U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL
RESEARCH LABORATORY
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
April 1 - June 30, 1973
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
An Associate Laboratory of
National Environmental Research Center—Corvallis
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PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL
RESEARCH LABORATORY
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
April 1 - June 30, 1973
N. A. Jaworski, Director
L. P. Seyb, Assistant Director
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
200 S.W. 35th ST.
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
FTS 503-752-4571
503-752-4211
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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to present a compilation of research
highlights of the activities, both intramural and extramural, of
the Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory (PNERL). The
research programs at PNERL include:
— National Coastal Pollution Research Program (NCPRP),
involving research on the behavior of pollutants in the
marine environment
— National Eutrophication Research Program (NERP), involving
research on the eutrophication (premature aging) process
in polluted rater and development of methods and technology
for control ar.• J restoration of eutrophic waters.
— National ^Eutrophication Survey Pr.ogram ,(NESP.)vS a study .to
identify ana analyze approximately 81)0 bodies ot water in the
United States with potential or actual eutrophication problems
brought on by the discharge of excessive amounts of nutrients
into them.
— National Thermal Pollution Research Program (NTPRP), involving
the study of causes, effects, controls, and prevention of
thermal pollution in streams, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries,
and coastal waters.
— National Waste Treatment Research Program (NWTRP), involving
research on treatment of wastes from the pulp and paper
industry, wood products industry, forestry and logging, and
the food processing industry.
In addition, high-lights of the activities of the Central Laboratory
Service (CLS) is also presented.
This report does not constitute publication, but is for information
only. All data must be considered provisional.
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iffii Coastal Pol
PRResearch Highlights
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
200 S. W. 35th Street Corvallis, Or. 97330
NATIONAL COASTAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM
Program Element 1B1025
GENERAL
MODIFICATION IN RESEARCH PROGRAM
Changing emphasis and recent legislative mandates have resulted in
substantial modifications to the Coastal Pollution Research Program,
scheduled to become effective July 1, 1973.
Ocean Dumping
In support of the permit activities regulating ocean dumping required
by P.L. 92-500 and 92-532, research will be conducted to study the fate
of particulates dumped from barges, and to develop methods for the
assessment of environmental conditions at the dumping site. Funds
anticipated will be for extramural projects closely associated with
our in-house projects.
Estuarine Modeling
The program's in-house and extramural estuarine modeling work—the only
such research effort in the Agency—is to be terminated. This effort,
which has enjoyed modest support for several years and produced a number
of well received reports, will carry to completion several projects
now underway.
An Associate Laboratory of the National Environmental Research Center • Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street, Corvallis, Or. 97330
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Dr. Harleman at MIT will continue to develop mathematical models for
predicting pollutant distributions in stratified estuaries.
Dr.Bella's work at Oregon State University on tidal flats is
close to completion.
The Puget Sound modeling work recently initiated by Dr. Winter at
University of Washington will be continued under a different category.
Because of this important program decision, we would discourage
recipients of this newsletter from submitting research proposals
for grant and contract funds on the subject of estuarine
modeling.
Not all estuarine research is to be terminated, however. A major
part of our research effort continues to focus on the development
of a scientifically sound basis for criteria used to regulate the
discharge of treated wastes and barge dumping in estuarine waters.
The recent EPA policy designed to preserve wetlands will undoubtedly
add to the emphasis for estuarine water quality research.
Beneficial Uses and Oil Pollution Terminated
Other projects terminated were "Beneficial Marine Uses by Controlled
Introduction of Pollutants" and "Scientific Criteria for Oil Discharges
into Marine Environment." This latter project represented only studies
on the fate of oil. These programs had been started in 1972 and were
active only in the planning stages. However, any overtures we may have
implied in prior correspondence regarding the possibility of future
funding for extramural grants will have to be retracted, at least
temporarily.
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I. INTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES
A. New York Bight
Work continues on the New York Bight study. The third benthic survey
of the New York Bight experimental sewage sludge dump site was
conducted in May. Identification to the species level of specimens
collected during the second cruise is nearly completed. The data
are being prepared for computer analyses of the spatial-temporal
distribution, fauna! homogenity and species diversity of the benthic
assemblage. Relationships between biotic and abiotic characteristics
of the water column and sediments will be examined as part of a
baseline assessment of pre-dump environmental conditions.
Two current meter stations were established on the periphery of the
study area in late May. Retrieval is scheduled for late July-early
August. One sediment trap station was also established in May and
its recovery will be coincident with that of the current meters.
A number of New York area sewage treatment plant sludges have been
analyzed (a) to aid in choosing a sludge having little or no
industrial input (b) to establish those sludges having nuclides
suitable for a set of integral constituent tracers.
The results of analyses carried out by computer-coupled, automated,
neutron activation analysis at Corvallis, by atomic absorption by
CLS at Corvallis, and by atomic absorption (on monthly composited
samples) by the New York STP operators have been tabulated and
compared. A scientific report giving details of automated computer-
coupled activation analysis and of results to date is in preparation.
Preliminary conclusions are as follows:
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1. Given that the samples used at New York and at Corvallis
are not identical it is clear that all three groups are analyzing
essentially the same materials and agreement is good.
2. The agreement between CLS and NCPRP at Corvallis, where
the same metals are estimated, 1s good.
3. Separate analyses by NCPRP on sediments from the
proposed experimental site (for the period to date) show that several
nuclides found in the sludges can be used for constituent tracer
experiments since they are effectively absent or very low in the
sediments examined. Some others, notably manganese, would not be so
useable.
It 1s intended to follow both the sludges and the sediments over
at least one year before making a decision on a specific plant to
ensure long-term differentiation. The neutron activation samples
can be as small as one mg or less, if weighable and handleable, which
would allow tracing the sludges for reasonable distances from the
dump site.
The following research activities were carried out as part of a
continuing program to determine background levels, input sources,
rates of Input, and fates of persistent organlcs in the marine
evi ronment.
B. Southern California Bight and Puget Sound
Two cruises were made with grantee, S. Pavlou. The first cruise, off
Los Angeles in the southern California Bight, involved collection and
some onboard analyses of sediment, whole water, filtered particulate
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matter, zooplankton, and surface film samples taken from an area
near the White's Point outfall. Initial results indicate copious
quantities of chlorinated hydrocarbons are present in sediment taken
from the area. DDT and its metabolites were detected in each type
of sample collected. Surface films were shown to contain a higher
concentration of these materials when compared to ambient water.
Complete analysis of all samples is expected in the near future.
The second cruise was made in Elliott Bay near Seattle. Sediment,
surface film, and water samples were collected in an effort to complete
the sampling program to determine distribution patterns of chlorinated
hydrocarbons in this area. Analysis of these samples will be completed
in the near future. Analyses of samples collected from other parts
of Puget Sound on previous cruises are near completion. 6C/MS work
will be required as part of the analyses.
