System and method for treating wastewater and producing Class A sludge

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for treating wastewater in a manner that minimizes the generation of hazardous and undesirable components. [Solution] A method for producing Class A sludge without requiring disinfectant treatment, comprising: a. obtaining sludge from an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant; b. flowing the sludge into a sedimentation tank; c. supplying microorganisms to the sedimentation tank, the microorganisms being selected to decompose contaminants in the sludge, the microorganisms not being frozen or freeze-dried, thereby allowing the microorganisms to decompose contaminants in the sludge; d. retaining the sludge in the sedimentation tank for a holding period, the holding period being at least 60 days; e. removing the sludge from the holding tank after the holding period, the removed sludge being Class A sludge, thereby ensuring that the sludge is not subjected to a disinfectant process during the holding period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 660,907, filed Apr. 20, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to the treatment of wastewater with biological substances, the treatment of wastewater using systems and methods for performing such treatment, and the production of useful, safe, and environmentally acceptable substances containing liquids from wastewater.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, wastewater treatment systems treat effluents from municipalities, industrial sites, factories, stormwater drainage systems, and other locations where water is contaminated by undesirable substances. As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term "wastewater treatment system" should be given the broadest possible meaning and includes industrial and municipal systems having primary, secondary, or tertiary treatment, as well as combinations and modifications thereof; aerobic, facultative, or anaerobic biological wastewater systems, where aerobic processes include, for example, activated sludge systems, aerobic stabilization basins (ASB), aerated lagoons, once-through lagoon systems, stabilization basins, rotating biological contact reactors, and trickling filters; facultative processes include, for example, facultative lagoons; anaerobic processes include, for example, anaerobic ponds, anaerobic digesters, anaerobic filters, or anaerobic contact devices and anaerobic treatment systems; systems having clarifiers, sedimentation tanks, digesters, activated sludge systems, lagoons, once-through lagoons, and combinations and modifications thereof; systems such as activated sludge systems, rotating disk systems, submerged aerated filters, suspended media filters, sequencing batch reactors, non-electric filters, and trickling filters; and combinations and modifications thereof, as well as other devices for purifying wastewater.

[0004] Wastewater treatment plants can range from a small volume per day, a unit of measurement in terms of flow rate per day, i.e., gallons per day (GPD), to a large volume measured at a flow rate of one million (1,000,000) gallons per day (MGD). The flow rate can be dozens, hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, and hundreds of thousands of GPD. Typically, for urban sites and industrial sites, the wastewater flow rate is in units of million gallons per day (「MGD」), in the range of 1 MGD to 100 MGD, 5 MGD to 50 MGD, about 1 MGD to about 15 MGD, about 5 MGD to about 25 MGD, about 10 MGD to about 40 MGD, about 20 MGD to about 50 MGD, about 25 MGD to about 60 MGD, about 200 MGD to about 300 MGD, higher flow rate ranges and lower flow rate ranges, and all flow rates included in these ranges.

[0005] The capacity or size of a wastewater treatment plant can also be measured in population equivalents (「PE」). PE is a standardization used to measure flow rate and compare flow rates between different treatment plants. PE is a number representing the ratio of the sum of the pollution loads generated by industrial facilities and services over 24 hours to the individual populations in domestic sewage generated by one person in the same time.

Chem.

[0006] Generally, 1 unit of PE is equal to 4 grams of BOD5 per 24 hours. Regarding the flow rate, 1 unit of PE is generally equal to 50 gallons per person per day or 200 liters per person per day. Wastewater treatment plants can have a capacity of 10,000 - 200,000 PE, 50,000 - 100,000 PE, 50,000 - 500,000 PE, 100,000 PE - 2,000,000 (2 mm) PE, 1 mm PE - 4 mm PE, and all capacities included in this range, as well as higher capacities and smaller capacities.

[0007] In general, sludge, excess sludge, or biosolids—terms used synonymously in this specification unless otherwise explicitly stated—are produced by wastewater treatment systems because there are no expensive and sometimes unreliable treatment facilities or processes, such as sludge stabilization equipment. These generally contain undesirable substances that require more costly and environmentally undesirable disposal methods. These processes require significant capital expenditures, have high operating costs with a high carbon footprint, use highly irritating and hazardous substances such as caustic and acidic chemicals, and are subject to other unfavorable requirements. In particular, the aforementioned conventional pH-based systems and other conventional disinfection systems have proven unreliable and undesirable, failing to meet the demand for the production of safe, usable, and economically and environmentally acceptable sludge, as well as other such process-target substances. However, other less capital-intensive forms of modification, such as composting, have the drawback of using fillers such as bark, which can be contaminated with legally regulated feces, making it more difficult to meet fecal standards.

[0008] When used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “inflow” should be given the broadest possible meaning and means (raw (untreated) or partially treated) wastewater or other liquids flowing into a device, system, apparatus, reservoir, pond, treatment system for a treatment process, treatment device, tank, or treatment plant or treatment facility.

[0009] When used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “sludge” should be given the broadest possible meaning and include substances removed from wastewater by wastewater treatment plants. Typically, sludge can have about 0.2% to about 80% solids, about 1% to about 60% solids, about 0.25% to about 0.5% solids, about 2% to about 4% solids, about 50% to about 99% solids, about 5% to about 25% solids, about 5% solids, about 10% solids, about 1% solids, about 10% solids, about 15% solids, more than about 0.5% solids, more than about 2% solids, more than about 5% solids, and combinations and variations thereof, as well as all values ​​that fall within these ranges.

[0010] When used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms “flocculating microorganisms,” “flocculators,” “flocculation,” and similar terms should be given the broadest possible meaning and include a certain group of microorganisms that cause flocculation or flocculation to produce larger clusters or communities of bacteria that function together; including the following flocculating bacteria (saprophytic bacteria): Achromobacter, Flavobacterium, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Zooglea, Acinetobacter, Citromonas; predators: protozoa, rotifers, nematodes, Vorticella, Aspicidica, Paramedium; phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), algae (lagoons).

[0011] Where used herein, unless otherwise stated, room temperature is 25°C. In addition, standard temperature and standard pressure are 25°C and 1 atmosphere.

[0012] Generally, unless otherwise specified, the term “approximately” as used herein means to include ±10% variance or range, experimental error, or instrument error associated with the specified value obtained, preferably the larger of these values.

[0013] When used herein, unless otherwise specified, references to ranges of values ​​herein are intended simply as a concise way of referring individually to each distinct value that falls within a range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each distinct value that falls within a range is incorporated herein as if it were referred to individually.

[0014] This background art section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art that may be associated with embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the above discussion in this section provides a framework for a deeper understanding of the present invention and should not be interpreted as a recognition of prior art. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0015] For many years, there has been a need for the development of methods and apparatus for treating wastewater in a way that minimizes the generation of hazardous and undesirable components. The present invention addresses this need in particular by providing compositions, materials, products, devices and processes taught, disclosed and claimed herein.

[0016] In a wastewater treatment system having wastewater inflow containing pollutants, the wastewater treatment system comprises a first treatment device, a second treatment device, and a third treatment device, wherein wastewater flows from the first treatment device through the second treatment device to the third treatment device; and a plurality of microorganisms are supplied to the wastewater treatment system at a controlled predetermined input rate, the microorganisms are selected to remove pollutants from the wastewater, and the plurality of microorganisms are approximately 10 3 cfu / ml~10 40A method is provided for controlling the age of microorganisms in the treatment of influent wastewater, comprising: containing cfu / ml, the microorganisms not being frozen or freeze-dried, and having a D50 age of less than 14 days; the input rate maintaining the D50 age of microorganisms in the wastewater in the wastewater treatment system at less than 20 days; thereby reducing pollutants in the wastewater and producing an effluent having pollutants reduced by at least about 90% as measured by DOD and TSS.

[0017] Furthermore, the methods, systems, and processes provided have one or more of the following characteristics: the wastewater treatment plant has a treatment capacity (processing volume) of about 5 MGD to about 40 MGD; the wastewater treatment plant has a treatment capacity of about 20 MGD to about 100 MGD; the wastewater treatment plant has a treatment capacity of more than 10 MGD; the wastewater treatment plant has a treatment capacity of more than 100 MGD; microorganisms are supplied to a second treatment device; microorganisms are supplied to a third treatment device; microorganisms are supplied to the second and third treatment devices; and the input rate is the cumulative input rate at each treatment device.

[0018] Furthermore, methods, systems, and treatments are provided having one or more of the following features: a wastewater treatment plant having a treatment capacity of about 200 MGD to about 300 MGD; comprising a fourth treatment device; the first treatment device comprising a screen and a grit chamber, thereby removing large particles, plastics, and gravel from the wastewater; the second treatment device comprising a reservoir; the third treatment device comprising a settling tank, through which a return flow containing activated sludge flows to the second treatment device and effluent flows from the third treatment device; and the fourth treatment device comprising a holding tank, through which sludge from the third treatment device flows to the fourth treatment device and the sludge is concentrated.

