EPA-600/2-77-145
August 1977
Environmental Protection Technology Series
                                       ACTINOMYCFTES OF
                           SEWAGE-TREATMENT  PLANTS
                                    Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory
                                          Office of Research and Development
                                         U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
                                                  Cincinnati, Ohio 45268

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                 RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES

Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination  of traditional grouping  was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:

       1.  Environmental Health Effects Research
      2.  Environmental Protection Technology
      3.  Ecological Research
      4.  Environmental Monitoring
      5.  Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
      6.  Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
      7.  Interagency Energy-Environment Research and  Development
      8.  "Special" Reports
      9.  Miscellaneous Reports

This report has been assigned to  the ENVIRONMENTAL  PROTECTION TECH-
 NOLOGY series. This series describes research performed to develop and dem-
 onstrate instrumentation, equipment, and methodology to repair or prevent en-
 vironmental degradation from point and non-point sources of pollution. This work
 provides the new or improved technology required for the control and treatment
 of pollution sources to  meet environmental quality standards.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia  22161.

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                                          EPA-600/2-77-145
                                          August  1977
  ACTINOMYCETES OF SEWAGE-TREATMENT PLANTS
                           by

      Hubert A. Lechevalier,  Mary P.  Lechevalier
           Waksman Institute of Microbiology
      Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
              Piscataway,  New Jersey 08854
                           and
                  Paul E.  Wyszkowski
                   Consulting  Engineer
               Warren, New Jersey 07060
                 Grant No.  R803701
                    Project Officer

                    Ronald F. Lewis
              Wastewater Research Division
     Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory
                 Cincinnati, Ohio  45268
MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
      OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
    U. S.  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                CINCINNATI,  OHIO  45268

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                         DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Municipal Environmental
Research Laboratory, U,S.  Environmental Protection Agency, and
approved for publication.  Approval does not signify that the contents
necessarily reflect the views and policies of the U.S.  Environmental
Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial
products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
                                11

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                          FOREWORD
The Environmental Protection Agency was created because of
increasing public and government concern about the  dangers of
pollution to the health and welfare of the American people.
Noxious air,  foul water,  and spoiled land  are tragic testimony to
the deterioration of our natural environment.  The complexity of
that environment and the interplay between its components re-
quire a concentrated and integrated attack on the problem.

Research and development is that necessary first step in problem
solution and it involves defining the problem, measuring its
impact, and searching for solutions.  The Municipal Environmental
Research Laboratory develops new  and  improved technology and
systems  for the prevention,  treatment,  and management of waste -
water and solid  and hazardous waste pollutant discharges from
municipal and community sources,  for the preservation and treat-
ment of public drinking water supplies,  and to minimize the
adverse economic, social, health, and aesthetic effects of pollution.
This publication is one  of the products of that research; a most
vital communications link between the researcher and the user
community.

This report covers studies of attempts to  control nuisance
Nocardia foams in full scale activated sludge plants  by adding
anaerobic digester supernatant containing suspended solids that
were toxic for the Nocardia.  The results of tests at four full-scale
plants  are  reported  along with conclusions of the best method for
the addition of the anaerobic digester supernatant.
                             Francis T. Mayo
                             Director
                             Municipal Environmental Research
                                Laboratory
                                111

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                          ABSTRACT
In some sewage-treatment plants of the activated sludge type, a
thick foam rich in species  of Nocardia may be formed at the  surface
of the secondary aeration and settling tanks.  This report covers the
work done on this problem between May 1975 and May 1976.

It had been observed previously that the supernatant from anaerobic
digesters contained suspended solids which were toxic for Nocardia.
In the present study we observed that this material is toxic for some
bacteria and not for others.

In four sewage -treatment plants equipped with anaerobic digesters,
attempts were made to control the foam by returning the supernatant
from the digesters.to the primary system.   The nocardiotoxicity of
the supernatant solids was tested to be sure that nocardiotoxic
material was being returned into the system.

The amount of nocardia present was estimated visually and by
measuring by gas chromatography the amount of nocardomycolic
acids present in the suspended solids.

The results indicated that this method of control is difficult to use at
the plant level and indicates that better results  might be obtained if
the toxic supernatant was added directly to the activated sludge
aeration basins rather than added to the incoming  sewage or  the
primary settling basins.

It is also concluded that a more rational approach to the method of
control would be possible if the nature of the nocardiotoxic
principle(s) of the anaerobic digested material was known.

This report was  submitted  in fulfillment of Grant No. R803701  by
the Waksman Institute  of Microbiology under  the  partial  sponsorship
of the Environmental Protection Agency.   The reported work was
completed as  of May 1976.
                                 IV

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                           CONTENTS

                                                             Page

Disclaimer                                                     ii

Foreword                                                      iii

Abstract                                                       iv

Figures                                                        vii

Tables                                                        viii

Acknowledgments                                              ix

Sections

I    Introduction                                                 1

II   Conclusions                                                 4

III   Recommendations                                            5

IV   Methods                                                     6

V   Spectrum of Antimicrobial Activity of Anaerobic             12
     Digester Supernatant Solids

VI   The Bernardsville Plant                                    14

VII  The Florham Park Plant                                    15

VIII The Middletown Plant                                      34

DC   The Ocean Township Plant                                 51

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                    CONTENTS (Continued)

                                                            Page
X   Comparison of the Results Obtained at the                 69
    Florham Park,  Middle town and Ocean
    Township plants

XI  The Bayshore Plant                                      73

XII Discussion                                              78

XIII References                                              80
                                 VI

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                                   FIGURES
Number                                                                 Page

  1         Flow Diagram.  Sewage Treatment Plant -                     16
            Florham Park Sewerage Authority

  2         Nocardiotoxicity of the Supernatant from the                31
            Anaerobic Digester and Nocardomycolate
            Contents of Sludge Solids at the Florham Park
            Plant from July 1 to October 13, 1975

  3         Flow Diagram.  Sewage Treatment Plant -                     35
            Township of Middletown Sewerage Authority

  4         Nocardiotoxicity of the Supernatant from the                50
            Anaerobic Digester and Nocardomycolate
            Contents of Sludge Solids at the Middletown
            Township Plant from June 10 to November 3,
            1976

  5         Flow Diagram.  Sewage Treatment Plant                       52
            Township of Ocean Sewerage Authority

  6         Nocardiotoxicity of the Supernatant from the                67
            Anaerobic Digester and Nocardomycolate
            Contents of Sludge Solids at the Ocean Township
            Plant from August 1 to November 4, 1976
                                    VII

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                                  TABLES


Number                                                               Page

  1       Field Observations   Florham Park Plant                     17

  2       Analysis of Return Activated Sludge                         22
          Florham Park Plant

  3       Analysis of Digester Supernatant -                          24
          Florham Park Plant

  4       Plant Operating Records (Weekly Averages) -                 25
          Florham Park Plant

  5       Field Observations - Middletown Plant                       36

  6       Analysis of Return Activated Sludge                         41
          Middletown Plant

  7       Analysis of Digester Supernatant -                          43
          Middletown Plant

  8       Plant Operating Records (Weekly Averages)                   44
          Middletown Plant

  9       Field Observations - Ocean Plant                            53

 10       Analysis of Return Activated Sludge -                       58
          Ocean Plant

 11       Analysis of Digester Supernatant - Ocean Plant              60

 12       Plant Operating Records (Weekly Averages) -                 61
          Ocean Plant

 13       Sludge Age in Days                                          70

 14       Field Observations - Bayshore Regional Plant                75

 15       Operating Records - Bayshore Regional Plant                 77
                                  Vlll

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                    ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We wish to thank the operators of the various New Jersey plants who
cooperated in this study and the municipal operating agencies as
follows:

Mr. Nicholas Sapio, Plant Manager,  Florham Park Sewerage
Authority.

Mr. Dennis Broderick, Plant Superintendent,  Township of
Middletown Sewerage Authority.

Mr. Harold Johnson,  Laboratory Director, Township of Middletown
Sewerage Authority.

Mr. Robert Rogove, Superintendent,  Township of Ocean Sewerage
Authority.

Mr. Robert Buckingham,  Plant Superintendent, Borough of
Bernardsville.

Mr. Harris Layton, Superintendent,  Bayshore Regional Sewerage
Authority.
                                IX

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                          SECTION I

                       INTRODUCTION
GENERAL

We have previously reported on the presence and the role of
different types of Nocardia in the thick foam which is formed at the
surface of the secondary aeration and the settling tanks of some
sewage-treatment plants of the activated sludge type.   This work
has been described in report EPA-600/2-75-031 of the Environmental
Protection Technology Series, which was published in September
1975.  We reported then that we had  observed that the  solids found
in the supernatant of  anaerobic digesters were toxic to Nocardia
amarae (Lechevalier and Lechevalier, 1974), the organism most
commonly associated with the production of foams.  We
recommended that the chemical nature of the nocardiotoxic principle
should be elucidated and that attempts should be made to control
foaming at the plant level by returning anaerobic digester supernatant
into the system.

We are presently reporting on the work that we have carried out
between May 1,  1975 and May 31, 1976 involving the addition of
regulated amounts of supernatant from anaerobic digesters to the
flow stream of plants known to have a nocardial foaming problem.

We selected four New Jersey wastewater treatment plants equipped
with anaerobic digesters that were known to have actinomycetic
foams during the summer.  These were the plants at Ocean
Township, Middletown Township,  Bernardsville and the Somerset
Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority in Bridgewater Township.  As
we were ready to start our study we were informed that the last plant
had discontinued using anaerobic digesters.   We dropped it from our
study and replaced it with the Florham Park plant.

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The plan of the  study was to observe these plants until actinomycetic
foam would occur.  During that waiting period,  supernatant return
from the anaerobic  digesters was to be kept to a minimum.  After
the development of a significant amount of actinomycetic foam had
occurred,  controlled amounts of nocardiotoxic anaerobic super-
natant were to be returned into the  system in an effort to control
the actinomycetic foaming.

The field work was  started in May 1975 and was terminated in
November of the same year.   It consisted in weekly monitoring the
four wastewater treatment plants previously mentioned.  During the
weekly visits  to each of these plants the physical appearance of the
activated sludge was checked and a visual estimate of the foaming
problem was made (Tables 1, 5 and 9).  In addition,  unusual
operating conditions were noted and samples of the returned
activated sludge and of the anaerobic digester supernatant were
collected.   Further, the plant operators supplied us with copies of
their records containing information on flow,  temperature, pH,
suspended solids and BOD determinations (Tables 4, 8  and 12).

The weekly samples of return activated sludge collected at the
plants were analyzed by us for pH,  solid concentration  and the
presence of Nocardia amarae by two different methods  (Tables 2, 6
and 10).  One of the methods was qualitative,  being the microscopic
examination of the samples for the presence of nocardial hyphae.
The other was quantitative,  and involved the gas chromatographic
determination of the nocardomycolic acids of N. amarae.  This last
method is based on the fact that N.  amarae produces a  unique type
of lipid,  a nocardomycolic acid whose a branch is mono-
unsaturated.  The rationale behind the utilization of this
quantitative assay was that as the foam builds up with the warming
of the weather,  the hyphae of N. amarae become more  abundant
and the nocardomycolate content increases.  The assumption was
made that if the addition of anaerobic digester was reducing the
nocardial growth, this would be accompanied with a reduction in the
nocardomycolate content of the suspended solids.

The samples of  anaerobic  digester supernatants were checked for
pH and nocardiotoxicity (Tables 3, 7 and 11).  The pH of all
supernatants tested were neutral.  This assay was carried out since
it was felt that there was no point returning a non-nocardiotoxic
supernatant to a foaming plant.

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OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if the addition of
nocardiotoxic supernatant from anaerobic digesters to the raw
sewage flowing into plants with nocardial foaming would control
the foaming which is considered a nuisance in the operation of
activated sludge sewage-treatment plants.

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                        SECTION II

                       CONCLUSIONS
Attempts were made to control actinomycetic foaming in the
secondary aeration and settling tanks of four activated sludge type
sewage-treatment plants by adding controlled amounts of
nocardiotoxic anaerobically digested material to the  sewage flow.

In addition to the nocardiotoxicity of the anaerobically digested
material,  success seemed to depend on the plant design.   Favor-
able design should permit the operator  1) to waste the Nocardia-
infected foams to the anaerobic digester in order not to keep re-
inoculating the secondary tanks with large biomasses of Npcardia,
and  2) to add the nocardio-toxic material to  the secondary flow
into the activated sludge  in order to prevent  its partial removal by
primary treatment system.

