f WATER,
kRESEARCH
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
ERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
Research and Development
Cincinnati Water Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio
October 1966
PESTICIDE CONTAMINATION OF SURFACE WATERS
Agricultural, hydrological, and water quality stud-
ies were conducted in Louisiana duringtheyears 1961,
1962 and in 1964 to determine the methods, extent,
and duration of surface water contamination by endrin
used in sugar cane agriculture. The maximum con-
centration of endrin observed was 820 parts per tril-
lion.
Surface runoff from fields was the main source
of endrin contamination. Largest recoveries from
streams occurred after the first precipitation and run-
off following applications to the fields. After that,
amounts recovered dropped rapidly. Endrin was also
recovered from the water of treatment plants utilizing
two streams as sources of supply.
Lauer, G. J., Nicholson, H. P., Cox, W. S., and Teasley,
J. I., "Pesticide Contamination of Surface Waters by Sugar
Cane Farming in Louisiana," Transactions American Fish-
eries Society, 95:3, 310-316, July 1966.
PESTICIDE-FREE FISH FOOD
Methods and procedures developed to extract pes-
ticide residues from small quantities of commercially-
available dry pelleted fish food are described. Re-
pelletizing and dietary fortification techniques of the
pesticide-free meal are given. Toxaphene and lindane
were added to the reconstituted pellets at the rates of
one and two parts per billion, respectively, and the
analytical methods used for qualitative and quanti-
tative detection of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides
in fish food are outlined. Analyses of the dietary
components of the reproduced fish food indicated
the protein, fat, and fiber remained essentially unchang-
ed from that found in the commercial food. Bluegills
were maintained from seven months with no mortality
occurring that could be directly attributed to dietary
deficiencies.
Stober, Q. J. and Payne, W. R., Jr., "A Method for Pre-
paration of Pesticide - Free Fish Food from Commercial Fish
Food Pellets," Transactions American Fisheries Society, 95:
2, 212-214, April 1966.
COTTON INSECTICIDES
of differences in insect infestations. From 1959 through
1963 the total insecticide usage estimates for the 400-
sqUare mile basin varied from a low of 12,000 lb
tedinical in 1963 to a high of 139,000 lb technical
in 1962. This points out the necessity of long-term
studies in evaluating the water pollution potential
associated with this type of agriculture. This would
be equally true for other public health, agricultural,
or economic parameters related to total insecticide use.
Grzenda, A. R., "A Five-Year Statistical Survey of Cotton
Insecticide Usage in a Large Alabama Watershed," Journal
Georgia Entomology, 1:2, 1-11, 1966.
EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT OF LAKE ERIE WATER
The purpose of a one-year study conducted in a
municipal water plant in Erie, Pennsylvania, was to
observe the influence of the elimination of flocculators
and sedimentation basins on effluent quality and on
length of filtration runs. This objective was accom-
plished by using small experimental filters.
In this field study, the following conclusions were
reached:
1. The addition of 5 to 15 mg/liter of alum to Lake
Erie water followed by filtration through a dual-media
filter consisting of 18 inches of coal over 6 inches,
of sand resulted in high-quality effluent, as measured
by turbidity; 2. Effluent turbidity from the experimental
filters was equal to or lower than the effluent turbidity
from a full-scale filter; 3. The effluent quality of the
dual-media filters was maintained at filtration rates
ranging from 2 to 6 gpm/ft2;4. Size of coal used in
the dual-media filter had a small influence on effluent
turbidity and a large influence on length of run; 5.
The optimum coal size at the surface of the dual-media
filter appears to be in the range of 1.2 to 1.4 mm;
6. Alum doses in excess of that necessary for the
desired effluent clarity markedly reduced the length
of run; and 7. Algae encountered during the test
periods were easily removed and did not appear to
have much influence on the length of run.
Dostal, K. A. and Robeck, G. G., "Experimental Treatment
of Lake Erie Water, Erie, Pennsylvania, Water Plant,"
Project Report, Federal Water Pollution Control Ad-
ministration, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1966, 80 pp.