[0019] Furthermore, these methods, systems, and processes are provided having one or more of the following characteristics: microorganisms are supplied to a second processing device; microorganisms are supplied to a third processing device; microorganisms are supplied to the second and third processing devices; the input rate is the cumulative input rate at each processing device; the sludge has fecal coliform levels of less than 1,000 most probable numbers (MPNs) per gram of total evaporation residue (dry weight) and less than 3 MPNs of Salmonella sp. per 4 grams of total evaporation residue (dry weight); a second dose of microorganisms is supplied to a fourth processing device; and the second device does not have supplied oxygen.

[0020] Furthermore, a method is provided for producing Class A sludge without requiring disinfectant treatment, comprising: obtaining sludge from an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant; flowing the sludge into a sedimentation tank; supplying microorganisms to the sedimentation tank, the microorganisms being selected to decompose contaminants in the sludge, the microorganisms not being frozen or freeze-dried, thereby allowing the microorganisms to decompose contaminants in the sludge; retaining the sludge in the sedimentation tank for a retention period, the retention period being at least 60 days; and removing the sludge from the retention tank after the retention period, the removed sludge being Class A sludge, thereby ensuring that the sludge is not subjected to a disinfectant process during the retention period.

[0021] Furthermore, in a wastewater treatment system having wastewater inflow containing pollutants, the wastewater treatment system comprises a first treatment device, a second treatment device, and a third treatment device, wherein wastewater flows from the first treatment device through the second treatment device to the third treatment device; and a plurality of microorganisms are supplied to the wastewater treatment system at a controlled predetermined input rate, the microorganisms being selected to remove pollutants from the wastewater, and the plurality of microorganisms are approximately 10 3 cfu / ml~10 13A method is provided for controlling the age of microorganisms in the treatment of influent wastewater, comprising: containing cfu / ml, the microorganisms not being frozen or freeze-dried, and having a D50 age of less than 2 days; the input rate maintaining the D50 age of microorganisms in the wastewater in the wastewater treatment system at less than 4 days; thereby reducing pollutants in the wastewater and producing an effluent having pollutants reduced by at least about 90% as measured by DOD and TSS.

[0022] In addition, in a wastewater treatment system having wastewater inflow containing pollutants, the wastewater treatment system comprises a first treatment device, a second treatment device, and a third treatment device, wherein wastewater flows from the first treatment device through the second treatment device to the third treatment device; and multiple microorganisms are supplied to the wastewater treatment system at a controlled predetermined input rate, the microorganisms are selected to remove pollutants from the wastewater, and the multiple microorganisms are approximately 10 3 cfu / ml~10 13 A method is provided for controlling the age of microorganisms in the treatment of influent wastewater, comprising: containing cfu / ml, ensuring that the microorganisms are not frozen or freeze-dried and have an average age of less than 10 days; maintaining an input rate that keeps the average age of microorganisms in the wastewater of the wastewater treatment system at less than 20 days; thereby reducing pollutants in the wastewater and producing effluent with pollutants reduced by at least about 90% as measured by DOD and TSS.

[0023] Furthermore, a method is provided for producing pathogen-free sludge directly from wastewater without disinfectant posttreatment, comprising: incorporating young microorganisms into activated sludge; maintaining the age of the incorporated microorganisms in the activated sludge below a predetermined age; removing solid matter from the activated sludge so that the removed solid matter contains at least a portion of the incorporated microorganisms; and supplying further young microorganisms to the removed solid matter and retaining the removed solid matter for a period of 30 to 160 days, thereby obtaining clean sludge with less than 0.1 MPN / ml of Salmonella.

[0024] Furthermore, these methods, systems, and processes are provided having one or more of the following characteristics: the clean sludge has less than 10 MPN / mL fecal coliform; the clean sludge has less than 5 MPN / mL fecal coliform; the clean sludge has less than 2 MPN / mL fecal coliform; the clean sludge has less than 1.5 MPN / mL fecal coliform; the clean sludge has less than 1 MPN / mL fecal coliform; the clean sludge has less than 0.5 MPN / mL fecal coliform; whereby, clean sludge having less than 5 MPN / ml Salmonella is obtained; whereby, clean sludge having less than 1 MPN / ml Salmonella is obtained; whereby, clean sludge having less than 0.01 MPN / ml Salmonella is obtained; the clean sludge has less than 2 MPN / infectious unit 4 dry weight grams of culturable and cytopathic enterovirus; the clean sludge is free of heavy metals; the clean sludge is essentially free of heavy metals.

[0025] Furthermore, these systems and methods for wastewater treatment are provided having one or more of the following characteristics: reduction in the volume of the generated waste; reduction in the mass of the generated waste; conditioning of the waste for removal of pathogens from the generated waste; stabilization of the waste for removal of pathogens from the product waste; conditioning, stabilization, and both of these for removal of pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli; improved freedom regarding disposal of the waste; and, reduced cost regarding disposal of the waste.

[0026] Furthermore, these systems and methods for wastewater treatment are provided having one or more of the following characteristics: when the microorganisms are supplied as part of a liquid, the liquid containing the liquid-state microorganisms is about 10 2 cfu / ml to 10 13 cfu / ml, 10 3 cfu / ml to 10 8cfu / ml, 10 6 cfu / ml~10 8 cfu / ml, 10 7 cfu / ml~10 11 cfu / ml, 10 3 cfu / ml or more, 10 8 cfu / ml or more, 10 9 More than cfu / ml and approximately 10 5 cfu / ml ~ approximately 10 13 cfu / ml, approximately 10 6 cfu / ml ~ approximately 10 12 cfu / ml, approximately 10 8 cfu / ml~10 12 It may have. Approximately 10 -11 g / ml of microorganisms ~ approximately 10 -1 g / ml of microorganisms, approximately 10 -8 g / ml of microorganisms ~ approximately 10 -2 g / ml microorganisms and about 10 -4 g / ml of microorganisms ~ approximately 10 -1 A liquid containing microorganisms, with a microorganism content of g / ml. These calculations assume that 1 gram of dry weight of microorganisms is equivalent to 10 -13 This is based on the equivalent value in cfu / mL, and for larger microorganisms, these weights can range from more than 10 times to more than 100 times and more than 1000 times, while for smaller microorganisms, it is 10 -1 ~10 -2 , 10 -1 ~10 -3 It may have a range of possibilities.

[0027] Furthermore, these systems and methods for wastewater treatment are provided, having one or more of the following features for handling solids generated by the wastewater treatment process: reduction of the volume of generated waste; reduction of the mass of generated waste; conditioning of waste for the removal of pathogens from generated waste; stabilization of waste for the removal of pathogens from product waste; conditioning, stabilization, and both for the removal of pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli; improved flexibility in waste disposal; and reduced costs in waste disposal.

[0028] Furthermore, these systems and methods for wastewater treatment are provided, having one or more of the following features for handling excess solids generated by the wastewater treatment process: reduction of the volume of generated waste; reduction of the mass of generated waste; conditioning of waste for the removal of pathogens from generated waste; stabilization of waste for the removal of pathogens from product waste; conditioning, stabilization, or both for the removal of pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli; improved flexibility in waste disposal; and reduced costs in waste disposal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This graph shows the determination of the age of microorganisms in days used in one embodiment of the system and method according to the present invention.

[0030] [Figure 2] This chart illustrates embodiments of sludge types obtained by embodiments of the system and method according to the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a wastewater treatment plant in which an embodiment of the system and method is implemented according to the present invention.

[0032] [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a wastewater treatment plant in which an embodiment of the system and method is implemented according to the present invention.

[0033] [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a wastewater treatment plant in which an embodiment of the system and method is implemented according to the present invention.

[0034] [Figure 6] This graph shows the generation of solid matter by the processing plant according to the present invention.

[0035] [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the generation of biosolids correlated with F:M according to the present invention.

[0036] [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the daily sludge generation process according to the present invention.

[0037] [Figure 9] This figure shows the lbs of discarded VSS per lb of removed BOD, compared to F:M according to the present invention.

[0038] [Figure 10] This figure shows the lbs of discarded VSS per lb of removed BOD, compared to F:M according to the present invention.

[0039] [Figure 11] This figure shows the lbs of discarded VSS per lb of removed BOD, compared to F:M according to the present invention.

[0040] [Figure 12] This figure shows the lbs of discarded VSS per lb of removed BOD, compared to F:M according to the present invention.

[0041] [Figure 13] This figure shows the lbs of discarded VSS per lb of removed BOD, compared to F:M according to the present invention.

[0042] [Figure 14] This is a graph showing the characteristics of sludge and runoff according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Generally, the present invention relates to systems, apparatus, and processes for treating wastewater that reduce the amount of pollutants generated and discharged by wastewater treatment plants. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention relate to the treatment of wastewater with biomaterials, systems and methods for carrying out such treatment, and the generation of useful, safe, and environmentally acceptable liquid-containing substances from wastewater. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide sludge in which pollutants are significantly reduced, including significantly reduced pathogens of environmental concern, and as a result can be applied directly to fields for agricultural purposes.

