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Polymer addition as a solution to Nocardia foaming problems
Author(s) -
Shao Y. J.,
Starr Mark,
Kaporis Kosta,
Kim Hi Sang,
Jenkins David
Publication year - 1997
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 - 10.2175/106143097x125146
Subject(s) - clarifier , flocculation , polymer , foaming agent , nocardia , activated sludge , cationic polymerization , alum , waste management , wastewater , materials science , chemical engineering , pulp and paper industry , chemistry , composite material , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , biology , bacteria , porosity , engineering , genetics
In February 1994, The Terminal Island Treatment Plant experienced severe Nocardia foaming problems. Attempts to control foaming, such as lowering the MCRT and foam removal and wasting, met with limited success. In April 1994, a final clarifier cationic polymer injection system was used to combat poor settling activated sludge. After 3 days of polymer addition, foaming was eliminated. The effectiveness of the polymer as a Nocardia foam control agent was verified in subsequent foaming incidents by conducting the full‐scale plant tests presented in this paper. Mechanisms are suggested for the action of the polymer in eliminating Nocardia foam. These include interaction with the foam‐stabilizing surfactants present in the wastewater, and polymer flocculation of dispersed Nocardia filaments into the activated sludge floc.