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A flexible fate model for VOCs in wastewater

Journal Article · · Water Environment amp Technology; (United States)
OSTI ID:6224952
 [1];  [2]
  1. CH2M Hill, Bellevue, WA (United States)
  2. Univ. of Guelph, Ontario (Canada)

General Fate Models (GFMs) serve an important role for estimating volatile organic compounds (VOC) fate in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. In particular, relative to direct air sampling, they provide a less resource-intensive method for estimating VOC emissions from multiple unit operations and processes. They can also be used to evaluate the effects of process modifications on the reduction and distribution of VOC emissions from entire wastewater treatment systems and on final effluent quality. Additionally, GFMs can be used in conjunction with field data to back-calculate biodegradation rate constants for individual VOCs. Preliminary evaluation of the model for activated sludge processes seem promising, however, the model will continue to undergo rigorous evaluations as more field data become available. Additional research is needed to allow appropriate simulation of phenomena such as chloroform formation following chlorine disinfection, degradation in biological processes other than activated sludge systems, absorption to immiscible liquids, and fate in anaerobic treatment processes.

OSTI ID:
6224952
Journal Information:
Water Environment amp Technology; (United States), Journal Name: Water Environment amp Technology; (United States) Vol. 4:3; ISSN 1044-9493; ISSN WAETEJ
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English