Aqua Enviro services

One of Aqua Enviro’s techniques for the initial assessment of the activated sludge process is microscopic examination. This test involves the visual assessment of biomass floc structure/size/shape, protozoa, metazoa and filamentous bacteria. Findings from the visual assessment our used to indicate the overall health of the plant, changes that may have occurred in the influent, process conditions (F/M, sludge age) and any problems that maybe occurring within the ASP (low dissolved oxygen, under/overloading, nutrient deficiency, toxicity)

Aqua Enviro utilise two main techniques for assessing feedstocks for anaerobic digestion (AD) with these being the Bio-chemical Methane Potential (BMP) test and laboratory trials using bench-scale AD reactors. The BMP test is usually the first stage of assessment and comprises of a batch test whereby a known quantity of feedstock is added to a seed digestate from a suitable AD process and the cumulative methane production is recorded over a 14 day test period. 1kg or 1L of feedstock is required for the testing.

Aqua Enviro utilise three main techniques for assessing feedstocks for aerobic treatment. With these being carbonaceous and nitrification inhibition testing, Zahn Wellens / EMPA RBCOD assessment and laboratory trials using sequence batch reactors. Carbonaceous and nitrification inhibition testing is usually the first stage of assessment in the amenability of a test material for aerobic treatment. Using respirometric methods to determine oxygen uptake rate, the sample is tested undiluted on a nitrifying activated sludge seed with and without nitrification inhibitor, compared to a control sample comprising of aerobic seed material and distilled water. All samples contain synthetic sewage to ensure theoretical respiration rate can be achieved

Efficient dewatering is key to the management of dewatered materials and whilst the interaction between different physical and chemical propoerties of these materials are well documented, this general knowledge doesn’t give an indication of how dewaterable any specific sludge might be – or how well any individual dewatering process is operating. Similarly, it is vital that dewatered material is stable and is able to be stored without it ‘spreading’. For example, when stored in fields, the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone regulations require that all organic materials “occupy as small a surface area as is practically required to support the heap”. Slumped and spreading field heaps can damage growing crops, result in fines and intervention from the environmental regulator.

Aqua Enviro utilise three main techniques for assessing feedstocks for aerobic treatment. With these being carbonaceous and nitrification inhibition testing, Zahn Wellens / EMPA RBCOD assessment and laboratory trials using sequence batch reactors. We recommend Laboratory scale Activated Sludge Plant (ASP) trials are used as the 3rd stage of assessment to assess the amenability of the feedstock for Aerobic treatment following respirometry and/or Zahn wellens testing. Bench scale trials comprise of duplicate reactors operated at conditions tailored to the specific project requirements

Aqua Enviro utilise three main techniques for assessing feedstocks for aerobic treatment. With these being carbonaceous and nitrification inhibition testing, Zahn Wellens / EMPA RBCOD assessment and laboratory trials using sequence batch reactors. We recommend Laboratory scale SBR trials are used as the 3rd stage of assessment to assess the amenability of the feedstock for Aerobic treatment following respirometry and/or Zahn wellens testing. Bench scale trials comprise of duplicate reactors operated at conditions tailored to the specific project requirements

Aqua Enviro possess a pilot scale thermal hydrolysis rig which can be used in combination with biochemical methane potential testing or a lab scale AD trial. To assess the amenability of a potential or current AD feedstock for thermal hydrolysis treatment.

Our ambition is simple: to draw on our experiences to make your project a success, develop long lasting effective relationships with our clients and become your trusted advisor. To pursue this we will:

Environmental sampling and monitoring services with Aqua Enviro’s experienced team of technicians and process scientists who can provide expert advice for all your site requirements throughout the UK and Ireland.