBNR.

Sludge Minimization Technologies- Doing more to get Less

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2006

Sludge minimization technologies have been available for several decades; however recent developm... more Sludge minimization technologies have been available for several decades; however recent developments have brought some sludge minimization technologies to the forefront. All of the technologies utilize one or more of three basic approaches to minimize the amount of waste activated sludge produced by an activated sludge process: cell lysis, cyclic oxic environments, and long solids retention time. This paper will discuss the three basic mechanisms, will review the development of several sludge minimization technologies, and will report on the current viability of each technology as well as current research needs for each. Sludge minimization refers generally to the optimum reduction of the mass of sludge or biosolids produced at a wastewater treatment facility. The sludge minimization technologies that have emerged perform their main solids reduction mechanisms within the activated sludge process, prior to sludge stabilization and conversion to a biosolid. These are the technologies that are of interest in this paper. A fundamental understanding of the basic mechanisms available to minimize sludge production is needed prior to evaluating the various sludge minimization technologies that are emerging onto the market. From that understanding, each technology can be evaluated. Early attempts at sludge minimization focused on long solids retention times within the activated sludge process, and the reduced sludge production was seen as a benefit of extended aeration plants. Ultrasonic cell lysis was first developed through laboratory-scale research in the 1960s, but was initially uneconomical due to limitations of the ultrasound equipment available at that time. Advances in ultrasound technology in the last decade have enabled commercial application of the technology for wastewater applications. Ultrasound can be used for sludge minimization in the activated sludge process or in digestion. The Cannibal TM process has shown recent success, and is marketed by Siemens USFilter. IDI has developed a competing process, know as Biolysis ® 'O'. Both of these technologies emphasize cyclic alternation between aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic environments. The MicroSludge TM homogenization process is another recent development for sludge minimization, relying on chemical pretreatment and mechanical shear forces to lyse bacterial cells. Each of the technologies discussed briefly above, will be more fully described with information on the history of the technology development, the basic mechanisms of sludge reduction, installations and performance information, economic considerations, and the identification of 506 WEFTEC®.06

Download

A practitioner’s perspective on the uses and future developments for wastewater treatment modelling

Water Science and Technology, Feb 1, 2011

The modern age of wastewater treatment modelling began with publication of the International Wate... more The modern age of wastewater treatment modelling began with publication of the International Water Association (IWA) Activated Sludge Model (ASM) No.1 and has advanced significantly since. Models are schematic representations of systems that are useful for analysis to support decision-making. The most appropriate model for a particular application often incorporates only those components essential for the particular analyses to be performed (i.e. the simplest model possible). Characteristics of effective models are presented, along with how wastewater modelling is integrated into the wastewater project life cycle. The desirable characteristics of wastewater treatment modelling platforms are then reviewed. Current developments of note in wastewater treatment modelling practice include estimates of greenhouse gas emissions, incorporating uncertainty into wastewater modelling and design practice, more fundamental modelling of process chemistry, and improved understanding of the degradability of wastewater constituents in different environments. Areas requiring greater emphasis include increased use of metabolic modelling, characterisation of the hydrodynamics of suspended and biofilm biological treatment processes, and the integration of biofilm and suspended growth process modelling. Wastewater treatment models must also interface with water and wastewater management software packages. While wastewater treatment modelling will continue to advance and make important contributions to practice, it must be remembered that these are complex systems which exhibit counter-intuitive behaviour (results differ from initial expectations) and multiple dynamic steady-states which can abruptly transition from one to another.

