QUARTERLY
PROGRESS
REPORT
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
WATER LABORATORY
CORVALLIS, OREGON
JULY 1-SEPTEMBER 30,1970
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION
CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
NORTHWEST REGION ^23^
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PACIFIC NORTHWEST WATER LABORATORY
QUARTERLY REPORT
July 1 through September 30, 1970
United States Department of the Interior
Federal Water Quality Administration
Northwest Region, Corvallis, Oregon
October 1970
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CONTENTS
Page
NATIONAL THERMAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM 1
NATIONAL COASTAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM 8
NATIONAL EUTROPHICATION RESEARCH PROGRAM 17
NATIONAL WASTE TREATMENT RESEARCH PROGRAM 27
Paper and Forest Industries Research 27
Food Wastes Research 30
CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY SERVICES PROGRAM 36
TRAINING AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT 41
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NATIONAL THERMAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM
PPB 1613
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments.
Work Plan ZFL: Consultation and Advisory Services
At the initial request of the Assistant Secretary's Office
the NTPRP staff conducted a comprehensive analysis of the technical
and economical feasibility of various closed cycle cooling systems
for thermal electric generating stations in the vicinity of Lake
Michigan. This work was done in cooperation with the Great Lakes
Region and culminated in the preparation of a report entitled
"Feasibility of Alternative Means of Cooling for Thermal Power
Plants Near Lake Michigan." In addition, a supplement to the
report applicable to nuclear power plants was prepared.
At the request of the Assistant Commissioner for Enforcement
and Standards Compliance the report was presented at the Lake
Michigan Enforcement Conference Workshop Session, Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Tichenor formally presented the report September 28, 1970.
Work Plan ZFD: Heat Transport and Behavior in Large Hydrologic
S.ys terns
A study to determine the effect of thermal discharges at
various levels in a stratified lake was completed by Cornell
Aeronautical Laboratory. Using mathematical models and associated
computer programs, it was found that thermal discharges at or
below the thermocline will increase the length of the stratification
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period as well as the temperature of the epilimnion. Also, the
effect of the pumping alone (i.e., the discharge of water at the
ambient temperature) was shown to increase the volume and decrease
the average temperature of the thermocline.
An experimental study on the mixing between a warm water wedge
and the underlying cool water was conducted by Cornell Aeronautical
Laboratory. This study showed that the transfer of heat across the
stable interface was inhibited to a much higher degree than the
transfer of momentum. In the course of preparing the experimental
apparatus, techniques for measuring very small flow velocities
(e.g., 0.1 cm/sec) were perfected.
The stochastic model development cooperative project with FWQA's
Systems Analysis and Economics Branch, Headquarters, and the refine-
ment of techniques for predicting stream evaporation continue.
The research by Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory on the Physical
Aspects of Thermal Pollution 14-12-526 was completed; formal approval
is pending receipt of revised final report.
Work Plan ZFC: Heat Transfer and Behavior in the Mixing Zone
A final report has issued from the research by Tetra Tech,
16130 DWQ, on "Studies on the Effect of Waste Heat Discharged
from Nuclear Power Plants into Large Bodies of Receiving Water."
Some of the conclusions reached are as follows:
1. Initial mixing for subsurface discharge
The flow field resulting from a row of equally spaced
round buoyant jets discharging at an arbitrary angle into a quiescent
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ambient with arbitrary density and temperature stratification is
formulated. A computer program has been written to obtain the
solution given the jet characteristics and the ambient conditions.
The flow field consists of two zones. Near the source, the
individual round jets behave as if they were single jets. Further
away, they merge together and resemble a two-dimensional slot jet.
The transition from one zone to the other is taken to be either
when the round jet is equal to the jet spacing or when the entrain-
ments based on round jet analysis and slot analysis are equal.
Due to the relatively large dilution ratios and the fact that the
temperature excess of the discharge is usually only 10 to 20°F, a
very small density stratification is sufficient to prevent the
discharge from reaching the surface. In that event, all the tempera-
ture excess is simulated in the ambient top surface water.
2. Intermediate phase for subsurface discharge .
In the event the buoyant jet reaches the free surface, a
model is developed to obtain the spreading of the buoyant fluid on
the ambient.
3. Subsurface horizontal buoyant jet .
The flow field induced and the dispersion process in the
horizontal buoyant jet discharge at the surface was investigated.
The interplay of source momentum, source buoyancy, interfacial shear,
entrainment, and surface heat loss have all been incorporated in the
model. The two-dimensional case has been treated in detail. The
flow field is found to possess features different from that of
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either an ordinary non-buoyant jet or a fully submerged buoyant
jet. The type of flow field is found to depend on the relative
magnitudes of the free parameter, the Froude number, the heat
exchange coefficient, and the source Reynolds number. The findings
have application in design considerations since: (a) the tempera-
ture distribution is dependent on the type of flow field and (b)
inundation of the source may lead to short-circuiting the intake
and discharge of cooling water.
4. Passive diffusion in a current.
Two mathematical models have been developed resulting in
two computer programs, PTD and UTD. In both models, longitudinal
dispersion is ignored, lateral dispersion is assumed to follow a
four-third power law, and the vertical diffusion coefficient is
allowed to be an arbitrary function of the vertical coordinates.
Program PTD treats the case of steady release of contaminant into
a steady unidirectional shear current. Program UTD treats the
case of a time variable release into a time varying uniform current.
The surface heat exchange coefficient assumed constant in PTD is
allowed to be time varying in UTD. Results from the model are as
would be expected. Larger diffusion coefficients result in larger
dispersion. The presence of current shear was found to enhance
the dispersion process.
In the "Thermal Plume Dispersion" study by Oregon State
University, 16130 DGM, the transition region in the vertical buoyant
jet has been treated in a two-dimensional axisymmetric case. Results
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to date are mainly concerned with verification of the computational
procedure and computer program. Verification is accomplished by
checking numerical computations against experimental data and
similarity solutions for deep water case, that is, negligible
surface effect. Comparisons are made for axial center line and
lateral velocity and temperature of concentration distribution.