[0044] Although this specification primarily focuses on urban wastewater treatment plants, the present invention is not limited to urban wastewater treatment plants. Embodiments of the systems and methods described herein are useful, applicable, and beneficial to industrial wastewater treatment plants, such as those in the paper industry, mining, commercial (factory) farms, and livestock facilities.

[0045] It has been found that the use of microorganisms for wastewater treatment in wastewater treatment plants can be significantly enhanced by using young microorganisms and maintaining a youthful microbial population in the treated wastewater. "Young" or "youthful" means that the average age of the microorganisms supplied to the wastewater treatment system is less than 3 weeks, less than 2 weeks, less than 5 days, less than 2 days, less than 1 day, less than 12 hours, and combinations and variations thereof, as well as all ages within these ranges. To maintain the population at this age level, microorganisms should be young when supplied and should be supplied to the wastewater being treated in the wastewater treatment plant on a regular and periodic basis.

[0046] For activated sludge systems, the mean cell residence time ("MCRT") is equal to the excess sludge mass / the total sludge mass in the system. In embodiments of the system and method, the mean age of microorganisms may be 25% less than the MCRT, 35% less than the MCRT, or less than 50% of the MCRT. In some embodiments, the D50 age of the supplied microorganisms is at least 1 day shorter than the MCRT, at least 5 days shorter than the MCRT, and at least 15 days shorter than the MCRT. In some embodiments, the mean age, D50 age, or both of these of the supplied microorganisms are shorter than the MCRT, at least 1 day shorter than the MCRT, at least 5 days shorter than the MCRT, and at least 15 days shorter than the MCRT.

[0047] With respect to activated sludge systems, the solids retention time ("STR") can have two different meanings. STR can be used as a synonym for MCRT and therefore has the same meaning. STR may also be used to refer to the load of solids into the aeration tank divided by the mass under aeration conditions, but such a load of solids is referred to herein as STR-a for clarity. In embodiments of the system and method, the average age of microorganisms may be 25% shorter than STR-a, 35% shorter than STR-a, or less than 50% of STR-a. In some embodiments, the D50 age of the supplied microorganisms is at least 1 day shorter than STR-a, at least 5 days shorter than STR-a, and at least 15 days shorter than STR-a. In some embodiments, the average age of the supplied microorganisms, the D50 age, or both are shorter than STR-a, at least 1 day shorter than STR-a, at least 5 days shorter than STR-a, and at least 15 days shorter than STR-a.

[0048] For single-pass lagoons, MCRT is equal to the hydrostatic residence time ("HRT") because there is no recycling. In embodiments of these systems, young microorganisms are supplied periodically, by a predetermined method, continuously, and in combination and modified forms thereof. In several embodiments, the age of the microorganisms (mean age or D50 age) is less than MCRT. In one embodiment, the age of the microorganisms D50 is less than MCRT.

[0049] The above-mentioned age of microorganisms refers to the age of the total number of microorganisms supplied to the wastewater treatment system, but a preferred method is to monitor these systems to measure or focus on the age of flocculators or flocculating microorganisms. The above embodiments of the age of microorganisms involved in the wastewater system (e.g., average age shorter than MCRT) apply in exactly the same way to flocculators in several embodiments (e.g., average age of flocculators is shorter than MCRT).

[0050] One advantage of maintaining a young flocculator population is that natural flocculation allows for the separation of biomass in the clarifier before the discharge of the clarified effluent. The reliability of this process varies depending on the age of the sludge or mean cell residence time, the type of process, the wastewater, aeration, and several other environmental factors. However, this embodiment, with an increased amount of flocculators, especially young flocculators, recognizes the aforementioned benefits for almost all wastewater systems.

[0051] Due to the cross-linking between particles by these filaments, in cases where flocs do not settle or zooglare bulking occurs, the mere buoyancy of this "non-fibrous" bulking agent is overwhelming, or it can cause population imbalances and lead to events known as bulking or fibrous bulking, which can occur even at low levels without harming the process, such as Nocardia, Microthrix, and fibrous bacteria including unidentified fibrous microorganisms such as 0041 and 0675.

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention can replace membrane separation systems using membranes with pore sizes smaller than microorganisms or less than 0.2 microns, typically 0.02 microns, as a processing technology to eliminate the need for good flocculation and sedimentation of biomass, thereby reducing the number or cost and eliminating the need for such systems. Many of these systems are expensive to operate and are not widely implemented.

[0053] One embodiment of a method for counting flocculators, using a special medium available from Advanced Biofermentation Services Inc., Fleming Island, Florida, 32003 USA. This allows for comprehensive tracking of flocculatory populations in specific Gram-negative bacteria, which have been shown to be good indicators of the villi health of the biomass and therefore its ability to settle adequately. When the count in this medium exceeds 20,000–100,000 cfu / g, flocculation is generally good, and the sedimentation volume index (SVI) is less than 60–100 mL / g. Generally, an SVI of 100 mL / g is considered good settled sludge or settled biomass. When this population is less than 20,000 cfu / mL or less than 20,000 cfu / g, the biomass population is unbalanced, insufficiently healthy, and generally has poor settling characteristics dominated by fibrous microorganisms. The supply of liquid microorganisms in the quantities described in this application maintains a healthy, for example, youthful flocculator population, thereby restoring flocculation that results in good biomass integrity, floc structure, and SVI of less than 100 mL / g.

[0054] In several embodiments, microorganisms that undergo a high growth rate, doubling every 30 to 60 minutes, are supplied, and therefore, in practice, these microorganisms are several hours old, less than 1 hour old, or less than 8 hours old at the time of supply, and thereafter their age depends on the MCRT. In embodiments in which microorganisms exhibit a slower growth rate, such as nitrifying bacteria that can only reproduce every 8 to 10 days and other microorganisms that can only reproduce every 45 to 90 minutes, the microorganisms are preferably supplied at their youngest age (D50 or average age), and thereafter their age depends on the MCRT.

[0055] Therefore, for example, if microorganisms are supplied to a treatment pond in a single-pass continuous lagoon having an average retention time (MCRT) of wastewater, X, and a flow-through rate (MGD), the microorganisms must be supplied at a rate sufficient to maintain the average daily age of the microbial population in the pond at a youthful level, as the microorganisms are carried out of the pond by activated sludge recycling, wastewater, and both. In an activated sludge plant, biomass is recycled, and therefore the average MCRT requires a calculation based on the mass measured as suspended solids or more generally as volatile suspended solids in the biological system, divided by the mass intentionally discarded as excess activated sludge (WAS), or the mass unintentionally discarded in the final effluent as total suspended solids or total volatile suspended solids.

[0056] In addition to the average age of microorganisms, the age of microorganisms can also be based on the D50 assessment. As shown in Figure 1, the D10, D50, and D90 values ​​of the age of microorganisms supplied to wastewater are shown. D50 is a value that represents the age of microorganisms that constitute 50% of the cumulative population in the general age distribution of a given population.

[0057] Accordingly, in some embodiments of the present invention, the D10 age of a population of microorganisms supplied to a particular processing device may be less than two weeks, less than one week, less than 12 hours, less than one hour of age, and combinations and variations of these ages, as well as all ages that fall within this range, and greater and smaller values.

[0058] In other embodiments, while young microorganisms are still supplied to the system, the average age of the biomass is maintained at or near the age of MCRT so that it has older biomass. In these embodiments, flocculation is preferably controlled by supplied microorganisms (theorized particularly in the supply of young microorganisms) that are predominantly competitive with other microorganisms in the system that cause problems with flocculation (i.e., loss of floc structure and becoming fibrous).

[0059] Therefore, in several embodiments, the biomass may be as old as possible. For example, in activated sludge, y is generally approximately > 5 days (however, some pure oxygen injections act for ~2 days), and generally the population age is < 25 to 30 days, at which point the flocculation structure is lost and it becomes fibrous. Younger microorganisms supplied to the system, e.g., less than 48 hours old, less than 24 hours old, less than 12 hours old, change the average age of the surviving population, D10, D50, or all of these, to less than 5 days, and thus make the process more active, for example, by analogy, younger microorganisms consume more food than older microorganisms.

[0060] In one embodiment, younger microorganisms are supplied in an on-site fermentation system at the peak of the growth curve. Such supply of younger microorganisms occurs when the growth curves of these microorganisms in the system begin to flatten out.

[0061] In several embodiments, pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Enterococcus, helminth eggs, and enteric viruses are reduced in wastewater, sludge, and both, by the presence of young microorganisms.

[0062] Therefore, in embodiments of the present invention, the D90 age of the microbial population supplied to a particular processing device may be less than 5 weeks, less than 4 weeks, less than 3 weeks, about 1 week, less than 2 days, about 5 weeks to 1 day, as well as greater and smaller values, and all values ​​that fall within these ranges.

