UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
ALASKA WATER LABORATORY
QUARTERLY RESEARCH REPORT
?— /L'A'f JL
ALASKA WATER LABORATORY
College, Alaska 99701
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ALASKA WATER LABORATORY
The annual Laboratory review was held June 22, 1970. Dr.
David Stephen, Mr. William Cawley, Mr, Allen Cywin, and Mr. Bruce
Fisher from the Office of Research and Development attended as well
as Mr. James Agee from Portland and Dr. O.E. Dickason from Anchorage.
Principle investigators at the Laboratory presented research findings
and outlined work plans for FY 1971 research.
Two FWQA training courses were held at the Laboratory during
the quarter; "Survey of Chemical Analysis for Water Quality," with
23 enrolled and, "Current Practices in Water Microbiology," with
21 attending. The enrollers represented a wide variety of back-
grounds, organizations, and locations throughout the State.
Three new Research Grants were awarded during the quarter
with project officer responsibilities being assigned to Labora-
tory personnel:
1. "Baseline Water Quality Study of the Alaskan Arctic
Estuarine Development," University of Alaska.
2. "North Slope Application of Advanced Waste Treat-
ment and Partial Water Reuse," Wagley, Inc.
3. "Investigations on Possible Effects of Crude Oil
Aquatic Organisms," University of Alaska.
Much of the experimental work for the latter grant will take
place in the Alaska Water Laboratory using Laboratory space and
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equipment. In order to make room for this project, some 400 ft.
of former library space is being modified with R & I funds to house
the aquaria under controlled conditions.
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COLD CLIMATE RESEARCH
PROJECT: ALASKA EXTENDED AERATIQN
Objective:
Development of adequate design criteria for application of
extended aeration in Alaska,
Work Completed Fourth Quarter FY 1970:
Construction drawings and specifications for modification of
the Eielson Air Force Base extended aeration pilot plant were
completed and forwarded to Washington for incorporation in bid
documents.
Operation of the fi>st tube settler reactor for collection
of biokinetic data and settling information at various tempera-
tures continued,, Collection of data from the second reactor
began at the end of April, Problems were encountered with bulking
sludge which passed the effluent at temperatures above 4°C. Back-
washing of the settling tubes was initiated for evaluation as a
method of controlling sludge bulking* Preparation began on a
report wh"ich will summarize the results of extended aeration studies
at Eielson AFB pilot facilities and the studies with the laboratory
scale reactors at the Alaska Water Laboratory.
A brief study was conducted on the effects of D.O. transfer
of extremely low air temperatures used in aeration. Preliminary
results indicated the DoOo transfer efficiently increased with
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decreasing air temperature. This effect may have been caused by
ice decreasing the diffuser hole size, however, with the resulting
smaller bubbles increasing the transfer efficiency.
Work Plan First Quarter FY 1971:
1. Continue laboratory tests to define the settling charac-
teristics of activated sludge at cold temperatures.
2. Continue laboratory tests to define the settling charac-
teristics of tube settlers with backwashing.
3. Attempt to define the influence of denitrification on
tube settler operation.
4. Attempt to determine the influence of aeration chamber
mixing on activated sludge bulking.
5. Further define the surface icing phenomena through labora-
tory testing.
6. Work on low temperature D.O. transfer is not planned for
this quarter.
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PROJECT: COLD REGIONS AERATED LAGOON
Objectives:
To establish design criteria tor the aerated lagoon waste
treatment process in Alaska. Design criteria will include opera-
tional efficiency versus loading, eva">uation of construction
methods, evaluation of types of feasible equipment, and process
modifications to provide more efficient plant utilization. To
evaluate parameters and contribution to effluent quality, power
and maintenance costs, and reliability.
Work Completed Fourth Quarter FY 1970:
The Eielson Air Force Base lagoon was converted to a six-cell
system, but before significant sampling and analysis could be
undertaken, serious leakage was noted. After the 4-ft. thick
surface ice melted, the lagoon was pumped down, cleaned up,
and liner repair initiated.