Thus far a number of check cases have been run for the axisymmetric
case which include both buoyancy coupled and an uncoupled hydro-
dynamics. These cases include comparison of results between radial
eddy-transport coefficients, determined from mixing length theory
and those which remain constant. Vertical eddy transport, althouqh
included in the computation, is set at a negligibly small value.
Ambient density stratification has not been dealt with in the
verification effort but will be investigated at a later date.
Verification has not been carried out for the line plume case at
this time.
Besides the grant 16130 DGM with Oregon State University
the following are also active and continuing:
a. "Project for Concentrated Research and Training in
the Hydrologic and Hydraulic Aspects of Water Pollution Control,"
Vanderbilt University, 16130 FDQ, Project 1 - Temperature Distribution
Resulting from Cooling Water Discharges.
b. "Prediction and Control of Thermal Pollution," MIT,
16130 DJU (also, see Work Plan ZFH).
There is also an in-house cooperative project with USGS on the
subject of "Turbulent Diffusion of a Heated Plume."
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Work Plan ZFF: Engineering and Cost Aspects of Heat Dissipation
In a draft of a final report from R. W. Beck and Associates on
"Non-evaporative Cooling Tower^' information was presented on the
theory of dry cooling towers as it would apply to steam and electric
generating plants. Operating results were summarized for several
existing dry cooling tower installations. The comments of various
equipment manufacturers and suppliers were summarized and the
results of economic analyses made for dry cooling systems were
presented for an 800-megawatt generating unit for 27 representative
sites in the United States. These reflect a range of fixed charges,
fuel costs and weather conditions.
An engineering-economic study of cooling pond performance
was completed by Littleton Research and Engineering Corporation.
Analytical methods for predicting pond performance were developed
for both flow-through and well mixed ponds. Various vertical
velocity profiles were considered. Temperatures from five existing
cooling ponds were compared to predicted values. The cost of
cooling ponds, in dollars per year, for various land costs and
condenser temperature rises were computed for a hypothetical 2000 MWe
power plant near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Various pond sizes
were evaluated, and cost comparisons with wet natural draft cooling
towers were made. Methods of computing evaporative water losses
from cooling ponds were also developed.
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The following extramural research continued:
1. Dynatech Corporation, "Survey and Economic Aspects of
Alternate Cooling Methods for Cooling Condenser Discharge Water
in Thermal Power Plants."
2. Purdue University, "Turbulent Bed Cooling Towers."
3. Travelers Research Corporation, "Study of Costs of Reducing
Heat Disposal to Aquatic Environment by Steam Electric Power Plant."
4. United Aircraft Corporation, "Feasibility of Non-thermal
Power Generation Systems."
Work Plan ZFJ: Beneficial Use of Waste Heat
Dr. Garton presented a paper on "Beneficial Uses of Waste
Heat--An Evaluation" at the Conference on Beneficial Uses of Thermal
Discharges, Albany, New York, September 18, 1970. Preparation of
this paper by Garton and Christianson involved a thorough review
and a practical evaluation of current prospects and potential problems
in waste heat use. The paper is considered a useful current status
report for project evaluations and future planning.
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NATIONAL COASTAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM
PPB 1607
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Ocean Outfalls
Work continues on "Ocean Outfall Design, Part II: Recommended
Practice and Guidelines for Monitoring." This report includes infor-
mation on the necessary oceanographic and engineering studies prior
to design, a discussion and recommendation of alternative models used
for design, and methods recommended for use in setting up surveillance
programs to monitor the water quality which results from the discharge
of partially treated wastes to the marine environment.
Barge Disposal Systems
The state-of-the-art report, previously prepared in rough form,
is being corrected and redrafted. In addition, we are working out
several examples of waste discharge situations and the resulting
distribution of pollutant material, both the dissolved liquid fraction
and the particulate material which undergoes several regimes of dis-
tribution as it is affected by the ocean environment. We have chosen
to work on domestic sewage sludge because it is expected to have the
most similarities; work is expected to be done on important industrial
sludges and concentrated wastes via grants. See "Trace Elements" (p.10)
trace materials inputs from municipal wastes.
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Estuarine Modeling
1. Columbia River Estuary Temperature Model: The first draft
of Part II, "Input-Output and Preliminary Verification," of the
Columbia River model report was completed, and is currently under
review.
2. State-of-the-art Report: The final report by Tracor has
been completed; it will be forwarded to headquarters in early November
for publication by the Project Reports System. A chapter prepared
by a staff member was included in the report as a "discussion and
alternate viewpoint."
NTA
A simulated estuarine system in operation at our lab facility
in Newport uses water collected from Yaquina Bay at high tides.
Sediment from Yaquina Bay is prepared and deposited in the estuarine
simulator, and runs made at two levels of NTA in the test chamber of
the system. Analyses for NTA are made in the liquid and the sediment
of the first and third sections of each chamber in order to determine,
in crude fashion, how long the NTA might persist in the environment
and if any is incorporated directly in sediments. Analyses are also
made of tract metal ions, as well as pertinent anions, etc., in both
sediment and liquid. In these experiments we wish to determine if
the NTA influences the mobiliation or distribution of elements which
may be beneficial or deleterious to marine organisms. Progress was
hampered until recently by the inability to analyze for NTA in seawater.
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A procedure, satisfactory for following large concentrations (5-10
mg/1) of NTA, was obtained from Canadian sources and has been applied
to this work with a rather insensitive polarographic instrument. A
much more sensitive machine is being procured. No attempt has been
made as yet to utilize tracer techniques for establishing the compart-
mentalization of NTA, pending legal arrangements for such tracer work.
Research is also conducted on the rate of oxidation of NTA in seawater
using the Warburg respirometer and conventional long-term BOD's, using
Yaquina Bay and Puget Sound seawater and three different seeds.