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                         SECTION in

                    RECOMMENDATIONS
The production of actinomycetic foams should be prevented because
the growth of nocardias in aeration tanks is a health hazard due to
the formation of Nocardia-containing aerosols and, in addition, the
production of thick foams in activated sludge type plants interferes
with treatment efficiency and is  a source of extra labor costs.  In
plants affected with nocardial foam, the foam should be skimmed
off the secondary  settling tanks and sent to the anaerobic digester.
This should be done to reduce the amount of Nocardia in the
secondary treatment system.

We feel that  a pilot study should be run in properly equipped plants
with anaerobic digesters to test  the value of returning controlled
amounts of nocardiotoxic anaerobic digester supernatant directly to
the secondary flow stream.

It  is also our recommendation that the chemical nature of the
nocardiotoxic compound(s) be determined.  If the nature of the
nocardiotoxic material were known it might be possible to  add small
amounts of the active compound(s) which might be effective without
applying an appreciable waste load to the system as is commonly
experienced  with supernatant returns.   This last study would have  the
added benefit of increasing our knowledge of the chemical nature of
anaerobically digested materials.

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                          SECTION IV

                           METHODS


Isolation of Nocardia from sewage.

Method.

Samples of sewage sludge or foam were diluted in sterile distilled
water to give final dilutions of 10   , 10"^ and 10"^.  A tenth of ml of
these dilutions were spread on the surface of 6-10 plates containing
Czapeks-Yeast Extract,  Potato-Car rot, and Glycerol-Nutrient
agars.  After incubation of the plates at 28 °C for 10-14 days,
actinomycete colonies were picked  and  streaked on fresh plates to
determine morphology and freedom from contamination by other
microorganisms.  N. amarae strains grew as dry, beige, wrinkled
colonies on all media.  N. rhodochrous colonies were usually some
shade of pink or orange (sometimes very light)  and varied in
consistency from very "runny" to quite dry.


Monitoring of Nocardia amarae   chemical.

Monitor mycolate procedure.

Extraction.

Samples of activated sludge  were autoclaved at  15 Ib. /sq.  in.  for 25
min,  cooled,  and the solids  collected by centrifuging 250 ml aliquots
at 5, 000 rpm for  10 min  in a Lourdes P-Fuge (4100 xg).  The wet
solids were air-dried to  constant weight, and the dried solids ground
to a fine powder in a Thomas-Wiley Intermediate Mill Model 3383-
L40.  Five gm of this powder were saponified in 75 ml 2%
methanolic potassium hydroxide by boiling in a  250 cc Erlenmeyer
over a steam cone for 7 min.  The  solids were  separated from the
supernatant by filtration  through fluted Reese-Angel 802 filter paper.
The filtrate was labelled "extract #1. "  The  solids were rinsed with

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hot methanol, replaced in the original flask and extracted by boiling
in distilled methylene chloride for 2 rain on the steam cone. The
solvent was separated from the solids as before by filtering into a.
fresh flask, then the  solids extracted once with fresh methylene
chloride.  Care was taken  to "squeeze-dry" the solids to obtain all
the extract.  The two methylene chloride extracts were combined
and labelled "extract 2" and taken to dry nes sin vacuo with mild heat
(40 °C).
Purification.
Extract #1 was neutralized carefully to pH 7. 0 with 6N hydrochloric
acid and taken to dryness in a Buchi Rotovapor Model RE at 55 ° C
under vacuum provided by a Buchler Water Booster #2-9000.  Extract
2 was taken to dryness similarly without pH adjustment.  Extract #1
and extract #2 were each separately treated in the following way:  The
dry residue •was dissolved in 5-10 ml of methylene chloride,  5-10 ml
of distilled water added, the water adjusted to pH 2. 0 with 2N HC1 and
the two phases thoroughly mixed for  1 min on a Vibromix.  The two
phases were completely separated by centrifuging at 3, 000 RPM in an
International Clinical Centrifuge (1200 xg),  and the aqueous (upper)
phase discarded.  The methylene chloride of the lower phase was
removed under vacuum in a tared tube and the tube placed for complete
drying in a vacuum oven (National Appliance Co.  Model No. 5851)
using concentrated technical sulfuric acid as  desiccant.
Methylation.

The dried extracts #1 and #2 were weighed,  then methylated by boiling
with 10% boron trichloride-methanol (Applied Science,  State College,
Pa.) (3 ml of reagent for 200 mg of  residue) until the reagent went
to dryness.   The dry methylated material was dissolved in methylene
chloride and washed three times with distilled water by mixing on a
vibrator-mixer and centrifuging to break any emulsion as described
above.  The aqueous washes were discarded. The last wash had a
pH 5. 0-6. 0.  If the pH of the final wash was  too low, the washing was
continued.  The organic (lower) layer of each extract was taken to
dryness under vacuum in a tared tube.

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Preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC).

Each methylated extract was weighed and the weight recorded.  Each
was  dissolved in methylene chloride and fifty mg or less were spotted
as a band 2 cm from the bottom of a 20 x 10 cm PF~(- . silica  gel plate
(Brinkmann Instruments, Westbury, N. Y.) containing 10 g of silica
per plate.  The bands were dried under warm air,  then developed in a
solvent system, containing petroleum ether:diethyl ether in proportions
of 8:2  (b. p. >40).  When the solvent front had reached the top of the
plate,  the plate was air-dried under a  hood, then sprayed with
Rhodamine B (0. 1% ethanolic Rhodamine B diluted 1:10 with 0.25 M
KHUPCK).  The band(s) migrating at an Rf corresponding to the
methyl nocardomycolates from Nocardia amarae  were carefully
scraped off,  and dried overnight at room temperature.  The silica of
the bands was eluted by 10X by volume distilled methylene chloride,
and the eluate reduced in volume by heating at ry 40° C on a hot plate
under  a  stream of compressed filtered air.  The  samples were
transferred to tared tubes, the solvent driven off and the residues
taken to dryness in vacuo and weighed.
Analysis by gas chromatography.

Ten meg of the samples to be analyzed were injected in 0. 5 A of
methylene chloride into a Varian Gas Chromatograph Model 2800
equipped with a flarne-ionization detector.  Conditions  were:
injector port 300° C, detector 300 ° , column temperature
programmed at 6° /min from 185°  to 285 ° .  Columns 6' x 1/8" of
10% OV-1  on Chromosorb W, AW-DMCS, 100-120 mesh were used.
Under these conditions the mycolates in the sample pyrolyzed to give
rise to a straight chain fatty acid methyl ester according to the
following reaction:
             O
       ft                       ?            i     //
   OH RX    OCH3                               H     OCH3


    Mycolic acid                 Meroalde-  Fatty acid
    Methyl ester                  hyde        methyl ester

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The fatty acid peak corresponding to the fatty methyl ester (methyl
octadecenoate) from the pyrolysis of the nocardomycolic acids of N.
amarae (amaraemycolate) was identified on the basis of retention
time compared to that from an authentic sample of amaraemycolate
isolated from a. laboratory strain of N.  amarae. An internal
standard  (methyl eicosanoate) injected at the same time, aided in
this comparison.  To verify the identity of the putative mycolate-
derived peak, the sample was run again with the injector port at
235 ° C.  Under these conditions no pyrolysis of mycolates takes
place; thus,  the disappearance  of the fatty acid methyl  ester peak
confirms its derivation from the pyrolysis of nocardomycolates of
-N.  amarae.

The volume under the peak was  calculated by multiplying the height
of the peak by its width at half height and the calculation of the
original weight  of amarae-mycolate in the starting sample was
calculated as follows:

The volume under the peak of a  known amount  of methyl vaccenate
(C,gl= ) injected under the same conditions was calculated to give a
peak  volume to  weight ratio. This, under the  conditions of analysis
used was 0.7 nanograms/mm .   (A).

The peak volume from the unknown sample (B) was multiplied by (A)
to give the amount by weight in the unknown-sample expressed as
micrograms of C, «1=  (G).  The total weight of the unknown sample
(C) was divided by the rncl of solvent (D) in •which it was dissolved  to
give the concentration of the injected solution  in mcg/mcl (E).  (E)
was multiplied by the amount (usually 0. 8 mcl) actually injected to
yield the total solids injected (-F).  C -r F x G x 3*  gave the uncorrected
total  of amaraemycolate per 5-gm of dry sludge solids.  Corrections
to this last figure were made if the original sample before PTLC
contained more than 50 mg (the maximum purified for  GLC analysis).

The methods used in the assay of the mycolates were modified from
those of Lechevalier et al.  1971 and 1973.
  Assuming a molecular weight of amaraemycolate of about 900.

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Microscopic monitoring of N, amarae.

The hyphae of Nocardia amarae were also monitored in each
sewage sludge sample by microscopy.  Without exception, where
foaming occurred and the amaraemycolate levels were appreciable,
the hyphae of the actinomycete were visible in the samples,,  An
actual quantitation of the amount of the nocardia present was
difficult by microscopic means.

The results are shown in Tables 2, 6 and 10.
Testing anaerobic digester supernatant for nocardiotoxicity0

Samples of supernatants from anaerobic digesters to be tested for
nocardiotoxicity were autoclaved for 20 min at 15 Ib/sq.  in.
pressure prior  to testing.  If the samples were received at the end
of the day, they were stored at 4 C overnight prior to sterilization.
Previous experiments showed that autoclaving did not destroy the
toxic substance(s) which is associated with the solids present in the
supernatant (Lechevalier, 1975),
                                           (ATCC 27808).
The test organism was Nocardia amarae Se 6/  It was inoculated in
yeast-extract glucose broth,dispensed at the rate of 50 ml per 250
cc Erlenmeyer  flask and was incubated at 28 C on a rotary shaking
machine (New Brunswick Scientific Co. Model G 10) operated at 200
RPM.  Yeast-extract glucose medium (YD) is composed of 1% Bacto
yeast extract and 1% glucose in water with-a pH after sterilization of
6.8.

One ml aliquots of the culture of the test organism prepared as
described above were used to inoculate a  series of 250 cc flasks
containing 50 ml Czapek's broth (Waksman, 1950) to which 0.2%
yeast extract had been added (YCZ medium).  The series of flasks
received 0, 0. 05, 0. 5, 1. 0 an-d 5. 0 ml of the autoclaved anaerobic
digest to be assayed. Assays were run in duplicate.

The assay flasks were incubated for 48 hr as described above at
which time the  growth was measured by the packed cell volume
assay method.

The packed cell volume assay consisted in centrifuging 5 ml of each
culture at 1, 200 g for 3 min in graduated conical centrifuge tubes.
                                10

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The volume of the packed cells was read off directly.

These readings were plotted on arithmetic paper and the 50%
inhibition concentration was determined as mg of anaerobic
supernatant solids per ml of YCz broth required to reduce growth
of No  amarae Se 6 to 50% of that found in the untreated control.

To determine the dry weight of the solids per ml of anaerobic
supernatant, 5 ml of well-mixed autoclaved material was placed
into a tared weighing dish and taken to constant weight at 60 C.
                               11

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                           SECTION V

          SPECTRUM OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF
          ANAEROBIC DIGESTER SUPERNATANT SOLIDS
Before we started this study we knew that the solids present in
anaerobic supernatant were toxic to strains of Nocardia amarae.
We felt that it would be useful to know if this material is also toxic
for fecal bacteria likely to be found in domestic sewage.  Using a
modification of the assay method that we used for the determination
of toxicity to  N.  amarae Se 6, we also tested the sensitivity of
Streptococcus faecalis LL-B,  Enterobacter cloacae LL-B and
Escherichia coli 54.

The organisms to be tested were grown in nutrient broth for 24 hr
at 28 °C by shaking at 200  RPM in 250 cc Erlenmeyer flasks contain-
ing 50 cc of medium.  These were used to inoculate (2% inoculum)
similar flasks of nutrient  broth containing 3. 3,  0. 3 and 0. 03 mg/ml
of supernatant solids (determined as dry weight) from the  Middletown
plant sample  of 6/10/75).   These cultures were incubated  as
described above for 24 hr and then centrifuged at 300 G for 1 min to
settle the supernatant solids, leaving the bacteria in suspension.

Bacterial growth was  estimated from the optical density of the
bacterial suspensions which were measured with a Klett-Summer son
colorimeter using a No. 66 filter.   Control flasks included:  a)
nutrient broth containing only bacteria and no supernatant  solids and
b) nutrient broth containing only supernatant solids and no bacteria.
Both types of  controls were shaken 24 hr at 28 C and centrifuged as
in the case of the experimental flasks.

The results were that at 3. 3 mg/ml the growth of E.  cloacae was
reduced to 12% of that found in the positive control cultures and that
of E. coli to 40%.  These  results were observed after 24 hr
incubation but remained unchanged when the cultures were incubated
for a total of 5 days.  In the case of S. faecalis,  no inhibition was

* 1.65 mg/ml, of this sample  were required to give 50% inhibition of
  Nocardia amarae Se 6.

                                 12

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observed.

