Ammonia Removal -- Control Parameters for Biodegradation
Ammonia Removal -- Control Parameters for Biodegradation
(OP)
Installation of NOx reduction technologies at coal-fired power plants can potentially result in ammonia nitrogen concentrations of 0 to 600 mg/kg on the coal fly ash. When rain falls on this ammonium bisulfate laden ash, it is expected to leach. I am trying to identify control parameters for achieving biological treatment of ammonia in ponds which receive this ammonia-bearing stormwater run-off. Preliminary estimates of ammonia concentrations in the stormwater runoff are in the 3 to 28 mg/L range and some of them in the 30 to 100 mg/L range. I need temperature ranges, residence time ranges, pH ranges, and other potential control parameter ranges. I would appreciate it if someone could point me towards EPA studies or other classic reference works on treating ammonia in wastewater. Wastewater treatment at most of these facilities has traditionally relied on pH adjustment and the immense assimilative capacity of huge -- 15 to 30 acre -- ash ponds. I am trying to determine how to augment the smaller ponds to improve their assimilative capacity for ammonia, and when to warn management that a a package plant or trickle filter or some other type of treatment may be necessary.





RE: Ammonia Removal -- Control Parameters for Biodegradation
For small pond eradication of nitrogen compounds and heavy metals, electrolytic treatment would be advised, especially as your levels jump from 28mg/l to 100mg/l at any one time. Electrolytic can be accomplished in-situ and will not be effected by ph, temperature, alkalinity, etc. Such systems are used to reduce/oxidize nitrogen, sulfur and carbonates in manure wastewater lagoons, and they are at a far higher levels then you ahve here. Lagoon size will determine rotational rate, which must account for holding time prior to release/dump.
Dave Orlebeke/Aquatic Technologies
PS If have further questions, let me know.
RE: Ammonia Removal -- Control Parameters for Biodegradation
Are any of these systems in-use in the southeastern US? What would be the ballpark range on capital costs and operating costs for electrolytic treatment for a 25 Million gallon pond? Flow from these ponds is rainfall dependent. Flow from one of the ponds under consideration is zero about 80% of the time.
RE: Ammonia Removal -- Control Parameters for Biodegradation
Capitol cost dependent on holding time - as holding time determines the rotational rate to meet whatever reduction limits you need. 20-million gallon system with a nitrogen count of 100ppm, rotating at 1200gpm through the electrode cells, would run about $30-35,000. If you needed a pump to rotate, figure another $25,000. Operational cost for the electrolytic system would be 40amps/230v/1phase 24/7 or 9.2kW per hour. Pump would probably be 20hp at 230/460v/3-phase, drawing 30 amps, unless you already had existing pups operating that we could divert flow through. Space requirement would be approx. 9' long, by 4' wide by 5' tall. electrode distribution manifold could be placed outside (that is the majority of the space required) but the power controller would need to be inside.
Dave Orlebeke/Aquatic Technologies
RE: Ammonia Removal -- Control Parameters for Biodegradation
Don't be misled-biological or chemical treatment is far more common for applications of this type. Treatment of ammonia in wastewater is a common feature of every wastewater system in the world. Relatively high strength ammonia wastewater such as you have may however be more suited to chemical removal than biological treatment.
I cannot comment on the applicability of electrolytic treatment to fish farms (the supposed area of expertise of "Muggle"),but can assure you that biological and chemical treatment of ammonia is commonplace, unlike electrolytic treatment on this scale.
Since "Muggle" makes ridiculous claims elsewhere on these pages (such as that the electrolytic system suggested electrolyses sulphate to elemental sulphur), I would suggest you ask a professional engineer's opinion of his proposal. As he says himself elsewhere in this site, he has no professional qualifications whatever.
For expert advice on wastewater treatment, try a reputable textbook such as "Metcalf and Eddy: Wastewater Engineering"
You will find no mention of electrolytic tretment of ammonia.
RE: Ammonia Removal -- Control Parameters for Biodegradation
Biological filtration will work - but has limitations, just as all systems do. Merging technologies to overcome the limitations of each usaully works best, and does not require either the land space or increase capitol/operational costs.
Just because something is "commonly used" does not mean it is the best - for case in point - look at chlorination of drinking water and all the problems that has created.
Good luck WildRiverRat - but you might want to contact EPA and the US Naval New Technology Divisions - they probablycan give better info then you'll get here!
RE: Ammonia Removal -- Control Parameters for Biodegradation
Without getting any further into an argument here, the most usual treatment is a biological one for problems such as yours. The energy costs will be far less than for electrolysis. To say electrolysis is cheaper than RO is probably true. Whether it will work or not is however a question which is more difficult to answer. No-one would however suggest RO as a solution to your problem. The objections which are being raised to the biological treatment route are spurious. Removal of nitrite and nitrate can also be carried out by more advanced biological means. Again, this is the conventional approach. It works.
As a professional engineer I understand all approaches. It is not I who has the limited approach. Electrolysis is not appropriate here.
To a man who only has a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Similarly, if you look at Muggle's other posts on this site, he suggests the same few approaches to everyone, for everything. Electrolytic treatment is what he sells for a living. It is unlikely that the results of his installations are analysed rigorously.
Muggle's posts elsewhere on this site make it clear that he has very little understanding of the basics of electrolysis, his supposed area of expertise. It's not just me who thinks so. Have a look at the comments on his suggestions. Most people are too polite to come right out and say it, but read between the lines.
I have no wish to cause unnecessary offence, but professional qualifications are more than just pieces of paper,and it is my understanding that practicing as an Engineer in the US without a licence is a criminal offence.
I have degrees in Environmental Science, Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, and am a Chartered Chemical Engineer, the UK equivalent of PE.Most of the other people who post replies to questions on this site are similarly qualified.
I am not going to enter into argument with unqualified salesmen. It is my understanding that promoting and selling are not allowed in the forums. Hopefully this it therefore a problem which will resolve itself.
RE: Ammonia Removal -- Control Parameters for Biodegradation
RE: Ammonia Removal -- Control Parameters for Biodegradation