Trace Elements
A request for facilities usage at the Radiation Center, Oregon
State University, is in progress in the University's administrative
organization. The Space Allocation Committee has granted us the use
of a suitable laboratory, which has been occupied, and our elaborate
pulse height analysis equipment has been deployed and connected. One
or two items remain to be procured, but the system is now usable. It
is intended eventually to establish a direct OSU computer input from
this equipment. However, the Radiation Safety Committee has not yet
granted permission to carry on actual radioactivity work. While they
approved our workplans and proposed radiation usage, they have raised
two questions: (a) does AEC relinquish its responsibilities in this
matter (since we are a Federal laboratory), and (b) has the university's
legal protection been adequately ensured by a contractual agreement
with the PNWL. These legal and administrative matters are being
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pursued. It now appears that item (b) will have to be submitted to
the Oregon Board of Higher Education. The AEC answered question (a)
with a letter of declination.
A working paper (#78) entitled, "Trace Materials in Wastes
Disposed to Coastal Waters," was received from the printer and will
be distributed to Regional Directors, Assistant Commissioners, and
a limited number to interested parties.
Consulting Services
1. In July the Program Chief testified at the court trial of
the State of Minnesota vs. Reserve Mining Company.
2. At the request of Headquarters FWQA, a review of Hawaii trust
territory research areas was provided, including a workplan for research
on small Pacific islands.
3. Review comments were provided the Director, Water Quality
Standards, on the Lake Michigan White Paper on the formulation of
temperature standards.
4. Chief, Physical Oceanography, participated in the Lake Michigan
thermal pollution workshop held in Chicago.
5. In answer to a request from the Director, Division of Process
Research and Development, a review and possible plan of action were made
on the subject of sampling submerged ocean outfalls.
6. Chief, Chemical and Biological Oceanography, prepared a review
of "coastal eutrophication problems" for the PNWL Director.
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7. A project representative attended a meeting of the
Biological Methods Committee and has been contributing the marine
point of view to an essentially freshwater manual.
8. Program chief consulted with Southwest Regional Office
regarding exceptions to the Commissioner's proposed construction
grant policy of 85 percent BOD removal for discharges to "open
ocean waters." A suggested method for determining "open ocean waters"
was included.
An estimated 30 percent of the program time, manpower, and funds
are expended on technical consultation, although no workplan provides
for this service. A workplan, ZAR, entitled "Technical Consultation
on Coastal Pollution Problems," was submitted to headquarters, to
include such items as completion of the Columbia River estuary tempera-
ture model, analysis of temperature distribution in Lake Michigan,
analysis of taconite distribution in Lake Superior from Reserve Mining
Company, analysis of present and proposed discharges in and around
San Francisco Bay regarding the Commissioner's proposed policy on
construction grants, Lakes Superior and Michigan enforcement support,
and unplanned resources to cover items which occur with great frequency
in the conduct of the program's planned research.
Equipment and Instrumentation
A Hewlett-Packard Calculator Model 9100B was received.
Bids were received, evaluated, selected, and returned to headquarters
on the electronic particle counter to be used in the studies on the fate
of solids.
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Grant and Contract Research
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Grant and Contract Applications
The following subjects of grant and contract proposals and pre-
proposals were reviewed by program staff during the quarter:
1. Ocean Disposal on the Continental Slope, continuation, 16070
E0I.
2. Interrelationships of Municipal Wastes and Red Tide Out-
breaks, 16080 FIL.
3. Tidal Variations of Water Quality Parameters in Estuaries:
Longitudinal and Vertical Distributions, 16070 GIN.
4. Eutrophication in Coastal Waters, 16070 GDA.
5. Control of Nitrate and Phosphate Pollution in the Marine
Environment, 16070 GBA.
6. Investigation of Saltwater Pollution in Freshwater Aquifers
by Electromagnetic Methods, 16060 GIS.
7. Development of Mathematical Model for Fate of Pollution in
Nearshore Waters, 16050 FYQ.
8. Effects of Pollutants on Some Planktonic and Benthic
Microorganisms in Coastal Waters of Southern Puerto Rico, and The
Effect of Organic Pollution in Sea Water on the Biological Avail-
ability of Calcium - preproposals.
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Reports and Papers
1. Baumgartner, D.J., M.H. Feldman, L.C. Bentsen, and T.L.
Cooper, "Field Studies in Yaquina River Estuary of Surface Gas
Transfer Rates," presented at FWQA Georgia Institute of Technology
Symposium and Demonstration, "Direct Tracer Measurements of
Reaeration Capacity of Streams and Estuaries," July 7-8, 1970.
2. Feldman, M.H., "Trace Materials in Wastes Disposed to
Coastal Waters: Fates, Mechanisms, and Ecological Guidance and
Control," FWQA Northwest Region Working Paper #78, July 1970.
3. Callaway, R.J., and K.V. Byram, "Computed Flow Reversal
in the Lower Columbia River." submitted to Limnology and Oceanography,
August 1970.
Plans for Second Quarter, FY 1971
A more efficient division of labor and resources was suggested
in the form of revised workplans for the fiscal year, concentrating
on areas in which most of the program's competence lies, and deleting
areas which realistically cannot be accomplished with current budget
and manpower limitations. If approved, in-house research in the next
quarter would include studies on barge dump disposal of wastes in
ocean and coastal waters, estuarine and ocean outfalls, fate of NTA
in coastal waters, and technical consultation on coastal pollution
problems.
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Ocean Outfalls
Work will continue on "Ocean Outfall Design: Part II." As part
of this effort a more detailed report will be started describing the
operation of the mathematical models used for design and analysis of
monitoring data, including input-output instructions, and a number of
calculations of typical situations. Another report will be started, to
be published in a technical journal, describing the theoretical
development and verification procedures used for a more comprehensive
mathematical model of outfall analysis than has been heretofore
available.
Barge Disposal Systems
Studies in support of the barge dump disposal of wastes workplan
will begin in Puget Sound.
NT A
In future work we will add elements or increase the quantities of
those presently found naturally to see if these influence the rate at
which NTA is metabolized. Future plans include addition of various
metal salts to determine their influence on NTA degradation.