C. Los Angeles River Runoff
Analyses of Los Angeles River runoff samples taken by SCCWRP
personnel were initiated and are near completion. These analyses
represent an inter-calibration effort involving three laboratories,
as well as verification of chlorinated hydrocarbons present using
the GC/MS.
0. PCB Decay Studies
Laboratory studies to determine rates of decay of PCB's in
sewage sludge and sediments are continuing.
E. Biological Assessment
In support of the Ocean Dumping Permit Program, we are participating
in the design of biological sampling techniques and bioassays for
sludge and industrial wastes.
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F. Coastal Circulation Modeling
The modeling of coastal circulation and pollutant flushing being
performed under an Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Navy is
proceeding on schedule. Some computer production runs were recently
carried out at Berkeley and writing of the final documenting report
and users guide was initiated.
Final verification of the model will be accomplished using existing
shoreside tidal data and historical records of currents. In June,
tide recorders were placed up to 80 miles offshore in depths from
15 to 62 fathoms in the New York Bight area. We hope to recover
the recorders and begin processing the data in late July.
Considerable interest has been expressed by various federal activities
in our methods and results, as well as by private engineering companies.
Some results were presented at the Salt Lake City meeting of the American
Society of Limnology and Oceanography in June.
II. EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH
A. PCB Decay
Principal Investigator Phillips, Hopkins Marine Laboratory, is
continuing to analyze stationary preparations for decay of chlorinated
hydrocarbons in marine systems. Studies of the rate of decay of
DDT as a function of many variables, e.g., temperature, pH, etc.,
are in progress.
B. PCB Input to Los Angeles Bight
Principal Investigator Young, Southern California Coastal Water
Research Project (SCCWRP), has initiated the aerial fallout portion
of the grant. The runoff, advection, and sewage input segments of
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the grant are approximately 40 percent complete. The second of
four storms of the runoff program was sampled and analysis was
initiated. The first of two planned samplings of ocean current inputs
was accomplished. Effluent of one of two selected sewage treatment
plants was sampled. No analysis of these samples has been attempted
to date.
C. Phytoplankton Responses to PCB
Principal Investigator Pavlou, University of Washington, is continuing
to analyze samples of phytoplankton and zooplankton collected on
cruises in Puget Sound and the Los Angeles Bight. Chemostat studies of
perferential inhibition of persistent organics on phytoplankton and
zooplankton are continuing.
D. Floatables
Concerning the significance and control of wastewater floatables in
coastal waters, progress on our grant with Cal Tech has been rather
slow because of changes in research personnel fostered by the
administrative delays in obtaining second year funding. The second
quarterly progress report, however, confirms the presence of chlorinated
hydrocarbons DDT and DDE in surface slick and non-slick samples.
Dr. Selleck, the Principal Investigator, termed this a rather suprising
find but a very promising one in terms of the study objective; i.e.,
the determination of a method of identifying polluted sea slicks.
Field studies have been scheduled for early July, and the successful
completion of this phase should lead to a timely completion of this
grant.
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E. Marine Predation of Enteric Organisms
Dr. Ralph Mitchell, Harvard University, is continuing his investigation
of the destruction of enteric bacteria, viruses, and algae by marine
predatory microorganisms. He has shown that the rate of predation
is affected by additional organic matter and by both biogenic and
non-biogenic colloids in the water.
F. Marine Biological Assessment of Pollution Stress
Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Researchers at
SCCWRP are analyzing data from 2700 biological samples, collected
from 1914 to 1973, in order to document historic trends in biological
conditions at wastewater discharge sites in the Southern California
Bight. SCCWRP is also examining the relation between pollution and
the incidence of fish and invertebrate diseases.
G. Oxygen Uptake of Sediments in Puget Sound
A final report has been received from Dr. Mario Pamatmat, University
of Washington, on organic accumulation measurements through oxygen
uptake, chemical and respiratory, and on methodology development.
The report is being reviewed.
H. Heavy Metal Distribution in Southeast Coastal Systems
An annual report has been received from Skidaway Institute of Marine
Sciences, Dr. Herbert Windom, Principal Investigator, summarizing the
field work during the first year of a proposed three-year project.
The descriptive material covers Southeast coastal inputs of heavy
metals and their transport and interaction with coastal currents,
biota, particulate material and sediments. Copies of this report
are available for those concerned with the specific information.
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I. Fiord Modeling
Our grant on fiord circulation and biological modeling with the
University of Washington has been delayed due to confusion in
initiating it, but progress has been made in several areas. A
new approximate similarity analysis first order solution has been
developed which extends the usefulness of the method. Applications
of the method have been made in Hood Canal, and the Central Basin
of Puget Sound and to Knight Inlet. A paper describing the work
so far is in preparation as is a computer deck and preliminary
users' guide.
III. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Technical assistance responses in the past quarter are up significantly
from previous quarters and included the following:
A. Participation in Operation Quicksilver
This undertaking was, in essence, a four day field study with the
objective of determining background conditions at the City of
Philadelphia's assigned interim dumping site for sludge.
The site is located approximately 50 miles off Cape May, New Jersey,
and is under the jurisdiction of Region III.
Seven sediment trap stations were established in and around the site
with recovery scheduled in early August. Temperature, salinity,
dissolved oxygen, and current profiles were attempted during this
cruise in spite of adverse weather conditions.
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B. Barge Model
Several inquiries have been received relative to the grant-developed
math model for the prediction of dispersion of barged waste materials.
These requests have been handled individually with selected computer
predictions provided when requested. To date, responses have been
made to:
Region IX - Surveillance and Analysis Division
Region II - Surveillance and Analysis Division
NOAA - Mi ami, F1ori da
COE - Math Hydraulic Section, Vicksburg, MS
Region III - Surveillance and Analysis Division
Requests for information have also been received from the Argonne National
Laboratory and Mount Auburn Research Associates.
C. Lake Superior
The Agency's enforcement action against the Reserve Mining Company
has continued to utilize a sizable percentage of the technical
assistance time allotment. The major time expenditures in the last
quarter have been in completing statistical analyses of data, report
preparation, depositions, and planning functions relative to the
recently-discovered asbestos content of domestic water supplies in
the Duluth area. Expenditures of time are expected to continue
through the trial phases, but it is anticipated that the total effort
will be somewhat reduced in ensuing quarters.
D. Ocean Dumping Legislation
Staff personnel have responded to several requests from Headquarters
and Regional Offices relative to the new Ocean Dumping Legislation.
Work is now in progress on a methods manual for chemical determination
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on seawater and marine sediments. This work assignment resulted
from a request to the Office of Water Programs by Surveillance and
Analysis personnel from several Regions. Completion of this project
is expected by September 1, 1973.
E. Lake Michigan
Dr. Swartz met with representatives of Region V and helped prepare
an outline of the data handling and evaluation report for the Lake
Michigan Cooling Water Studies Panel.