[0063] Therefore, in embodiments of the present invention, the D50 age, average age, or both of these of the population of microorganisms supplied to a particular processing device may be approximately 3 weeks, approximately 2 weeks, approximately 1 week, approximately 5 days, approximately 2 days, approximately 1 day, approximately 12 hours, approximately 5 weeks to approximately 12 hours, approximately 2 weeks to approximately 1 day, approximately 1 week to approximately 12 hours, approximately 2 days to approximately 12 hours, as well as greater and smaller values, and all values ​​that fall within these ranges.

[0064] Preferably, the population of microorganisms supplied within a specific treatment device in a wastewater treatment system has one or more of the above D10, D50, and D90 values.

[0065] The treatment device or treatment system to which microorganisms are supplied may be an activated sludge system, a return activated sludge (RAS) pipeline, an anaerobic or oxygen-free zone, a single-pass lagoon, a holding tank, a primary or secondary clarifier, a clarifier, a fixed membrane system, a film-based system, an aerobic or anaerobic digester, an anaerobic system, and combinations and modifications thereof, as well as other systems that may be developed based on the teachings herein.

[0066] In one embodiment, microorganisms can be supplied to a collection system or collection network, such as a wastewater collection system, wet well, relay station, collection device, or collection reservoir. In this way, the load of pollutants is reduced using multiple application points before the wastewater proceeds to the treatment device or treatment network.

[0067] In one embodiment, microorganisms are supplied to both a processing device and a collection device, collection network, or network.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microorganisms have not been frozen or freeze-dried. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microorganisms have not been frozen or freeze-dried and are in a liquid state. In a preferred embodiment, the microorganisms may be in a liquid state and can be supplied to the treatment device within 48 hours of the peak of the growth curve, for example, just before or when the growth rate begins to gradually decrease. Generally, embodiments and methods for treating wastewater, sludge, and both thereof with microorganisms described herein are preferable in which the microorganisms have not been frozen and freeze-dried, have never been frozen and freeze-dried, or contain or are treated with preservatives.

[0069] Therefore, the microorganisms are grown to treatment capacity on-site at the wastewater treatment plant, or grown at a nearby facility in the area and then transported alive to the site. In several embodiments, the microorganisms can be stored and shipped over periods of 48 hours to 7 days, up to 10 days, up to 14 days, all assumed times within this range, as well as earlier and longer periods. The microorganisms in liquid state can be concentrated for transport and, if necessary, diluted later for on-site application. Using the microorganisms, methods and systems taught and disclosed in U.S. Patents 9,409,803 and 7,879,593, the microorganisms can be grown and treatment capacity can be obtained, and the entirety of each of these disclosures is incorporated herein by reference. The microorganisms can also be supplied directly to the treatment device, or directly to the flow line, device, recycling line or other inflow line supplying the flow into the treatment device.

[0070] In several embodiments of the present invention, sludge containing a young microbial population of the method, generated from wastewater treatment, can be retained in a retention device for a certain retention period, the retention device may be a tank, reservoir, clarifier, pond, or other device. During the retention period, the supplied microbial population, which is young and meets the age requirements of the present invention (e.g., less than 2 weeks old, less than 1 week old, less than 5 days old, less than 2 days old, less than 1 day old, etc.), is theorized to continue digesting contaminants, including pathogens. Therefore, by retaining sludge over periods of at least approximately 30 days, at least approximately 60 days, at least approximately 90 days, at least approximately 120 days, approximately 30 days, approximately 60 days, approximately 90 days, approximately 30 to approximately 120 days, approximately 45 to approximately 100 days, approximately 60 to approximately 100 days, approximately 60 to approximately 150 days, approximately 30 to approximately 120 days, as well as larger and smaller values, and all values ​​included within these ranges, the sludge extracted from the device could be found to be essentially pathogen-free. Therefore, the sludge is considered to be Class A sludge under the US EPA regulations (40 Title, Section 503 (2017)), which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The sludge can be applied directly to the surface of fields and crops in a lawful and effective manner, and these crops can be used for human and animal consumption or sold directly to the public without any risk or danger to humans or animals from the consumption of such treated crops. Embodiments of the method using young microorganisms provide essentially pathogen-free Class A sludge as defined in the table in Figure 2. In an undesirable embodiment, the sludge produced by the method is Class B sludge as defined in the table in Figure 2.

[0071] During these retention times or periods, It is theorized that the supplied microorganisms compete with pathogens for food, halting their growth and survival, and thus resulting in the death and reduction of pathogens in the sludge. Pathogen reduction can be measured directly, such as by measuring E. coli, or by indicator organisms such as Enterococcus, which can be used to identify possible pathogen contamination. The pathogens to be reduced or eliminated may be those shown in Figure 2, which are pathogens that need to reach Class A sludge and are currently or will be designated by regulatory bodies as harmful, undesirable, or dangerous, and the organic levels of such pathogens in the sludge should be monitored, or if not, regulated.

[0072] The Class A and Class B sludges provided by embodiments of the present invention may have low heavy metal concentrations, preferably low heavy metal concentrations, and must demonstrate specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) or VSS reduction, and must meet other regulations or standards such as vector attraction.

[0073] Embodiments of the present method using young microorganisms provide sludge free of potentially toxic elements ("PTE") for use on land, grasslands, and crops, as described in Section 6 of Appendix E of the priority document U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 660,907, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. "Potentially PTE-free" means that the level of PTE is below the level required by regulatory authorities for use on land, grasslands, or crops, although a minimum amount of PTE may be present. The PTE levels in Section 6 of Appendix E are obtained by embodiments of the present invention without requiring or using any part or all of the sludge treatment processes described in Section 4 of Appendix E, or any other further treatments or processes such as further downstream treatments, sterilization processes, sterilization procedures, or sterilization equipment, including sterilization processes, procedures, or equipment, such as a BCR process for compounding hypochlorite as a biocide using lime stabilization, composting, thermophilic digestion, heat drying, e.g., caustic and acidic treatments. Sludge can be applied directly, lawfully and effectively, to fields and crop surfaces, and these crops can be used for human and animal consumption without any risk or danger to humans or animals from the consumption of crops treated in this manner. Soil treated in this manner also falls within the limits set out in Appendix E, Articles 7, 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3.

[0074] In one embodiment, sludge treated using the youthful microbial process of the present invention satisfies all the requirements for the safe use of sludge described in Appendix F of the priority document U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 660,907, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and forms part of this specification. Preferably, embodiments of the system provide this safe or clean sludge without the need for or use of further treatments or processing that can be considered post-treatments, such as disinfection processes, procedures or equipment, including, for example, a BCR process for compounding hypochlorite as a biocide using lime stabilization, composting, thermophilic digestion, heat drying, e.g., caustic and acidic treatment, or further downstream treatments, including processes described in pasteurization, anaerobic mesothermic digestion, aerobic thermophilic digestion, thermophilic (Cambi) or mechanical (Kady Mill) hydrolysis processes, ozone treatment and pH-based (acidic or caustic) treatment. In multiple embodiments, the system provides this safe or clean sludge using post-treatment steps that are reduced in number, faster, less expensive, and one or more of these steps. Thus, the system can reduce, minimize, and eliminate the need for one or more of these post-treatment or further steps.

[0075] When treating sludge to obtain essentially PTE-free sludge, Class A sludge, or other sludge with a safe and effective level of biosolids, the microbial input rate can be approximately 50 to 500 gallons, approximately 100 gallons, approximately 200 gallons, approximately 300 gallons, approximately 50 to 600 gallons per week, as well as larger and smaller amounts (particularly depending on the size of the system and the load on the system), and all values ​​within these ranges. Furthermore, preferably, young microorganisms are supplied to the activated sludge system before the sludge is removed to a holding container such as a digester, and the sludge in the digester is then treated preferably by young microorganisms using a microorganism input rate that can be about 50 to 500 gallons, about 100 gallons, about 200 gallons, about 300 gallons, about 50 to 600 gallons per week, and more or less (particularly depending on the size of the system and the load on the system), and all values ​​within these ranges. The input rates for the activated sludge and the digester may be the same or different, and they may be supplied simultaneously or at different times, or periodically or continuously. The supply rate may be changed during the process.

[0076] In general, with respect to various embodiments of the methods and processes disclosed herein, the concentration or amount of microorganisms in the input liquid may vary over the range required to satisfy the system requirements. For example, the liquid containing microorganisms may vary over about 10 2 cfu / ml~10 13 cfu / ml, 10 3 cfu / ml~10 8 cfu / ml, 10 6 cfu / ml~10 8 cfu / ml, 10 7 cfu / ml~10 11 cfu / ml, 10 3 cfu / ml or more, 10 8 cfu / ml or more, 10 9 More than cfu / ml and approximately 10 5 cfu / ml ~ approximately 1013 cfu / ml, approximately 10 6 cfu / ml ~ approximately 10 12 cfu / ml, 10 8 cfu / ml~10 12 It may have. A liquid containing microorganisms is about 10 -11 g / ml of microorganisms ~ approximately 10 -1 g / ml of microorganisms, approximately 10 -8 g / ml of microorganisms ~ approximately 10 -2 g / ml microorganisms and about 10 -4 g / ml of microorganisms ~ approximately 10 -1 It contains g / ml of microorganisms. These calculations are based on 10 g / ml of microorganisms per dry weight gram. -13 This is based on the equivalent value in cfu / mL, and for larger microorganisms, these weights can range from more than 10 times to more than 100 times and more than 1000 times, or for smaller microorganisms, 10 -1 ~10 -2 10 -3 It has a range.