A report now entitled "Cold Regions Aerated Lagoons" is
nearing completion and will be ready for review in July. The
report will include data from all Alaskan aerated lagoons and
others operating under low temperature conditions.
Uork Plan First Quarter FY 1971:
1. Repair Eielson Air Force Base aerated lagoon and put
back on stream.
2. Complete report "Cold Regions Aerated Lagoons" and
get reviewed for publication.
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PROJECT: ALASKA APPLICATION OF VJASTC STABILIZATION LAGOON
Objective:
To demonstrate the feasibility of waste stabilization lagoon
application in Alaska, particularly utilizing winter storage and
summer treatment capabilities. To develop design criteria for
setting loadings, for operational schemes, etc. To investigate
materials utilization and other design factors to minimize costs.
Work Completed Fourth Quarter FY 1970:
The leakage in the winter storage lagoon at the Eielson Air
Force Base pilot facility was found to be caused by thermal ex-
pansion of ice. Its shape and construction make it better suited
for extended aeration tanks. Designs for conversion are underway,
see the Alaska Extended Aeration Project.
Two field trips were made to the Fort Yukon stabilization
lagoon. This lagoon serves the Fort Yukon school which has a
winter loading of 200 people and is located 8 miles above the
arctic circle. The lagoon was constructed in 1957, has no out-
let, and appears to be slowly filling and thawing into the perma-
frost. In mid-April, the lagoon was covered with 3 feet of ice.
Sludge sampling techniques are being revised since the volatility
readings were less than 10 percent. A surface D.O. of 30 ppm and
a pH of 10 were measured during the June 6 field trip.
A two-cell anaerobic-facultative lagoon system has been
designed for the Eielson Air Force Base pilot facility.
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Work Plan First Quarter FY 1971:
1. Initiate construction of the-two-cell system at Eielson
Air Force Base.
2. Develop better sludge sampling and analysis techniques.
3. Continue sampling the Fort Yukon lagoon to define sludge
accumulation and bacteriology.
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PROJECT: SAGAVANIRKTON RIVER BASIN STUDY
Objectives:
To provide baseline water quality information on the Sagavanirk-
tok River system and the immediate industrial region of the developing
oil field.
Work Accomplished Fourth Quarter FY 1970:
The winter sampling trip was conducted during the last two
weeks of April. In general, the trip was successful and the
chemical and bacteriological samples were obtained. However,
bad flying weather made it impossible to get to some of the
stations along the coast. Another trip was made in May to obtain
samples from the stations not sampled in April. Samples were
obtained by the validity-is questionable because of overflow on
the ice surface. This winter sampling completed the field work
on this study.
Analysis of some of the biological samples is still in pro-
gress and, if possible, some of the taxonomy work will be done by
grant or contract. Write-up on some parts of the formal report
has begun.
Work Plan First Quarter FY'1971;
Data analysis and report writing will continue with proposed
completion in October, 1970.
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PROJECT: BACTERIAL QUALITY OF ALASKM-JATER; II. DIE-OFF RATE OF
ENTERIC INUICATORBACThRiA lO SUBARCTIC ALASKAN RIVER
Objectives:
The objectives of this study of the Tanana River, from its
confluence with the Chena River to its confluence with the Yukon
River, are as follows:
1. To determine the rate of reduction in numbers of fecal
indicator bacteria.
2. To determine changes in the chemical parameters which
are associated with domestic wastes.
3. To establish the time required for a water mass to
travel from the mouth of the Chena River to the mouth of the
Tanana River.
Work Accomplished Fourth Quarter FY 1970:
Analysis of all of the samples was completed. The data from
these samples was analyzed in preparation for the project write-up.
