The purpose of this research was to evaluate and compare various thermophilic anaerobic digestion processes for meeting U.S. EPA biosolids Class A pathogen standards. The project was split into three phases. Phase 1 screened three bench-scale thermophilic anaerobic process configurations at three different thermophilic temperatures based on their fecal coliform destruction efficiency. All three of the thermophilic process configurations tested were capable of achieving the Class A fecal coliform standard and were included in Phase 2. In Phase 2, bench-scale anaerobic digesters were fed primary sludge seeded with E.coli, helminth ova, poliovirus, and Salmonella to evaluate pathogen destruction. Two process configurations, the thermophilic single-stage and the two-stage mesophilic acid-phase/thermophilic methane-phase system, met Class A requirements at 50oC. In Phase 3, the single-stage thermophilic anaerobic digestion process was compared to the single-stage mesophilic process at full scale (1.5-MG digesters) based on fecal coliform and pathogen destruction, process performance, digested sludge dewaterability, and odor generation. Pathogen destruction and process performance comparisons of the various process configurations are presented for each phase of the study. Based on the fecal coliform data presented here, an empirical model was developed for quantitatively comparing multiple stage and single-stage thermophilic anaerobic digester performance. The model demonstrates that various combinations of thermophilic temperatures, staging, and residence times can achieve the Class A fecal coliform requirement. This study also suggests that anaerobic digesters operating in the lower thermophilic temperature range (approximately 50?C) are not only capable of achieving Class A requirements but may also produce digested sludges with less odor and lower volatile solids than digesters operating at higher thermophilic temperatures.

A practical guide to wastewater pathogens The fourth volume in Wiley's Wastewater Microbiology series, Wastewater Pathogens offers wastewater personnel a practical guide that is free of overly technical jargon. Designed especially for operators, the text provides straight facts on the biology of treatment as well as appropriate protective measures. Coverage includes: * An overview of relevant history, hazards, and organisms * Viruses, bacteria, and fungi * Protozoa and helminthes * Ectoparasites and rodents * Aerosols, foam, and sludge * Disease transmission and the body's defenses * Removal, inactivation, and destruction of pathogens * Hygiene measures, protective equipment, and immunizations

Biomethanization of the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Wastes is a comprehensive introduction to both the fundamentals and the more practical aspects of the anaerobic digestion of organic solid wastes, particularly those derived from households, that is, the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (OFMSW). It can be used as a textbook for specialized courses and also as a guide for practitioners. In the first part, the book covers the relevant aspects of anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic wastes. The fundamentals and kinetic aspects of AD are reviewed with particular emphasis on the aspects related to solid wastes. This introduction is necessary to have a comprehensive view of the AD process and to understand the practical principles as well as the origin of possible problems arising from the management of the process. Chapter 2 emphasizes the role of kinetics in designing the reactor, paying special attention to existing models, particularly the dynamic ones. Through this introduction, it is intended to facilitate the technology transfer from laboratory or pilot plant experiences to full-scale process, in order to implement improvements in current digesters. Laboratory methods are described for the analysis and optimization of reactor performance, such as methanogenic activity tests or experimental evaluation of the biodegradation kinetics of solid organic waste. The different reaction patterns applied to industrial reactors are outlined. Industrial reactors are classified in accordance with the system they use, pointing out advantages and limitations. Co-digestion, enabling the co-treatment of organic wastes of different origin in a more economically feasible way, is described in detail. Examples of co-digestion are given, with OFMSW as a base-substrate. Finally, full-scale co-digestion plants are discussed. Various types (mechanical, biological, physico-chemical) of pre-treatment to increase the biodegradability, and thus the yields of the process, are reviewed in detail. The use of the fermentation products of anaerobic digesters for biological nutrient removal processes in wastewater treatment plants is described. This constitutes an example of integrated waste management, a field in which both economic and technical advances can be achieved. Balances are given to justify the approach, and a full-scale case study is presented. The important topic of economics and the ecological advantages of the process are emphasized. The use of compost, the integration with composting technology, and advantages over other technologies are detailed in the framework of an environmental impact assessment of biowaste treatment. Finally, the anaerobic digestion of MSW in landfills is reviewed in detail, with emphasis on landfill process enhancement and strategies for its application.

Intended for advanced students and practitioners of wastewater engineering, this text explains the theory and quantitative rationale for treating wastewater and industrial sludges, with public safety and efficiency in mind. It offers important information on various practices for safe and legal sludge disposal.