[0077] In one embodiment, the use of microorganisms, preferably young microorganisms, in the digester improves the settling properties of anaerobic sludge, thereby allowing more water to be decanted. The microorganisms may be aerobic, facultative, or anaerobic to improve settling properties for the purpose of decantation, and to allow for longer retention and dewatering to reduce costs. The retention time can be extended by 5%, 10%, or 20% or more compared to the retention time for the digester before using this young microorganism treatment. A further benefit of this system is that the capital expenditure can be significantly reduced by having a longer retention time, thereby reducing the need to construct additional tanks. Thus, the retention time can be extended, for example, from 30 days (before treatment by this method) to 90-120 days (when using this method). In this way, the retention time can generally be extended by two, three, and four times or more.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, young microorganisms that have not been frozen or freeze-dried are supplied to a holding device, transfer tank, or digester that holds sludge. This second dose of young microorganisms may be supplied to sludge produced using the present method or to sludge produced using a conventional method. Class A sludge is produced after a holding time.

[0079] Preferably, in one embodiment of the sludge treatment process, the microorganisms are in liquid form and supplied within 48 hours after their growth rate begins to gradually decrease from the peak of the growth curve.

[0080] The following examples are provided to illustrate various embodiments of the system and method of the present invention. These examples are for illustrative purposes only, but may also be speculative and should not be construed as limiting, and in any case not limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0081] Example 1

[0082] In a wastewater treatment plant that supplies a certain treatment volume of young microorganisms to an activated sludge system, the biosolids or excess activated sludge are withdrawn from the activated sludge system, which then undergoes a 30-90 day retention period in an aerated holding tank, followed by a transfer to a tank for 60-90 days, where the tank is mixed and aerated for 8-48 hours once or twice a week to promote nitrification, and then, when the nitrates are depleted, denitrification occurs during a non-aerated facultative digestion stage. The microorganisms were liquid while present in the activated sludge system, not freeze-dried or frozen, and had an average age of less than 60 days. The excess activated sludge was agitated after a retention period of approximately 90 days and had the characteristics described in Table 1.

[0083] [Table 1]

[0084] Sludge containing infectious pathogens in amounts below all legal limits and below the detection limits of standard tests was obtained by natural means, without the need for or use of any further downstream treatment, such as disinfection processes, procedures, or equipment, including stabilization with lime, composting, thermophilic digestion, heat drying, and a BCR process for compounding hypochlorite as a biocide using, for example, caustic and acidic treatment. In this embodiment, the savings from eliminating further treatment of the biosolids and the operation and maintenance of the equipment exceed $100-$200,000+ per year for the treatment of plant wastewater flow rates of approximately 0.6-1 MGD. Furthermore, the disposal of any biosolids is postponed for more than six months. The process is theorized to be able to continue for up to 12 months of continuous operation without disposing of any Class A biosolids, or even beyond 12 months. The biosolids can be retained for as long as desired to reduce disposal costs in all applications.

[0085] Example 1A

[0086] In one embodiment, the treatment process of Example 1 obtains EPA-standard Class B biosolids directly from the aeration tank without further treatment, in order to prevent the growth of pathogens of environmental concern due to competition among treatment batch microorganisms. In many cases, directly generating Class B biosolids that are essentially pathogen-free, clean Class B biosolids for pathogen-containing sludge, and combinations and variations thereof from the aeration tank has significant economic benefits by eliminating all downstream treatments of biosolids, such as aerobic or anaerobic digestion, dewatering processes using chemicals such as polymers, etc. The costs of the processes listed later account for 20-40% of the operating costs of the wastewater treatment system.

[0087] Example 1B

[0088] An embodiment of Example 1, in which the activated sludge system has an MCRT of approximately 10 to 30 days, and the retention time in the transfer tank (with mixing and aeration once or twice a week) is approximately 30 to 120 days.

[0089] Example 1C

[0090] Embodiment of Example 1, wherein the activated sludge system has an MCRT of approximately 10-20 days, and the retention time in the transfer tank (with mixing and aeration once or twice a week) is approximately 60-120 days.

[0091] Example 1D

[0092] An embodiment of Example 1, wherein the activated sludge system has an MCRT of approximately 30 to 45 days, and the retention time in the transfer tank (with mixing and aeration once or twice a week) is approximately 30 to 120 days, preferably less than 90 days.

[0093] Example 2

[0094] Embodiments of the sludge produced by this method are essentially pathogen-free and have the detailed features described in Appendix C of the priority document U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 660,907, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. These data demonstrate the reduction of pathogens or infectious agents in the sludge at various points during wastewater treatment using this method. The data shown below in Table 2 demonstrates a dramatic reduction in pathogens from the partition to the digester sludge obtained by this method and system.

[0095] [Table 2]

[0096] Sludge containing infectious pathogens in amounts below all legal limits and below the detection limits of standard tests was obtained without the need for or use of any downstream treatment, such as disinfection processes, disinfection procedures, or disinfection equipment, including stabilization with lime, composting, thermophilic digestion, low-temperature heat sterilization or mechanical hydrolysis, heat drying, or BCR processes such as caustic treatment and acid treatment to prepare hypochlorite as a biocide.

[0097] Example 3

[0098] One embodiment of the System and Method is described in Appendix D of the priority document U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 660,907, which incorporates its entire disclosure herein by reference.

[0099] The concentration of returned activated sludge (RAS) increases, resulting in a smaller volume being returned, discarded, or both. In addition, it also increases the ability to increase activated sludge suspended solids ("MLSS"). Furthermore, it reduces secondary waste (in the absence of a primary clarifier, the relationship as F:M (food:mass, also known as M / F, but basically meaning the organic load entering the system relative to biomass) changes less, or the MCRT lengthens, in which case more biosolids are generated per lb of BOD removed). Flocculants have a dominant competitive advantage over fibrous bacteria. Bacteria adhere to the surface of flocs, improving their viability and thus improving treatment. An increase in the number of viable bacteria improves treatment capacity / effluent quality.

[0100] Table 3 shows the approximate operating conditions and results before any of the microbial treatments during the initial 3-month evaluation period (microbial treatment), the 7-month intermediate treatment period (no treatment, but microorganisms remain), and the 3-month evaluation period (microbial treatment).

[0101] [Table 3]

[0102] Period 4 strongly suggests a reduction in biosolid formation while improving treatment capacity, sedimentation, and effluent quality compared to Period 1 or Period 3 (in Period 3, the biomass still contained a large amount of treatment microorganisms).

[0103] Figure 6 shows the gallons transported per lb of BOD removed to normalize the data. The data shows a 35% reduction in gallons transported per lb of BOD removed for Period 4 (Second Assessment) compared to Period 1, and a 44% reduction compared to Period 3 "Intermediate". This corresponds to 2.38–2.75 fewer MG transported, which, on average, means 396–458 fewer tankers over 82 days (4.8 fewer tankers per day) on an average of 6,000 gallons per tanker. At a mere $200 per tanker, this translates to a transport cost saving of $965+ per day or $352,000+ per year.

[0104] Figure 7 shows biosolid formation correlated with F:M.

[0105] Figure 8 shows the daily sludge generation.

[0106] Figure 9 shows the amount of discarded VSS per lb of removed BOD compared to F:M over period 1.

[0107] Figure 11 shows the lbs of discarded VSS per lb of removed BOD, compared to F:M, for Period 1 compared to Period 4.

[0108] Figure 12 shows the lbs of discarded VSS per lb of removed BOD, compared to F:M, for Period 1 compared to Period 3.

[0109] Figure 13 shows the lbs of discarded VSS per lb of removed BOD compared to F:M, comparing all four periods.

[0110] In a comparison of Period 4 with Period 1 or Period 3, where residual treatment microorganisms were already present and constituted a major part of the microbiology, the data concludes that in Period 4, there is a 35-50% reduction in biosolid formation; improved treatment capacity; and a 14-33% increase in sedimentation. One of the many benefits is a significant reduction in sludge transportation costs, amounting to over $500,000 per year.