We can thus conclude that the solids present in anaerobic digester
supernatant are not toxic to the same level for all types of bacteria
and may even be non-toxic for some.  These solids thus must play
a selective role in the control of the microbial population of the
activated sludge •when they are returned into the system.
                                 13

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                            SECTION VI

                   THE BERNARDSVILLE PLANT
 The Bernardsville Waste-water Treatment Plant in the Borough of
 Bernardsville,  Somerset County,  N.  J.  was constructed in 1933.
 When we started our studies in 1971, the 1,893 m3/d (0.5 mgd)
 plant consisted of preliminary treatment (comminutor), primary
 sedimentation (rectangular clarifier), conventional diffused air
 activated sludge treatment with rectangular final settling tanks (with-
 out scum baffles),  effluent disinfection (chlorination) and anaerobic
 digestion (conventional).  The digested sludge was dewatered by
 centrifugation and the anaerobic supernatant was returned to  the
 primary treatment system.  Dewatered  sludge was used for landfill.

 As far back as the operators of the plant could recall the
 Bernardsville facility had been free of heavy foaming and we  were
 unable to see or isolate nocardia from the Bernardsville suspended
 solids during the period of April  1971 to May 1974.

 Later in 1974, the Bernardsville plant was modified in such a way
 that the anaerobic digester was no longer used.  In spring 1975, the
 aeration tanks of the plant were covered with a thick foam in  which
 actinomycetic hyphae could be seen and a number of strains of
 N. amarae and  N.  rhodochrous were isolated from it.  We thought
 that the Bernardsville facilities would be ideal for the testing of our
 hypothesis because it was a plant which had operated for a long time
 without nocardial foam and which had started to foam only after the
 anaerobic digesters had been abandoned.

 We asked the operator of the plant to reactivate the anaerobic
digesters in order to be able to return their supernatant into  the
 system,  as it was done previously.  During the period of this study
 (May 1975 to May 1976) he was unable to get satisfactory digestion,
the pH remaining always on the acidic side (pH 4 to 5).   We
 eventually had to abandon the hope of being able to use this plant for
this  study.
                                14

-------
                           SECTION VII

                   THE FLORHAM PARK PLANT
The Florham Park Sewage treatment plant located in the Borough of
Florham Park, Morris County, New Jersey was constructed in
December 1966.  The plant has a capacity of 3, 785 m3/d (1.0 mgd)
and consists of preliminary treatment (comminutor and grit
remover), rectangular  primary sedimentation tanks with scum and
sludge conveyed to the digesters, conventional  secondary activated
sludge (diffused air) and secondary sedimentation in rectangular
units,  effluent disinfection (chlorination); digested sludge is dewatered
by vacuum filtration and disposed as land fill.  The anaerobic  super-
natant is returned to  the preliminary treatment units as illustrated in
the flow diagram (Figure 1).  The foam and scum collected on the
surface of the secondary clarifiers is periodically manually removed
and disposed as landfill.

At the beginning of our  study,  as  can be  seen in Table  1, the plant had
little  or no foam accumulation.  Toward the end of June the foam and
scum, which was shown to contain nocardias (Table 2) and from which
strains of N. amarae were isolated, was sufficiently developed to
attempt control by  the return of digester supernatant,  the solids of
which were toxic to Nocardia amarae (Table 3). Plant operating
records during the study period are given in Table 4.  Figure  2 gives
the nocardiotoxicity of the supernatant solids and the nocardiomycolate
levels of the sludge solids.

On July 1, a control program was instituted consisting of the  return
of approximately 6. 4 m (1, 700 gal) of anaerobic digester supernatant
per day to the plant headworks.  This quantity  of return represented
about a ratio of 1 volume of supernatant  to 500  of plant flow and was
based on a preliminary experiment run at the Middletown plant in
1974.  The supernatant was returned to the primary flowstream over
an average 4 hr time period.
                                 15

-------
                              Waste Sludge
                     Primary
                     Settling
                      Tanks
                                    Return Activated Sludge
     Grit
    Remover
    Pumps
 Wet Well

Comminutor
   Influent
                                        Aeration
                                          Tanks
                                                             Final
                                                            Settling
                                                             Tanks
(A> Pumps
 I  Sludge
     	^—tt>—» -  - J
                                                        Digesters
                                                                                  Chlorine
                                                                                  Contact
                                                                                  Tanks
                                                   Effluent
                                             Vacuum
                                             Filter
                                                                  FLOW  DIAGRAM

                                                              SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
                                                          FLORHAM PARK SEWERAGE AUTHORITY
                                                                    Figure  1

-------
Table 1.  FIELD OBSERVATIONS




    FLORHAM PARK PLANT
Date
May 6, 1975



12


20


27


June 2, 1975


10



17


24


Aeration
tanks
Darkish



Some
foam

Some
foam

Some
foam

Some
foam

Low foam



Some
foam

Good
foam
developmen'
Final
settling
tanks
Normal.
Some
channel
scum
Some
channel
scum
More
channel
scum
Some
channel
scum
More
channel
scum
Low
channel
scum

Some
channel
scum
Good
scum
t amount in
Activated
sludge
Color dark



Color dark


Color
darkish

Color
darkish

Color
dark

Color
dark


Color
good
darkish
Color
good
darkish
Scum/
foam
conditions
Low amount



Low amount


Low amount


Low amount


Medium
amount

Low amount



Low amount


Good
development

Miscellaneous
observations
and
r ecommendatio ns
To keep super.
natant return to a
minimum

To try to lower
RAS rate

Reducing RAS rate








Returned large
amount of supernata*
RAS valve
problem
Temperature of
sewage 17* C

Foam in primary
channel too

  channel
               17

-------
Table 1 (continued). FIELD OBSERVATIONS




          FLORHAM PARK PLANT
Date Aeration
tanks
July 1, 1975 Plenty of
foam



8 Somewhat
leas foam


15 Less foam

22 Good foam-
ing

29 Good foam

August 1, 1975 Less foam

12 Plenty
foam

19 Plenty
foam

26 Less foam


Final
settling
tanks
Plenty of
scum in
channel
bulking

Less scum
in channels


Less scum
dark color
Good scum
in channels

Good scum
in channels
Less scum
in channels
Plenty
channel
scum
Plenty
scum in
channel
Leas
scum in
channel
Activated
sludge
Color dark




Color dark



Very dark
color
Color dark


Color very
dark
Color good

Color dark


Color dark


Color dark


Scum/
foam
conditions
Good
development



Somewhat
reduced


Reduced

Good
development

Good
development
Reduced

Good
development

Good
development

Reduced


Miscellaneous
observations
and
recommendations
Started super*
aatant control: 10.2
cm/day (4"/day)RAS
problem and
wasting problem
ML highrwasiing
problem; supernatant
return cut to 7. 6
cm/day (3"/day)
Rain; heavy flow
washed out ML
ML washed out
due to heavy rain
flows
ML high; wasting
problem
Wasting problem




By pass out;l final
out; wasting problem

Heavy rain; ML
washed out; flow
change wasting
                   18

-------
                    Table 1 (continued).  FIELD OBSERVATIONS

                             FLORHAM PARK  PLANT
Date
August 27, 1975


Sept. 2




4



9.


Aeration
tanks
Less foam


Plenty of
foam



Plenty of -
foam


Plenty of
foam

Final Activated
settling sludge
tanks
Less scum; Color dark
very good
clarity
Plenty of Color dark*
foam in ish
channel;
good
clarity
Clarity Color dark
good;
plenty of
scum
Plenty of Color dark
scum in
channels
Scum/
foam
conditions
Reduced


Good
development



Good
development


Good
development

Miscellaneous
observations
and
recommendations
Started new-
wasting
ML 1800 ± mg/l
Supernatant from
primary dig es tor



Wasting problem



Go back to
secondary digestoi
supernatant
12
16
23
Plenty of
foam
Some
foam
Lot of
light scum
in channels

Lot of scum
in channel,
little in
primary
channel;
#1 bulking
                                       Dark color
                                       Dark color
Good
development
Good
development
Less foaming
during day, more
at night

Will lower
aeration at night;
wasting problem

Heavy rain last
night; wasting
problem
                                        19

-------
                         Table 1 (continued).  FIELD OBSERVATIONS

                                  FLORHAM PARK PLANT
      Date
                 Aeration
                   tanks
                Final
               settling
                tanks
             Activated
               sludge
   Scum/
   foam
 conditions
 Miscellaneous
  observations
      and
recommendations
Sept.  30,  1975   Less foam
              Good scum
              in channel
             Color very
             dark
                                                          Reduced?
                 Heavy rain and
                 flow washed out
                 ML; changing RAS
                 well
Oct. 7
    14
Lots of
foam
                 Less foam
    21
                 Some foam
    28
    31
                 Less foam
                 Some foam
Plenty of     Color very-
scum in      dark
channels

Somewhat    Color very
less scum;   dark
tanks bulk-
ing; clarity
poor
              More scum  Color
              in channels;  better but
              good         still dark-
              clarity; #1   ish
              some bulking
Good
development
                                                          Reduced
              Less scum
              in channel;
              bulking in
              afternoon

              Some scum
              in channels
              f 1 bulking
             Color good
             darkish
             Color very
             good
                           Increasing
                           development
                                                          Reduced?
Reduced
(same as
28th)
Change RAS
method
                 RAS clogged 12
                 and 13th.
                 Problems with
                 wasting and RAS.
                 Stoppe'd super-
                 natant control on
                 10th

                 Will keep no
                 supernatant feed
                 until next week,
                 then drop slug
                 amount
To drop slug of
supernatant
25.4 cm (10")
                                            20

-------
                         Table 1 (continued).   FIELD OBSERVATIONS

                                   FLORHAM PARK PLANT
     Date       Aeration       Final      Activated         Scum/
                   tanks        settling       sludge          foam
                                 tanks                      conditions
                                                            Miscellaneous
                                                            observations
                                                                and
                                                           recommendations
Nov. 4, 1975
Lots of dark  Lots of dark Color very
foam         scum        dark
              #1 bulking
     10
    18
    25
Dec. 2
Less foam
Plenty of
foam
                           Increased
                           development
Less foam


Plenty of
foam




Somewhat
less foam
Slightly
less scum
#1 bulking
Plenty of
scum in
channels
but lighter
than in
past
Somewhat
less scum
Color good,
darkish

Color
darkish




Color good

                                                          Reduced
                                         Increased
                                         development
Plenty of
scum in
channels
Color
darkish
Plenty of     Color
foam in      darkish
channels;
#2 bulking
                                         About same
                                         as 10th
Increased
development
              Good
              development
                               Dropped 99 cm
                               (3 ft.  3 inches)
                               of digester on
                               31st.   Much
                               problems with
                               clogging pumps
                               and etc.
                                            Wasting problems
Dropped 30. 5 cm
(12") of super-
natant wasting
problem

Wasting problem
                 End control
                 attempts
HAS = activated sludge return.