This study indicated that insecticide usage on small
cotton farms in northern Alabama is relatively con-
stant with respect to the popularity of specific insecti-
cides. However, the total quantity of insecticide used
in the basin was quite variable among years because
COD STABILIZATION
A method has been developed that stabilizes the
COD of primary wastewater effluents stored at room
temperatures, (22 to 27° C) for 6 months or longer,

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thereby permitting many tests on a uniform effluent
either in a single laboratory or simultaneously in
several laboratories. The method entails heating the
effluents at 80° C for 1 hr to destroy nonsporing flora,
and then adding an antibiotic (polymyxin B) to in-
hibit the spore-forming genera Bacillus and Clos-
tridium. Some evidence suggested that divided appli-
cations of the antibiotic were more effective than a
single application. Sensitive indicators demonstrated
that COD's were increased by relatively large con-
centrations of the antibiotic. However, at stabilizing
concentrations, the effect of the polymyxin B on the
COD was negligible and barely demonstrable. A
mold capable of growing luxuriantly under appar-
ently anaerobic conditions was isolated from an
effluent. It was identified as Aspergillus fumigatus. It
is not clear whether the mold was originally present
in the effluent or whether it was an airborne contami-
nant introduced into the effluent during experimental
manipulations.
Berg, G., Stern, G., Berman, D., and Clarke, N. A, "Stabili-
zation of Chemical Oxygen Demand in Primary Wastewater
Effluents by Inhibition of Microbial Growth", Journal Water
Pollution Control Federation, 38: 1472-1483, September
1966.
TASTE AND ODORS - RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
There are many difficulties and obstacles in the use
of sensory testing to evaluate taste and odors, in
addition to those cited in this paper. An instrumental
method to replace the use of human sense organs
would eliminate most of the difficulties. Such a method
has long been sought but an instrument that can
duplicate the sense of smell has not been even remotely
approached. Instrumental-methods development in the
field of odor must therefore be limited to improving
the chemical analysis of all components contributing
to odor. Progress in chemical analytic instrumentation
is rapid; many instrumental methods, especially gas
chromatography, are contributing to odor investiga-
tions. By combining the analytic results with our
knowledge of the odor impact of each component,
it is possible to relate instrumental data to sensory
effects. This is the only direction in sensory testing
in which progress is being made to supplant the vague-
ly responding, subjective, biased, but wonderfully
sensitive and discriminating organ, the human nose.
Rosen, A. A., "Recent Developments in Sensory Testing,"
Journal American Water Works Association, 58: 699-705,
June 1966.
ETHYLENE OXIDE BASED NONIONIC DETERGENTS
IN SEWAGE
A sensitive analytical method has been developed
for the determination of ethylene oxide based non-
ionic detergents in sewage. After suitable cleanup
procedures, which are described, the detergent is com-
plexed with phosphotungstic acid in the presence of
excess reagent. The excess reagent is then decomposed
by raising the pH to 5 while the complex remains
stable for a short period. The complex is separated
from reagent decomposition products by partition
between methyl ethyl ketone and dilute sodium chloride
solution buffered to pH 5. Quantitative assay is made
for tungsten since the amount of tungsten bears a
stoichiometric relation to the ethylene oxide chain
length.
Burttschell, R. H., "Determination of Ethylene Oxide Based
Nonionic Detergents in Sewage," Journal American Oil Chem-
ists' Society, 43: 366-370, June 1966.
SIGNIFICANCE OF C0LIF0RMS IN THE
ENVIRONMENT
This compilation of previously published research
papers by personnel of the Microbiological Activities,
Basic and Applied Sciences Program, Cincinnati Water
.Research Laboratory, (Robert A Taft Sanitary En-
gineering Center), brings together in one volume much
of the information concerning fecal-coliform bacteria
that has appeared in various scientific journals. The
material is organized into seven chapters that include
background; methodology; and occurrences in warm-
blooded animals including man; fresh-water fish* veg-
etation and insects; and soil. The final section covers
the interpretation and significance of fecal-coliform
bacteria in water pollution studies. (This publication
will be available after November 30, 1966).
Geldreich, E. E., Sanitary Significance of Fecal Coliforms
in the Environment, FWPCA Publication No. WP-20-3, 1966,
122 pp.
BACTERIAL POLLUTION INDICATORS
A study was made of the occurrence, distribution,
and persistence of coliforms, fecal coliforms, and fecal
streptococci in the intestinal tract of freshwater fish.
