Cincinnati Water Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio	OCTOBER 1967
NEW TREATMENT TECHNIQUES FOR WASTEWATERS	CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITOR
Better treatment of wastewaters is needed now in
some places and minimum treatment of effluents,
just suitable for discharge, will not be satisfactory in
the coming years. Treatment to make the waste-
waters reusable for industrial, recreational, agri-
cultural injection into the ground, and even
supplemental domestic supply will become a
necessity.
Various improved methods are discussed for re-
moval of nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as
physical-chemical processes, and reverse osmosis
for advanced treatment to achieve full renovation of
wastewaters. Cost estimates are given for the physi-
cal-chemical processes, and experimental results in
demineralization by reverse osmosis are summa-
rized.
Middleton, F. M., "New Treatment Techniques for Munici-
pal Waste Waters," Consulting Engineer, 28:3, 137-141,
1967.
Water and hydrosoil samples were collected from
the outfalls of chemical manufacturing plants, the
Ashley River, and Charleston Harbor, South Caro-
lina. These samples were analyzed for organic thio-
phosphate and organic chloride compounds by the
use of column chromatography, gas chromoto-
graphy, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic
resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectroscopy.
The combination of these analyses proved that the
compound S,S,S,-tributyl phosphorotrithioate, which
is a cholinesterase inhibitor, was present in the
effluent from one of the plants. This compound was
formed naturally in the waste effluent by oxidation
of S,S,S,-tributyl phosphorotrithioite, which was
manufactured at this plant.
Teasley, J. I„ "The Identification of a Cholinesterase In-
hibiting Compound from an Industrial Effluent," Environ-
mental Science and Technology, 1:5, 411-416, 1967.
(Reprints may be obtained from the Southwest Water
Laboratory, Athens, Georgia 30601).
KLAMATH LAKE STUDIES
BLUE-GREEN ALGA
The blue-green alga Symploca muscorum pro-
duces an earthy-smelling metabolite at an estimated
concentration of 0.6 mg per liter of culture medium.
The substance has been isolated by preparative gas
chromatography and identified as geosmin on the
basis of direct comparison with an actinomycete-
produced standard. The results suggest that organ-
isms other than actinomycetes are possible sources
of earthy taste and odor problems in water supplies
Safferman, R. S., Rosen, A. A., Mashni, C. I., and Morris,
M. E, "Earthy-Smelling Substance From a Blue-Green
Alga," Environmental Science and Technology, 1, 429-
430, May 1967.
This report defines the water quality in Upper
Klamath Lake watershed during the period March
1965 to April 1966. It identifies the sources of algal
nutrients and other constituents in water flowing into
and out of Upper Klamath Lake and compares the
quantity of these constitutents in pristine streams,
canals, rivers, agricultural drainage, and springs.
Chemical analyses also made of algae, lake sedi-
ment, and bottom fauna samples. Algal species were
identified and measured; during the period of the
study Aphanizomenon flos-aquae represented about
90-99 percent of the total algal crop during the
summer.
Miller, W. E and Tash, J. C., Interim Report, Upper
Klamath Lake Studies, Oregon, FWPCA Publication
WP-20-8, 1967, 37 pp. (This report may be obtained from
the Pacific Northwest Water Laboratory, Corvallis, Oregon
97330).

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URBAN DRAINAGE AND EUTROPHICATION
By the year 2000 some 240 million persons, 77
percent of an anticipated 312 million population in
the 48 mainland states and the District of Columbia
will occupy 22 intensely urbanized areas over the
country, on about 11 percent of the area. These
are shown on a map. Among them are three large
regions identified as the Metropolitan Belt, extending
across the northern states from the Atlantic Ocean
to the Chicago area, the California Region and the
Florida Region. Similarly mapped are the states and
their numbers of communities which are wholly or
partly served by combined sewer systems. Ninety-
eight percent of these also lie in a band across the
northern states from coast to coast, and including
California. A third factor arises in that all three of
the projected large urbanized regions abovemen-
tioned have tremendous potentialities for water
recreation. The demand for this, and for the neces-
sarv water qualitv will be a sizeable challenge.