ML = mixed liquor of aeration tanks.
                                               21

-------
Table 20  ANALYSIS OF RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE




               FLORHAM PARK PLANT
Date
5-6-75
5-12
5-20
5-27
6-2
6-10
6-17
6-24
7-1
7-8
7-15
7-22
7-29
8-1
8-12
8-19
8*26
Suspended
solids
mg/1
6,400
7,200
6,600
8,800
8,200
14,400
10,600
10,600
8,400
9,000
9,000
8,400
8,200
8,000
9,600
4,200
9,800
Microscopic Mycolate content
estimation of M-g/5 gm dry
nocardial hyphae sludge solids
+ 	 6.3
+ — 34.2
+ — 30.9
-f- 199
+ 188
+ 141
+ 130
+ 286
-f 453
+ 433
+ 142
+ 153
+ 281
+ 444
+ 575
+ 391
+ 481
                         22

-------
Table 2 (continued),,  ANALYSIS OF RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE
                     FLORHAM PARK PLANT
Date
9-2-75
9-9
9-16
9*23
9*30
10-7
10*14
10*21
10-28
11*4
11*10
11-18
11*25
Suspended
solids
mg/1
7,200
7,200
7,800
8,800
9,200
11,600
10,600
8,400
8,000
9,800
8,800
9,280
6,800
Microscopic Mycolate content
estimation of H*g/5 gm dry
nocardial hyphae sludge solids
+ 310
+ 570
+ 402
-1- 418
+ 242
+ 1,169
+ 353
+ 413
•f 1,051
+ 623



                                23

-------
Table 30  ANALYSIS OF DIGESTER SUPERNATANT




              FLORHAM PARK PLANT
Date
6-24-75
7/1-8
7/9-14
7/15-21
7/22-29
7/30-8/12
8/13-19
8/20-26
8/27-9/2
9/3-9
9/10-16
9/17-23
9/24-30
10/1-7
10/8-14
10/31
11/18
Suspended
solids
mg/1
15,300
22,400
16, 100
20, 800
26,000
10,600
8, 300
4,500
3,900
12,600
25, 700
20,400
24, 300
33, 700
28, 100
13,800
8,500
nag /ml for
50% inhibition
of N. amarae

U2
1.1
1.3
1. 1
Oo7
0.8
2.7
>3.0
0.9
1.3
0.9
1.1
1.1
0.4


                                     Av.   1.3
                       24

-------
Table 4. PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




        (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




      FLORHAM PARK PLANT
Flow
Date
5/1-6
1-13
14-20
21-27
28-6/3
4-10
11-17
18-24
25-30
7/1-8
9-14
x icr
2.80
2.89
2.98
2.66
2.75
2.98
3.09
2.71
2.49
2.41
3.25
M. G.D.
(.740)
(.763)
(. 788)
(.703)
{. 72?)
(. 787)
(.816)
(.716)
(.659)
(.636)
(.858)
Sew, Temp. pH
Infl.
•c
13
14
15
16
16
17
17
18
18
19
19
Infl.
7.9
7.6
7.8
7.9
7.8
7.8
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.6
7.6
Effl.
7.1
7. 1
7. 1
7.0
7.1
7. 1
7.1
7. 1
7.0
7.1
6.9
Suspended Solids
Infl.
mg/1
160
143
125
146
210
180
155
135
160
180
165
Effl.
mg/1
40
6
20
21
11
19
15
10
9
25
30
REM.
75
96
84
86
95
89
90
93
95
86
82
BOD/5
Infl. Pri. effl.
mg/1 mg/1
140
320
145
130
137
140
160
250
130
150
130
, Effl.
mg/1
16
11
12
5
5
5
10
8
8
30
22
REM.
89
97
92
96
96
96
94
97
94
80
83

-------
                                            Table 4 (continued).  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




                                                         (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




                                                       FLORHAM PARK PLANT
N)
                          Flow
Sew. Temp.
Suspended Solids
BOD/5
Date
15/21
22-29
30 8/12
13-19
20-26
27-9/2
3-9
10-16
17-23
24-30
10/1-7
m3/d
x 103
3.12
2.78
2.39
2.15
2.82
2.46
2.43
2.38
2.85
4.78
2.71
M. G. D.
(.823)
(. 736)
(.631)
(.568)
(. 745)
(.650)
(.641)
(.629)
(. 752)
(1.264)
(.716)
Infl.
°C
20
20
20
21
21
21
20
20
20
19
19
Infl.
7.2
7.4
7.4
7.6
7.5
7.6
7.8
7.7
7.8
7.6
7.7
Effl.
6.9
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.8
6.8
7.0
7.0
7.2
7. 1
7. 1
Infl.
mg/1
120
130
175
120
170
130
140
140
130
-
110
Effl.
mg/l
13
21
10
16
20
15
10
15
5
-
12
%
REM.
89
84
94
87
88
88 •
93
89
96

89
Infl. Pri. efft.
mg/l mg/l
130
115
125
140
150
120
170
120
150
-
130
Effl.
mg/l
20
20
10
15
8
13
5
7
10
-
14
%
REM.
85
83
92
89
95
89
97
94
93

89

-------
Table 4 (continued).  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




             (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




            FLORHAM PARK PLANT
Flow Sew. Temp.
Date
8-14
15-21
22-28
m3/d
x 103
2.64
3.30
2.81
29-11/4 2.65
5-10
11-18
19-25
2.79
2.83
2.82
26-12/2 2.66
Sew =
Infl =
Effl =
Sewage
Influent
Effluent
M. G. D.
(.697)
(.873)
(. 743)
(.699)
(.738)
(. 749)
(. 745)
(.703)



Infl.
•c
19
19
18
18
18
17
17
16
REM =
BOD/5

PH
Infl.
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
8.0
Effl.
7. 1
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.1
6.9
6.9
7.0
Suspended Solids
Infl.
mg/l
145
145
112
170
165
120
138
-
Effl.
mg/l
15
15
12
12
15
25
13
-
REM.
90
90
89
93
91
79
91
-
BOD/5
Infl. Pri. effl.
mg/l mg/l
180
170
156
120
150
130
147
-
Effl.
mg/l
15
5
8
16
8
12
8
-
REM.
87
97
95
87
95
91
95
-
removal
= 5 day

biochemical oxygen demand








-------
10
oo
                       TABLE 4 (continued).  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS



                                      (WEEKLY AVERAGES)



                                    FLORHAM PARK PLANT
Aeration
Date
5/1*6
7*13
14-20

21-27
28-6/3


4*10


11-17
18*24
25-30
7/1*8
9-14
MLSS
mg/1
2150
2371
2643

2100
2129


2157


2486
2757
2567
3175
2750
ML
Set S
ml /I
520
470
440

250
240


220


240
280
290
340
320
Tanks
SVI
245
194
156

116
111


104


98
100
110
104
117

DO
mg/1
2.6
2.7
2.6

3.2
3.5


3.0


3.1
2,9
2.5
2.2
1.7
Ret, sludge
% SS
R mg/1



t
| |
0 -H
g
O ?-i
vO 
£ !
•1-1 f-\
CO
H
1


Digesters
Sup'n Misc.
Gal % TS


9690

3960
7490 .2
S
JH
4840 £

-------
TABLE 4 (continued).  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




              (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




             FLORHAM PARK PLANT
Aeration
Date
15*21
22-29
30*8/12

13*19


20-26

27*7/2


3*9
10*16

17-23
24*30
10/1-7
MLSS
mg/1
2488
2963
3464

3385


2757

2850


2657
2671

3000
2100
2986
ML
Set S
ml/1
220
310
370

310


270

290


250
340

370
180
290
Tanks
SVI
91
102
104

94


93

95


94
124

129
91
94

DO
mg/1
2.2
2.0
2.0

2.0


2.1

2.1


2.0
2.1

2.0
2.2
2.2
Ret. sludge
% SS
R mg/1



t
£5.
° T)
0 a,
•-1 C!
ft *!"j
* g
s «
rtf V
0) P
"rt •£
1 %
'**
ID
W
1


Digesters
Sup'n Misc.
Gal % TS
11010
18500
9250

9250
T)
(1)
9250 .§
a
)H
9250 5

-------
            TABLE 4 (continued). PLANT OPERATING RECORDS

                          (WEEKLY AVERAGES)

                        FLORHAM PARK PLANT
Aeration
Date
8*14

15*21
22-28
29-H/4
5-10
11-18
19-25
26-12/2
MLSS
mg/1
2564

2244
2616
2767
2883
3031
2586
2217
ML
Set S
ml/1
270

270
310
320
320
360
340
310
Tanks
SVI
97

103
112
111
113
114
114
136
Ret. sludge Digesters
% SS Sup'n Misc.
DO R mg/1 Gal % TS
mg/1
2, 3 3960 No super
10th-*
2.4 0
2-1 "g 0 -g
t H -H
2.3 -H 'S 17170 |
2.4 1 Q ° p
^ ±> +>
2.9 g 5280 |
2.4
2.2
MLSS = Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids
ML Set S = Mixed Liquor Settleable Solids
SVI = Sludge Volume Index
DO =  Dissolved Oxygen
SS = Suspended Solids
Sup'n.  =  Supernatant
TS = Total Solids

-------
            Florham Park, July to October  1975

            Supernatant Toxicity and Mycolate liters
O
to
o

o>

0)
o

o
E
o
.0
'^.

 o
"o
 in
 o
 c

 0)
 0.
 o

1
 o>
s
O
5.0
    4.0
    3.0
2.0
    1.0
          7/1-7/8   |    7/5-7/21    |    8/1      |     8/27     |     9/9

               7/9-7/14     7/22-7/29       8/18         9/2
                                                                                               1000
                                                                                               900
                                                                                                800
                                                                                                700
                                                                                                600
                                                                                               500
                                                                                                400
                                                                                                300
                                                                                               200
                                                                                               00
                                                                                                     v>
                                                                                                 o
                                                                                                 in

                                                                                                 Q)
                                                                                                 en
                                                                                                 •O
                                                                                                 _=>
                                                                                                 tn
                                                                                                 >,
                                                                                                    9)

                                                                                                    O
                                                                                                    "O
                                                                                                    O
                                                                                                    >>

                                                                                                    E
                                                                                                    0)
                                                                                                    o

                                                                                                    O


                                                                                                    o
                                                                    9/17
                                                                      9/22    |  9/30MO/6   |

                                                                          9/23-9/29     10/7*10/13
         Figure  2.   Nocardiotoxicity of the  Supernatant from the  Anaerobic Digester and

                     Nocardiomycolate Contents of Sludge Solids  at the Florham Park  Plant

                     from  July 1 to  October 13,  1975

-------
Throughout the  study period, the return of anaerobic supernatant
did not appear to affect the development of actinomycetic foam.
Periodically, the foam was  reduced but it was not clear if this
effect was not due to excessive flow and the washout of aeration
tanks due to infiltration or inflow from occasional heavy rainfalls.

An additional source of problems were the many operational
difficulties the Florham Park plant experienced throughout the  study
period.

Two major problems were the control of the return activated sludge
system and the  removal of excessive activated sludge from the
process to maintain a proper concentration of suspended solids under
aeration.

Throughout the  study period, it was felt that the mixed liquor
suspended solids content in  the aeration system was too high for the
attempted control to be effective.  Although a comparison of the
data on suspended solids in  Table 4 does not show high solid contents,
the high aeration solids retention time  or "sludge age" at this  plant
(Table 13) shows that the concentration of suspended solids in the
aeration tanks was about twice that in the two other plants studied.
Various attempts at revision of the plant system were made to permit
a proper  control of the wasting from the aeration system but none were
successful in reducing the excess level of mixed liquor  suspended
solids under aeration.

On the 10th of October the daily return of supernatant was discontinued
and instead, a control  method of returning large amounts  of super-
natant (17 m.3/d = 4500 gal/d) to the system at selected  intervals was
instituted.  This was referred to as "slugging" the system. The
reasoning behind this procedure was that the nocardial population
might have become adapted  to the presence of small amounts of toxic
material.  It was felt that the periodic  slugging of the system with
larger doses might be  more beneficial.  The results,  as indicated in
Table  1, did not show any significant reduction in foaming.  In fact,
the first attempt at slugging the system resulted in an upset of the
plant system because of the accidental addition of too large a volume
(65 m3 =  17, 170 gal).   The second attempt at slugging the system was
better controlled and did not affect  the plant system; however,  no
significant reduction of the foam or scum formation was noted.
                                  32

-------
Since the addition of anaerobic supernatant had no apparent effect on
the actinomycetic foam at Florham Park,  the question was asked if
this was due to an increase in resistance of the nocardial flora of
the sludge.  In order to answer this question, the foam was plated
out as previously described (L/echevalier, 1975) and two strains of
Nocardia amarae were isolated (strains Se 351 and Se 355).  These
were  tested for sensitivity to anaerobic digester supernatant solids
as previously described at the same time  as our standard assay
strain Se 6.  The freshly isolated strains  turned out to be more
sensitive to the supernatant solids than our assay strain.   Their
growth was inhibited 50% by 1. 8 mg of solids per ml as compared to
4. 9 mg/ml in the case of Se 6.  It was then concluded that the lack
of control of the foam was not due to an increase  of resistance of the
nocardial population.
                                33

-------
                             SECTION VIII

                      THE MIDDLETOWN PLANT
The Middletown Waste treatment plant began operation in July, 1971.
It is a 24, 600 m /d (6. 5 mgd) facility which provides for preliminary
treatment (mechanical bar screen and grid remover); primary treat-
ment in rectangular clarifiers with the sludge and scum sent to
anaerobic digesters; secondary treatment of the conventional
activated sludge type with aeration by mechanical turbines; circular
final clarifiers in which the wasted sludge and collected surface scum
are  sent to the anaerobic digesters;  effluent chlorination and
anaerobic sludge digestion. Digested sludge is disposed by barging
to an ocean disposal site.  The supernatant from the anaerobic digestion
system is returned to the primary treatment facilities at the wet well
(see flow diagram, Figure 3).