[0111] Example 4

[0112] Referring to Figure 3, a schematic diagram 300 of the wastewater treatment plant is shown. The treatment plant 300 receives wastewater from supply sources 301 (household, business, surface runoff) and pumps it to the inlet screen 303 by the pump station 302. The inlet screen 303 removes large solids such as plastic, wood, and cloth. The wastewater then flows to an aerated grit tank 304, where smaller particles such as sand and sandstone are removed (as indicated by arrow 305). The wastewater then flows into an oxygenation tank such as the Unox system 306, where oxygen is supplied to the wastewater and the wastewater is mixed or agitated. From the Unox system 306, the wastewater flows into the sedimentation tank 308. In the sedimentation tank, sludge activated by bacteria settles at the bottom of the tank. A portion of the activated sludge is returned to the Unox system 306 by pipeline 351. The remaining activated sludge is transferred to the sludge treatment step by pipeline 352. The treated wastewater, in this case the treated water, is transferred via pipeline 309 to a tertiary treatment system including a sand filter 310 and a chlorine contact tank 311, and then disposed of by pumping it underground 312, etc.

[0113] The sludge treatment stage includes sludge concentration in tank 353 and sludge digestion in digester 354 (biogas and methane are released from the digester). The dewatered sludge is removed from digester 354 and disposed of, for example, by spreading it on fields 355.

[0114] The liquid microorganisms are grown in-situ and may be in any form, but preferably not freeze-dried or frozen in any way at any point before application. These microorganisms are supplied to the inflow to the Unox pond 306 so as to distribute volume throughout the system, or, depending on accessibility, to the return activated sludge (RAS) recycling pipeline 351, or both. Further batches may be supplied to the digester 354 to improve the settling of biomass that are advantageously competitive against pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella that grow under such conditions, or to improve the decanting and further digestion, conditioning, or stabilization of such biomass.

[0115] The Unox System 306 is suitable for speeds of approximately 5,000 gallons per day (GPD) to approximately 175,000 GPD, approximately 10,000 GPD to approximately 50,000 GPD, approximately 20,000 GPD to approximately 75,000 GPD, approximately 5,000 GPD to approximately 100,000 GPD, speeds less than approximately 10,000 GPD, speeds less than approximately 20,000 GPD, speeds less than approximately 50,000 GPD, speeds less than approximately 100,000 GPD, and higher and lower speeds, as well as all speeds included in these ranges, with approximately 10 6 cfu / mL ~ approximately 10 11Microorganisms are supplied at a concentration of cfu / mL. Preferably, the supply is carried out daily, but batches can also be supplied less frequently than daily, such as once every two days, once every three days, once a week, or once a month. The anaerobic system 354 is supplied based on its ability to decant water and remove solids, for the purpose of retaining biosolids for a longer period, and / or in the case of a decrease in methane production that suggests slower microbial activity and digestion of solids. One purpose of improving methane production for energy recovery and cost reduction is to enhance the breakdown of volatile suspended solids or biosolids. The anaerobic digester 354 receives the same amount of supply as the Unox system 306, but is supplied once, twice, or three times within one day, one week, or one month. One of the purposes of introducing these batches is to create a dominant competition for the growth of pathogenic bacteria in both the activated sludge system and the anaerobic digester, thereby causing their elimination, and thus enabling the production of equivalent Class B sludge, clean Class B sludge, or Class A sludge from the activated sludge system, preferably enabling the acquisition of Class A sludge, Class B sludge, or clean Class B sludge, or enabling the retention of Class B sludge or clean Class B sludge in the digester or auxiliary tank for a sufficiently long period to obtain Class A sludge for disposal. The required retention time between the activated sludge system and the anaerobic digester is less than 30 days, less than 60 days, less than 90 days, less than 120 days, or less than 150 days. The biosolids may be retained for a longer period, which has the benefit of reducing further downstream treatment.

[0116] The young microorganisms can be supplied to at least one of the Unox system 306 and the digester 354, and preferably to both. However, it is recognized that the young microorganisms can also be supplied to other locations in addition to, and even in place of, the aforementioned locations, including sludge concentration in tank 353, pipeline 351, pipeline 352, tank 353, and influent in device 304 or 303.

[0117] Example 5

[0118] Referring to Figure 4, a schematic diagram 400 of a wastewater treatment plant is shown. The plant 400 has household sewage 429 and pre-treated commercial waste (industrial) 426 flowing into a grid channel type device 410 for screening. The system also has a stormwater overflow path 428. Wastewater flows from the screen 410 to the primary sedimentation unit 411. From the sedimentation unit 411, wastewater flows into either a trickling filter 412 or an activated sludge system 413. Water from the trickling filter 412 flows into a Humus tank 414, from which sludge is extracted and delivered to a secondary sludge treatment 427, and the water is delivered to a sedimentation tank 415. Water from the activated sludge system 411 is also delivered to the sedimentation tank 415. Sludge is extracted from the sedimentation tank 415 and returned to the activated sludge system 413 or delivered to an anaerobic digester 416. The products of anaerobic digestion in the anaerobic digester 416 are methane 422, sludge land 425 for above-ground disposal, dried and landfilled sludge 424, and composted sludge 423. Pipeline 421 is for tertiary treatment or abrasion treatment of the effluent, and pipeline 420 is for discharge of the effluent.

[0119] The processing of this process includes, in particular, depending on access and dripping filter beds, supplying the processing batch to a primary clarifier effluent 411; supplying it directly to an activated sludge plant 413; supplying it to a return activated sludge pipeline (a pipeline connecting 415 to 413); and combinations and variations thereof. Further batches may be supplied to an anaerobic digester for the purpose of ensuring the decant properties and further digestion of the sludge to extend the retention time, which may be less than 30, less than 60, less than 90, or less than 120 days, to obtain Class B or Class A sludge, or the material may be maintained for as long as desired to reduce disposal costs. In some embodiments, this typically involves mixing with wood used as a packing material, but with respect to subsequent materials used for composting where the waste carries a considerable amount of pathogens of environmental concern, further batches according to this method may be supplied at a rate of less than 1,000 gallons per 10 m tonnes of dry material to remove these pathogens.

[0120] Young microorganisms can be supplied to the clarifier 411, the activated sludge system 413, and the digester 416, as well as to at least one of one or all combinations of these supply points. However, it is recognized that young microorganisms can also be supplied to other points in addition to, and even in place of, the aforementioned locations, including the sedimentation tank 415, the screen 410, and the pipelines between units 411 and 413, 415 and 413, 415 and 416, 411 and 416, 413 and 415.

[0121] Example 6

[0122] Referring to Figure 5, a schematic diagram of the wastewater treatment plant 500 is shown.

[0123] Plant 500 has wastewater inlet 523 that enters a pretreatment unit 501 and then flows into a primary clarifier 502. Sludge from the primary clarifier 502 exits the clarifier via pipeline 522 and proceeds to sludge treatment and disposal 525. Wastewater exiting the clarifier 502 enters an aeration tank 503 where it is supplied with air. The waste exits the aeration tank 503 and enters a secondary clarifier 504. The treated water exits the secondary clarifier 504, passes through the disinfection unit 505, and is discharged as effluent 524. Activated sludge from the secondary clarifier is returned to the aeration tank 503 via pipeline 521 or delivered to sludge treatment and disposal 525 via pipeline 520.

[0124] In this system, a processing batch, preferably young microorganisms, is supplied to the effluent of the primary clarifier 502, directly to the activated sludge plant 503, or, depending on accessibility, to the return activated sludge pipeline 521. The objective is to carry out sufficient treatment in the activated sludge system 503 to obtain Class B sludge for disposal. This requires increasing the average MCRT to over 20, 25, or 30 days without loss of settling ability by supplying young microorganisms that reduce the average survival age rather than the average age of the clumping material. The downstream digestion process is also treated by either an aerobic, anaerobic, mesothermic, or thermophilic process to ensure the decanting and continuous digestion of the sludge / biosolids.

[0125] Young microorganisms can be supplied to at least one of the primary clarifier 502, the secondary clarifier 504, and the aeration tank (activated sludge plant) 503, as well as to one or more or all combinations of these supply points. However, it is recognized that young microorganisms can also be supplied to other locations in addition to, and even in place of, the aforementioned locations.

[0126] Example 7

[0127] This process reduces E. coli through microbial competition, providing Class A sludge with less than 1,000 cfu / g, Class B sludge with less than 1,000,000 cfu / g, or Clean Class B sludge with less than 100,000 cfu / g.

[0128] Example 7A

[0129] In one embodiment of this microbial treatment using preferably young microorganisms, Class B sludge is obtained in an aeration tank.

[0130] Example 7B

[0131] In one embodiment of this microbial treatment, preferably using young microorganisms, sludge having less than approximately 2,500 cfu / g is obtained from starting sludge having more than 10,000,000 cfu / mL by holding the sludge in a digester that is cycled to generate facultative, aerobic, or anaerobic conditions. This purity level can be achieved without requiring or using downstream treatment equipment for handling the biosolids, and these downstream steps and equipment may here be replaced, reduced in number or cost, or eliminated.

[0132] Example 7C

[0133] In one embodiment of this microbial treatment, preferably using young microorganisms, the Class A sludge in a digester that is cycled aerobically or anaerobicly to generate facultative conditions is obtained from starting sludge having a purity of over 10,000,000 cfu / mL. This purity level can be obtained without requiring or using downstream treatment equipment for handling the biosolids, and these downstream steps and equipment may be omitted here.

