Odorous emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an annoyance for neighboring communities. This article, for the first time, quantitatively reports on an evaluation of the presence of fecal odorants identified in air samples... more
Odorous emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an annoyance for neighboring communities. This article, for the first time, quantitatively reports on an evaluation of the presence of fecal odorants identified in air samples from two exemplary WWTPs by the odor profile method (OPM) and chemical analysis. The fecal odorants indole and skatole were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The odor threshold concentration of skatole was determined to be 0.327 ng/L (60 pptV) in Teflon Bags by an expert panel. Skatole was found to be the primary chemical leading to fecal odor, due to its odor concentration to odor threshold concentration ratio that ranged from 2.8 to 22.5. The Weber-Fechner law was followed by pure skatole, but was not applicable when there was a mixture of fecal odorants and other odorant types present in WWTP air emission samples. This is probably caused by antagonism with other odorant types. Several existing odor control treatment methods for...
Research Interests: Chemistry, Environmental Management, Environmental Chemistry, Adolescent, Medicine, and 15 moreMultidisciplinary, California, Humans, Female, Male, ODOR, Aged, Middle Aged, Adult, Sewage Treatment, Biofilter, Fecal Coliform, Air Pollutants, Skatole, and Odorants(Multidisciplinary, California, Humans, Female, Male, ODOR, Aged, Middle Aged, Adult, Sewage Treatment, Biofilter, Fecal Coliform, Air Pollutants, Skatole, and Odorants)
(Multidisciplinary, California, Humans, Female, Male, ODOR, Aged, Middle Aged, Adult, Sewage Treatment, Biofilter, Fecal Coliform, Air Pollutants, Skatole, and Odorants)
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Odorous emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an annoyance for neighboring communities. This article, for the first time, quantitatively reports on an evaluation of the presence of fecal odorants identified in air samples... more
Odorous emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an annoyance for neighboring communities. This article, for the first time, quantitatively reports on an evaluation of the presence of fecal odorants identified in air samples from two exemplary WWTPs by the odor profile method (OPM) and chemical analysis. The fecal odorants indole and skatole were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The odor threshold concentration of skatole was determined to be 0.327 ng/L (60 pptV) in Teflon Bags by an expert panel. Skatole was found to be the primary chemical leading to fecal odor, due to its odor concentration to odor threshold concentration ratio that ranged from 2.8 to 22.5. The Weber-Fechner law was followed by pure skatole, but was not applicable when there was a mixture of fecal odorants and other odorant types present in WWTP air emission samples. This is probably caused by antagonism with other odorant types. Several existing odor control treatment methods for...
Research Interests: Chemistry, Environmental Management, Environmental Chemistry, Adolescent, Medicine, and 15 moreMultidisciplinary, California, Humans, Female, Male, ODOR, Aged, Middle Aged, Adult, Sewage Treatment, Biofilter, Fecal Coliform, Air Pollutants, Skatole, and Odorants(Multidisciplinary, California, Humans, Female, Male, ODOR, Aged, Middle Aged, Adult, Sewage Treatment, Biofilter, Fecal Coliform, Air Pollutants, Skatole, and Odorants)
(Multidisciplinary, California, Humans, Female, Male, ODOR, Aged, Middle Aged, Adult, Sewage Treatment, Biofilter, Fecal Coliform, Air Pollutants, Skatole, and Odorants)
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The relationship between body burden and toxicity of three individual PCB congeners in developing sea urchin embryos was investigated to evaluate the validity of current predictive models of PCB toxicity in an invertebrate system. The... more
The relationship between body burden and toxicity of three individual PCB congeners in developing sea urchin embryos was investigated to evaluate the validity of current predictive models of PCB toxicity in an invertebrate system. The uptake and accumulation of radiolabeled PCB congeners from sea water was measured in the sea urchin embryo tissues and the relative toxicity determined. According to the toxic equivalents (TEQ) approach of assessing risk to mammals, congener 77, a nonortho-substituted congener, is predicted to be more toxic than the diortho-substituted congeners 47 and 153. Using a 72 hour embryo development assay, congener 47 was found to be at least four times as toxic as congener 77, with EC50s of 15.7 and > 72.5 mmol/kg, respectively. Congener 153, a hexachlorobiphenyl, was virtually nontoxic even at the highest dose used. Cytologic and cytogenetic anomalies were studied to find a possibly more sensitive endpoint and to suggest a mechanism of toxicity. The cytog...