Estuarine Modeling
Part II of the Columbia River model report will be reviewed and
prepared for publication.
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The state-of-the-art report on estuary modeling will be printed
and distributed. A report on the results of the study will be pre-
sented to the FAO meeting in Rome.
Trace Materials
Staff members will continue to set up our analysis capability at
the neutron activation facility of Oregon State University, and Chief,
Chemical and Biological Oceanography, will work on developing a grant
for work on trace organic compounds in domestic sewage sludges, which
requires a competence different from that we now possess in the program.
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NATIONAL EUTROPHICATION RESEARCH PROGRAM
PPB 1601
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Work Plan CNC: Comprehensive Investigations to Evaluate Influence
of NTA on Environment
Laboratory and -in 6-iXu. algal assays were conducted on waters
from, and in, lakes in Oregon representing three trophic levels;
oligotrophic (Waldo Lake), mesotrophic (Triangle Lake), and eutroph
(Cline's Pond). Water samples from these lakes were collected for
laboratory assays concurrently with conducting 14C In assays i
the lakes. At Shagawa Lake, Minnesota a series of -in 4-ctu assays
were made in 80-gallon plastic bags containing either Shagawa Lake
water or Burntside River water. In both the laboratory and in 6-U.u
assays a series of additions were made to the waters including NTA,
carbon, nitrogen, secondary and tertiary treated sewage effluents,
and secondary and tertiary treated sewage effluents resulting from
primary settled sewage containing NTA. The fate of NTA was also
followed in large experimental pools placed in Cline's Pond.
Studies were initiated with metal-containing sediments to
determine whether metals deposited in sediments can be solubilized
by NTA. A polarographic method for analysis of NTA in freshwater,
seawater, sediments and sediment-water systems has also been under
investigation. Each of these areas of study is described more
specifically below.
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1. In isiXu. 1 C assays — Na 11(C03 and the various additions
mentioned above were added to 125 ml stoppered flasks containing the
lake water and suspended in the lakes at depths of optimum light
A
intensity for periods of two to four hours. Rates of uptake of
by the indigenous algae served as indication of the effects of the
various additions upon primary productivity in the lakes. Eleven
such experiments have been completed, While the data have not been
completely analyzed some preliminary observations can be made.
Generally the addition of NTA to the natural waters had
little or no effect in these short-term experiments. In only 2 of 11
cases, both of these in mesotrophic waters, was there a stimulation
of ^C-fixation. Secondary sewage effluent, on the other hand,
generally stimulated primary productivity.
2. Laboratory Assays — All assays were conducted in 500 ml
Erlenmeyer flasks containing 250 ml of sample, incubated for 21 days
at 24°C under continuous fluorescent lighting of 400 ft-c and shaken
continuously at 110 oscillations per minute. The same additions were
made to the natural waters in these experiments as in the in *iŁu.
studies. In one series of assays the water samples were filtered
through an 0.45m membrane filter, the additions made, and inoculated
with the green unicellular alga, S2Z2.naMn.um ccLptu.c.oinuŁum.
Algal growth was followed by cell counts, fluorescence
(Chlorophyll a_) measurements and dry weight determinations. In another
series of assays the additions were made to unfiltered water samples
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and growth of the indigenous algal population followed by fluorescence
and dry weight determinations.
While the data have not been completely analyzed they indi-
cate that NTA generally stimulates algal growth. Based upon chemical
analysis to date, NTA does not appear to degrade significantly in the
natural waters studied during the 21-day incubation period. The
stimulation of algal growth by NTA, therefore, does not appear to be
related to NTA degradation, but may be related to the chelating
properties of NTA and algal trace metal metabolism. Both secondary
sewage effluent and secondary sewage effluent resulting from primary
sewage containing NTA generally stimulated algal growth. Chemical
analysis, however, indicates that the latter contained more NH3-N
than the former. The addition of either carbon or nitrogen to the
natural water samples had no apparent effect on algal growth.
3. Shagawa Lake Studies — Neither NTA, nitrogen nor phosphorus
stimulated algal growth in Burntside River water over a three week
period, when added singly. However, nitrogen plus phosphorus always
resulted in significant growth stimulation. The addition of NTA plus
P resulted in increased algal growth following a lag period of 10 to
14 days. Secondary sewage effluent always appreciably stimulated in-
creases in algae populations. Stimulation by secondary effluent obtained
from primary effluent containing NTA was appreciably greater than that
from the regular secondary effluent.
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Addition of NTA or N, singly, resulted in algal growth
stimulation part of the time in Shagawa Lake water. As was the case
with Burntside River water, stimulation by NTA occurred following a
lag period. NTA or N plus P always resulted in appreciable algal
growth stimulation with the NTA plus P combination showing a 4- to
11-day lag. Addition of P alone resulted in increased growth part
of the time. Secondary effluent always stimulated growth; that
derived from primary effluent containing NTA was more stimulatory
than that derived from NTA-free primary effluent.
4. Cline's Pond Studies — NTA added to an experimental pool
at a concentration of 4.5 mg/1 at the surface was completely degraded
within 60 days. Degradation occurred as rapidly in a low oxygen
(0.5 to 3.0 mg O2/I) zone as in a high oxygen (5.5 to 10.5 mg 02/l)
zone. Data from this single experiment tend to show that algal
growth was enhanced by the addition of NTA as compared with a control
pool in the pond.
5. Analytical Methods — The polarographic method has proved to
be satisfactory for NTA determination and is the only method found
which is applicable to sea water.
Two polarographic methods were evaluated. These methods,
originally proposed by Dr. Goulden of Canada, involve complexation
of the NTA with lead or bismuth and polarographic determination of
the complex.
The procedure utilizing bismuth offers several advantages
over the method measuring the lead-NTA complex. It is simpler, can
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be used to measure NTA in sea water, and is carried out at a pH of
two rather than eight. The method exhibits good reproducibility over
the range of 1 to 4 mg NTA/1 (0.05 to 0.2 mg NTA in 50 ml of solution)
using a Sargent XV polarograph. The usual concentrations of calcium
and magnesium found in water do not interfere with the Bi-NTA method.