IV. PRESENTATIONS, REPORTS, TRIPS
A. NAS Workshop on Oil Pollution
Dr. Feldman participated in the NAS workshop on oil pollution
presenting a background paper entitled, "Some Mechanisms of Weathering
of Petroleum on Marine Waters: Competitive Pathways to Fate and
Disposition of Petroleum Pollution."
For additional information, contact:
Dr. D. J. Baumgartner
Chief, National Coastal Pollution Research Program
FTS - 503 752-4368
Commercial - 503 752-4211 Extension 368
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United States
Environmental Protection Agency
PACIFIC NW ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
200 S W 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
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E utrophi ca tion
Research Highlights
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
200 S. W. 35th Street Corvallis, Or. 97330
EUTROPHICATION RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Shaqawa Lake Demonstration Project
April 1973 was the starting date for a full-scale lake restoration
demonstration project on Shagawa Lake at Ely, Minnesota. On that
date the advanced wastewater treatment plant began full flow operation
for phosphorus removal from wastewater entering the lake. The plant is
now removing in excess of 99 percent of the total phosphorus entering
the plant or about 80 percent of the total phosphorus entering the lake.
An integral part of the project is to test and refine conceptual and
mathematical models for explaining and predicting lake recovery
following the phosphorus removal. Since only one critical nutrient
(phosphorus) will be reduced to low levels, the project offers an
ideal opportunity to test such predictive models.
A mathematical model has been written which relates algal growth to solar
radiation and to the concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in the
lake. Simulation runs have demonstrated a reasonable fit of model
outputs to observed algal biomass and nutrient concentrations. They
have demonstrated, as one of the major forcing functions, the extreme
sensitivity to the rate of supply of critical nutrients either from
the tributary sources or from the sediments.
An Associate Laboratory ot the National Environmental Research Center • Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street, Corvallis, Or. 97330
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Diamond Lake Nutrient Diversion Study
The third year of the study to evaluate the effect of wastewater
diversion on the trophic status of Diamond Lake began in May. This
south-central Oregon mountain lake provides one of the state's most
productive trout fisheries; it is hoped that the diversion of all
domestic wastes away from the lake will result in a maintenance of
the delicate trophic balance necessary for both successful sport
fishing and aesthetic acceptability.
Nutrient Inactivation Research
Preliminary laboratory screening of a number of candidate inactivants
has been completed with respect to (1) phosphorus removal capacity,
(2) detrimental effects on biota, and (3) long-term stability of
inactivated phosphorus complexes. Aluminum, zirconium, and lanthanum,
as well as some by-products of rare-earth materials, have to date
performed most satisfactorily. Preparations are being made for
pilot-scale field testing on two one-acre ponds near Corvallis.
Application of Algal Assays
The "Algal Assay Procedure: Bottle Test," published in August, 1971,
is being used more and more as a tool for solving and understanding
eutrophication problems. These uses include (1) the assessment of
a receiving water to determine its nutrient status and sensitivity
to change, (2) the evaluation of materials and products to determine
their potential effects on algal growth in receiving waters, and
~
(3) the assessment of effects of changes in waste treatment processes
on receiving waters. Just recently it was used to determine the effect
of smelter waste, high in zinc content, upon the growth of algae in the
Spokane River system. The dissolved zinc, which averages 112yg/l
in the Spokane River from Post Falls, Idaho to Riverside State Park,
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Washington masks the effects of phosphorus loadings, up to 200yg/l,
from the City of Spokane's sewage treatment plant upon the growth of
algae. The test showed that, if the discharge of smelter waste were
discontinued, it is likely that nuisance algal growths would occur
in the river downstream from the City of Spokane.
North American Project
The North American Project is part of an international cooperative
research program being coordinated by the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD; an independent international
organization). The program is directed toward the achievement of
comparability of data on nutrient budgets, chemical balances, and
biological productivity in water bodies. The major goal of the North
American Project, which includes both the United States and Canada,
is to determine the degree of correlation between nutrient loading and
trophic state of a body of water. Sixteen lakes, reservoirs, and
estuaries, representing a wide range of trophic conditions, have
tentatively been selected as study sites for the United States portion
of the Project. A variety of appropriate water bodies will also be
studied in Canada. The National Eutrophication Research Program will
assist in providing support for the investigations on a number of the
United States waters, and in addition will directly carry out the
studies on Waldo Lake, Oregon, one of the designated United States
lakes.
Lake Tunis Pollution Study
Thomas E. Maloney, Chief, NERP, is EPA Project Officer for a three-year,
$250,000 water pollution study at Lake Tunis, Tunisia, being supported
by the U.S. Special Foreign Currencies Program. This very large and
3
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shallow lake receives large quantities of sewage from Tunis and other
cities and has become excessively eutrophic. The current study, which is
a cooperative program between the United States and the Tunisian
government, is designed to define the eutrophication problems of Lake
Tunis, to evaluate the potential benefits of sewage diversion, and to
estimate the rate and extent of recovery of the lake following diversion.
New Grants Funded During Fourth Quarter
No. 801168, "The control of predominating algal species." WARF Institute
Grant Director, Stephen D. Martin.
The objective of the project is to determine the conditions
which are favorable for maintaining high green algae or diatom
to blue-green algae ratios in natural waters.
No. 802462, "Symposium on modeling the eutrophication process," Utah State
University. Grant Director, E. Joe Middlebrooks.
The project is to conduct a symposium to bring together
scientists and engineers, involved in modeling the
eutrophication process, to exchange ideas and information.
No. 800305, "An evaluation of lake drawdown as a method of improving water
quality," University of Florida. Grant Director, Jackson L. Fox.
The overall objective is to quantitatively and qualitatively
define the effects of drawdown and refilling on Lake Apopka,
Florida, water quality in physical, biological, and chemical
terms.
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No. 801245, "Eutrophic lake reclamation by physical arid chemical
manipulations," University of Notre Dame. Grant Director
Mark W. Tenney.
The project involves a demonstration of the water quality
parameter changes in a eutrophic lake following complete
domestic pollution abatement. Emphasis will be placed on
external manipulation procedures to achieve accelerated
recovery.
No. 800430, "Estimation of freshwater ecosystem parameters," Department
of Zoology, Washington State University. Grant Director,
Richard A Parker.
The project goal is to find suitable approaches to estimating
system parameters for non-linear model formulations used in
ecosystem analyses. The work is based upon data collected
from Kootenay Lake where previous high levels of phosphorus
entering the lake have been reduced dramatically.
No. R802631, "The identification and mathematical modelling of basic
transport mechanisms in eutrophic systems," Aiken Computation
Laboratory, Harvard University. Grant Director, William H.
Bossert.
The project goal is to develop a mathematical model to predict
the nature and rate of eutrophic activity in lake systems
emphasizing nutrient transport mechanisms.
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Recently Completed Reports
The following reports have been completed recently and are available
from the library of the Pacific Northwest Environmental Research
Laboratory.
Tilstra, J. R., K. W. Malueg, and C. F. Powers. A Study on Disposal
of Campground Wastes Adjacent to Waldo Lake, Oregon. PNERL Working
Paper No. 7. February 1973.
