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The Occurrence of Cyanide Formation in Six Full‐Scale Publicly Owned Treatment Works
Author(s) -
Zheng Anping,
Dzombak David A.,
Luthy Richard G.,
Kavanaugh Michael C.,
Deeb Rula A.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
water environment research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.356
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1554-7531
pISSN - 1061-4303
DOI - 10.2175/106143004x141627
Subject(s) - cyanide , effluent , wastewater , thiocyanate , chlorine , chemistry , sewage treatment , environmental chemistry , environmental science , environmental engineering , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry
This paper presents results from an intensive monitoring program implemented at six full‐scale publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) to investigate the fate and formation of cyanide in wastewater treatment processes, with a focus on chlorination and dechlorination processes. A review of historical monitoring data for cyanide species in these POTWs was also conducted. This POTW monitoring program provided a database for the investigation of cyanide formation in wastewater secondary treatment. Data from participating POTWs showed evidence of cyanide formation in this 1‐year monitoring effort, although the cyanide formation pattern varied significantly from one plant to another and among seasons. Generally, the chlorination of thiocyanate (SCN) seems to be the most important mechanism for the formation of cyanide in wastewater treatment processes, especially in chlorination and dechlorination. This hypothesis is supported by the findings of a related laboratory study of mechanisms of cyanide formation in POTWs. It is recommended that POTWs monitor SCN − in influent and secondary effluent to identify its presence and adjust chlorine dose appropriately.