Large concentrations of iron and copper interfere.
The polarographic method and Zinc-Zincon method utilizing a
Technicon gave comparable results for NTA in natural water samples over
the range of 1 to 5 mg NTA/1.
6. Sediment-NTA Interaction Studies — Lake sediments containing
copper, arsenic, and mercury are being received from California,
Wisconsin, and Michigan for experimental studies to determine whether
such metals deposited in sediments can be solubilized by NTA. At
present experiments are underway on copper-containing sediments from
Clear Lake, California, utilizing both aerobic and anaerobic environ-
ments.
Work Plan ZCB: Assay Procedures for Determining Productivity Responses
Most of the research activity during this quarter was devoted to
the use of the "Bottle Test" and "In 6-U.a Test" of the Provisional Algal
Assay Procedure (PAAP) to evaluate the effects of NTA on algal growth
and primary productivity. The data obtained from these investigations
will, in part, serve as a basis for determining the capabilities of the
two types of assays and as a comparison of test performance - one with
the other.
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This laboratory, along with seven other laboratories, partici-
pated in an inter-laboratory precision test to evaluate the PAAP
"Bottle Test." All laboratories used exactly the same methods for
sample preparation and preparation of inocula, used reagent chemicals
from a common source, incubated the test fl^isk under the same
conditions and measured growth responses in a like manner. The data
obtained were all sent to Professor Weiss at the University of North
Carolina for analysis. The results will be reported at an October
meeting of all participants.
Work Plan CND; Lake Restoration Techniques
In continuation of the monitoring program established for Waldo
Lake in 1969, limnological sampling was conducted monthly during the
quarter. Studies to determine groundwater movements in the vicinity
of a campground comfort station septic tank continued through the
quarter. Dye studies show that septic tank wastes have migrated below
the shoreline of the lake, but have not yet discharged into the lake.
This is caused by the water table not being sufficiently elevated to
reach the lake surface. Further study next spring will be necessary
to determine if aquifer recharge at that time will overcome this
situation.
The Albany, Oregon lakes were sampled in July as part of a
continuing program to characterize them and assess their potential
as experimental lake restoration sites.
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Aquatic macrophytes were sahipled from several ponds south of
Corvallis in continuing studies of nutrient uptake by these plants.
Studies were carried out at Shagawa Lake to evaluate the effect
of container size in in 6-ctm assay experiments. Shagawa Lake water
containing added N and P was used to fill basins of 8-, 80-, and
150,000-gallon capacities. Algal growth was followed for a period
of three weeks to obtain data on the relative validity of assays
performed in isolated environments of greatly different size scales.
The data obtained are now being analyzed.
The Shagawa Lake project was visited by Messrs. Gahler and
Sanvilie from the PNWL to initiate a bottom sediment mapping program
for the lake and to obtain sediment samples for Battelle-Northwest
relating to contract research.
Considerable time and effort were devoted to planning and prepara-
tion for the design of the advanced waste treatment plant at the city
of Ely, Minnesota. Mr. Brice, who is in charge of the Shagawa Lake
Eutrophication Control Project, has been closely involved in the
planning along with AWTRP, FWQA Headquarters, the city of Ely, HUD,
and several consulting engineering firms.
An experimental pool (16' x 16') in Cline's Pond was treated
with aluminum sulfate (alum) in an effort to precipitate algae and
nutrients. Following treatment, secchi disc measurements fluctuated
between 80 and 200 cm. Transparency was almost always greater than
in the pond itself and in the NTA-treated pool, but frequently less
than that in the control pool. The pH of the alum-treated pool
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remained lower than that in the other pools and the pond throughout
the experiment. No sulfide was detected. The numbers of phyto-
plankton decreased in the surface waters after the alum was added,
but there was little change in the phytoplankton population in the
lower water. Total phosphorus at the surface was lower than that in
the pond itself, but not lower than that in the control. Oxygen
was consistently lower in the treated pool than in the control pool
and the pond. The eventual appearance of large numbers of Vapknia.
and tadpoles indicated a lack of toxicity to these animal forms.
They were also found in large quantities in the control pool and the
pond.
Other Activities
Dr. Bartsch, Mr. Maloney, Dr. Powers, and Dr. Malueg met with
other FWQA personnel and representatives of the Food Machinery
Corporation at FWQA Headquarters early in July to discuss the relative
importance of phosphorus and carbon in eutrophication. Mr. Maloney
met with other members of the FWQA Biological Advisory Committee on
July 28-29 in Cincinnati to discuss standardization of biological sampling
methods for incorporation into a methods manual.
Publications and Presentations
"Seasonal Distribution of Phosphorus in Total, Inorganic, and Organic
Fractions of Eutrophic Lake Sediments" by Wildung, Blaylock, Ralston,
and Gahler. Presented at the annual meeting of the Soil Science Society
of America.
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"Effect of Nitrilotriacetic Acid on the Growth and Metabolism of
Estuarine Phytoplankton" by Erickson, S. J., Maloney, T. E., and
J. H. Gentile. JWPCF, 42, 8 {Aug. 1970).
"A Screening Technique for Estimating Copper Toxicity to Estuarine
Phytoplankton" by Erickson, S. J., Lackie, W., and T. E. Maloney.
JWPCF, 42, 8 (Aug. 1970).
Grant and Contract Research
Technical reviews of proposals for research and demonstration
grants, and contracts were provided for the following subjects:
Potential Algal Productivity as Measured by a Turbidostat.
Effect of Phosphorus Removal Processes on Algal Growth
The role of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Eutrophication.
Unicellular Cyanophytes-their Genetics and Viruses
Nutrient Diversion Effects on Eutrophication
Aspects of Phosphate Utilization by Blue-Green Algae
Effect of a Change in Waste Treatment on the Ecosystem of a
Tidal River.