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Abstract: The City of Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) operates a 210 MGD secondary wastewater treatment facility, the Northeast Water Pollution Control Plant (NE WPCP) located in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia. PWD has been... more
Abstract: The City of Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) operates a 210 MGD secondary wastewater treatment facility, the Northeast Water Pollution Control Plant (NE WPCP) located in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia. PWD has been continuously working on ...
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Research Interests: Genetics, Environmental Science, Environmental Monitoring, International Marine Environmental Law, Medicine, and 15 moreBiological Sciences, California, Heavy metals, Environmental Sciences, Animals, Fishes, Sediment, Contamination, CHEMICAL SCIENCES, Estuary, Analysis of Variance, Acclimatization, Heavy Metals Pollution, Growth rate, and Geologic Sediments
... Authors Ginachi Amah,1 IH (Mel) Suffet,1 Randal Orton,2 Jacqy Gamble2 and Michael K ... by suppressing the enzyme system necessary for the proc-ess to occur (Metcalf and Eddy Inc ... load in the influent wastewater, centrate from... more
... Authors Ginachi Amah,1 IH (Mel) Suffet,1 Randal Orton,2 Jacqy Gamble2 and Michael K ... by suppressing the enzyme system necessary for the proc-ess to occur (Metcalf and Eddy Inc ... load in the influent wastewater, centrate from de-watering of the primary and some part of the ...
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Research Interests: Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water quality, Los Angeles, Seasonality, and 11 moreWatershed Management, Nonpoint Source Pollution, Nitrogen, Semi Arid Region, Nutrient Loading, Water Quality, Total Phosphorus, Urban Runoff, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Dry Season, and total suspended solid (TSS)
In many watersheds located in southern California, efforts are being focused on urban runoff because of its adverse impact on receiving water quality. The Sweetwater River watershed is a good example, where the drainage area is rapidly... more
In many watersheds located in southern California, efforts are being focused on urban runoff because of its adverse impact on receiving water quality. The Sweetwater River watershed is a good example, where the drainage area is rapidly urbanizing and deteriorating reservoir water quality. Contaminated storm water is captured and diverted but as urbanization increases, additional runoff will be generated which will overload the existing infrastructure. To better manage the diversion systems and minimize future construction, storm-water volumes and pollutant loadings need to be estimated. Due to the lack of real-time storm-water runoff monitoring data, pollutant loadings must be estimated from land use information. We used satellite imagery to estimate selected storm-water pollutant loads and compared the results to predictions using land use information from public records. Satellite imagery was useful in estimating storm-water pollutant loads and identifying high loading areas. Satellite imagery with appropriate classification is a promising tool for watershed management and for prioritizing best management practices.
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ABSTRACT In order to implement efficient and effective management strategies for coastal water quality in Southern California, it is important to consider the relative pollutant contributions from urban dry-weather flow (DWF) and... more
ABSTRACT In order to implement efficient and effective management strategies for coastal water quality in Southern California, it is important to consider the relative pollutant contributions from urban dry-weather flow (DWF) and wet-weather flow (WWF). This study uses both historical flow coupled with water quality monitoring data and computer modeling to characterize the annual DWF and WWF discharges from an urban catchment in Los Angeles, Calif. The DWF and WWF pollutant loading of the trace metals copper, lead, nickel, and chromium for 6 water years dating from 1991 to 1996 is predicted. The results indicate that DWF contributes a considerable amount of flow and pollutants. Approximately, 9-25 % of the total annual Ballona Creek flow volume is DWF The simulations indicate DWF accounts for 54, 19, 33, and 44 % of the average annual load of total chromium, copper, lead, and nickel, respectively. In the dry season, the simulations indicate DWF accounts for 89, 59, 58, and 90 % of the load of total chromium, copper, lead, and nickel, respectively. This research suggests DWF controls may be an important part of pollution mitigation plans for urban stormwater drainage systems in Southern California.