The discharge measurements showed that water was lost from the
Tanana River in the lower reaches and the time of travel dye
study conducted on one reach indicated that the water moves some-
what faster than anticipated under total ice cover. In spite of
the anomolies in the flow measurements, the data showed that,
after the 200+ miles of flow, about 5 percent of the total coli-
forms, 3 percent of the fecal coliforms, and 25 percent of the
enterococci were still viable. The chemical data showed that the
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dissolved oxygen concentration and pH decreased; conductivity and
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alkalinity increased; and nitrite, nitrate and ammonia nitrogen
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and total phosphorus remained relatively constant proceeding
downstream.
Write-up of the results, in preparation at the Alaska
Science Conference in late August, was completed.
Work Plan First Quarter FY 1971:
The results will be presented at. the Alaska Science Conference
in late August. Final write-up of the results for publication will
be started.
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PROJECT: THE'ROLE PL MICROORGANISMS AT LOW TEMPERATURES IN
ALASKA RIVERS ~~
Objectives: . """ —--=----"'
1. Determine the rate and extent of oxygen consumption by
the'mixed bacterial population in a subarctic stream at 0°, 5°,
10°, 15°, and 20°C, using laboratory substrates.
2. Determine the rate and extent of oxygen consumption by
the, mixed bacterial population in a subarctic stream at 0°, 5°,
10°, 15°, and 20°C, using domestic sewage effluent which has
received various degrees of treatment as the substrate.
3. Determine if there is a relationship between (a) size
and composition of the bacterial population, (b) type and amount
of substrate available, (c) natural environmental characteristics,
and oxygen consumption at each temperature.
Work Accomplished Fourth Quarter FY 1970:
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The first phase of the laboratory study was completed in May.
The formal write-up of the results was completed in June.
Work Plan First Quarter FY 1971:
The results of this, phase of the study will be presented at
the international symposium, "Water Pollution Control in Cold
Climates," which will be held at the University of Alaska late in
July. The paper will be .published in the proceedings of the Sym-
posium this coming winter.
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, < -Only one sample from an arctic river was studied during the
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'.first phase of this work. More in-depth study will be conducted
whenever it is possible to obtain samples.
The first phase of this study showed that the microorganism
present in Alaskan rivers have the potential to utilize dissolved
oxygen rapidly at low temperatures. In order to assess the role
of the microorganisms in the rivers, laboratory conditions will
be set up to. more nearly simulate river conditions under total ice
cover. The rate and extent of dissolved oxygen depletion was
found to be dependent on the type of substrate, growth factors,
inorganic nutrients and source of the river sample. This study
will be continued to establish the extent of the effect of these
various factors on dissolved oxygen depletion under total ice
cover.
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CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY SERVICES
VJork_Accomp1j_shGd_Fourth_ Quarter FY 1970:
Work accomplished during this quarter includes 2300 analyses
of samples taken from the Research Branch and COO from the Opera-
tions Branch. This is not representative of the usual field season
work load and the first quarter of FY 1971 will have a considerably
larger effort. The quickmatch computer program for handling of all
data for laboratory analysis is now being used to report results to
project leaders.
Analysis of samples collected from the Petersburg forest ferti-
lization of pelletized urea. This study is being conducted in
cooperation with the Northern Forest experiment station of the
U.S. Forest Service and will continue through FY 1971.
Collection and analysis of samples collected from Harding
Lake for the Alaska State Department of Health and Welfare,
Division of Environmental Health, was conducted.
Samples collected from the Bering River coal field study
were analyzed.
Analysis was conducted of samples of soft liquid waste and
sludges from the Fort Yukon, Northway, and Eielson experimental
treatment plants.
Analysis was conducted daily of samples from the cold room
experimental reactors at Alaska Water Laboratory for C.O.D.,
B.O.D., nutrients, and coliforms.
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Work Plan Fourth Quarter FY T_970_:
Work anticipated in the first quarter of FY 1971 includes:
1. Continuation of analyses of samples collected in the
cold room reactors.
2. Continuation of analyses from the Fort Yukon and Eielson
lagoons.
3. Analysis of samples for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System
study.
4. Analysis of samples collected from the Wagley construc-
tion experimental tertiary treatment plant.