As  can be seen in Table 5, supernatant return was kept to a minimum
and good development of foam was noted starting July 15.  On July  28,
a control program consisting in returning approximately 6 inches
(15. 2 cm = 12,400 gal) of anaerobic  supernatant per day to the
primary flow stream was instituted (Table 5).   This amount of super-
natant was returned in approximately 1/2 h. It was felt that this rapid
procedure would minimize removal of supernatant solids in the
primary sedimentation units.  By the end of August, the reduction in
foaming was obvious and reached a low level on September 30. At
this point it was felt that the control method had succeeded and that the
foam nuisance was eliminated.   Throughout the remaining portion of
the study period, an increase in the  actinomycetic foam was noted at
the plant which was attributed to the variation in supernatant control
feeding,  a decrease in the  supernatant toxicity (Table 7), and
difficulties with various plant units.
                                  34

-------
          Final
          Settling
          Tanks
     Chlorine
     Contact
     Tanks
                                       Aeration
                                         Tanks
                                                       0)
                                                    fd
                                                    A
                                                    w P
                                                    M rH
                                                    fd fe
                                                    0<
Primary
Settling
Tanks




"S« 1
J '
1
t
 Grit
Remover
                                                               Pumps
                                        Floatation
                                        Thickener
                       Digesters
Effluent
                                                   c()>Pumps

                                                        "sludge
                                                                      *
                                                                      I
                                                                      I
                                                                   -*-,
                                                                     +  --
                                                           Supernatant
       	^	^	^o^ I	
      / Sludge  to Barge          ^Pumps
    /
        FLOW DIAGRAM
     SEWAGE TREATfTCNT PLANT
TOWNSHIP OF MIDDLETOWN SEWERAGE AUTHORITY
/
                                        Figure 3

-------
TableS. FIELD OBSERVATIONS




     MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Date
May 5, 75
13
21


27

June 2
10

19

24
Aeration
tanks
Normal
Normal
Normal


Normal

Some
foam
Normal

Moderate
foam

Minor
foam
Final
settling
tanks
Normal
Minor
scum
Some
scum on
#2
Very
slight
scum
Some
scum
Some
scum
Scum on
#2
slight on
#1
Normal
Activated Scum/
sludge foam
condition
None
Color good
Minor


Color good Minor

Color good Slight
Color good Minor

Color good Slight

Color good Minor
but darkish
Miscellaneous
To keep supernatant
return to minimum
Sewage temperature
14. 5 • C



Sewage temperature
17"C

Dropped back 61 cm (21) of
digester #2
Barged sludge

Sewage temperature
20 °C

Dropped back some
digester #2
              36

-------
TableS (continued).  FIELD OBSERVATIONS




     MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Date
July 1, 75

8

15

22

29


Aug. 1




12




Aeration
tanks
Normal

Normal

Full of
foam
Foaming

Foaming


Foaming




Good
foam
develop-
ment

Final
settling
tanks
Minor
scum
Some
scum
Lot of
scum
Lot of
scum
Lot of
scum

Lot of
scum
loss in
center
well
Good
scum
layer


Activated Scum/
sludge foam Miscellaneous
condition
Color good Minor

Color good Minor
but darkish
Good color Good
development
Good color Good Sewage temperature
development 21°C
Good color Good Started supernatant
development control 7/28 /7C
15.2 cm (6")/day
Good color Good
somewhat development
dark


Good color Good Stopped supernatant
but dark development control but will re-
start
No supernatant 9,
10, 11 and 12
                 37

-------
TableS (continued). FIELD OBSERVATIONS




          MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Date
Aug. 19, 75
26
Sept. 2
9

16





Aeration
tanks
Less
foam
Some
foam
Lots of
Light
froth
foam
Lots of
light
foam

Good
foam





Final
settling
tanks
Less
foam
Less
scum
Some
scum
None in
center-
wells
Very-
little
to no
scum
Very
light
scum.
Some
in
center-
wells.
Activated
sludge
Color good
slightly
dark
Color good
darkish
Normal
Color
good

Normal





Scum/
foam
condition
Somewhat
reduced
Reduced
Reduced
Reduced
to low
level

Reduced





Miscellaneous
Restarted control
on August 14 7. 6 cm
(3") /day
No supernatant 23
and 24
Detergent spill August
29? Increase super-
natant to 15.4 cm (6">/day.
No supernatant 30, 31
and 1.
Primary down Sunday.
No supernatant 3 and 7.
Barged sludge.

No supernatant 10, 12,
13, 14, and 15th.





                    38

-------
Table 5 (continued).  FIELD OBSERVATIONS




          MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Aeration
Date tanks
Sept. 23, 75 Less
foam





30 No
foam

Oct. 7 No
foam



14 Some
minor
foam


21 Some
foam
darkish



Final
settling
tanks
Very
little
scum.
Minor
in
center-
wells.
Minor
scum
particles
Minor
scum
particles.
None in
centerwell
Minor
scum.
None in
center-
well.
Very
little
scum.
None in
center-
wells.
Activated Scum/
sludge foam
condition
Good color Reduced






Color very Very low
dark level -
minor
Color good None
darkish



Color good Minor




Color Low
darkish - level
heavy



Miscellaneous
No supernatant 17,
18 and 20.





Problem with 1
primary

Primary down on 30th,
No supernatant 30 and
1st. Barged sludge.


No supernatant 11, 12
and 13th



1 Final tank down and
recycle low.




                     39

-------
     Table 5 (continued). FIELD OBSERVATIONS

               MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Aeration
Date tanks
Oct. 28, 75 Some
foam.
Light
color


Nov. 4 Foaming

10 Heavy
foam




18 Good
foam
develop-
ment






25 Lots of
foam.
MLSS
Final Activated Scum/
settling sludge foam Miscellaneous
tanks condition
Good Good coloi; Moderate No supernatant 24,
scum. light development 25, and 27th
1/3 of
tank and
center-
well.
Minor Good color Reduced No supernatant 1 and
scum 2nd
Some Good color, Moderate,
scum. dark increased
1/4 tank;
heavy in
center-
well.
Some Good color Reduced No supernatant 17 am
scum to dark 18? Barged on 13th.
minor
good in
center-
well.
Looks
like
breaking
up.
Lots of Darkish Increased? Recycle was off som<
dark time. May be reasoi
scum for scum in finals.
very
low
                                              End control attempts.
                         40

-------
Table 6.  ANALYSIS OF RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE
               MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Date
5-5-75
5*13
5-21
5-27
6-2
6-10
6-19
6-24
7-1
7-8
7-15
7-22
7-28
7-29
8-1
8-12
8-19
Suspended
solids
mg/1
4,400
7,800
8,800
8,000
8,800
11,000
9,200
10,600
12,000
15, 200
9,800
11,400
14,600
8,600
9,600
13,200
1 1, 200
Microscopic Mycolate content
estimation of F^g/S gm dry
nocardial hyphae sludge solids
0
0
3
+ — 0
+ — 12
+ „ 11

+ — 10

0
-f 23.7
+ 46
+ 34
+ 57
+ 81
+ 88
+ 85
                        41

-------
Table 6 (continued).  ANALYSIS OF RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE




                    MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Date
8-26
9-2
9-9
9-16
9-23
9-30
10-7
10-14
10-21
10-28
11-4
11-10
11*18
11-25
Suspended
solids
mg/1
8,200
8,400
9,000
8,400
11,600
8,800
9,000
11,400
12, 800
8,800
13,200
13, 200
12, 000
15, 800
Microscopic Mycolate content
estimation of H-g/5 gm dry
nocardial hyphae sludge solids
+ 47
+ 78
-j- . 202
+ 103
+ 33
+ 29
+ 26
+ 45
+ 73
+ 150
+ 186



                              42

-------
Table 7.  ANALYSIS OF DIGESTER SUPERNATANT
               MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Date
7/15-21
7/30-8/12
8/13-19
8/20-26
8/27-9/2
9/3-9/9
9/10-16
9/17-23
9/24-30
10/1-7
10/8-14
10/15-21
10/22-28
10/29-H/4
11/5-10
11/11-18
11/19-25
Suspended
solids
mg/1
29,900
34, 000
36,800
37,000
33,900
34,500
36,500
13,200
23,600
36, 100
23,000
28,000
26,000
32,500
30, 100
33,200
20, 100
mg/ml for
50% inhibition
of N. amarae
1.6
1.4
2.5
2.3
2.9
4.9
2.5
1.5
0.9
1. 1
3.7
4.4
1.8
2. 0
1.6
1.9

                                      Av.   2.3
                          43

-------
Table 8. PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




       (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




       MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Flow Sew. Temp.
Date
5/1-6
7-13
14-20
21-27
28-6/3
4-10
11-17
18-24
25-30
7/1-8
9-14
m3/d
x 103
17.75
18.96
18.77
17.83
17.98
17.98
18.85
19.30
17.52
17. 18
18.58
M.G.D.
(4.69)
(5.01)
(4.96)
(4.71)
(4. 75)
(4. 75)
(4.98)
(5. 10)
(4.63)
(4. 54)
(4.91)
Infl.
°C
13.6
14.6
16.1
16.3
16.9
16.8
17.4
17.9
18.6
19
19
PH
Inn.
7.1
7. 1
7.1
7.1
7.2
7. 1
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.1
7. 1
Effl.
7.1
7.2
7.0
7.2
7.2
7.2
7. 1
7.0
6.9
6.8
6.8
Suspended Solids
Infl.
mg/1
144
169
202
141
164
149
138
163
199
190
167
Effl.
mg/1
13
6
10
16
7
13
10
18
13
15
17
REM.
91
96
95
87
96
91
93
89 '
93
92
90
BOD/5
Infl. Pri. effl.
mg/l mg/1
175
181 138
160
166
150
178
151
220
-
146
173 128
Effl.
mg/1
7
9
10
8
5
13
5
7
-
8
7
REM.
96
95
94
95
97
93
97
97,

95
96

-------
Table 8 (continued).  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




             (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




             MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Flow Sew. Temp.
Date
15-21
22-29
30-8/12
13-19
20-26
27-7/2
3-9
10-16
17-23
24-30
m3/d
x 103
19.38
19.30
17.90
18.21
18.36
18.05
17.45
17.41
17.22
20.74
M. G.D.
(5.12)
(5.10)
(4. 73)
(4.81)
(4. 85)
(4. 77)
(4.61)
(4. 60)
(4.55)
(5.48)
Infl.
*C
20.0
20.8
21
20.9
20.7
20.4
20.0
19.1
19
18.6
PH
Infl.
7.2
7.3
7. 1
7.2
7.2
7. 1
7. 1
7. 1
7. 1
7. 1
Effl.
6.8
6.8
6.8
6.8
6.8
6.8
6.9
6.7
6.7
6.8
Suspended Solids
Infl.
mg/l
205
206
173
237
213
190
218
152
152
150
Effl.
mg/l
23
22
19
41
14
38
76
38
14
16
REM.
89
89
89
83
93
80
65
75
91
89
BOD/5
Infl. Pri. effl.
mg/l mg/l
177 147
191 143
140 140
169
150
160 231
137
177
183
188
Effl.
mg/l
12
14
6
46
4
14
33
51
11
25
REM.
93
93
96
73
97
91
76
71
94
87

-------
Table 8 (continued).  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




             (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




            MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Flow Sew. Temp.
Date
10/1-7
8-14
15-21
22-Z8
m3/d
x 103
19.98
19.11
19.38
19.98
29-11/4 18.74
5-10
11-18
19-25
18.66
18.36
18.81
26-12/2 19.91
Sew =
Infl =
Effl =
Sewage
Influent
Effluent
M.G.D.
(5.28)
(5.05)
(5.12)
(5. 28)
(4. 95)
(4.93)
(4.85)
(4.97)
(5.26)

Infl.
•c
19
18
18.5
18
17.5
18
18
18
17
REM =
BOD/5
pH
Infl.
7. 1



7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7. 1
Effl.
6.9



6.9
6.5
6.8
6.8
6.9
Suspended Solids
Infl.
mg/1
112
160
137
151
117
165
133
142
194
Effl.
mg/1
12
14
14
15
11
12
48
17
43
%
REM.
89
91
90
89
91
93
64
88
78
BOD/5
Infl. Pri. effl.
mg/1 mg/1
180
182
186
179
178
221
166
194
198
Effl.
mg/1
35
14
11
17
7
10
10
12
56
%
REM.
81
92
94
91
96
95
94
94
72
Removal
= 5 day Biochemical Oxygen Demand

-------
Table 8 (continued).  PLANT OPERA TING'RECOKoo




              (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




              MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Aeration
Date
5/1-6
7*13
14*20
21*27
28-6/3
4*10
11-17
18-24
25-30
MLSS
mg/1
2173
2345
2238
2644
2220
2239
2600
2508
2730
ML
Set S.
ml/1
240
340
310
430
300
400
370
270
370
Tanks
SVI
110
143
136
163
135
175
141
108
136

DO
mg/1


Recorded
0



Ret.
R
39
44
41
40
40
42
41
42
41
sludge Digesters
SS Sup'n
mg/l Gal % TS
8283
7530
8027
8355
7985 49,600
8615
9956
9034
9115

-------
*>.
00
                    Table 8 (continued), PLANT OPERATING RECORDS


                                 (WEEKLY AVERAGES)


                                 MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Date
7/1-8
9-14
15-21
22*29
30-8/12
13-19
20*26
27*9/2
3-9
10-16

MLSS
mg/1
2846
3526
3164
3114"
2912
3682
2987
2813
2839
2831
Aeration
ML
Set S
ml/1
340
540
430
390
440
660
440
560
700
650
Tanks
SVI
117
151
134
122
144
177
145
201
243
220
Ret. sludge
DO R
mg/1
36
49
44
1 45
o 44
2 42
o
40
40
38
45
SS
mg/1
10,555
11,885
9,627
10,003
10,830
12, 115
9,773
8,540
9, 156
8,486
Digesters
Sup
Gal



' 74,460
200,000
24, 820
33,090
33,090
82, 120
24, 820
•n
% TS



3.4




3.15
1.52

-------
        Table 8 (continued).  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




                     (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




                     MIDDLETOWN PLANT
Aeration
Date
17-23
24.30
10/1-7
8-14
15-21
22-28
29-11/4
8-10
11.18
19-25
26-12/2
MLSS
mg/1
2259
2252
2184
2312
1782
2824
2114
2237
2731
2299
2673
ML
SetS
ml/l
570
500
360
520
340
570
360
380
580
510
-
Tanks
SVI
244
210
161
210
179
195
161
164
202
203
-

DO
mg/1



I Recorded
o
2




Ret.
R
31
30
31
30
21
32
28
28
34
36
32
sludge
SS
mg/1
10,337
9,482
9,257
7, 171
7,996
8,640
7,622
8,432
9,639
12,401
8,810
Digesters
Sup1
Gal
62,050
74, 460
86,250
39,300
62,050
49,640
68,260
78,600
82, 180
62,050

n
% TS
2.01
2.22







See legend at end of Table 4.