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Santa Monica Bay forms part of the western border of the greater Los Angeles region. The Ballona Creek watershed is highly urbanized and past studies indicate that Ballona Creek is the largest source for most pollutants to Santa Monica... more
Santa Monica Bay forms part of the western border of the greater Los Angeles region. The Ballona Creek watershed is highly urbanized and past studies indicate that Ballona Creek is the largest source for most pollutants to Santa Monica Bay. This study evaluates the contribution of subwatersheds to PCB and chlorinated pesticide loading during wet weather flow. Fifteen storm drains from these subwatersheds were sampled during three storms during the 2005-2006 winter rainy season. A series of grab samples were taken over the duration of the storms. The suspended solids were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to calculate the runoff volume from each subwatershed to estimate pollution mass loading. There was no statistical difference among subswatersheds; however, a disproportionate mass of PCB loading came from site 5, which had no obvious sources. No specific subwatersheds were identified as key sources for chlorinated pesticides. These results may serve as a model for other locations with concerns for historic PCB and chlorinated pesticides loadings.
Research Interests: Environmental Science, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Chemistry, Stormwater, Medicine, and 14 moreMultidisciplinary, Los Angeles, Seasonality, Water Supply, Pesticide, Pesticides, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Rain, Polychlorinated Biphenyl, Urban Runoff, Geographic Information System, Geographic Information Systems, Geologic Sediments, and Suspended solid
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Odorous emissions from wastewater biosolids processing can cause nuisance impacts to the surrounding community. Odour Wheels are an effective tool for environmental odour management, but have yet to be provided for wastewater biosolids... more
Odorous emissions from wastewater biosolids processing can cause nuisance impacts to the surrounding community. Odour Wheels are an effective tool for environmental odour management, but have yet to be provided for wastewater biosolids processing. Emissions throughout the biosolids processing from eight wastewater treatment plants, each with different unit operation configurations, were surveyed to identify odorants present and their olfactory properties. Chemical and olfactory methods identified a range of odorants and odours emitted throughout biosolids processing. Within the biosolids processing locations studied Sulfur type odours, described as rotten eggs or cabbage, were typically encountered. However, there was also a varying presence of Rancid/putrid and Faecal/manure type odours. Odour Wheels were generated to communicate both the olfactory and chemical components of emissions which were measured throughout biosolids processing. Examples based on the operation of the eight ...
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The extensive use of antibiotics has led to their presence in the aquatic environment, and introduces potential impacts on human and ecological health. The capability of powdered activated carbon (PAC) to remove six frequently used... more
The extensive use of antibiotics has led to their presence in the aquatic environment, and introduces potential impacts on human and ecological health. The capability of powdered activated carbon (PAC) to remove six frequently used quinolone (QN) antibiotics during water treatment was evaluated to improve drinking water safety. The kinetics of QN adsorption by PAC was best described by a pseudo second-order equation, and the adsorption capacity was well described by the Freundlich isotherm equation. Isotherms measured at different pH showed that hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic interaction, and π-π dispersion force were the main mechanisms for adsorption of QNs by PAC. A pH-dependent isotherm model based on the Freundlich equation was developed to predict the adsorption capacity of QNs by PAC at different pH values. This model had excellent prediction capabilities under different laboratory scenarios. Small relative standard derivations (RSDs), i.e., 0.59%-0.92% for ciprofloxa...