Effect of Herbicides on Fresh Water Algae
The Effect of Hydrocarbon Pollution on the Carbon Dioxide-Water
System.
The Development of an In aaXu. Water Sampler
Eutrophication in Coastal Waters.
Eutrophication in Coastal Waters: Nitrogen as a Controlling
Factor.
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Simulation of Plankton Productivity.
Chemical, Biological, and Geological Studies on Lake Ontario
in Coordination with the International Field Year for the Great
Lakes.
Utilization of Organic Compounds by Algae
Plans for Second Quarter, FY 1971
Experimental data obtained over the past several months relating
to NTA will be composited, analyzed and a report of the findings
prepared. Studies of the metal solubilizing and chelating actions
of NTA in sediments will be continued.
Limnological sampling trips to Waldo Lake and the Albany lakes
as well as a field trip to Upper Klamath Lake to obtain sediment
samples will be made. Analysis of Shagawa Lake sediments will be
conti nued.
The report on the Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, lysimeter study
will be completed and a report on the limnological studies at Waldo
Lake will be initiated. A write-up of a standard "Bottle Test" algal
assay will be started. Increased emphasis will be placed on evaluation
of the continuous-flow algal assay. A project will be initiated to
investigate the role of sediments in the life cycles of green and
blue-green algae.
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NATIONAL WASTE TREATMENT RESEARCH PROGRAM
PAPER & FOREST INDUSTRIES RESEARCH — PPB 1204, 1210, 1301
Status of Activities and Significant Accomplishments
Our cooperative work with Crown Zellerbach Corporation at Lebanon
has been terminated with completion of this R&D project. The final
project report is now in preparation. Crown Zellerbach has prepared,
and submitted for funding, a new proposal making use of the Lebanon
treatment facilities. Objectives sought will be control of fecal
coliform discharges from aerated lagoon treatment facilities through
treatment process modification and manipulation.
In-house bench scale work has continued on a project to determine
the solids, coliform, and color reduction possibilities employing
polymers and flocculants on aerated lagoon effluents in the pulp and
paper industry. Work to date, operating on Halsey mill effluent,
indicates high efficiency removals of color, coliform, and solids
are possible on this waste, employing the synthetic polymer so far
investigated. The economics of treatment are not now a consideration
but will be developed after optimum treatment sequences are realized.
Some preliminary examination of Lebanon effluent has begun and will
be enlarged, with similar objectives in mind. Wastes from Weyerhaeuser
Co. at Springfield and Western Kraft at Albany will also be examined.
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The engineering plans for the Lebanon field project on solids
separation of primary and secondary suspended solids by mechanical
means, have been completed.
PFI and Regional Office representatives met with Duluth
Laboratory, Minnesota Board of Health, and Minnesota Medical School
representatives for further consideration of the fecal coliform problem
related to pulp and paper wastes. Mr. Bauer had earlier correspondence
with Dr. Matson of the Minnesota Medical School concerning means to
determine the public health significance of KlabbioJULa types isolated
from aerated lagoon effluents in the pulp and paper industry. It was
agreed that the confirmatory studies completed on stream samples
would be carried under PPB 1804 and the Duluth Laboratory would guide
the Section V R&D application by the University of Minnesota for funds
to complete this work. Both Mr. Bauer and PFI will be given opportunity
to review the application.
Some time was devoted to preparation of a report on disposal of
bark in Oregon. This was requested by Mr. Klein through Mr. Lacy's
office.
Consulting services on pulp and paper waste treatment were provided
the Atlanta Regional Office and State of Alaska.
Grant and Contract Research Studies
Research and Demonstration grant administration continued to occupy
a significant portion of PFI staff time. Headquarters action on some
grant projects paperwork has been slow. A number of projects are nearing
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completion. A final draft of the project report by the Oregon State
University grant to Professor Burgess of OSU on photographic tracing
techniques for Kraft wastes has been submitted. The Beet Sugar Develop-
ment Foundation at Longmont, Colorado, has completed a final draft
which is presently under review. Mead Corporation, Chillicothe, Ohio,
has completed all pilot test work and is preparing a first draft of
the final report. All R&D projects assigned to PFI in PPB 1204, 1210,
and 1301 received a program review during the quarter.
As we are now processing Section V grants in 1204, 1210, and 1301
at PNWL, basic reviews, approvals, and letters for Washington Office
action were completed on three Section V grants during the quarter.
Plans for Second Quarter, FY 1971
1. Continue in-house bench scale work on flocculants and oolymers
with pulp and paper treated waste effluents from nearby aerated lagoons.
2. Start construction and equipment acquisition for the Lebanon
field pilot project on solids separation.
3. Continue grant reviews and monitoring.
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FOOD WASTES RESEARCH — PPB 1206
30
Status of Activities and Significant Accomplishments
Nearly all of the initial printing, 500 copies, of the Proceed-
ings from the First National Food Waste Symposium were distributed.
The masters were forwarded to Headquarters for entry into the reports
reproduction and distribution system.
Planning has started for a Second Food Waste Research Symposium
with tentative dates of March 23-26, 1971 in Denver, Colorado.
The two bench-top, activated sludge pilot plants which were
being operated for the National Eutrophication Research Program with
and without trisodium nitrilotriacetate (NTA) were stopped at the
end of the quarter.
Robert J. Burm presented a paper titled "The Effect of Turbid,
High Carbohydrate, Sugar Processing Wastes on Tropical Open Sea" at
the Reconvened Session of the 5th International Water Pollution Research
Conference in Honolulu.
The pilot plants at the United Flav-R-Pac cannery in Salem,
Oregon were started in July. In August the RBC pilot plant was
replaced by a larger (1.75 meter discs) and relatively maintenance-
free unit. Results thus far from the aerated lagoon containing the
tube settler are very encouraging. Influent BOD has ranged from
600 to 1740 mg/1 with an average of about 1200. The MLSS of the
lagoon has steadily increased to about 2000 mg/1. BOD reduction
has ranged from 90 to 96 percent and averaged slightly more than
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92 percent. Effluent SS have averaged 56 mg/1 and no sludge has
been intentionally wasted from the system.