-------
in
O
             10.0
             9.0
             8.0
              7.0
              6.0
IE  5.0
c

o

w  4.0
              3.0
o
V)


c
o
•*—
o


fc  20
CL



H-
o


1

o>
                   Middletown, June to November 1975

                   Supernatant Toxicity and Mycolate liters
                                                                                                          900
                                                                                                800  ^
                                                                                                     o
                                                                                                               a>
                                                                                                          700
                                                                                                         600


                                                                                                               E
                                                                                                               o>

                                                                                                         500 «
                                                                                                         400
o
o
                                                                                                         300   t:
                                                                                                               o
                                                                                                               £
                                                                                                               a

                                                                                                         200   en
                                                                                                               o
                                                                                                         100
                   6/10 I  8/8  |  8/27 |  9/9  | 9/23 |IO/2»IO/5| 10/8  | 10/14 |  10/17  | 10/20 |  10/22 | 10/26 | 10/31


                      7/22   8/18   9/2    9/16    9/29 10/7*10/10 10/10   10/16   10/18   10/21  10/23   10/29   11/3


                      Figure 4.   Nocardiotoxicity of the Supernatant from the Anaerobic Digester

                                   and Nocardiomycolate Contents  of Sludge  Solids at  the Middletown

                                   Township Plant from June 10 to November  3, 1976.

-------
                          SECTION IX

                 THE OCEAN TOWNSHIP PLANT
The Ocean Township Waste-water Treatment Plant began operation
in October 1968.  The 11, 355 m3/d (3. 1 mgd) facility consists in
preliminary treatment (comminutor and grit remover) with addition
of hydrogen peroxide; primary treatment in rectangular clarifiers,
the sludge and the scum being disposed of in anaerobic  digesters;
secondary treatment of the activated sludge type (sludge reaeration-
contact stabilization), with mechanical turbine aeration; circular
final clarifiers with waste sludge disposal to  the primary clarifiers
and the secondary scum being returned to the sludge reaeration
tanks; effluent chlorination and anaerobic sludge digestion.   The
supernatant from the anaerobic digesters is returned to the primary
system at the wet well after having been chlorinated by Purifax
treatment.  The digested sludge  is vacuum filtered and used as land-
fill (see Flow diagram,  Figure 5).

Foam development started at the plant around August 1, 1976 when
control measures were initiated as indicated in Table 5 by returning
to the primary tanks 28. 39 m /d (7, 500 gal/d) anaerobic digester
supernatant which was not Purifaxed.  This foam development
coincided with a marked increase in amaraemycolate (Table 10).
This was  later changed to the use of chlorinated supernatants.

Throughout the study period there  was some fluctuation in the amount
of actinomycetic foam produced but foaming reduction,  when it
occurred, could not be correlated  with the control technique which
did not appear to be effective.

The initial return of unchlorinated anaerobic supernatant created an
odor problem but the use of chlorinated material should still have
been effective since it had equivalent nocardiotoxicity as shown in our
assays (Table 11).
                                51

-------
                                       Final
                                      Settling
                                       Tanks
Ul
Ni
                      Chlorine
                      Contact
                      Tanks
                                                 a
                               Parshall
                               Flume
               Effluent
Vacuum
 Filter
                                                                              Pump
                           Digesters
                                                                                                 .
                                                                                              Purifax
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Tanks



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-------
                         Table 9.  FIELD OBSERVATIONS

                                  OCEAN PLANT
                                                                 Miscellaneous
              Aeration     Final     Activated      Scum/
  Date          tanks      settling     sludge       foam
                           tanks                  condition

May 5, 75     Normal    Normal                  None         To keep normal
                                                               Ririfax supernatant
                                                               treatment
   13
   Zl
   27
June 2
    10
    19
    24
Normal




Normal

Normal

Some
foam in
re-air
Slight
foam
Slight
foam

Minor
foam


Some
slight
scum in
center-
wells
Some
scum
Some
scum
No scum


Minor
scum
Very
minor
scum
Some
scum in
center-
wells
Color good Minor




Color good Minor

Color good Slight

Color good Minor
darkish

Color good Minor

Color good Minor


Good color Minor
ML low


Using H O2 for odor
control



HoO, in use

HO, in use
Z £•

Rain past few days




Sewage temperature
21°C





                                        53

-------
Table 9 (continued).  FIELD OBSERVATIONS




             OCEAN PLANT
Aeration
Date tanks
July 1, 75 Minor
foam


8 Some
foam

15 No foam



22 Some
foam


29 Some
foam

Final
settling
tanks
Minor
scum,
clarity
fair
Very
minor
scum
Slight
scum,
clarity
good
Slight
scum in
broken
pieces
Some
scum

Activated
sludge
Color good
darkish


Color dark


Color dark



Color good
darkish


Color dark-
ish

Scum/
foam
condition
Minor



Minor


Minor to
none


Slight



Slight


Miscellaneous







ML lower



Sewage temperature
23. 9 ° C. Still using
H2°2

Purifax feed
149.3-186.6 kg
(4-500 tb)/day Cl,
                     54

-------
                   Table 9 (continued).  FIELD OBSERVATIONS

                                 OCEAN PLANT

Date

Aug. 1, 75





Aeration
tanks

Full of
foam




Final
settling
tanks
Full of
scum




Activated
sludge

Color good
darkish




Scum/
foam
condition
Good
develop-
ment




Miscellaneous

Started control 28. 4 m3d
(7500 gal/day) = 15. 2 cm
(6")/day- Foam built
up 2 days ago.
Sewage temperature
24.4°C.
    12        Plenty of   Plenty
              foam       of scum
Color dark    Good        Odor problem - stopped
              develop-     control on 8th. Less
               ment      foam then more now.
    19        L«ss foam  Less scum Color very
                                    dark

    26        Some foam  Less scum Color very
                                    dark

Sept.  2        Heavy      No center- Color dark
              dark foam  well scum.
              in re-air   Surface
                         scum - 1/2
                         tanks.

      9        Plenty     Some       Color very
              foam       scum in    dark
                         centerwell.
                         Less on
                         surface.
              Reduced?    MLSS reduced to keep
                          Purifax feed low

              Reduced     Continue low.
                          Purifax Cl  feed.

              Medium     Purifax feed increased
              amount      279.9 kg (750 Ib) day
                          odors.
              Medium     Purifax  279.9 kg (750
              amount     lb)/day.   6 hr + run.
                                         55

-------
Table 9 (continued).  FIELD OBSERVATIONS




              OCEAN PLANT
Aeration
Date tanks
Sept. 16, 75 Plenty
foam




23 Less
foam

30 Less
foam


Oct. 7 Plenty
foam

14 Plenty
foam


21 Less
foam


28 More
foam
Filial
settling
tanks
More
surface
scum -
low in
center -
well
Less
scum

Some
scum -
breaking
up
Plenty
scum

Plenty
scum.
open
weir
Plenty
scum


Less
scum
Activated
sludge
Color very
dark




Color very-
dark

Color very
dark


Color dark


Color dark



Color dark-
ish


Color good

Scum/
foam
condition
Good
develop-
ment



Reduced


Reduced


Good
develop-
ment
Good
develop-
ment

Good
develop-
ment

Reduced?

Mi s c ellane ous
ML low





Returned supernatant
with no Purifax 17-23;
Rain.
Still not using Cl in
Purifax - Trying to slug
with supernatant.
'
Using no Cl- in Purifax -
will try 2 day w/o Cl
and 5 day with Cl
Using 2 day no Cl In
Purifax supernatam
return

Dropped 56. 8 m3 (15, 000
gallons) supernatant on 20,
Sewage temperature
19.4'C.
Using no Cl in Purifax
on 2 days
                    56

-------
                   Table 9 (continued).  FIELD OBSERVATIONS

                                OCEAN PLANT

Date

Aeration
tanks

Final
settling
tanks
Activated
sludge

Scum/
foam
condition

Miscellaneous

Nov. 4, 75    Plenty      Some     Color good    Reduced?    Still using no Cl_ 2
              foam       scum                               days in Purifax

    10        Less       Some     Color dark*   Reduced?    End controlling
              foam       scum       ish                      attempts.
                         breaking
                         up


 H^O, = Hydrogen Peroxide

 ML =  Mixed Liquor of Aeration Tanks

 Cl_   Chlorine

 MLSS =  Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids
                                       57

-------
Table 10.  ANALYSIS OF RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE




                    OCEAN PLANT
Date
5-5-75
5-13
5-21
5-27
6-2
6-10
6-19
6-24
7-1
7-8
7-15
7-22
7-29
8-1
8-12
8-19
8-26
Suspended Microscopic
solids estimation of
mg/1 nocardial hyphae
4,400
4, 600
4, 000
7, 600
4, 200
5,600
3, 800
2, 600
4, 600
5, 200 +
4, 800 +
5, 400 +
7, 800 +
4, 800 +
5, 800 +
5,600 +
4, 606 +
Mycolate content
|j.g/5 gm dry
sludge solids
0
0
0
19
16
18
9
6
17
111
31
37
87
140
248
150
92
                           58

-------
Table 10 (continued).  ANALYSIS OF RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE




                          OCEAN PLANT
Date
9-2
9-9
9-16
9-23
9-30
10-7
10-14
10-21
10-28
11-4
11-10
11-18
Suspended Microscopic
solids estimation of
mg/1 nocardial hyphae
4,000 +
4, 800 +
3,400 +
4, 400 +
5,200 +
5,000 +
4,000 +
3,800 +
3, 400 +•
4, 400 +
3,800
4,200
Mycolate content
(Jig/5 gm dry
sludge solids
169
117
111
345
188
102
222
156
202
277


                                   59

-------
    Table 11.  ANALYSIS OF DIGESTER SUPERNATANT
                       OCEAN PLANT
Date
8-1-75
8-8
8/12-19
8/20-26
8/27-9/2
9/10-16
9/17-23
9/24-30
10/1-10/7
10/8-14
10/15-21
10/22-28
11/4
11/4
Suspended
solids
mg/1
30, 100
20,400
26, 100
30,500
25,500
34, 800
27,800
22, 100
42,500
27,700
23, 100
30,800
29, 300
25,900
mg/ml for
50% inhibition Comments
of N. amarae
1.5
0.9
1.3
1.5
1.7
1.2
1.2
1. 1
0.7
0.4
0.8
1. 1
0. 5 No chlorine
0. 5 279. 9 kg (750 Ib/day)
                                          chlorine Pur if ax
11/5-10
24,000
                          Av.   1. 1
                               60