[0134] Example 7D

[0135] In one embodiment of this microbial treatment, preferably using young microorganisms, sludge having less than approximately 1,000 cfu / g is obtained from starting sludge having more than 10,000,000 cfu / mL by holding the sludge in a digester that is cycled to generate facultative, aerobic, or anaerobic conditions. This purity level can be obtained without requiring or using downstream treatment equipment for handling the biosolids, and these downstream steps and equipment may be omitted here.

[0136] Example 8

[0137] Nitrogen Removal: Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification of wastewater in wastewater treatment systems. This process is used for nitrification / denitrification in aeration tanks / containers where the SRT / MCRT is too low to maintain conventional nitrification. In this way, the SND population is increased.

[0138] Example 9A

[0139] Type 1 Conventional Activated Sludge: Nitrogen removal has traditionally been achieved by installing an anaerobic zone in front of the activated sludge plant, or by using bacterial species such as Nitrosomonas, which enable the conversion of ammonia to nitrite, and Nitrobacter, which converts nitrite to nitrate under aerobic conditions, to cycle the air on and off within the plant, followed by denitrification by heterotrophic bacteria such as Pseudomonas, which convert nitrate to nitrogen gas under anaerobic conditions in an anaerobic zone, requiring the presence of easily biodegradable carbon compounds such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs).

[0140] Example 9B

[0141] Novel processes have been developed that, as Type 2—unconventional processes—as simultaneous single-step processes, yield granular sludge particles containing a microbial community capable of simultaneously stabilizing BOD and converting ammonia to nitrite, which then proceeds directly to nitrogen gas as a denitrification step and phosphate stabilization. The advantages of this are a smaller footprint, good settling properties, and 25% less nitrification energy due to the absence of nitrite conversion to nitrate. These processes have also been reported to produce 25% less sludge / biosolids.

[0142] The isolation of microorganisms such as Thiosphera pantotropha (TP), which can convert ammonia to nitrite and then directly to nitrogen gas under aerobic conditions, offers one advantage: introducing this bacterium, or other bacteria with the aforementioned capabilities, into a more reliable continuous flow or batch-type activated sludge process under aerobic conditions is possible because TP can perform this conversion at relatively high dissolved oxygen concentrations. Another advantage is that these microorganisms grow faster than Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, which is advantageous for growing treatment batches within 24 hours using biological fermentation, whereas conventional nitrification processes using Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter require nearly 10 days for growth. Another group of bacteria that may be used is called Commonox, and the microbiological identification of these microbial communities has become more sophisticated, leading to the isolation of more bacteria that can be used. Therefore, according to this instruction, other microorganisms that provide functional bacteria responsible for biological nutrient removal, which may be used in this system and method, may be discovered or isolated.

[0143] Example 9C

[0144] Type 3: The difference between novel microorganisms such as Commonox and conventional methods may be sought in order to achieve conversion within existing activated sludge or fixed membrane systems without requiring new engineering structures or processes to promote the growth of such bacteria. Commonox can also be grown externally and introduced in treatment batches to produce desired results based on biochemical reactions. Accordingly, according to this teaching, other microorganisms may be discovered or isolated that provide functional bacteria responsible for biological nutrient removal, which can be used in the system and method described herein.

[0145] Example 10

[0146] Phosphate Removal - In one embodiment, phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), which generally account for less than 1% of the total biomass population, can be increased to 5% or 10% or more. After growth, they can be conditioned in a secondary conditioning tank using short-chain carbon substances such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs) to promote polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production, which is known to be required under aerobic conditions for abundant phosphate absorption by PAOs. This increase in PAOs can preferably be carried out in combination with reducing or eliminating readily biodegradable carbon requirements. In one embodiment, there exists a method for using young microorganisms for phosphate removal without using readily biodegradable carbon sources in the main treatment system, and without using anaerobic areas or adding further tanks to the main treatment system.

[0147] Example 10A

[0148] Type 1 Process: Chemicals: It is possible to precipitate phosphorus (P) using chemicals such as iron(III) chloride (FeCl3) or alum, but P is usually applied in the primary clarifier, or applied to anaerobic digestion residue with a very high P content from the decomposition of organic matter, or applied to the secondary clarifier for polishing. However, this process is a very expensive tertiary treatment process that generates chemical sludge that must be disposed of. Therefore, it is offered to isolate functional bacteria responsible for biological nutrient removal and, in particular, to supply these functional bacteria as treatment batches to existing treatment systems to improve biological nutrient removal.

[0149] Example 10B

[0150] Type 2a process Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR): The biological process employs a selective process by cyclically operating biomass / MLSS using anaerobic / anoxic / aerobic chambers to select phosphate-accumulating bacteria, commonly called phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), while glucose-accumulating organisms (GAOs) compete for readily biodegradable carbon, reducing the PAO population. Until recently, the majority were PAOs, and GAOs had not been identified. Candidatus accumulator, Tetrasphera Clade II, and Candidatus compactibacter may be used. By isolating these bacteria, treatment batches can be manufactured and introduced into activated sludge plants without the need for engineering changes or increasing the rate or mass of P removal. Thus, one embodiment is provided in which functional bacteria responsible for biological nutrient removal are isolated and these functional bacteria are supplied as treatment batches to an existing treatment system to improve biological nutrient removal.

[0151] All of these BNR processes require readily biodegradable organisms. Current technology brings together all bacteria in the biomass that compete for readily biodegradable carbon sources. By isolating and culturing individual bacteria responsible for P removal, the need for anaerobic zones or carbon source-type auxiliary substances in the biological treatment system can be eliminated by culturing the individual bacteria to prepare treatment batches and then conditioning them with readily biodegradable carbon sources in a second step after cultivation. These bacteria are introduced at similar rates as described in the other examples above. Thus, one embodiment is provided for improving biological nutrient removal by isolating functional bacteria responsible for biological nutrient removal and supplying these functional bacteria as treatment batches to an existing treatment system.

[0152] Example 10C

[0153] Type 2b: Biological nutrient removal (BNR) by a side-stream reactor, which conditions the "whole" biomass in a side-stream reactor; this may be applied to existing continuous once-through facilities that have a BNR chamber. This process is expensive but overcomes most of the inherent instability. Therefore, one embodiment is provided in which functional bacteria responsible for biological nutrient removal are isolated and these functional bacteria are supplied to an existing treatment system as a treatment batch to improve biological nutrient removal.

[0154] Example 10D

[0155] Type 2c: Granular activated sludge biomass used in sequential sorting reactors, commercially known as Nerada. The drawbacks are that it is an expensive process that must be applied to "undeveloped" sites or retrofitted to existing SBRs. This process cannot be used in 90% of flow-through systems or wastewater plants. Therefore, one embodiment is provided for isolating functional bacteria and supplying these functional bacteria as treatment batches to improve settling.

[0156] Example 11

[0157] Granular sludge formation. This process is used to seed a system and quickly build up biomass. Therefore, one embodiment is provided in which functional bacteria responsible for granular sludge formation are isolated and these functional bacteria are supplied to an existing treatment system as a treatment batch to improve settling properties.

[0158] Example 12

[0159] One aspect of the present invention involves using an aerobic digester that must be aerated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and making this aerobic digester aerated by turning it ON using air, which may be 1 to 2 days per week.

[0160] Example 13

[0161] In one embodiment, the sludge is held in several tanks and moved in parallel, sequentially, or in a combination thereof. As the sludge is transported between the tanks, the supply of microorganisms to one or more of these tanks, or over a period of time, results in Class A sludge in the final tank or discharge tank.

[0162] Example 14

[0163] The supplied population of microorganisms (in one embodiment, preferably young microorganisms; in one embodiment, young flocculants; in one embodiment, combinations and variations thereof) competes favorably with pathogens, significantly reducing the number of pathogens in the sludge. Pathogens as described herein refer to microorganisms or microorganisms that cause disease in humans, animals, or fish. These microorganisms are commonly found in sewage, medical waste, farm runoff, and swimming water. Therefore, environmental protection agencies require workers in sewage and industrial treatment to monitor apparent pathogens or “indicators” of such pathogens, although such pathogens or indicators can be more easily measured by the average laboratory technician without specialized equipment or expertise.

[0164] Generally, in urban wastewater treatment, the final liquid effluent before discharge must be treated with chlorine, ozonation, ultraviolet light, or peracetic acid to eliminate excess amounts of E. coli found in feces treated by urban plants, or, where applicable, by extending the outlet to achieve greater dilution. This process can be very costly and, if not implemented properly, can lead to the release of potentially dangerously high levels of pathogens.

[0165] Embodiments of this treatment system and method significantly reduce the amount of pathogens present, and therefore the amount of pathogens that must be treated before release. In this way, the treatment system and method can reduce the amount of pathogens in spills while minimizing, and potentially eliminating, the need for treatment by conventional chemical or optical systems. Furthermore, the safety and effectiveness of these conventional systems are significantly improved by this treatment system and method.