Tables showing average concentrations and com-
puted annual amounts of constituents, including
nutrients, produced per square mile by the several
sources such as rainfall, community sewage, urban
stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows,
based on studies at Cincinnati and information from
the literature, are presented. These indicate that all
are significandy concentrated in some respect as to
warrant consideration in appraising sources of
pollution, particularly nutrients. In terms of relative
production of nutrients per unit of area, community
sewage heads the group, followed in order of
decreasing unit production by combined sewer
overflow, stormwater runoff from a residential-
commercial area and rainfall.
Urban stormwater runoff is considered by some
to be a "resource out of place." The old rain barrel,
and the cistern and pressure water system, are
simple examples of this. Intercepted by roofs, park-
ing lots, streets and other impervious surfaces, this
water resource is conveniently distributed for pos-
sible storage and such practical uses as cooling,
lawn and garden watering, recharge to ground,
ornamental ponds, toilet flushing, delayed release
to lower urban flood peaks, to name several. Selec-
tivity or modification to reduce hazard should be
examined, since storm runoff every source may
not be suitable, nor hygienically safe, for all uses.
Comments on studies and practices representing
the variety of efforts to control pollution from storm-
water runoff or combined sewer overflows are pre-
sented. These include studies on settling, and on
diversion of urban storm runoff to relieve lake en-
richment, and ground recharge installations for
road and housing development storm drainage.
Those referring to combined sewer overflows include
partial and complete separation of sewers, deep
tunnel storage, storage in sewers, and above-ground
and below-ground storage-sedimentation tanks.
Treatment of extraneous flows in sanitary sewers
is also included.
Government research contract and demonstration
grant programs to provide assistance to qualified
workers interested in contributing to methods for
control ol storm and combined sewer sources of
pollution are outlined.
VVeibei, S. K., (Paper presented at the First International
Symposium on Kutrophi cation sponsored by National Aca-
demy of Sciences — National Research Council, held at
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, June 11-16,
1967.)
IMPOUNDMENTS AND WATER QUALITY
This paper summarizes research in two cate-
gories: (1) investigative, designed to better under-
stand impoundment behavior, and (2) engineering,
designed to control impoundment water quality.
In the former category, studies are described con-
cerning behavior of synthetic organics in stratified
impoundments, determination of the influence of
various naturally occurring environmental factors
on the nitrification reaction, how to predict nitrifica-
tion, and the role of algal photosynthetic production
of oxygen, and atmospheric reaeration in the DO
budget of lakes and reservoirs.
Streamflow regulation for water quality control,
a scheme in which good quality stored water is
released at times of low streamflow as a means of
diluting and thereby improving water quality, has
been under active consideration in this country over
the past several years. While reservoir releases have
long been used to supplement mainstream water
quantity, their use specifically for quality control
has been limited to date. To be successful, any
streamflow regulation scheme is predicated on the
availability of good quality discharges from the
storage impoundment. If poor quality water is dis-
charged into the main stream, deterioration of main-
stream quality occurs and the water quality control
scheme fails.
Various means of artifical destratification are
also reviewed, including by pumping cold bottom
waters and discharging them to the surface, and by
an air diffusion system.
Symons, J. M., Irwin, W. H., DeMarco, J., and Robeck,
G. G., Effects of Impoundments on Water Quality: A Re-
seanch Summary, Bulletin of Engineering and Architecture
No. 57, School of Engineering and Architecture, University
of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 28-36, 1967.
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PESTICIDE DEGRADATION
ANIONIC DETERGENTS
A knowledge of the movement and degradation
of pesticides in natural water environments is im-
portant in evaluating their pollutional potential.