Only limited results have been obtained with the new PBC pilot
plant. Based on two sets of data, the BOD has been reduced by
90 percent from an influent of 930 mg/1.
Grant and Contract Research Studies
The following grant proposals and preproposals were reviewed
during the quarter:
1. Anaerobic Trickling Filter Treatment of Food Processing
Wastes.
2. Strainer Separated Activated Sludge System.
3. Study of Waste Treatment Filter Coverings Under U. S.
Patent 3, 176, 845.
4. Biological Treatment of Cucumber Waste.
5. Joint Waste Treatment: City of Holland, Michigan.
6. Anaerobic Treatment of Cannery Wastes.
7. Demonstration of a Process for Economically Converting
Seafood Plant Waste to By-Products.
8. Waste Processing Demonstration Plant.
A contract was awarded to Resource Engineering Associates,
Division of Environmental Research and Applications, Inc., to develop
a State-of-the-Art Study of Water Pollution Control from the Beverage
Industry.
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Current status of monitored grants is as follows:
1. 12060 EUZ "Winery Wastewater--Characterization and Treatment
Widmer's Wine Cellars, Naples, New York. Bids were resubmitted and
the construction contract was awarded. Construction is currently
underway with completion scheduled for December 1970.
2. 12060 EKQ "Kent Cheese Company—Waste Treatment Facility"
Kent Cheese Company, Melrose Park, Illinois. Additional subsurface
aerators were installed in the lagoon to alleviate the anaerobic
conditions which occurred because of organic overload. Both lagoons
are presently aerobic, operating properly and the post construction
studies have begun.
3. 12060 EHS "Cannery Waste Treatment by Lagoons and Oxidation
Ditch" Melbourne Water Science Institute, Melbourne, Victoria,
Australia. Nothing has been heard from Grantee since the field
investigations were terminated last quarter.
4. 12060 EHV "Aerobic Secondary Treatment of Potato Processing
Wastes with Mechanical Aeration" The R. T. French Co., Shelley, Idaho
Work is underway on the first draft of the final report.
5. 12060 DSI "State-of-the-Art, Sugarbeet Processing Waste
Treatment" Beet Sugar Development Foundation, Fort Collins, Colorado.
As yet, the second draft of the final report has not been resubmitted
by Grantee.
6. 12060 ECF "Water Pollution Abatement in the United States
Seafood Industry: State-of-the-Art" Oregon State University,
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Corvallis, Oregon. The Grantee has not yet submitted the final
report master for reproduction.
7. 11060 EZR "Complete Aerobic Treatment of Combined Domestic
and Industrial Wastes with Mechanical Aeration," City of Dallas,
Oregon. Operation of the treatment plant relative to the grant
has terminated. Data evaluation for the final report has started.
8. 12060 EIG "Full-Scale Demonstration and Evaluation of
Potato Dry and Wet Caustic Peeling Processes," Western Potato
Service, Inc., Grand Forks, North Dakota. Evaluation of the
"dry-peel" lines was initiated but Grantee still has only two of
the three lines installed.
9. WP-01486-01 "Status and Research Needs for Potato Waste
Waters," University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. A final
audit has not yet been made.
10. 12060 FAD "Pollution Prevention by Aeration of Fruit
Processing Wastes," Snokist Growers, Yakima, Washington. The final
audit report was received; several questions were raised regarding
certain expenditures and these will have to be resolved before the
project can be closed out.
11. WPD 93-04-68 "Anaerobic-Aerobic Sugar Beet Waste Treatment"
Beet Sugar Development Foundation, Fort Collins, Colorado. No word
has been heard from Grantee regarding the final report.
12. 12060 DXL "Reduction of Salt Content of Food Processing
Liquid Waste Effluent," National Canners Association, Berkeley,
California. The ion exchange pilot plant has been operated with
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varying influent levels of COD, SS, salt content, and pH. It is
now in continuous operation on olive processing wastes to develop
treatment cost figures.
13. 12060 EDK "Production and Disposal Practices for Liquid
Wastes from Canning and Freezing Fruits and Vegetables," National
Canners Association, Berkeley, California. The first draft of the
final report is undergoing major revisions and additions as a result
of a brief review.
14. 12060 EHT "Use of Fungi Imperfecti in Waste Control,"
North Star Research and Development Institute, Minneapolis,
Minnesota. An appendix of data is still being put together. It
is needed before a final audit can be requested.
15. 12060 EDZ "Pilot Plant Installation for Use of Fungi
Imperfecti on Vegetable Wastes," Green Giant Company, LeSueur,
Minnesota. Both pilot plants were operated this season on pea and
corn wastes. Data collection is finished and work is starting on
the final report.
16. 12060 FAK "Concentration of Sugar Beet Wastes for Economic
Treatment with Biological Systems," Beet Sugar Development Foundation,
Fort Collins, Colorado. The second draft of the final report has
been received.
17. 12060 FQE "Dry Caustic Peeling of Tree Fruit to Reduce
Liquid Waste Volume and Strength," National Canners Association,
Berkeley, California. Work has been completed on peeling of apricots
and peaches and is underway on pears. Thus far, the process has
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performed very well both in regard to quality of peeled fruit and
in reduction of SS and COD in the liquid waste stream.
18. 11060 FJQ "Pollution Abatement and By-Product Recovery in
Shellfish and Fisheries Processing—Phase I," City of Kodiak, Alaska.
Considerable progress has been made on the protein recovery process
and on the collection of data and information needed for site
selection as well as waste collection and transportation methods.
19. 12060 FLL "Activated Sludge--Bio-Disc Treatment of Distillery
Wastes," American Distilling Company, Pekin, Illinois. A contract has
been awarded for the construction and placement of the rotating bio-
logical contactor and the general contract is about to be let.