5. Analysis of samples collected from the Caribou Creek
experimental watershed.
6. Analysis of samples collected from the Bering River coal
field study.
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PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
The following papers were presented by employees of the
Alaska Water Laboratory during this quarter:
"Water Quality Management and Ocean Advancement," presented
by Richard W. Latimer on May 1, 1970, to the Commission for Ocean
Advancement through Science and Technology Meeting at Barrow,
Alaska.
"Water Quality in the Arctic—Can it be Saved?", submitted {
by Ernst W. Mueller for publication in the June issue of Arctic
Oi1 Journal.
"Nature and Control of Water Pollution," submitted by
Frederick B. Lotspeich to be published in Science, the publi-
cation of the American Association for the Advancement of
Science.
"Air and Water Pollution in Alaska," submitted by Frederick
Lotspeich to the Journal erf American Medical Association upon
their invitation.
"Water's Role in the Human Ecosystem of the Arctic and
Subarctic," submitted by Richard W. Latimer for the Conference
on Arctic Health which was held May 12-14, 1970. This submittal
will be published in their conference book.
"Alaska Sewage Lagoons," presented by Sidney E. Clark to the
Second International Lagoon Symposium at Kansas City, Missouri.
Earth Day was observed on April 22, at the University of
Alaska, with an Environmental Teach-in. Dr. Lotspeich and
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Ernst W. Mueller, by invitation, spoke to some of those attending
the Earth Day activities.
Mr. Latimer spoke about conservation to the Hamilton Acres
Women's Club.
Ernst W. Mueller presented a two-period discussion of environ-
mental pollution to the North Pole School seventh grade science
class.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Alaska Water Laboratory display is being repainted and
shipped to Fairbanks where it will be shown at the Alaska Water
Laboratory during the International Symposium on Water Pollution
Control in Cold Climates, July 22-24, and to those participating
in the 21st Alaska Science Conference, August 16-19, 1970.
Seventy-eight copies of Frederick B. Lotspeich's reprint
"Water Pollution in Alaska: Present and Future," (Science,
December 1969) were requested and mailed out.
Ten copies of the report "Ecological Changes in the Chena
River" were sent out.
Twenty-nine copies of the report "Effects of Placer Mining
on Water Quality in Alaska," were mailed.
The report "Effects of Forest Fires on Water Quality in
Interior Alaska" was released this quarter and 104 copies were
requested and sent out.
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' There were 223 requests for general FHQA pamphlets and
information during the quarter.
VISITORS TO THE ALASKA WATER LABORATORY
Visitors to the Alaska Water Laboratory this quarter included
Mr. Joel Fisher and Mr. Paul Jarvis from FWQA Headquarters Office
in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Don S. May from the Regional Training Branch in Corvallis,
Oregon, visited the Laboratory to conduct two FWQA courses.
Dr. David Stephen, Mr. William Cawley, Mr. Allen Cywin, and
Mr. Bruce Fisher from Washington, D.C., Mr. James Agee from Port-
land, and Dr. O.E. Dickason from Anchorage, participated in the
annual Laboratory Program Review held here.
Other visitors to the Laboratory included Dr. Jerry Brown
who is directing the Tundra Biome Program of the U.S. Interna-
tional Biological Program. Discussions were held on Laboratory
participation and coordination with the IBP program.
Thirty high school students toured the Laboratory facility
this quarter also.
TRAVEL
Sidney E. Clark traveled to Hamilton, Ontario, and met with
Canadian counterparts to discuss respective work in arctic waste
.disposal and, to Kansas City, Missouri, to attend the Second
International Lagoon Symposium.
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j Richard VI. Latimer traveled to Portland to confer with FWQA
officials and to attend a Food Waste Conference in Portland. He
also traveled to Barrov/, Alaska, to attend and speak at the Commis-
sion for Ocean Advancement through Science and Technology meeting,
and to Anchorage, Alaska, to attend the Alaska Field Committee
meeting.
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