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Some N-nitrosamines (NAs) have been identified as emerging disinfection by-products during water treatment. Thus, it is essential to understand the characteristics of the NA precursors. In this study, the polarity rapid assessment method... more
Some N-nitrosamines (NAs) have been identified as emerging disinfection by-products during water treatment. Thus, it is essential to understand the characteristics of the NA precursors. In this study, the polarity rapid assessment method (PRAM) and the classical resin fractionation method were studied as methods to fractionate the NA precursors during drinking water treatment. The results showed that PRAM has much higher selectivity for NA precursors than the resin approach. The normalized N-nitrosodimethylamine formation potential (NDMA FP) and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) FP of four resin fractions was at the same level as the average yield of the bulk organic matter whereas that of the cationic fraction by PRAM showed 50 times the average. Thus, the cationic fraction was shown to be the most important NDMA precursor contributor. The PRAM method also helped understand which portions of the NA precursor were removed by different water treatment processes. Activated carbon (AC) adso...
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The overall growth rate of bacteria on granular activated carbon (GAC) contactors at the Philadelphia Torresdale Water Treatment Pilot Plant facility was found to decrease until steady state was reached. The growth rate was found to... more
The overall growth rate of bacteria on granular activated carbon (GAC) contactors at the Philadelphia Torresdale Water Treatment Pilot Plant facility was found to decrease until steady state was reached. The growth rate was found to fluctuate between 6.94 X 10(-3) and 8.68 X 10(-4) doublings per h. The microbiological removal of total organic carbon (TOC) was calculated by considering the GAC contactors as semiclosed continuous culture systems and using growth yield factors determined in laboratory experiments. After ozonation, the average TOC entering the contactors was 1,488 micrograms/liter, and the average effluent TOC was 497 micrograms/liter. Microbiological TOC removal was found to average 240 micrograms/liter on GAC contactors, which was not significantly different from microbiological TOC (220 micrograms/liter) removal across a parallel sand contactor where no adsorption took place. Thus, GAC did not appear to enhance biological TOC removal. Bacterial growth and maintenance...
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Page 335. 13 MTBE Removal by Air Stripping and Advanced Oxidation Processes Cris B. Liban Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles, Cali1omia. US. A Sun Liang Metropolitan Water District of Southem Califomia.... more
Page 335. 13 MTBE Removal by Air Stripping and Advanced Oxidation Processes Cris B. Liban Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles, Cali1omia. US. A Sun Liang Metropolitan Water District of Southem Califomia. La Veme. Califomia, US. ...
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... Total nitrogen, 3.2, 9.9, N/A. ... wastewater management planning and forms the basis, for example, for most European drainage regulation and management. ... and stormwater management strategy should be included in watershed plans,... more
... Total nitrogen, 3.2, 9.9, N/A. ... wastewater management planning and forms the basis, for example, for most European drainage regulation and management. ... and stormwater management strategy should be included in watershed plans, developed in a hierarchical manner, using ...
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The symposium from which this book was developed took place in Philadelphia in 1984. It contains 36 papers and the transcript of a panel discussion, all of which have gone through more than the usual editorial attention, and are,... more
The symposium from which this book was developed took place in Philadelphia in 1984. It contains 36 papers and the transcript of a panel discussion, all of which have gone through more than the usual editorial attention, and are, appropriately, set in type. The subject headings are the following: Protocols; Reverse Osmosis to Isolate Organic Pollutants from Water; Synthetic Polymers for Concentrating Organic Chemicals from Water; Noval Methods to Isolate and Fractionate Organics Chemicals in Water Samples; Comparison of Isolation Methods; Case Histories: Biological Testing; and Toxicological Testing - Analysis Interface. The overall picture drawn of what we drink is unsettling but fascinating. The index is uncommonly thorough.
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Page 1. 11 Sorption of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in the Water Column by Dissolved and Particulate Organic Material Linda L. Henry1 and IH Suffet Environmental Studies Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Steven L. Friant ...