Sanville, W. D. and C. F. Powers. Diamond Lake Studies - 1971,
Progress Report No. 1. PNERL Working Paper No. 8. March 1973.
Malueg, K. W., R. M. Brice, D. W. Schults and D. P. Larsen. The
Shagawa Lake Project: Lake Restoration by Nutrient Removal from
Wastewater Effluent. Environmental Protection Agency Ecological
Series, EPA-R3-73-026, January 1973.
Jordan, R. A. and M. E. Bender. An in situ Evaluation of Nutrient
Effects in Lakes. Environmental Protection Agency Ecological Series,
EPA-R3-73-018, April 1973.
Wildung, R. E. and R. L. Schmidt. Phosphorus Release from Lake
Sediments. Environmental Protection Aqency Ecological Series,
EPA-R3-73-024, April 1973.
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Need More Information
Consultation and advice on the subjects of this research are available
by calling or writing to:
Thomas E. Maloney
Chief, National Eutrophication Research Program
General Program Activities
Commercial - 503 752-4211 extension 353
FTS - 8-503-752-4353
7
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United states
Environmental Protection Agency
PACIFIC NW ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300
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Highlights
National
\ PRO*cf Surve y Program
SURVEY PROGRESSING SOUTHWARD AND TOWARDS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER
The Lake Survey has now been activated in all of the 27 states
east of the Mississippi River. The table on the following page
summarizes, state by state, the number of lakes, number of stream
sampling sites, and the initiation date for stream sampling by the
National Guard of each state.
In 1972, the National Environmental Research Center-Las Vegas
(NERC-Las Vegas) staff completed lake sampling for all of the lakes
in the first ten states listed in the table. The stream and effluent
sampling 1n those same ten states, however, was scheduled to continue
for 12 months and therefore will not be completed until this summer
and fall. As the sampling is completed in each of the ten states,
the data will be compiled and evaluated for each lake and its associated
streams and waste effluents.
This year's lake sampling by NERC-Las Vegas involved only the
last seventeen states listed in the table and began in early March in
Florida. Following the Florida start, the field staff sampled their
way through the other sixteen listed states in the southeast, east and
midwest. The initial round of 1973 sampling included approximately
250 lakes and 970 lake sampling sites from which 3,892 samples were
collected and analyzed by the NERC-Las Vegas staff. Each of the 250
lakes will be sampled twice more by the end of 1973.
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
200 S. W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Or. 97330
August, 1973
An Associate Laboratory of the National Environmental Research Center • Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street, Corvallis, Or. 97330
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CURRENT NESP ACTIVITIES IN 27 STATES
STATE
NUMBER OF
NESP LAKES
Vermont 7
Connecticut 8
Rhode Island 3
New Hampshire 4
Massachusetts 8
Maine 9
Wisconsin 46
Minnesota 74
Michigan 37
New York 25
South Carolina 14
Alabama 11
Georgia 17
Florida 42
North Carolina 18
Kentucky 5
Tennessee 18
Delaware 6
Ohio 20
Maryland 4
Pennsylvania 17
111i noi s 32
Indiana 27
Mississippi 5
New Jersey 14
Virginia 9
West Virginia 5
Totals
485
NUMBER OF
STREAM SITES
52
74
28
52
37
59
170
231
170
242
96
118
100
104
102
48
220
17
96
25
83
125
101
35
51
57
33
NUMBER OF
SAMPLED
WASTE EFFLUENTS
23
17
1
5
15
5
16
56
51
36
59
35
46
46
38
14
44
6
*
8
52
28
44
12
21
*
MONTH AND YEAR
STREAM SAMPLING
INITIATED
(1)
July 1972
August 1972
August 1972
August 1972
September 1972
September 1972
September 1972
October 1972
October 1972
November 1972
(2)
February 1973
March 1973
March 1973
March 1973
March 1973
March 1973
April 1973
April 1973
May 1973
May 1973
May 1973
June 1973
June 1973
July 1973
July 1973
July 1973
July 1973
2,526
677
* Not yet determined
|1) Lake sampling completed in 1972 by EPA, NERC-Las Vegas
,2) Lake sampling in progress during 1973 by NERC-Las Vegas
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The monthly stream sampling by the National Guard, and waste
effluent sampling by individual treatment plant superintendents, has
generated a large analytical load for the Central Laboratory Services
(CLS) at the Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory.
During the last eleven months of FY 73, the lab received 14,686 samples
and performed a total of 98,148 analyses for NESP. In June, CLS was
being deluged at the rate of more than 3,000 samples per month.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Lake Characterization
After spending most of the first year with the tasks of planning
and initiating sampling programs, the Survey is now beginning to
evaluate the data. For example, preliminary results indicate the
following distribution by trophic condition for the lakes which were
sampled last year: oligotrophic (13), mesotrophic (25), meso-eutrophic
(15), eutrophic (139), and hypereutrophic (50). The cited data do
not represent a random sampling of lakes in the ten states because
the majority of the surveyed lakes receive sewage treatment plant
effluents.
Algal Assay
Algal assay results to date for last year's lake sampling are
indicating about 50 percent phosphorus-limited, 36 percent nitrogen-
limited, and the remainder limited by some other nutrient. These
percentages may shift somewhat as the data are finalized.
The productivity range of the surveyed lakes, as measured by
the growth response of Selanastrum capricornutum, has been tremendous.
After 14 days growth at 24°C with continuous lighting, samples from
3
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the most oligotrophic lakes yielded less than 0.1 mg dry cell weight
per liter, whereas the most productive water body yielded 248.2 mg
dry cell weight per liter of sample.
Land Use Versus Nutrient Runoff
A portion of the National Eutrophication Survey involves an
investigation of the relationships between general land use practices
and nutrient runoff. The ultimate objective is to devise a low-cost,
accurate method of estimating nutrient loadings to lakes through
development of nutrient runoff coefficients based primarily on land
use types and, secondarily, on climatic and geographical characteristics.
The method should significantly facilitate the ability to predict
the change in nutrient loading to a lake following the alteration of
basic land use patterns within the lake drainage basin.
Only selected lakes will be included in the land use-nutrient runoff
study. Selections are based on the significance of surface runoff in
each drainage area, the desirability of encompassing a variety of
geographical and climatic areas, and the availability of good topographic
maps and usable aerial imagery or recent land use studies.
In the 27 states listed In the above table, 103 of the 485 NESP
study lakes were chosen for land use analysis, and work is currently in
progress to acquire necessary resource materials and to delineate and
measure drainage and land use areas. Preliminary results for 128
sub-drainage areas demonstrate a significant relationship between land
use type and the concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus occurring in the
stream receiving the drainage. For example, in forested watersheds
the median total phosphorus concentration in the receiving stream was
0.01 mg/1 whereas in streams draining agricultural areas the median
total phosphorus concentration was 0.1 mg/1. As would be predicted,
total nitrogen concentration in streams draining various land use
types was much higher due to the solubility of inorganic nitrogen
4
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species in water. Preliminary results for 128 sub-drainage areas
indicate that the median total nitrogen concentration in streams
draining forested watersheds was 0.52 mg/1 whereas the median total
nitrogen concentration from watersheds used for agricultural purposes
was 3.49 mg/1.