-------
Table 12.  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




        (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




           OCEAN PLANT
Flow Sew. Temp.
Date
5/1-6
7-13
14-20
21-27
28-6/3
4-10
11-17
18-24
25-30
7/1-8
9-14
m3/d
x 103
14.42
13.17
12.83
11. 39
10.79
10.75
12.98
11.66
10.67
10.60
10.94
M.G.D.
(3.81)
(3.48)
(3.39)
(3.01)
(2.85)
(2. 84)
(3.43)
(3.08)
(2.82)
(2.80)
(2. 89)
Infl.
•c
14.4
14.4
16.7
12. 8
18.9
19.4
19.4
20.6
21. 1
21.7
22.8
pH
Infl.
7. 1
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.9
6.9
6.9
6.9
6.8
-
6.8
Effl.
7.3
7. 1
7. 1
7.0
6.9
7.0
6.9
6.9
6.8
-
6.9
Suspended Solids
Infl.
mg/1
80
90
-
100
80
100
100
110
100
100
-
Effl.
mg/1
8
10
-
10
10
5
10
5
10
5
-
%
REM.
90
89
-
90
88
95
90
95
90
95
-
Infl.
mg/1
83
107
117
73
102
147
88
118
106
128
122
BOD/5
Pri. effl.
mg/l
43
39
42
29
34
93
51
76
39
84
88
Effl.
mg/l
3.5
6.3
9.3
8.3
21
9
8
16
6
18
13
%
REM.
95
94
92
89
79
94
91
86
94
86
89

-------
to
                                          Table 12 (continued). PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




                                                         (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




                                                           OCEAN PLANT
Flow Sew. Temp.
Date m3/d
x 103
15-21
22-29
30-8/12
13-19
20-26
27-9/2
3-9
10-16
17-23
24-30
10/1-7
10.90
10.41
10.71
10.41
10.83
10.64
10.86
10.14
10.60
12.98
10.94
M.G.D.
(2.88)
(2. 75)
(2.83)
(2. 75)
(2.86)
(2.81)
(2.87)
(2.68)
(2.80)
(3.43)
(2. 89)
Infl.
°C
23.3
24.4
23.9
23.9
23.9
24.4
23.9
22.2
22.2
21. 1
20.6
pH
Infl.
7.0
6.8
6.7
7.1
7.3
6.7
-
7.4
7.8
7.2
7.0
Effl.
7.0
7.3
7.0
7.3
7.3
7.0
-
7.3
7. 1
7.0
7.2
Suspended Solids
Infl.
mg/l
100
90
137
95
200
-
125
125
110
-
110
Effl.
mg/l
5
5
9.3
5
10
-
10
5
10
-
20
REM.
95
94
93
95
95
-
92
96
91
-
82
Infl.
mg/l
110
132
125
142
108
125
134
. 153
183
85
123
BOD/5
Pri. effl.
mg/l
66
76
73
111
66
67
61
101
101
45
51
Effl.
mg/l
18
20
17
26
20
20
16
14
19
27
22
REM.
84
85
86
82
81
84
88
91
90
68
82

-------
Table 12 (continued).  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




              (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




                OCEAN PLANT
Flow Sew. Temp.
Date
8-14
15-21
22-28
m3/d
x 103
11.77
13.17
13.21
29-11/4 12.60
5-10
11-18
19-25
Sew =
Infl =
Effl =
12. 11
12.64
12.57
Sewage
Influent
Effluent
M.G.D.
(3.11)
(3.48)
(3.49)
(3.33)
(3.20)
(3. 34)
(3.32)



Infl.
°C
21. 1
21. 1
20.0
20.6
20.6
18.9
17.2
REM =
BOD/5

pH Suspended Solids
Infl.
7.2
7.6
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.0
7. 1
Removal
Effl. Infl. Effl. %
mg/l mg/l REM.
7.1
7.0 100 10 90
7.1 105 13 88
7.1 - - -
7.0 100 10 90
6.9 110 15 86
6.9 83 10 88

BOD/5
Infl. Pri. effl
mg/l mg/l
117 47
93 59
89 54
83 53
92 54
88 45
78 40

. Effl. %
mg/l REM.
13 89
12 87
16 82
9.3 89
16 83
15 83
15 81

= 5 day Biochemical Oxygen Demand





-------
Table 12 (continued).  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




               (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




                  OCEAN PLANT

Aeration Tanks
Date
5/1-6
7-13

14-20


21-27

28-6/3

4-10

11-17


18-24


25-30
7/1-8

1070
1260

1180


1140

1260

1720

1870


1420


1380
.1470
MLSS*
mg/1
4390
4570

4200


3800

3440

4600

4700


4090


3940
4220
ML
Set. S
ml/1
180
190

180


390

260

400

290


190


230
320
SVI
168
151

157


209

206

229

190


134


162
217
DO*
mg/1
2.
3.

1.


1.

1.

1.

2.


2.


1.
2.
5/.8
6/1.4

8/.8


8/.9

6/1.0

3/.2

6/.9


6/1.0


1/2.4
0/1.4
Ret. sludge
R
44
44

48


49 .

48

50

43


49


50
49
SS
mg/1
•a
(X)
H

o
• H
nt
0)
a)
tf
03
nl
0)
3
«t
T3

-------
l/l
                           Table  12 (continued).  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS




                                           (WEEKLY AVERAGES)




                                              OCEAN PLANT
Aeration Tanks
Date
9-14
15-21
22-29
30-9/12
13-19

20-26


27-9/2

3-9

10-16
17-23

1390
1690
1670
1940
1840

1700


1520

1280

1320
1210
MLSS*
mg/1
3980
4990
4280
4430
4420

4180


3800

3460

3700
3040
ML
Set.S
ml/1
340
570
270
320
280

200


200

200

240
190
SVI
244
334
158
163
153

122


130

161

175
166
DO*
mg/1
1.6/.4
2. 0/1.0
1. 2/1.2
1.8/1.1
1.9/2.6

3.4/2.2


2. 7/2.6

1.6/1.6

1.6/2.3
1. 1/1.7
Ret. sludge
% ss
R mg/1
50
50
52
51
50

43


51

50

46
57
Digester
Sup'n
Gal % TS



45,000

1
i — i *"O
S 13 -S
h (X g
o M S
£+ O (!)
T!§ «
.£ - Q
tH 00 ^
O i-< o
1 *


-------
O
                             Table 12 (continued).  PLANT OPERATING RECORDS
                                            (WEEKLY AVERAGES)
                                                OCEAN PLANT
Aeration Tanks
Date
24-30
10/1-7
8-14

15-21

22-28

29-11/4

5-10

11-18
19-25

1010
1200
1540

1090

860

1100

1540

1160
1240
MLSS*
mg/1
3410
3640
3800

3080

2720

3310

3680

2810
3000
ML
Set. S
ml/1
170
190
240

150

120

110

130

110
110
SVI
170
160
155

139

138

110

85

95
89
*
DO
mg/1
1.8/.6
2.0/1. 1
1.0/.8

1.6/1.2

2.0/1.4

1.6/1.0

1.2/.8

1.0/.6
1.0/.8
Ret. sludge
% SS
R mg/1
45
54
48

43

45

45

46

47
45
Digester
Sup'n
Gal % TS

1
o
o
o
00

i
"it
C
0
2
•a
4)
h
O
1





•a
11
c
1
4)
Q
+J
0
2



                Mixer and reaeration tanks.
              See legend at the end of Table 4.

-------
O

o>

4)
O
w
O


O
c

o
   s.o
M 4.0
TJ

"5
10
a
M


*O
0
   3X>
   2.0
    1.0
           Ocean Township, August to November 1975

           Supernatant Toxicity and My cola te liters
                                                                              in
                                                                             XI
                                                                              (0

                                                                              o
                                                                             XI

                                                                             ~M

                                                                              i_
                                                                             TJ

                                                                              E
                                                                              D>
                                                                             tn

                                                                              01

                                                                        400  o
                                                                              o
                                                                              u
                                                                                               3OO
                                                                                              200
                                                                                                    »
                                                                                                   o
                                                                                                   E
                                                                                                   cn
                                                                                                   u
                                                                                               00  <
"3/Tf
a/23
                6/6
                   9/16
   9/23*9^9
1375    | - 16/14-10/21 | - IPT

    10/7-10/13     KV22-IO/27
                                                                                          11/4
        Figure 6.  Nocardotoxicity of  the Supernatant from the Anaerobic Digester

                    and  Nocardiomycolate Contents of  Sludge Solids  at  the Ocean

                    Township Plant from August 1 to November 4, 1976

-------
The ineffectiveness of the control technique at the Ocean plant
might be attributed to the method of supernatant return which is
controlled by plant personnel through the operation of a  3. 2 1/s
(50 gal/min) pump for an average of 6 hours during the latter
part of the day.  It is quite likely that at this low rate of return
a substantial amount of the anaerobic solids were removed in the
primary sedimentation tanks with the raw sewage solids.  In
addition,  plant records are not kept on this operation and dis-
ruptions of the duties of plant personnel might have resulted in
alteration of the schedule of supernatant return.

More important, however in explaining the lack of control observed,
is the design of the plant which is such that foam and  scum from the
secondary clarifiers are returned to the secondary aeration tanks.
Since the foam is composed almost exclusively of air and filaments
of nocardia,  the design of the plants is such that the  secondary
system is constantly reinoculated with a heavy dose of the nocardias.
                                 68

-------
                         SECTION X

      COMPARISON OF THE RESULTS OBTAINED AT THE

             FLORHAM PARK, MIDDLETOWN AND

                 OCEAN TOWNSHIP PLANTS
An examination of the records of the plants (Tables 4, 8 and 12)
shows that the addition of anaerobic supernatant in the doses used
did not reduce the quality of the effluent in any of the three plants
studied.  The only problem of this type observed was the upset of
November 4, 1975 at the  Florham Park plant caused by the
accidental dropping of 3 to 4 times  too much supernatant into the
system.

A review of these operating records further indicates that each of
the plants was operating in a generally normal manner throughout
the study period and that there was a general similarity between the
plantso

The data show that the three plants were very similar in sewage
temperature, pH, influent suspended solids, and BOD levels,,
Likewise, the mixed liquor suspended solids in the aeration systems
of the facilities appeared  generally similar.  The mixed liquor suspended
solids and sludge volume  indices varied within reasonable limits.

One major difference between the treatment facilities was the age of
the sludge under  aeration. As shown in Table 13, the sludge age at
Middletown and Ocean was very similar, averaging 4. 5  and 40 2
days  respectively but was almost double (7.8) at the Florham Park
plant. This long period of aeration may have-caused trouble in
controlling the actinomycfetes by increasing the degradation of the
nocardiotoxic material.
                                 69

-------
Table  13.  SLUDGE AGE IN DAYS
Date
5/1-6
7-13
14-20
21-27
28-6/3
4-10
11-17
18-24
25-30
7/1-8
9-14
15-21
22-29
30-8/12
13-19
20-26
27-9/2
3-9
10-16
Middletown
4.4
3.8
3. 1
5.5
3.9
4.4
5.2
4.2
4. 1
4.6
5.9
4.2
4.1
4.9
4.5
4.0
4.3
3.9
5.6
Ocean
4.7
4.9
4.6
4.3
5.3
5.7
4.9
4.2
4.9
5.2
4.8
6.0
6.2
4.2
6.1
2.6
2.8
3.4
3.9
Florham Park
7.2
8.8
10. 8
8.2
5.6
6.1
7.9
11. 5
9.8
11. 1
7.8
10. 1
12.4
12.6
19.9
8.7
13.5
11.9
12.1
                  70

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     Table 13 (continued).  SLUDGE AGE IN DAYS
Date
17-23
24-30
10/1-7
8-14
15-21
22-28
29-11/4
5-10
11-18
19-25
26-12/2
Average
Middletown
4. 5
3.8
5. 1
3.9
3.5
4.9
5.0
3.8
5.6
4.5

4. 5
Ocean
3. 5
3. 1
3.9
4.0
3. 1
2.5
3.4
4.2
2.8
4.0

4.2
Florham Park
12.4
5. 1
15. 3
10. 1
7.0
12.6
9.4
9.5
13. 5
10. 1
9.4
7.8
*
  Based on assumed 20% removal in primaries.
                             71

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Another difference between the three treatment plants was in the
method of return of the scum and foam from the secondary clarifiers.
These were periodically removed for landfill disposal at Florham
Park,  were sent to the anaerobic digesters at Middletown but were
returned to the secondary aeration tanks at Ocean.  This last practice
is detrimental since it results in the constant reintroduction of the
nocardia into the secondary system which is where trouble develops in
the plant.
Conclusions.
In general,  the nocardiotoxicities of the anaerobic supernatants of all
three plants (Tables 3, 7 and 11) were equivalent, averaging (for 50%
inhibition of N. amarae Se 6) 1. 1 mg/ml at Ocean,  1. 3 mg/ml at
Florham Park and 2. 3 mg/ml at Middletown.  These averages were
based on the 10 week period of August 1 to October 13 for which
equivalent data for each plant are available.

In Middletown, the decreases in nocardiotoxicity of the anaerobic
supernatant coincided with its removal by barging.  In this plant,
the decrease in nocardiotoxicity also preceded or coincided with an
increase in amaraemycolate  levels and foam formation. Further-
more, the two major foamouts (September and November)  in this plant
were probably enhanced at critical moments by the fact that there were
periods when no  supernatant  was returned to the  system because of
operational problems.