Biological Wastewater Treatment

CRC Press eBooks, May 9, 2011

Introduction and Background Classification of Biochemical Operations The Role of Biochemical Oper... more Introduction and Background Classification of Biochemical Operations The Role of Biochemical Operations Criteria for Classification Common "Named" Biochemical Operations Key Points Study Questions References Fundamentals of Biochemical Operations Overview of Biochemical Operations Major Types of Microorganisms and Their Roles Microbial Ecosystems in Biochemical Operations Important Processes in Biochemical Operations Key Points Study Questions References Stoichiometry and Kinetics of Aerobic/Anoxic Biochemical Operations Stoichiometry and Generalized Reaction Rate Biomass Growth and Substrate Utilization Soluble Microbial Product Formation Solubilization of Particulate and High Molecular Weight Organic Matter Ammonification and Ammonia Utilization Phosphorus Uptake and Release Simplified Stoichiometry and Its Use Effects of Temperature Key Points Study Questions References Theory: Modeling of Ideal Suspended Growth Reactors Modeling Suspended Growth Systems Modeling Microbial Systems Mass Balance Equation Reactor Types Modeling Nonideal Reactors Key Points Study Questions References Aerobic Growth of Heterotrophs in a Single Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor Receiving Soluble Substrate Basic Model for a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor Extensions of the Basic Model Effects of Kinetic Parameters Biomass Wastage and Recycle Key Points Study Questions References Multiple Microbial Activities in a Single Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor International Water Association Activated Sludge Models Effect of Particulate Substrate Nitrification and Its Impacts Denitrification and Its Impacts Multiple Events Key Points Study Questions References Multiple Microbial Activities in Complex Systems Modeling Complex Systems Conventional and High Purity Oxygen Activated Sludge Step Feed Activated Sludge Contact Stabilization Activated Sludge Modified Ludzack-Ettinger Process Four-Stage Bardenpho Process Biological Phosphorus Removal Process Sequencing Batch Reactor Key Points Study Questions References Stoichiometry, Kinetics, and Simulations of Anaerobic Biochemical Operations Stoichiometry of Anaerobic Biochemical Operations Kinetics of Anaerobic Biochemical Operations Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 Key Points Study Questions References Techniques for Evaluating Kinetic and Stoichiometric Parameters Treatability Studies Simple Soluble Substrate Model with Traditional Decay as Presented in Chapter 5 Simple Soluble Substrate Model with Traditional Decay in the Absence of Data on the Active Fraction Use of Batch Reactors to Determine Monod Kinetic Parameters for Single Substrates Complex Substrate Model with Lysis:Regrowth Approach to Decay as Presented in Chapter 6 (International Water Association Activated Sludge Model No. 1) Using Traditional Measurements to Approximate Wastewater Characteristics for Modeling Key Points Study Questions References Applications: Suspended Growth Reactors Design and Evaluation of Suspended Growth Processes Guiding Principles Iterative Nature of Process Design and Evaluation Basic Decisions during Design and Evaluation Levels of Design and Evaluation Key Points Study Questions References Activated Sludge Process Description Factors Affecting Performance Process Design Process Operation Key Points Study Questions References Biological Nutrient Removal Process Description Process Design Process Operation Key Points Study Questions References Aerobic Digestion Process Description Factors Affecting Performance Process Design Process Operation Study Questions References Anaerobic Processes Process Description Factors Affecting Performance Process Design Key Points Study Questions References Lagoons Process Description Factors Affecting Performance Process Design Process Operation Key Points Study Questions References Theory: Modeling of Ideal Attached Growth Reactors Biofilm Modeling Effects of Transport Limitations Effects of Multiple Limiting Nutrients Multispecies Biofilms Multidimensional Mathematical Models of Biofilms Key Points Study Questions References Biofilm Reactors Packed Towers Rotating Disc Reactors Key Points Study Questions References Fluidized Bed Biological Reactors Description of Fluidized Bed Biological Reactor Fluidization Modeling Fluidized Bed Biological Reactors Theoretical Performance of Fluidized Bed Biological Reactors Sizing a Fluidized Bed Biological Reactor Key Points Study Questions References Applications: Attached Growth Reactors Trickling Filter Process Description Factors Affecting Performance Process Design Process Operation Key Points Study Questions References Rotating Biological Contactor Process Description Factors Affecting Performance Process Design Process Operation Key Points Study Questions References Submerged Attached Growth Bioreactors Process Description Factors Affecting Performance Process Design Process Operation Key Points Study Questions References Future Challenges Fate and Effects of Xenobiotic Organic Chemicals Biodegradation Abiotic Removal…

Achieving Sustainable State-of-the-Art Treatment for Nutrient Removal at the Alexandria Renew Enterprises Water Resources Recovery Facility

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2012

600 MLD Membrane Bioreactor for Tertiary Nitrification in Hamilton, Ontario

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2006

ABSTRACT

A Sustainable Near-Potable Quality Water Reclamation Plant for Municipal and Industrial Wastewater