When flow data are available for each drainage area, nutrient
loadings will be calculated for unit areas of the different land use
types.
NEED MORE INFORMATION
Additional information about the Lake Survey Program is available
from the following persons:
Mr. Robert R. Payne
Coordinator, National Eutrophication Survey, EPA
Waterside Mall - West Tower, Room W641
401 M Street, S. W.
Washington, D. C. 20460
Commercial #202-755-0635
FTS #8-202-755-0635
Mr. Donald Wruble
National Eutrophication Survey, EPA
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
Commercial #702-736-2969
FTS #8-702-736-2969
Dr. Jack H. Gakstatter
National Eutrophication Survey, EPA
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
Commercial #503-752-4211, Extension 575
FTS #8-503-752-4575
5
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United States
Environmental Protection Agency
PACIFIC NW ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
EP A-3 39
Return this sheet if you do NOT wish to receive this material Q. or if change of address is needed ~ (indicate change, including zip codel,
NERCC-26
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f jSl| Thermal Pollution
X^J Research Highlights
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
200 S. W. 35th Street Corvallis, Or. 97330
July 1973
EPA Thermal Report to Congress
On July 16, EPA transmitted to the Congress the report "Effects and
Methods of Control of Thermal Discharges," as directed by the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972.
The report is in 11 volumes, as follows:
Volume 1 - Introduction
Volume 2 - Effects of Thermal Discharges on Water Quality
Volume 3 - Effects of Thermal Discharges on Air Quality
Volume 4 - Effects of Thermal Discharges on Land Uses
Volume 5 - Methods of Control of Thermal Discharges
Engineering Problems
Beneficial Uses of Waste Heat
Technology of Intake Structures
Volume 6 - Temperature Distribution Analysis
Volume 7 - Thermal Aspects of Aquatic Chemistry
Volume 8 - Temperature Relationships of Freshwater Cortmunities
Volume 9 - Temperature Relationships of Near Shore Oceanic and
Estuarine Communities
Volume 10 - Effects of Temperature on Toxicity of Chemicals to
Aquatic Organisms
Volume 11 - Thermal Effects on Terrestrial Ecosystems
An Associate Laboratory of the National Environmental Research Center • Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street, Con/allla, Or. 97330
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At present there are insufficient copies for outside distribution,
but EPA is exploring avenues of printing and distribution. In the
interim, copies can be inspected in our office at the Pacific
Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory or in the Ecological
Processes and Effects Division, EPA Office of Research and Development,
Waterside Mall, Washington, D.C.
Salt Water Cooling System
A cooperative study with Florida Power and Light Company on performance,
drift emission, fallout and terrestrial effects of salt water cooling
is getting in full swing at the Turkey Point plant. Characteristics
of a large mechanical draft unit and powered spray modules will be
tested. Groups involved include Florida Power and Light, Environmental
Systems Corporation of Knoxville, Tennessee, and EPA's Meteorology
and Systems Control Divisions at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina,
as well as the National Ecological Research Laboratory and Thermal
Pollution Research Program at Corvallis.
Closing the Loop in Power Plants
Participants at the National Conference on Complete Water use,
Washington, D.C. in April, 1973, came away optimistic. Concensus
was that we are closer than we thought in achieving the objective
of zero aqueous waste discharge. EPA remains interested in cooperative
demonstration projects with industry to achieve this goal.
Modeling Aquatic Thermal Pollution
NTPRP researchers have been active recently in our continuing effort
to provide a sound technical base in the area of predicting the transport
and behavior of heated water discharges.
2
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A sequel to Shirazi and Davis, "Workbook on Thermal Plume Prediction,
Volume I - Submerged Discharges" (EPA-R2-72-005a) is well on its
way to completion. Using a similar nomograph-type format, Volume II,
dealing with surface discharges is planned for release in January, 1974.
Drawing on analytical techniques and available field and laboratory
data, this report will provide the non-expert with predictive capability.
During the preparation of the report, Dr. Shirazi conducted an exhaustive
search of the literature for data on surface discharges of heated water
and presented a statistical analysis of these data in the form of
correlations. This analysis is presented in PNERL Working Paper No. 4,
"A Critical Review of Laboratory and Some Field Experimental Data on
Surface Jet Discharge of Heated Water." This Working Paper was not
intended to provide predictive techniques, but rather was developed
to present the various data sets in a unified manner for comparison
of important parameters.
Experiments were conducted in PNERL's hydraulics laboratory by
Winiarski and Chasse to investigate the behavior of heated jets
discharged into shallow water. The results of their investigation will
be presented in an EPA research report (in press).
Cornell University scientists, under the direction of Dr. Wilfried
Brutsaert, conducted research on the exchange of heat and water vapor
between a water surface and the atmosphere. Supported by EPA Grant No.
16130 DIP, this work was directed primarily towards the problem of
predicting evaporation from lakes. The final report, "Heat and Vapor
Exchange Between Water Surface and Atmosphere" (EPA-R2-73-259) concludes
that:
"The semi-empirical turbulent diffusion model with Reynolds'
analogy provides a method for the prediction of heat and
water vapor transfer from a water surface which should be
adequate for engineering calculations."
3
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Dr. Brutsaert concludes that for time periods of one week or more,
evaporation equations of the following form are applicable.
E » bU2 (e0 - ea)
where,
E = Evaporation from water surface
b = Mass transfer coefficient
U2 = Wind speed at elevation Z
eQ = Vapor pressure at water surface
ea = Vapor pressure in air unaffected by water body
a
The mass transfer coefficient, b, is related to the surface area
of the water body in an exponential fashion.
Thus, the research conducted by Cornell University confirms the
suitability of the semi-empirical evaporation equations; however,
the use of such equations for short time periods is not verified.
Power Plant Effluent Control Technology
Work is continuing on characterizing power plant effluents and
developing technology for control of such effluents. Data are being
gathered on all streams, but primarily on cooling tower blowdown
and SO2 scrubber effluents. Chlorine minimization in blowdown has
been emphasized through efforts in developing a mathematical model
to describe chlorine levels at any time during cooling tower chlorination
cycles. This capability is expected to be extremely useful for continued
yet judicious use of chlorine for condenser treatment. It provides the
basic predictive "tool" for devising chlorination controls and operating
programs which will alleviate the problem of chlorine in blowdown
effluent.
4
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The demonstration project with Eugene Water and Electric Board on
warm water use in agriculture was concluded on May 31, 1972. The final
report, currently being compiled, attempts to quantify benefits and
potential shortcomings of using warm water for irrigation, frost
protection, and underground soil heating. Underground soil heating
exhibited the most promising potential benefits from warm water usage.