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Many drainage basins adjacent to Sweetwater Reservoir in Southern California are rapidly urbanizing, which causes significant stormwater runoff pollution to the receiving water. Current efforts focusing on urban runoff are being made... more
Many drainage basins adjacent to Sweetwater Reservoir in Southern California are rapidly urbanizing, which causes significant stormwater runoff pollution to the receiving water. Current efforts focusing on urban runoff are being made using a diversion system to prevent the first flush from contaminating the reservoir. In order to design an effective diversion system, estimates of stormwater pollutant loading are essential. In this research, we used satellite imagery to estimate stormwater pollutant loading based on our new classification system customized for stormwater pollution. In this classification system, selected stormwater quality parameters (TSS, COD, BOD5, TKN, and TP) were classified into low, medium and high loads. The main goals of this study were to identify and visualize high pollutant loading areas and to assess the impact of each loading class. Our results would be useful for designing the diversion system and to develop best management practices for urban stormwater pollution.
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Each odorant possesses a unique odor signature (i.e. odor character or quality, odor threshold and chemical concentration). This paper develops an initial understanding of how the volatile odorous chemicals and their relative... more
Each odorant possesses a unique odor signature (i.e. odor character or quality, odor threshold and chemical concentration). This paper develops an initial understanding of how the volatile odorous chemicals and their relative concentrations produced are related to the total odor quality from the process by their odor threshold concentrations and odor signatures.
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Chlorinous flavors at the tap are the leading cause of customers' complaints and dissatisfaction with drinking water. To characterize consumer perception and acceptance to chlorinous tastes, extensive taste testing was performed with... more
Chlorinous flavors at the tap are the leading cause of customers' complaints and dissatisfaction with drinking water. To characterize consumer perception and acceptance to chlorinous tastes, extensive taste testing was performed with both trained panelists and average consumers. Taste testing with trained panelists showed that chlorine perception is underestimated by disinfectant flavor thresholds reported in the literature. However, trained panelists significantly overestimate the average consumer's ability to perceive chlorine. In addition, consumer perception seems to be influenced by the chlorination practices of the country they live in. Among water quality characteristics that may influence chlorine perception, temperature was not found to induce any significant change. The influence of total dissolved solids (TDS) on chlorine perception remains unclear and, as reported elsewhere, background tastes such as musty, may significantly impact chlorine threshold.
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In response to reports of medicinal taste and odor problems in suburban Paris, a lab scale study was conducted to investigate the contribution of different water quality parameters--pH, phenol, bromide, chlorine, temperature and dissolved... more
In response to reports of medicinal taste and odor problems in suburban Paris, a lab scale study was conducted to investigate the contribution of different water quality parameters--pH, phenol, bromide, chlorine, temperature and dissolved oxygen levels--on bromophenol medicinal odor formation using the Flavor Profile Analysis (FPA) method. A study of six parameters at 2 levels (64 experiments) analyzed by the FPA method suggests that chlorine at high concentration is more important as a controlling agent than phenol under similar conditions and the ratio of HOBr:Phenol and the time for reaction will control subsequent brominated products of reaction. Results from a three-level statistical model indicate that high pH was associated with lower odor intensities, whereas high levels of chlorine, phenol and temperature were associated with high odor intensities. Potential worst case scenarios of water quality conditions were determined for evaluation by chemical identification and kinetics.
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This study was used to help define the contribution to taste and odor problems caused by the application of a pipe-joint lubricant to connect ductile iron pipe in drinking water distribution systems. Tyton Joint Lubricant (TJL) was... more
This study was used to help define the contribution to taste and odor problems caused by the application of a pipe-joint lubricant to connect ductile iron pipe in drinking water distribution systems. Tyton Joint Lubricant (TJL) was studied. The lubricant produced odors that are continually oxidized by chlorine or oxygen. The mechanism of oxidative rancidity, one of the major causes of food spoilage is the apparent mechanism of oxidation. The odors produced by the lubricant were characterized by a Flavor Profile Analysis (FPA) panel as well as GC/MS and Sensory GC analysis. The most common odors perceived in the TJL water samples for the first six days were waxy/oily and soapy odors with a rancid oil, odor note. The waxy/oily and soapy odors decreased with time in the chlorine medium as the rancid oily odor note increased. Numerous aldehydes, ketones, alcohols and borneol compounds, produced from the lubricants, were tentatively identified and linked to the odors perceived by the FPA...