A total of 132 fish representing 14 different species
were used in various phases of these experiments.
Examination of the intestinal contents of 78 fish from
moderately polluted sections of the Little Miami River
indicated that fecal coliform densities were lowest in
bluegills (less than 20 per gram) and highest in cat-
fish (1,090,000 per gram). Levels of fecal streptococci
for these two species were 220 and 240,000 per gram,
respectively. The occurrence of fecal coliforms in fish
caught in this stream reflected the warm-blooded-
animal-pollution level of water. All fish used in this
phase of the study were caught during July, August,
and September when the water temperature were be-
tween 13 and 18°C. The fate of fecal coliforms and
Streptococcus faecalis in the fish intestine indicated that
these organisms can probably survive and multiply
when fish and water temperatures are 20° C or higher,
but only when the organisms are retained in the gut
for periods beyond 24 hr. Based on the biochemical
reactions for 3,877 coliform strains isolated from 132
freshwater fish of 14 different species, 91.4% of all
strains were composed of five IMViC types. In a
similar study of the biochemical reactions of 850
streptococci isolated from the intestinal tract of 55
freshwater fish, the predominant strains included S.
faecalis and various closely associated biotypes. No
consistently recurring pattern for either coliforms or
streptococci could be developed to identify species of
fish investigated. The composition of the intestinal

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flora is, however, related in varying degree to the level
of contamination of water and food in the environment.
Geldreich, E. E. and Clarke, N. A., "Bacterial Pollution
Indicators in the Intestinal Tract of Freshwater Fish," Ap-
plied Microbiology, 14: No, 3, 429-437, May 1966,
NITROGEN REMOVAL
The results of this survey show that removal of
nitrogen by the conventional treatment processes is
erratic and is not correlated with carbon or solids
removal. Digester supernatant was shown to be a
concentrated point source of nitrogen that often con-
tributed a large percentage of the total load.
In each instance where active nitrification was found,
subsequent loss of nitrogen by denitrification was
indicated. The Archbold results show that efficient
removal of nitrogen is possible with the activated
sludge process; however, the Hamilton study makes
it evident that more detailed knowledge of process
controls is necessary. To remove nitrogen more effect-
ively via the denitrification route, control of nitrifi-
cation would be needed. The Lebanon results show
that even with active nitrification, efficient nitrogen
removal also will require control of the denitrifica-
tion phase.
The inability to control process variables effectively
in trickling filter treatment makes more efficient nit-
rogen removal by modification of existing structures
appear unlikely. The results obtained did show, how-
ever, that denitrification was possible if oxidized nit-
rogen was present. Process design favorable to nitri-
fication, by control of hydraulic and organic loading,
would increase nitrogen removal. Osborn has report-
ed 66-percent nitrogen removal on an actively nitrify-
ing filter.
The rationale of both treatment systems indicates
that recycle of oxidized nitrogen from the final effluent
is not the most efficient method of operation for
denitrification because oxidized nitrogen still would be
discharged. The most favorable scheme would appear
to be passing the entire effluent from the aeration unit
through an anaerobic chamber with a balanced source
of oxygen demand material, as suggested by Johnson
and Wuhrmann.
Barth, E. F., Mulbarger, M, Salotto, B. V., and Ettinger,
M B., "Removal of Nitrogen by Municipal Wastewater Treat-
ment Plants," Journal Water Pollution Control Federation, 38:
120S-1219, July 1966.
TOXICITY OF ABS AND LAS TO FATHEAD
MINNOW EGGS
The detergent industry of the United States has
converted from the use of alkyl benzene sulfonate
(ABS) to more readily biodegradable products in
which linear alkylate sulfonate (LAS) is the major
detergent. Bio assays were conducted with ABS and
LAS to determine the relative toxicity of these surface-
agents agents to eggs of the fathead minnow. In these
continuous-flow tests, the toxicity of both detergents
increased (TLm value lowered) with an increase in
time of exposure. Using the combined results of four
tests the 9-day TLm value of 6.4 mg ABS/1. was
about one-half of the I-day T L m value. The toxicity
of LAS increased from a 1-day TLm value of 3.4 mg
LAS/1, to a 9-day TLm value of 2.3 mg/1. Survival
of fathead minnow eggs and the hatched fry was
similar to the controls in the test concentrations of
0,90 mg LAS/1, and 2.4 mg. ABS/1. On the basis of
9-day tests, LAS/1 is more than twice as toxic as ABS.