A contract was recently completed by WAPORA, Inc. on cooling tower
blowdown state-of-the-art. The project report, currently in review
process, covers current practices of handling and treating this waste
stream.
5
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NEW GRANTS AND CONTRACTS
Wapora, Inc., "A Technical and Economic Evaluation of Cooling Tower
Blowdown Control Techniques," Contract No. 68-03-0233.
This contract documents the currently available blowdown control
techniques which can apply to large scale cooling systems (>500 cfs
recirculating rates). The contract's goal is to prepare a report
that can be used by representatives of industry and regulatory agencies
to readily compare the technical aspects, economic considerations,
and environmental implications of the various blowdown control methods.
Environmental Systems Corporation, "A Comprehensive Drift and Sea Salt
Ambient Measurement Program for Evaporative Cooling Devices at Turkey
Point," Contract No. 68-02-1365.
This project will measure and characterize the amount of salt water
drift emitted by both a mechanical draft cooling tower and a spray
module. The drift transport will be monitored and comparisons will be
made with measured natural ambient deposition levels.
6
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NEW EPA PUBLICATIONS
1. PLUME TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS OF SHALLOW, SUBMERGED MODEL
DISCHARGES WITH CURRENT, by Lawrence Winiarski and James
Chasse. Environmental Protection Technology Series, EPA-
660/2-73-001, January 1973.
2. THERMAL POLLUTION RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS, January - March 1973.
3. A CRITICAL REVIEW OF LABORATORY AND SOME FIELD EXPERIMENTAL
DATA IN SURFACE JET DISCHARGE OF HEATED WATER, by M. A. Shirazi,
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory Working
Paper #4, March 1973.
4. EPA's VIEW OF WASTE HEAT CONTROL, by Bruce A. Tichenor,
presented before a meeting of the American Institute of
Chemical Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 11-15, 1973.
5. HEAT AND WATER VAPOR EXCHANGE BETWEEN WATER SURFACE AND
ATMOSPHERE, Cornell University, Environmental Protection
Technology Series, EPA-R2-73-259, May 1973.
6- PREDICTING AND CONTROLLING RESIDUAL CHLORINE IN COOLING TOWER
BLOWDOWN, by Guy R. Nelson. Environmental Protection Technology
Series, EPA-R2-73-273. June 1973.
The above publications, as well as a complete listing of National
Thermal Research Program reports, are available from the Librarian,
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory, National
Environmental Research Center, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon
97330.
7
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Other Significant Publications
1. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Preparation of Environmental
Reports for Nuclear Power Plants. Regulatory Guide 4.2.
Washington, D.C., March, 1973. 73 p.
2. Sonnichsen, J. C. Jr., B. W. Bentley, and G. F. Bailey. A
Review of Thermal Power Plant Intake Structure Designs and
Related Environmental Considerations. Hanford Engineering
Development Laboratory, Report No. HEDL - TME 73-24, UC - 12.
May 1973. 77 p. & Appendix.
3. Roffman, A., et. al. The State-of-the-Art of Salt Water
Cooling Towers Applicable to Nuclear Electric Power Generating
Plants. Report No. WASH-1244, UC-12 for U.S. AEC Contract
No. AT (11-1) - 2221. Westinghouse Electric Corporation,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February 1973.
4. Boyack, B. E. and D. W. Kearney. Plume Behavior and Potential
Environmental Effects of Large Dry Cooling Towers. Report by
Gulf General Atomic Company for U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Contract AT (04-3) - 167, Project Agreement No. 47. February
1973. 176 p.
5. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Draft Environmental Statement
Related to the Forked River Nuclear Station, Unit 1, Jersey
Central Power and Light Company. Docket Number 50-363.
Directorate of Licensing, Washington, D.C. October 1972.
6. Heller, L. Heller Discusses Hybrid Wet/Dry Cooling. Electrical
World. 179 (6):74-77, March 15, 1973.
8
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7. Jirka, G. and D. R. F. Harleman. The Mechanics of Submerged
Multipoint Diffusers for Buoyant Discharges in Shallow water.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ralph M. Parsons
Laboratory, Report No. 169. March 1973. 313 p.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More detailed information on EPA's Thermal Research may be obtained
by contacting:
Mr. Frank H. Rainwater, Chief
National Thermal Pollution Research Program
Pacific NW Environmental Research Laboratory
200 Southwest Thirty-Fifth Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
Phone Numbers:
Commercial: (503) 752-4211, Extension 349, 350
FTS: 8-503-752-4349 or 4350
""WW* CeMw
('^Ws,0li 9733Q
9
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United States
Environmental Protection Agency
PACIFIC NW ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
20n s W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
postage and fees paid
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION agency
EP A-333
Return this sheet if you do NOT wish to receive this material O, or if change of address is needed ~ (indicate change, including zip code)
NERCC-26
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tftD S7^
O, •. Waste Treatment
issz;
r4>
^ PRO^
Research
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
200 S. W. 35th Street Corvallis, Or. 97330
July 1973
PROGRAM GOALS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1974 ARE SET
Program planning has been completed and resource levels and program
objectives set for 1974. The program again this year will be
exclusively extramural. Funds designated for research and demonstration
grants in the Waste Treatment Program are set at about $1.5 million for
1974, which is about a 50 percent increase from last year.
On the next page is a list of the priority tasks assigned to the Waste
Treatment Research Program for 1974. This gives some indication of
the types of research and demonstration grants the program will be
funding this year.
A number of projects have been completed during the past year and
written project reports published. A few of the highlights of this
research and demonstration program are reported here.
An Associate Laboratory ot the National Environmental Research Center • Corvallis
200 S.IV. 35th Street. Corvallis, Or. 97330
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FY '74 EXTRAMURAL PROGRAM
1. Estimating water quality requirements for pulping processes.
2. Demonstrate closed loop kraft process.
3. Demonstrate complete sulfite pulping recycle.
4. Research - removal of dyes from paper wastes.
5. Estimating water quality requirements for paper manufacturing.
6. Developing treatment systems for wood preserving wastes.
7. Inplant reduction of wastes from meat packing processes.
8. Paunch waste recovery or utilization in meat packing plants.
9. Develop byproducts from vegetable processing solid wastes.
10. Demonstrate low waste generation blanching - white potatoes
11. Demonstrate low liquid waste blanching - vegetables.
12. Demonstrate low water cleaning process - leafy green vegetables
13. Demonstrate low water cleaning processes - root crops.
14. Develop unit process water quality requirements - beet sugar.
15. Demonstrate treatment and reuse - wine production.
16. Demonstrate dissolved air flotation - seafood processing wastes.
17. Demonstrate enzymatic column conversion - cheese whey.
18. State of art study on miscellaneous foods.
2
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STATE-OF-THE-ART REVIEW OF PULP & PAPER WASTE TREATMENT
During this quarter this contract report authored by Dr. Harry Gehm
became available. While a later study by WAPORA for Effluent Guidelines
will develop additional survey information and projections regarding
future waste control technology, the presently available compilation
contains valuable data on the industry operations, waste loads
developed, external treatment means and accomplishments and in-
plant control practices. The report is rewarding and worthwhile
reading for those in the industry environmental control field, and
it is also excellent educational material on the industry for state
agency representatives, environmental control groups, student instruction
and lay individuals having a scientific background and a wish to
understand industry processes and waste treatment technology. (Contact
Ralph Scott for additional information at 503-752-4211, ext. 336.)