Anaerobic as well as aerobic environments must be
considered since pesticides, in general, are strongly
adsorbed to particulates which may settle into anaer-
obic muds and bottom waters of reservoirs, lakes,
and slow moving rivers and streams.
This study was concerned with the degradation
of selected chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides under
varied conditions in both anaerobic and aerobic
environments. The rate of degradation of the injected
pesticides was found to be both qualitatively and
quantitatively different in the two environments; con-
trary to widespread opinion, degradation of chlori-
nated hydrocarbon pesticides was generally more
rapid under anaerobic than under corresponding
aerobic conditions. Especially remarkable was the
rapid anaerobic conversion of DDT to DDD con-
trasted with the long persistence of unchanged DDT
in similar aerobic environments. Equally remark-
able was the somewhat slower but clearly observable
degradation of lindane to unextractable products
under anaerobic but not aerobic conditions. Hepta-
chlor and aldrin also disappeared anaerobically;
but heptachlor first changed rapidly to several inter-
mediates, the most prominent of which was a fairly
persistent, probably more reduced product that
eluted between heptachlor and lindane on a gas
chromatographic column. Dieldrin was by far the
most persistent pesticide studied; heptachlor epoxide
was slightly less persistent; but endrin was fairly
degradable under anaerobic conditions.
In order to avoid many of the uncertainties of
identification and problems of control so common
to many field tests, this investigation consisted of a
series of well defined laboratory experiments using
known amounts of given pesticides. Analyses were
performed using both microcoulometric and electron
capture gas chromatography after suitable extrac-
tion and clean-up procedures. Degradation was con-
sidered complete when identifiable pesticide peaks
could no longer be observed on the chromatographic
charts. Some of the parameters studied in addition
to anaerobic versus aerobic conditions included tem-
perature, suspended solids, autoclaving, heavy-metal
poisoning, and continual versus slug dosing with
pesticides. The most significant results are, however,
the demonstration of the importance of the anaerobic
environment in the degradation of resistant pesti-
cides.
Hill, D. W. and McCarty, P. L., "Anaerobic Degradation
of Selected Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Pesticides," Journal
Water Pollution Control Federation, 39, 1259-1277, August
1967. (Reprints may be obtained from the Southwest Water
Laboratory, Athens, Georgia 30601).
Six months before the date set for full-scale intro-
duction of biodegradable anionic detergent to the
consumer market (June 1965) a monitoring pro-
gram was started on five municipal wastewater
treatment plants. The purpose of the sampling pro-
gram was to observe subsequent changes in the
qualitative and quantitative portion of the methylene
blue active substances in wastewater and treatment
plant effluent.
The results of an 18-month study of the five
plants show very little change in the concentrations
of M.B.A. S. received in the raw wastewater.
No specific day-by-day correlation of M.B.A.S.
removal with COD removal could be made. A gen-
eral correlation was that the plants that removed
COD most efficiently also showed greater efficiencies
for M.B.A.S. removal. The removals of M.B.A.S.
are lower than COD removals.
A decided change was noted in the qualitative
make-up of the M.B.A.S. component of the raw
wastewater. As a generalization, from the data from
all five plants, it has been shown that prior to July
1965 raw wastewater contained about 40 percent
M.B.A.S. resistant to biological degradation. After
this date the resistant M.B.A.S. was found to be
about 20 percent.
Barth, E. F. and Ettinger, M. B., "Anionic Detergents in
Wastewater Received by Municipal Treatment Plants,"Jour-
nal Water Pollution Control Federation, 815-822, May
1967.
ESTABLISHING TOXICANT LIMITS FOR FISH
Two 10-month exposures of malathion and
butoxyethanol ester of 2,4-D under continuous-flow
conditions were made to determine the effect of these
pesticides on reproduction and growth of fathead
minnows, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque. Results
show that 1/45 and 1/19 of the 96-hour median
tolerance limit (TLm ) concentrations of malathion
and butoxyethanol ester, respectively, will not harm
growth and reproduction of fathead minnows dur-
ing continuous exposure, We suggest that these two
fractions applied to TL m concentrations determined
for other species and other types of water should
estimate accurately safe concentrations for other
fishes to these pesticides.