Plans for Second Quarter, FY 1971
1. Continue grant reviewing and monitoring.
2. Continue operation of pilot plants in Salem.
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CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY SERVICES PROGRAM
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
General
The NTA-carbon studies were responsible for a workload increase
by a factor of three. The increased workload was handled by six
temporary employees recruited for this extra effort. The automated
analytical systems were used for analysis of NTA, ammonia nitrogen,
nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, orthophosphate phosphorus, total
soluble phosphorus, total phosphorus after persulfate digestion, and
soluble silica.
Analytical quality control charts have been developed using a
computer program for all constituents that are routinely handled. All
data from analytical quality control books in the various laboratories
were included in producing background information for producing
analytical quality control charts.
A number of changes were made in SHAVES to more effectively handle
this increased workload, especially in the clerical area of checking
on completion of analysis. Changes were also made in alternatives
available in presentation of data in report forms.
The field gas chromatograph for the analysis of C02 was completed;
it is now undergoing laboratory tests and field tests are being planned.
The Technical Programs conducted a waste water survey of a pulp
mill, embarked on a program to gather information from mining operations,
and conducted an intensive monitor program for levels of mercury in a
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variety of water systems in the region. All of the above resulted
in a significant increase in workload. Assistance was also provided
in the analysis of a floated sludge to determine the toxicity DOtential
of the material in water. The floated sludge contained significant
levels of hydrogen sulfide.
Automated Analytical Systems
The automated system has developed into the workhorse in the
production line approach. All six channels were being used almost
continuously. Usually, five people were kept busy to prepare samoles,
read charts, and compute results. The one modification that was made
occurred in the NTA-zinc-zincon analysis where a flowthrough resin
column replaced an addition of resin to the samples. The resin column
reduced the time for sample handling without a noticeable change in
precision or recovery.
Specialized Analysis
The Bouveng, H.O. and Davisson, G. procedure for NTA in waste
waters was used for the analysis of samples preserved with mercuric
chloride and was attempted for analysis of NTA in sea water. Some
success was achieved in the use of the procedure. The number of ex-
tractions required to complete the analysis precludes it from use as
a routine procedure. A flow pattern was set up to determine if the
method could be adapted for use in an automated system. Again in this
case the judgment was that the time necessary to develop this procedure
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in an automated scheme would be excessive. The procedure was relegated
to the status "it would be nice if we had the time to run this."
No more work was done on the colorimetric determination of mercury
because of the sensitivity and reproducibi1ity of the flameless atomic
absorption technique.
The colorimetric determination of arsenic has been refined to
permit analysis at lower levels - down to 5 ygms/1.
In the Graduate Fellowship Program, equipment and systems were
assembled to measure dissolved nitrogen. A number of runs was made
at atmospheric pressure to measure dissolved nitrogen. Work is
proceeding satisfactorily in this program.
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Both atomic absorption spectrophotometers have been used for
increased workloads. Tape, wire, rubber bands, and crossed fingers
have reduced the level of downtime in the instruments.
Analysis of Carbon
The PNWL carbonaceous analyzer is out of service due to a break-
down in infra red detection systems. The total carbon system marketed
by Oceanography International has been shipped and will be tested by
CLS. No word has been heard from the Beckman Company on the contract
that was awarded to them for modification of the carbonaceous analyzer.
Biology and Microbiology
The biological section continues to offer service to the Technical
Programs based in Portland and to NTA studies. The microbiological
section was mainly involved in the NTA-carbon studies.
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A meeting was held at the invitation of Dr. Warren Westgarth
on the chemical analysis of mercury in water samples. The meeting
brought together interested parties in the area who are performing
or interested in performing analysis for mercury in water, waste
water, and allied materials. The meeting produced a forum for an
excellent exchange of ideas.
Areas of Concern
Some time will have to be allocated for a complete check of
electronics in a variety of instruments to insure that breakdown
will not occur. A program of preventive maintenance will be initiated.
Reports and Papers
"Tracing Oil as a Pollutant in Water" was prepared by Nick J.
Malueg and Daniel F. Krawczyk for presentation at the Evangeline
Regional Meeting of the Petroleum Engineers in Lafayette, Louisiana
on November 9-10, 1970.
"Research Needs from the Viewpoint of the Federal Program,
Northwest Region - Analytical Methodology" was prepared by Daniel F.
Krawczyk for presentation at the PNPCA annual meeting to be held at
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on October 23, 1970.
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Plans for Second Quarter, FY 1971
Update all AQC charts for the NTA report. Complete all work
on NTA studies. Provide assistance in producing data for the NTA
report. Concentrate on reducing the backlog. Prepare specification
for computer interface between the technician, autoanalyzer, and
computer to eliminate manual reading of charts.
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TRAINING AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT
Status of Projects and.Significant Accomplishmeats
Direct Training
The following courses were presented during the quarter:
Water Quality Surveys, July 20-24, Corvallis - 26 students.
Marine Pollution Ecology Seminar, July 29-31, Juneau,
Alaska - 45 students;
Marine Pollution Ecology Seminar, August 4-6, Anchorage -
22 students.
Freshwater Biology and Pollution Ecology, September 14-25,
Corvallis - 25 students.
Membrane Filter Techniques Workshop, September 2-3, Boise,
Idaho - 14 students.
Manpower Development
CAMPS meetings were attended in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
The City of Portland has applied for National Contract funds to
continue on-job training of sewage treatment plant operators.
A staff member is meeting with Oregon Apprenticeship personnel
in development of sewage treatment plant operator training under the
apprenticeship program.
A staff member is a member of the Oregon Board of Education
Environmental Services Career Education Advisory Committee. The
Committee will assist in the evaluation of manpower programs in the
environmental field.
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Public Relations
Tours and orientation were provided for 125 people. Films and
slide/tapes were loaned for viewing by 850 people. Over 800 publi-
cations were distributed.
Plans for the Second Quarter, FY 1971
Sewage Treatment Facilities for Federal Installations, October
26-30, Corvallis. Due to heavy advance enrollment in the October
course offering, an additional presentation has been scheduled for
November 2-6, 1970.
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