PULP & PAPER MILL SLUDGE UTILIZATION AND DISPOSAL
This cooperative project between Crown-Zellerbach and EPA was conducted
at Camas, Washington. The disposal of sludges from the industry
is a growing problem as additional primary and secondary treatment
facilities become operational.
The project examined disposal of primary sludge from the Camas
mill by (1) incineration in an air entrained dryer-incinerator,
(2) burning in log-fuel boilers, (3) incorporation into soil as
an amendment, and (4) hydromulching for soil stabilization. The
report contains some interesting operational data and cost information
concerning disposal by these several means as applied to this mill.
The use of sludge as an additive to agricultural soils developed
some worthwhile increases in crop yields as measured by the extensive
replicate test crop experiments conducted. Disposal by this means
appears to have real merit and also is a conservation measure of
higher value than sludge lagooning or land fill disposal. (Contact
Kirk Willard for additional information at 503-752-4211, ext. 337.)
3
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BY PRODUCT RECOVERY FROM SULFITE CONDENSATES
The condensates from evaporation and recovery of sulfite cooking liquors
contain a significant portion of the total BOD load discharged
from the mill. This fraction consisting of acetic acid, methyl
alcohol and furfural as principle BOD materials, is volatized from
the liquor.
An Institute of Paper Chemistry - EPA project, supported by a number
of sulfite mills, has just been concluded with the project report
to issue in the near future. Employing steam stripping and activated
carbon treatment of condensates it appears that satisfactory treated
water can be produced for recycle to mill processes while the value
of recovered sulfur dioxide, methyl alcohol, furfural and ethyl
acetate may well support the installation and operations costs.
This is a pilot project which must necessarily operate on a commercial
scale to develop dependable data. (Contact Ralph Scott for additional
information at 503-752-4211, ext. 336.)
CONTINUOUS IN-PLANT HOT-GAS BLANCHING OF VEGETABLES
An experimental hot-gas blancher was operated in two food processing
plants using green beans, corn-on-cob, beets, spinach, and green
peas. A side stream of commercially prepared vegetables was hot-
gas blanched and returned to the production line. Electrical,
gas, and steam flow meters were used with the hot-gas blancher
to obtain data for operational cost estimates.
Wastewater samples were collected from the commercial blancher
and the hot-gas blancher for each commodity studied; these were measured
for volume and analyzed for BOD, COD, SS, and pH. Comparisons were
made of reductions in wastewater volume, BOD, COD, and SS when steam
or hot-water blanching were replaced by hot-gas blanching. For beans,
spinach, and peas these reductions were greater than 99 percent.
4
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Samples of raw arid preserved vegetables were analyzed for vitamin
and mineral content. No significant difference in overall nutrient
retention was found among hot-gas, steam, and hot-water blanching, and
no difference in overall quality was observed.
Operational costs were higher for hot-gas blanching than for steam
or hot-water blanching for all vegetables studied except for green
beans which were slightly lower. (Contact Harold Thompson for additional
information at 503-752-4211, ext. 306.)
TREATMENT OF DISTILLERY WASTEWATER
The American Distilling Co. at Pekin, Illinois, has demonstrated
successful full scale treatment of distillery wastewater with activated
sludge. Bio-Disc (rotating biological contactor) treatment was successful
only after design loadings were reduced by about 70 percent. The
Bio-Disc also required an aerated equalization basin and cooling
tower pre-treatment to obtain over 90 percent organic removal at
a loading of 320 lbs of BOD^ per day (7 lbs BOD^ per 1,000 sq. ft.
of disc surface per day). Comparable removal was achieved with activated
sludge at a loading of 1800 lbs of B0D5 per day (44 lbs BOD^ per
1,000 cu. ft. per day), and equalization and cooling of influent
did not appear to affect efficiency. Nitrogen and phosphorus addition
was provided to insure a 100:5:1 ratio of BOD^.-N.-P in the influent
to both treatment units. Comparative capital costs are tentative
at present, but it appears the activated sludge plant cost would
be $530,000 per million gallons of treatment capacity and the Bio-
Disc would be $4,230,000. This project was an EPA demonstration
grant, and a final report is being completed. (Contact Max Cochrane
for additional information at 503-752-4211, ext. 306.)
5
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FOURTH NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON FOOD PROCESSING WASTES
The fourth symposium was held in March of this year and was a joint
conference with Cornell University's Agricultural Waste Management
Conference. Twenty-seven papers were given during the 2^ day conference
on many aspects of inplant process changes to reduce waste loads
and new methods for the treatment of plant processing wastes.
A report on the conference proceedings is being prepared by Cornell
University and will be published as a Federal Report. This Proceedings
should be available shortly. As with previous conferences, the National
Canners Association was a co-sponsor and active participant in the
planning and conduct of the program.
The Fifth National Symposium on Food Processing Wastes will be held
at Monterey, California, April 16-19, 1974. The meeting next year
will be co-sponsored by the National Canners Association and the
Canners League of California together with EPA (additional information
is available from Jim Boydston, 503 752-4211, extension 313).
EPA REPORTS AVAILABLE
The following reports include those referred to in the text and are
available through the National Waste Treatment Research Program in
Corvallis. Contact the program secretary or any of the listed staff.
1. EPA-R2-72-016 Forest Fertilization (A State-of-the-Art Review)
2. EPA-R2-73-086 Color Removal from Kraft Pulp Mill Effluents by
Massive Lime Treatment
6
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3. EPA-R2-73-164 Kraft Pulping Effluent Treatment and Reuse - State-
of-the-Art
4. EPA-R2-73-141 Kraft Effluent Color Characterization Before and
After Stoichiometric Lime Treatment
5. EPA-R2-73-184 State-of-the-Art Review of Pulp and Paper Industry
6. EPA-R2-73-196 Steam Stripping Odorous Substances from Kraft
Effluent Streams
7. EPA-R2-73-232 Methods for Pulp and Paper Mill Sludge Utilization
and Disposal
8. EPA-R2-73-255 Ion Exchange Color and Mineral Removal from Kraft
Bleach Wastes
9. EPA-R2-73-085 The Influence of Log Handling on Water Quality
10. EPA-R2-73-195 Aerobic Secondary Treatment of Plywood Glue Wastes
11. EPA-R2-73-025 Anaerobic - Aerobic Ponds for Beet Sugar Waste Treatment
12. EPA-R2-73-017 Cannery Waste Treatment by Anaerobic Lagoons and
Oxidation Ditch
13. EPA-R2-73-178 National Meat Packing Waste Management Research and
Development Program
14. EPA-R2-73-024 Cannery Wastewater Treatment with Rotating Biological
Contactor and Extended Aeration
7
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15. EPA-R2-73-198 Low Water Volume Enzyme Deactivation of Vegetables
Before Preservation
16. EPA-R2-73-108 Treatment of Laundromat Wastes
17. EPA-R2-73-209 Secondary Waste Treatment for a Small Diversified Tannery
WHO'S WHO IN WASTE TREATMENT RESEARCH
For information on the program or projects, or how to obtain the reports,
contact any of the listed staff.