Pickering, Q. H., "Acute Toxicity of Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate
and Linear Alkylate Sulfonate to the Eggs of the Fathead
Minnow, Pimephales Promelas," Air and Water Pollution
International Journal, 10: 385-391, April 1966.
TOXICITY OF ENDRIN TO FISH
Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque),
were exposed to continuously renewed solutions of
endrin in water. Analyses of the fish blood by gas
chromatography revealed a well-defined threshold
concentration of endrin in the blood, approximately
0130 microgram per gram, that, if exceeded, results
in death. Fish exposed to lethal concentrations of
endrin in water for periods of time insufficient to cause
death had blood-endrin concentrations markedly low-
er than those that died from exposure to the same
water. There was little overlap in range of endrin con-
centration in blood between dead and living exposed
fish.
Mount, D. I., Vigor, L. W. and Schafer, M. L., "Endrin:
Use of Concentration in Blood to Diagnose Acute Toxicity
to Fish," Scierwe, 152: No. 3727, 1388-1390, June 3, 1966.
DEEP-WELL INJECTION
Deep-well injection is a promising method for per-
manently storing some liquid wastes. The influence
of reactions between injected and interstitial waters on
aquifer permeability is a problem of significant interest.
A theoretical and laboratory study has shown that,
under specified conditions, the amount of reaction
between injected and interstitial solutions can be antici-
pated if the dispersive character of the porous medium
is known. Laboratory evidence also showed that per-
meability loss resulting from the formation of some
precipitates may not be as great as has been suggested.
Others have proposed that, where reaction between
injected waste and interstitial water is undesirable,
a zone of non-reactive water can be injected between
the waste and the aquifer water. This buffer-zone
concept was substantiated in the laboratory and e-
quations are proposed for the design of such zones
in field situations.
Warner, D. L., "Deep-Well Waste Injection — Reaction with
Aquifer Water," J. Sanitary Engineering Division, Proceed-
ings of the Am. Soc. Civil Engineers, 92, No. SA4, 45-69,
August 1966.
PETROCHEMICAL TOXICITY TO FISH
Static bioassays conducted to determine the acute
toxicity of certain petrochemicals to several species
of fish in both hard and soft water showed that the
mean tolerance limit (TLm) at 96 hr for most of the

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chemicals fell in the range of 12 to 97 mg/1. Several
compounds were less toxic. For most of the com-
pounds, 96-hr TL m was not significantly less than
the 24-hr TL m. Bluegills generally were the most
sensitive species tested, followed by fatheads, goldfish,
and guppies, although variation in sensitivity was
small. A few of the compounds appeared slightly
more toxic in soft water than in hard water.
Pickering, Q. H. and Henderson, C., "Acute Toxicity of Some
Important Petrochemicals to Fish," Journal Water Pollution
Control Federation, 38: 1419-1429, September 1966.
WATER RENOVATION PILOT PLANT, LEBANON, OHIO
This brochure describes the advanced waste-treat-
ment processes under study at the AWTR Pilot Plant
in Lebanon, Ohio. The processes being evaluated and
developed at the Lebanon facility to remove the sus-
pended solids, organic materials, and dissolved salts
are the following: micro screening, coagulation-sedi-
mentation-filtration, powdered carbon adsorption and
electrodialysis.
U. S. Department of the Interior, Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration, New Water for Old, Washington,
D. C„ WP-19.
WATER RESEARCH is issued by the Research and Development Program, Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration, Cincinnati Water Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio. Summaries are based
on technical research publications by the staff of this Program. Reprints of the complete articles may be
obtained by writing Editor, Research and Development, Federal Water Pollution Control Administration,
4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226.
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OE THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
CINCINNATI WATER RESEARCH LABORATORY
4676 COLUMBIA PARKWAY
CINCINNATI. OHIO 45226
U.S.
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OFFICIAL BUSINESS

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