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, Oct 1, 2007

... Glen T. Daigger*, Andrew Hodgkinson**, David Evans*** *CH2M HILL 9191 South Jamaica Street En... more

Werf Project: Feasibility of Membrane Technology for Biological Wastewater Treatment – Identification of Issues and MBR Technology Assessment Tool

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2001

Recent developments in the application of membrane technology to biological treatment (membrane b... more

Assessing membrane aerated biofilm reactor configurations in mainstream anammox applications

Water Science and Technology, Jan 19, 2022

Partial nitritation anammox (PNA) membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs) have the potential to... more Partial nitritation anammox (PNA) membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs) have the potential to be employed in mainstream wastewater treatment and can drastically decrease the energy and carbon requirements for nitrogen removal. Previous PNA MABR studies have looked at 1-stage systems, but no study has holistically compared the performance of different MABR configurations. In this study, a PNA MABR was mechanistically modelled to determine the impact of the reactor configuration (1-stage, hybrid, or 2-stage system) on the location of the preferred niche for anammox bacteria and the overall nitrogen removal performance. Results from this study show that the 2-stage configuration, which used an MABR with a thin biofilm for nitritation and a moving bed biofilm reactor for anammox, had a 20% larger nitrogen removal rate than the 1-stage or hybrid configurations. This suggests that an MABR should focus on maximizing nitrite production with anammox implemented in a second-stage biofilm reactor to achieve the most cost-effective nitrogen removal. However, the optimal configuration will likely be facility specific, as each facility differs in operating costs, construction costs, footprint, and effluent limits. Additional experimentation is required to confirm these results, but this work narrows the number of viable configurations that need to be tested. The results of this study will inform researchers and engineers how to best implement PNA MABRs in mainstream nitrogen removal at larger scales.

Download

Integrated nutrient removal design for very low phosphorus levels

Water Science and Technology, Nov 1, 2009

The State of Washington has found that the Spokane River is DO impaired, and is requiring dischar... more The State of Washington has found that the Spokane River is DO impaired, and is requiring dischargers to reduce phosphorus inputs to the river. Spokane County elected to build a new water recovery facility with a target effluent total phosphorus level of 50 mg/L on a seasonal average basis. Spokane County elected to use a private company to design/build and operate their facility. The very low nutrient requirements, and lack of historical operating information, necessitated an integrated approach to the nutrient removal design while considering the risks and benefits of the various treatment options. The process selection evaluated membrane bioreactors and tertiary membranes for the primary liquids process in combination with chemical and/or biological phosphorus removal. The final process selection included chemically enhanced primary treatment, membrane bioreactor with metal salts, and dewatering liquor treatment with an innovative post aerobic digestion step.

Download

A comparison between the theory and reality of full-scale step-feed nutrient removal systems

Water Science and Technology, Nov 1, 2005

Capacity enhancement and volume reduction benefits of step-feeding fully aerobic bioreactors has ... more Capacity enhancement and volume reduction benefits of step-feeding fully aerobic bioreactors has been well documented. Application of step-feed technology to biological nutrient removal (BNR) systems, particularly those removing nitrogen alone or both nitrogen and phosphorus, is relatively new to the industry. In recent years, a number of full-scale step-feed facilities have been brought into service. This paper reviews nine full-scale step-feed biological nutrient removal systems--both nitrogen removal alone, and nitrogen and phosphorus removal. The objective is to compare the theoretical benefits of such systems with their actual operation. The predicted benefits of reduced bioreactor volume or increased process capacity, reduced energy usage, more robust nitrification performance, and the flexibility to tune (or de-tune) nitrification efficiency were verified in full-scale systems. Equations are also presented that may be used in the prediction of step-feed benefits. There are two primary drivers for considering a step-feed biological reactor system: 1. Reduced bioreactor volume for a defined capacity or performance or increased process capacity given a fixed bioreactor volume. 2. More robust nitrification performance. Full-scale operation of these step-feed nutrient removal systems provides a real world basis for the claimed benefits of step-feed operation. These systems have uniformly shown additional capacity. A number of them have also exhibited more robust performance, especially during storms. Where possible, side-by-side comparisons of full-scale step-feed systems with non-step-feed systems have exhibited greater process reliability and flexibility.

Glen Daigger

Uploads

Papers by Glen Daigger

Log In