James R. Boydston, Chief, National Waste Treatment Research Program
Ralph H. Scott, Chief, Paper and Forest Industries Section
H. Kirk Willard, Pulp and Forest Industries
John S. Ruppersberger, Pulp and Paper
Alvin L. Ewing, Lumber and Wood products
Martin D. Knittel, Miscellaneous Industries
Kenneth A. Dostal, Chief, Food Wastes Section
Jack L. Witherow, Meat Products
Max W. Cochrane, Dairy and Beverages
Harold W. Thompson, Fruit and Vegetables
James A. Santroch, Fruit and Vegetables
National Waste Treatment Research Program
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
503-752-4211, ext. 312
8
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tfto SB,,.
/>; V Program Highlights
^ ATM ^
\w I Consolidated
\Pf^ Laboratory
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
200 S. W. 35th Street Corvallis, Or. 97330
August 24, 1973
Automated, Computer-Controlled, Chemical Analytical System
Now Operational at PNERL
Introduction
The Consolidated Laboratory Services (CLS) provides routine
chemical analytical services to the five research and monitoring
programs at the Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
(National Coastal Pollution Research Program, National Eutrophication
Research Program, National Eutrophication Survey Program, National
Thermal Pollution Research Program and the National Waste Treatment
Research Program). To accommodate a tremendous increase in water
quality analysis as part of the National Eutrophication Survey, an
automated, computer-controlled, chemical analytical system was designed
and incorporated into the existing Sample Handling and Verification
System (SHAVES) at the Pacific Northwest Environmental Research
Laboratory. Previously SHAVES primarily served as a sample processing
and data handling system for nonautomated analyses and automated
analyses were inputted through the key punching of data on cards.
An Associate Laboratory ot the National Environmental Research Center • Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street, Corvallis, Or. 97330
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2
System Requirements
With the projected impact of samples as a result of activities
on the National Eutrophication Survey Program, CLS began implementing
the marriage of an automated analytical system with "SHAVES" and the
computer. The system required the attributes of sample identification
from receipt of sample in the laboratory to the final result; it
needed the capability to analyze levels from those barely detectable
to 50,000 times the detection limit. The system would require a
suitable quality control program and the ability to analyze 200
samples per day for six constituents (ammonia nitrogen, nitrite and
nitrate nitrogen, Kjeldahl nitrogen, orthophosphate phosphorus and
total phosphate phosphorus). The system needed to be capable of
integrating with SHAVES and designed to include sample input,
verification, intra-sample comparison, analytical quality control
checks and output in "ST0RET" compatible form. ST0RET is an EPA
water quality data storage system.
System Operation
What does the program do? As indicated by the attached flow
chart, the process starts with the sample arriving in the CLS area
from project leaders. The sample is coded with an identifier (a
seven digit code number) and scheduled for analysis. In the automated
analysis section scheduling is done by computer program.
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3
At the start of the day the analyst queries the computer for
a run list. Using the run list the analyst (or a technician assigned
to the analyst) will arrange the samples and will start preparing
the samples in the order arranged by the computer program. Each
run list consists of a series of standards and a set of samples with
appropriate designated replicates followed by a second set of standards.
The output of the automated analyses including sample identification
is digitized onto punched paper tape. The paper tapes are entered
into a computer for data reduction.
The computer reduces the peak height output of the automated
analyses into concentration values. When the peak height is provided
from a sample, the computer determines whether it falls within the
bounds of the standards run before and after the sample. When the
peak height is determined to be within limits, it is then compared
to standards and a computation is made to assign a concentration
value to the sample. If the sample peak is beyond the limits of the
standards, it is immediately rescheduled to be rerun.
Any sample that is out-of-limits may have a detrimental effect
on the following sample (washout characteristics); thus, an assumption
is made that the next two samples following an out-of-limits sample
will be scheduled for a rerun. The out-of-limits sample will be
scheduled for a rerun after dilution (5x, lOx, 20x, etc.) and the two
samples following will be rescheduled for a rerun with no dilution.
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4
The output of the computed value is then merged into a system
of analytical quality control (AQC) checks based on replicates,
standards and intrasample comparison routines. When the data from
the sample makes it through all the checks, the "o.k." is given to
place the sample on the "throwout list." The analyst receives the
data from the computer and identifies the analyses which may have
AQC problems. The analyst attempts to determine the cause of the
AQC problem and if necessary reschedules the analyses. When the AQC
problem is solved, a valid result is reported and the sample is placed
on the "throwout list."
The system was put on-line in September of 1972 and by October,
1972 was operational with a rate of 80 samples per day. In January,
1973 "bugs" were worked out and a sample rate of 200/day was accomplished.
A turnaround time of 24 hours is being achieved on high priority
samples. A normal turnaround time of one week is now the rule. An
exception in turnaround is the accumulation of a critical mass of
samples for a production run.
The system is maintained by 4 chemists, 1 technician and 9
part-time students and is currently operating on a 16 hour day.
With a recent total staff increase of two man days/week, the production
has been increased from 4,500 analyses/month in May, 1972 to 19,500
analyses/month in March, 1973.
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5
Additional Information
The details of SHAVES are found in the article entitled
"Management System for an Analytical Chemical Laboratory," and
the details of the data capture system are the subject of a paper
in preparation as given below.
1. Krawczyk, D.F. and Byram, K.V. "Management System for an
Analytical Chemical Laboratory." American Laboratory,
Vol. 5, No. 1, 55-62. 1973.
2. Byram, K.V., Roberts, F.A. and Wilson, L.A. "A Data
Processing System for an Automatic Sampling Colorimeter."
Paper in preparation.
For more information on the system contact:
Daniel F. Krawczyk
Chief, Consolidated Laboratory Services
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
200 S. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
Phone 503-752-4211, Ext. 339
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FLOW CHART
OATA deports
Summaries-
SampUng
Data
Processor
Keypunch
Correct.
Information
Merge
Duplicated
Results
and
Inmatched
Reporting
STORET
Cards
Results
Program
Errlrs
A B * Manual
Data
Verification
Program
Samples
Oata
mated
Comparison Errors
litrasample
Bench
Sheet
Ustim
Request
Request
for
Analysis
Proaram
Throwout
Lis-t
Delay
Listlnq
Computer
Production
Summary
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