The nocardiotoxic principle is also inhibitory to two fecal gram-
negative bacteria tested, but not to a gram-positive one.

No evidence for increased resistance of N. amarae to the  nocardio-
toxic principle was found.
                                  72

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                          SECTION XI

                    THE BAYSHORE PLANT
Toward the end of July 1975 the Bayshore Regional Sewerage
Authority Treatment Facility at Union Beach, N. J. was
experiencing a severe foaming  problem.  The foam was tested and
found to contain nocardias (N. amarae and N. rhodochrous).  This
plant is a 22, 710 mr/d (6 mgd) activated sludge plant and utilizes
gravity thickeners and an incinerator for  solids disposal.  On
checking the plant, a source of anaerobic material was found in
the sludge from the bottom of the gravity thickeners.  This
material was  septic and on testing was found to have a  good
liocardiotoxicity.

Utilizing this material, plant personnel set up a temporary means
of feeding the thickened material directly into one of the aeration
tanks.  This toxic material was fed into the aeration system on a
weekly basis at a rate of approximately 15. 1 rrr (4000  gal) per
mgd per week.  This control method was  started on August 7 and by
the first of September the foam had been greatly reduced (see Table
14).  This low level of foam and the weekly dosing  continued through
to the middle of the month.   At this time the  incinerator had to be
taken out of service and resulted in excessive solids accumulations
in the thickeners leading to a constant overflow of septic material
back through the plant system.   During the time of this constant
septic feed, the small amount of foam was further  reduced until
there was no foam on the final settling tanks  by the end of September.
The incinerator was  started again in the beginning  of October and
operated periodically through to the end of October.  During this
period of time a slight foam buildup appeared in the final settling
tanks; however, the operating personnel felt it was not significant
enough to reinstitute the controlling measures at this time.   The
complete elimination of surface scum on the  final settling tanks  at
the end of September may be a result of more than the  controlling
feed of septic material at the plant.  The plant personnel report that
on one day the mixed liquor solids were lost in the system and
suspect that they may have received a slug of industrial waste that
upset the  system.  It is possible that such an industrial waste may
                                 73

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have aided in the elimination of the minor amount of remaining
foam at the plant at that time.  In Table 15 will be found a
summary of the operating records of the Bayshore plant during
the study period.

It is felt, however, that the use of the septic feed as a controlling
technique at the plant did reduce the large initial foam
accumulation to a low level and that it did not present any nuisance
in the plant operations.
                                74

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                            Table 14.  FIELD OBSERVATIONS

                             BAYSHORE REGIONAL PLANT

Date


Aeration
tanks
Final
settling
tanks

Activated
sludge
Scum/
foam
condition

Miscellaneous

July 29,1975   Full of     Heavy 5 cm
              light brown thick  scum
              foam        darkish
Aug. 1
    12
    19
    26
 Sept. 2
     16
Full of
foam
Heavy 5 cm
scum
Less foam Less  scum
Plenty
foam
Plenty
scum
Same or   Same or
somewhat  somewhat
less       less

Very little Very little
foam      3 cum
Some foam  Some light
            scum   1/2
            tank

Some foam  Some light
            scum
                         Color darkish  Very
                                        severe
Color darkish Very
               severe
              Color darkish  Reduced
                                       Color darkish Increased
                         Color darkish   Reduced?
                                       Color dark
                                       Color dark
                                        Color dark
                                                       Reduced
Problem started 7/14±.
Sampled scum and
thickener sludge.

Operator to feed 2, 000
gal ± of toxic thickener
sludge to aeration tanks
as slug -

Fed slug of thickener
sludge 2 days 6 and 7th ±
foam dropped to low level
on llth.

Fed thick sludge on 13th
and  18th. No apparent
reduction.

Will return sludge to
day.
                                         Fed sludge on 26th and
                                         will today also.  Heavy
                                         scum on 27 and 28.
                              Minor to    Some scum buildup on
                              slight      4th - dropped thickener
                                         sludge on 8th.

                              Slightly     No sludge feed since
                              increased  8th - was less  scum
                              but minor  yesterday.
                                            75

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                       Table 14 (continued).  FIELD OBSERVATIONS

                              BAYSHORE REGIONAL PLANT
      Date
 Aeration
  tanks
  Final
 settling
  tanks
Activated
  sludge
 Scum/
 foam
condition
                                                                      Miscellaneous
Sept.  23,  1975  Light foam No scum    Color dark
      30        Black      Very minor Dark color
                foam       to none
                                       Reduced   No sludge since 8th - have
                                                  thickener heavy solids
                                                  overflow - incinerator out
                                                    15th to 18th ±.  Lost
                                                  solids in air tanks.

                                       Reduced   No sludge feed  - heavy
                                       to low     solids in thickener over-
                                       level      flow.
Oct. 7
    14
    21
    28
Nov.  11
      18
No foam
Light
foam
greyish

Light
grey
froth

Light
foam

Grey
froth

Grey
froth
Slight
scum
particles
#2 and #3

No scum
                                       Color dark      Low level
Color dark     Low level  Industrial waste problem?
                          No sludge feed.
                           No scum     Color dark
Slight scum  Color dark
on #3
                            None to    No sludge feed.  Toxic
                            low level   industrial slug?
                                                       Low level  No sludge feed.
None        Color dark     Low level  Received toxic
                            to none    industrial slug?

None        Color dark     Low level
                                             76

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Table 15.  OPERATING RECORDS




  BAYSHORE REGIONAL PLANT
Date
July 29, 1975
Aug. 6-7
13
18
26
Sept. 2
4
8
16
Flow
m3/d M. G.D.
x 103


16.65 (4.4)
17.0 (4.5)
16.65 (4.4)
16. 27 (4. 3)

16.65 (4.4)

Aeration
MLSS
mg/1
2,200

2,400
2.600
2,900
3,220
2,800
3,380
3,500 ±
Thickener
sludge
feed
m3


37.8
56.8
39.7
7.6

7.6

Thickener
sludge
feed
gallons

Unknown
10,000
15,000
10,500
2,000

2,000

Thickener
sludge
susp. solids
%

Unknown
3.9
3.8
4.1
2.9

3.6

                77

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                         SECTION XII

                         DISCUSSION
We have attempted to control actinomycetic foam in the  secondary
system of four sewage treatment plants of the activated  sludge
type by addition of anaerobically digested material.  Control has
been observed in two plants and failure in the two others.  We
should try to analyze the reasons for these successes and failures.

Good control was  obtained at the Bayshore plant by adding septic
thickener material with demonstrated nocardiotoxicity directly to
the intake of the secondary aeration tanks.  We feel that this is an
important point.   This was the only plant where it was possible to
go directly to the  secondary aeration tanks and we  feel that, in
other plants, during the passage through primary treatment, a part
of the nocardiotoxic  solid material was removed, making control in
the secondary tanks difficult.

We feel that the poor results observed at the Ocean Township plant
is due to the fact that we could not add the nocardiotoxic material
directly to the secondary aeration tanks and that in addition, the
nocardia-containing foam and scum from the secondary  clarifier
were returned into the secondary aeration tanks.

The poor  results observed  at the Florham Park plant were  probably
due to the removal of part of the nocardiotoxic material during
primary treatment coupled with the long retention time of the sludge.

In the case of the  Middletown plant,  good results were observed but
we feel that they would have been more spectacular if we could have
added the nocardiotoxic material directly to the secondary aeration
tanks.  In the case of this plant, there was no other adverse factor
to deal with.  The foam and the scum, rich in nocardia were not
returned into the system and the retention time was not  long.
                                 78

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In general the nocardiotoxicity of the anaerobic digester
supernatant solids of the three plants studied was equivalent.
Through the study period,  the 50% inhibition point of N. amarae
Se 6 averaged 1. 1 mg/ml at Ocean, 1. 3 mg/ml at Florham Park
and 2. 3 mg/ml at Middletown.

At the Middletown plant, the decreases in nocardiotoxicity of the
anaerobic digester supernatant coincided with the barging of the
anaerobic sludge.  In this  plant,  the decrease in nocardiotoxicity
also preceded or coincided with an increase in the levels of the
typical mycolate  of Nocardia amarae and with foam formation.
Furthermore, the two major foaming incidents  which occurred in
September and November at the Middletown plant were probably
enhanced at critical moments by the fact that there  were periods
when no  supernatant was returned into the system due to operational
problems.

The amaraemycolate (AM) levels averaged from approximately 25
samples from each of three plants  showed a direct relationship with
the extent of foam observed.  In  the Middletown plant, AM levels
averaged 56.5 mcg/5 gm of dry weight sludge solids.  This plant had
the least problem with foam. The Ocean Township plant had an
average  of 106 meg AM/5' gm,  with the principal increased AM levels
encountered toward the end of the observation period when the major
foam-out began.  Florham Park, which showed an intractable foam
throughout the period of study showed an average of 367 meg AM/5
gm.

If we try to put together all the information we have  on nocardial
foaming  we would suggest that control might best be achieved by
wasting activated sludge to bring the mixed liquor suspended solids
to 2, 000-2,500 mg/1 while adding anaerobic digester supernatant
directly  to the activated sludge.  Our best estimate is that for an
anaerobic digester producing supernatant with the type of nocardio-
toxicity we observed,  one should add 50-100 kg per day of
anaerobic digester supernatant solids per 1000 kg mixed liquor
suspended solids.
                                 79

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                          SECTION XIII

                          REFERENCES
1.  Lechevalier, H. A. ,  "Actinomycetes of sewage-treatment
    plants, "  Environment Protection Technology Series Report
    EPA-600/2-75-031, September 1975.

2.  Lechevalier, M.  P. , and Lechevalier, H. A. ,  "Nocardia
    arnaraesp.  nov. ,  an actinomycete common in foaming activated
    sludge.  Intern. J. System. Bacteriol. 24(2): 278-288, 1974.

3.  Lechevalier, M.  P., Horan, A.  C.,  and Lechevalier, H.,
    "Lipid composition in the classification of Nocardiae and
    Mycobacteria.  J. Bacteriol.  105(1); 313-318,  1971.

4.  Lechevalier,  M. P.,  Lechevalier,  H.,  and Horan,  A. C.,
    "Chemical characteristics and classification of nocardiae."
    Can.  J. Microbiol. _19(8): 965-972, 1973.

5.  Waksman, S. A.,   "The Actinomycetes, " Chronica Botanica,
    Waltham, Mass.,   1950.
                                80

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                                   TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
                            (Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
 EPA-600/2-77-145
                              2.
                                                           3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION-NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
 ACTINOMYCETES OF SEWAGE-TREATMENT PLANTS
             5. REPORT DATE
              August 1977 (Issuing Date)
             6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7.AUTHORIS)  Hubert A. Lechevalier,  Mary P. Lechevalier,
and  Paul  E.  Wyszkowski
             8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
 Waksman Institute of Microbiology
 Rutgers, the State University  of New Jersey
 P.O.  Box 759
 Piscataway, New Jersey    08854
                                                           10. PR
                 Wfffi
                                                                      LEMENT NO.
             11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
             R803701
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
 Municipal  Environmental  Research Laboratory—Cin.,OH
 Office of Research and Development
 U.S.  Environmental Protection  Agency
 Cincinnati, Ohio  45268
             13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
              Final.  1975-76	
             14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
               EPA/600/14
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
 Project Officer:  Ronald  F-  Lewis (513) 684-7644
16. ABSTRACT
            In some activated sludge sewape treatment plants a thick foam  rich  in
Nocardia may be formed at  the surface of the seconHary aeration and settling  tanks.  It
had previously been observed that the supernatant  from anaerobic digesters  contained
suspended solids which were toxic for Nocardia.   In  the present study attempts  were
made to control the foam by returning the supernatant from digesters in four  plants
to  the primary system.  The nocardiotoxicity of  the  supernatant solids was  tested
to  be sure that toxic material  was returned to the system.  Laboratory studies  showed
that the material is toxic for some bacteria and not for others.

      The results indicated that this method of control is difficult to use  at full-seal
plant level and indicates  that better results might  be obtained if the  toxic super-
natant was added directly  to the activated sludge  aeration basins rather  than added
to  the incoming sewage or  the primary settling basins.
                                             •
17.
                                KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
                  DESCRIPTORS
                                              b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
                          c.  COS AT I Field/Group
 *Activated sludge  process
 *Nocardia
  Waste treatment
  Microorganism  control  (sewage)
  Foam
Problem
                             13B
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
  Release to Public
19. SECURITY C.LASS (This Report)
Unclassified
                                                                         21. NO. OF PAGES
91
                                              20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage)
                                               Unclassified
                                                                         22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
                                             81
                                                            •ft U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1977—7574)56/6492

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