Mount, D. I. and Stephan, C. E., "A Method for Estab-
lishing Acceptable Toxicant Limits for Fish — Malathion
and the Butoxyethanol Ester of 2,4-D," Transactions of the
American Fisheries Society, 96:2, 185-193, April 1967.
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MEASUREMENT OF FLOC STRENGTH
NITROGEN CYCLE IN WATER
This study has provided some insight into the
dynamic nature of flocculation, and a qualitative
estimate of the tendency of floe to fragment or re-
form.
Floe formed in a Couette mixer were fragmented
by a reproducible shear as they were drawn toward
the aperture of an electronic particle counter. Num-
bers and sizes of floe fragments were counted as they
passed through the aperture. Apparent floe strength
as determined by flocculation rate, sizes of particles
subjected to shear, and completeness of incorpora-
tion of small particles into a chemical floe, was
shown to be affected by changes in pH, coagulant
dosage, suspended solids, coagulant aids, and poly-
phosphate. The following conclusions were drawn:
1.	The highest rate of flocculation does not
necessarily produce a floe most resistant to shear.
2.	Alum floe alone is relatively weak and is
apparently strengthened by incorporating solids into
the floe.
3.	Sodium tripolyphosphate, if present when
alum is added, may completely inhibit flocculation,
but only slowly disperses an already formed alum
floe.
4.	The coagulant aids have a pronounced effect
upon the formation of large strong floe, but limited
dosages must be employed, as floe strength must be
tailored to fit the overall treatment process. This in-
cludes filtration, which may be adversely affected
by a very high floe strength.
Hannah, S. A., Cohen, J. M., andRobeck, G. G., "Measure-
ment of Floe Strength by Particle Counting," Journal Ameri-
can Water Works Association, 59:7, 843-858, 1967.
PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL
Phosphorus removal of 20 to 30 percent up to
70 to 90 percent have been noted in municipal
wastewater treatment plants. The interaction of the
mineral composition of the wastewater and bio-
logical synthesis could explain many of these varied
removal efficiencies. This study employed supple-
menting the aeration chamber with materials known
to form slightly soluble compounds with phosphate,
and the elimination of digester supernatant feedback.
With no mineral additive, 40-percent removal was
obtained. With additives the range was 50 to 90
percent; aluminum and calcium gave the upper re-
moval value and ferric chloride (FeCl3) gave the
next highest value, 75 percent, as did calcium plus
fluoride.
Barth, E. F. and Ettinger, M. B., "Mineral Controlled
Phosphorus Removal in the Activated Sludge Process,"
Journal Water Pollution Control Federation, 39, 1362-
1368, August 1967.
This study was designed to demonstrate the in-
fluence of environmental factors on the rate and
extent of nitrification, an important consideration in
any evaluation of projects involving impoundment
of waters for streamflow regulation. Nitrogen bal-
ance was attained in a clean, aerobic system by
measuring only three of nine possible valence states
of nitrogen, using an automated procedure for nitro-
gen analyses. Factors influencing ammonia oxida-
tion and oxidation of ammonia nitrogen were
reported, including effects of the presence of organics.
Bacterial counts were correlated with chemical
changes to obtain a method of evaluating the nitrifi-
cation potential of a given environment. Attempts to
develop a predictive tool for evaluating the nitrifi-
cation potential were unsuccessful because of the low
efficiency of counting and length of time required
for enumerating the nitrifying populations.
DeMarco, J., Kurbiel, J., Symons, J. M., and Robeck,
G. G., "Influence of Environmental Factors on the Nitrogen
Cycle in Water," Journal American Water Works Associa-
tion, 59:5, 580-592, 1967.
PERSISTENCE OF SILVEX
The propylene glycol butyl ether ester of silvex,
an herbicide useful to control aquatic plants, hydro-
lyzed almost totally of silvex acid in about two
weeks when applied at the rate of 8 lbs/acre (acid
equivalent) to water overlying Cecil sandy clay
loam, Lakeland loamy fine sand, and Brighton
muck soils in plastic pools. Silvex acid increased
in concentration in water for a week and then dissi-
pated gradually over a 19-week period. Apparent
adsorption of both the ester and acid occurred on
the hydrosoil and was followed by gradual diminu-
tion of both. Laboratory studies confirm that silvex
acid can be adsorbed by the three soils. The possi-
bility exists that silvex acid and/or a degradation
product may be desorbed and readmitted to water.
Limiting nutrient studies using the isotope Car-
bon-14 to measure variations in primary produc-
tivity were conducted in situ and in the laboratory;
data from these studies were difficult to interpret.
Cochrane, D. R„ Pope, J. D. Jr., Nicholson, H. P., and
Bailey, G. W., "The Persistence of Silvex in Water and
Hydrosoil," Water Resources Research, 3:2, 517-523, 1967.
(Reprints may be obtained from the Southwest Water
Laboratory, Athens, Georgia 30601).
4

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FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
ORGANIZATION
5

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MEMBRANE FILTER PROCEDURE
The membrane filter procedure will yield accurate
and reliable results when it is carried out by ex-
perienced people using accepted materials and pro-
cedures. This method, however, does require more
skill and personal judgment than are necessary for
the MPN te9t. There will be occasional water
samples, with their great variety of pollutants, for
which the MF procedure should not and cannot be
used. In such instances, the multiple tube technique
is the method of choice. However, the MF technique
can be and is being used on a routine basis by
many water laboratories. It must be understood that
more attention should be paid to proper MF
methodology. With proper care as to size of sample,
medium preparation, time and temperature for in-
cubation, and colony sheen discernment, the MF is
an excellent bacteriological tool capable of yielding
a more precise and rapid answer than is available
from the multiple tube MPN test.
Geldreich, E. E., Jeter, H. L., and Winter, J. A., "Technical
Considerations in Applying the Membrane Filter Proce-
dure," Health Laboratory Science, 4:2, 113-125, April 1967.
ents and surface waters. The data show a definite
increase in the concentration of fecal sterols in
streams below a wastewater treatment plant outfall.
The specific nature of coprostanol and its occurrence
in surface water subject to fecal pollution leave little
doubt that the presence of this sterol in water indi-
cates fecal pollution.
The detection method is adaptable for field sur-
vey use in mobile trailers or in temporary labora-
tory facilities. Results can be obtained on the day a
sample is taken. The labor cost of each analysis
would be about double that for bacterial detection if
we assume two men could do 24 samples per day
biologically as opposed to only 10 per day
chemically.
Coprostanol can be detected in water at a con-
centration of 20 ng/1 (0.02 ppb) and quantitative
measurements are possible above 100 ng/1 (0.1
ppb). This sensitivity is comparable with the micro-
biological method of detecting fecal coliforms. This
statement is based on the fact that human feces
average 2 x 109 fecal coliform bacteria and 2 x 109
ng of coprostanol per day per capita. Thus, the
finding of two coliform bacteria in 100 ml would be
equivalent to detecting coprostanol in the extract
from 2 liters of water.
MEASURING FECAL POLLUTION
Data have been collected on the amounts of
coprostanol and cholesterol in treatment plant efflu-
Murtaugh, J. and Bunch, R. L., "Sterols as a Measure of
Fecal Pollution," Journal Water Pollution Control Federa-
tion, Part 1, 404-409, March 1967.
WATER RESEARCH is issued by the Information Office, Ohio Basin Region, Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration, Cincinnati, Ohio. Summaries are based on technical research publications by the
staff of the Research and Development Program. Reprints of the complete articles may be obtained by writ-
ing Chief, Office of Information, Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, 4676 Columbia Parkway,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226.
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF 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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