[0166] Treatment using liquid microorganisms in the quantities, locations, and frequencies described herein, depending on the type and size of the secondary treatment plant or primary sludge or aerobic or anaerobic digester, significantly reduces the further growth and survival of pathogens, particularly Escherichia coli, by competition for carbon sources, thereby reducing fecal contamination or other pathogen contamination by at least 1 log more in biosolids and at least 0.25 log more in liquid effluents compared to the absence of the aforementioned treatment. With regard to fecal contamination, the supply of liquid microorganisms results in liquid effluent concentrations of less than 150,000, 75,000, 50,000, 25,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, or 500 per 100 ml, but in a preferred embodiment, these levels are reduced to a level that meets standards for receiving water or swimming beach standards at the point of dilution required by the relevant environmental protection agency, whether discharged into freshwater or the ocean, and a completely conventional engineering solution is not required, which also allows for reductions in scale, size, and cost.

[0167] Example 15

[0168] For the same purposes as described above, in several embodiments of the system and method, pathogens in waste solids from primary or secondary treatment, referred to as solids or biosolids, are significantly reduced. Generally, during operation, wastewater treatment plants monitor the pathogen content in waste solids from primary or secondary treatment, referred to as solids or biosolids.

[0169] In several embodiments of the system and method, treatment using liquid microorganisms in the quantities, locations, and frequencies described herein, depending on the type and size of the secondary treatment plant or primary sludge or aerobic or anaerobic digester, significantly reduces the further growth and survival of pathogens, particularly Escherichia coli, by competition for carbon sources, thereby reducing fecal or other pathogen contamination by at least 1 log in biosolids. With respect to fecal contamination, the supply of liquid microorganisms results in biosolid concentrations of less than 2,000,000, or less than 1,000,000, or less than 50,000, or less than 10,000, or less than 1,000 per gram, or biosolid concentrations good enough to meet disposal standards with or without further downstream treatment.

[0170] Example 16

[0171] In one embodiment, an on-site fermentation system of the type disclosed and described in U.S. Patents 9,409,803 and 7,879,593 is located on land for distribution to the region. Treatment batches are prepared at this site and then concentrated after preparation by reducing the amount of water present in the treatment batch by about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 50%, and about 20% to about 80%. The concentrated treatment batches are less than two weeks old (average age or D50 age) before being supplied to a treatment facility located near the distribution site for the region. The concentrated treatment batches are then supplied in quantities and at supply rates that maintain the age of microorganisms in these systems below the MCRT or other desired age limit, or that minimize the amount or level of pathogens in the system.

[0172] Example 17

[0173] The system and method of this embodiment provides a sludge and soil treatment for producing soil having one or more, preferably all, of the following features and uses described in Examples 17A to 17. These sludges are then applied directly to the soil, for example, to the surface, or applied to the surface, when intended for agricultural purposes, resulting in soil having the following characteristics. These sludges can be obtained without the need or use of one or more, preferably all of the following: pasteurization, anaerobic mesothermal digestion, aerobic thermophilic digestion, composting, lime stabilization, ozone treatment and pH-based (acidic or caustic) treatment; disinfection processes, disinfection procedures or disinfection apparatus such as a BCR process for compounding hypochlorite as a biocide using thermophilic digestion, heat drying, for example, caustic treatment and acidic treatment.

[0174] Example 17A

[0175] Sludge with concentration limits is defined as having the following concentrations or less: molybdenum 3, selenium 2, arsenic 2, fluoride 200 (mg per 1 kg of dry solids).

[0176] Example 17B

[0177] Soil treated with essentially pathogen-free sludge obtained from this system and method, and having vector attraction requirements of EPA or state regulations and the parameters listed in Table 4.

[0178] [Table 4]

[0179] Example 17C

[0180] A sludge having less than 1,200 mg of lead per 1 kg of dry solids and less than 1,000 mg of fluoride per 1 kg of dry solids, preferably having both.

[0181] Example 18

[0182] Systems and methods using young microorganisms for treatment are used in large metropolitan wastewater treatment plants in the southern United States, serving a population of 1.5 million people and including one or more wastewater treatment plants, such as the one operating in Miami-Dade, Florida, USA. Currently, the wastewater treatment plants are pure oxygen-injected activated sludge plants called Unox, which do not use primary clarifiers and anaerobic digestion to reduce excess biosolids, and do not employ subsequent conventional mechanical dewatering facilities and disposal. The liquid microorganisms are grown on-site and are not freeze-dried, frozen, or stored in any manner at any point before application. These microorganisms are supplied to the inflow into the Unox pond to distribute doses throughout the system or, where convenient, to inject doses into the return activated sludge (RAS) recycling pipeline. Furthermore, additional batches may be supplied to the digester to improve the sedimentation of biomass that is advantageously competitive against pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, or other pathogens of concern that grow or regrow under such conditions, or to improve the decanting and further digestion, conditioning, or stabilization of such biomass.

[0183] The Unox system receives feed at rates of approximately 5,000 gallons per day (GPD) to approximately 175,000 GPD, approximately 10,000 GPD to approximately 50,000 GPD, approximately 20,000 GPD to approximately 75,000 GPD, approximately 5,000 GPD to approximately 100,000 GPD, less than approximately 10,000 GPD, less than approximately 20,000 GPD, less than approximately 50,000 GPD, less than approximately 100,000 GPD, as well as higher and lower rates, and all rates included within these ranges. Preferably, feed is carried out daily, but batches can also be fed less frequently than daily, such as once every two days, once every three days, once a week, or once a month. The anaerobic system is injected based on its ability to decant water and remove solids, for the purpose of retaining biosolids for a longer period, and / or, in the case of a decrease in methane production suggesting a slowdown in microbial activity and digestion of solids, to enhance methane production. The anaerobic digester receives a similar amount of injection into the Unox system, but only once, twice, or three times within a day, week, or month. The purpose of these injections is to create a dominant competition for the growth of pathogenic bacteria in both the activated sludge system and the anaerobic digester, thereby causing their elimination, and thus enabling the production of Class B, clean Class B, or Class A equivalents from the activated sludge system while producing more methane, or to allow the Class B sludge to be retained in the digester or auxiliary tank for a sufficiently long period to obtain Class A for disposal. The required retention time between the activated sludge system and the anaerobic digester is less than 30 days, less than 60 days, less than 90 days, less than 120 days, or less than 150 days. Biosolids can be retained for longer periods, which offers the benefit of reducing further downstream processing.When further non-mechanical processing methods for biosolids, such as composting, are used, residual biosolids in the compost pile are added to prevent further regrowth of pathogens and / or to accelerate the composting process by mesophilic and / or thermophilic bacteria, enabling faster completion of the composting process and, as a result, lower operating costs; however, pretreatment using any batch of wood chips, straw, or other fillers used in a composting process that may carry pathogens of concern is essential in preventing contamination and further regrowth. The compost piles, transported biosolids and / or any fillers are fed at rates of approximately 1 gallon per ton (gal / ton) to approximately 1000 gal / ton, approximately 10 gal / ton to approximately 500 gal / ton, approximately 20 gal / ton to approximately 750 gal / ton, approximately 50 gal / ton to approximately 1000 gal / ton, less than approximately 1 gal / ton, less than approximately 20 gal / ton, less than approximately 50 gal / ton, less than approximately 1000 gal / ton, and higher and lower rates, as well as all rates included in these ranges. Preferably, feeding is carried out daily, but batches may also be fed less frequently than daily, such as once every two days, once every three days, once a week, or once a month, depending on when the material is being processed and when it becomes possible to produce an equivalent of Class A biosolid material that can be sold directly to the public or local farmers or provided free of charge at no cost.

[0184] Example 19

[0185] Systems and methods using young microorganisms for treatment are used in large, medium, and small urban and rural wastewater treatment plants in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In many places, wastewater treatment plants are lagging behind population growth, changing environmental standards, and both. Many of these plants have reached their design capacity, making it difficult to meet discharge permit requirements, and are scheduled for extensive redesign. These redesigns can be extremely expensive and may require significant capital expenditures. When applied to one of these aging plants, the system and method can significantly improve its effectiveness in meeting hydrolysis compliance, reduce operating costs, and reduce or eliminate the need for costly capital renewals.

[0186] For example, in northern Ireland, there are approximately 795,000 residential, agricultural, commercial, and business properties connected to the public water supply, and 660,000 of these properties connected to the public sewer system. Northern Ireland Water (NIW) supplies 619 million liters of water daily and treats 134 million cubic meters of wastewater annually. The company operates 40 reservoirs, 44 major water treatment plants (65 in total), 490 reservoirs, 287 pumping stations, and 26,500 kilometers of water mains. The company also owns and operates 1,194 wastewater pumping stations, 14,500 kilometers of sewerage, and 1,124 wastewater treatment plants. The Belfast main plant in Duncrue currently processes 300,000 population equivalents (PE) and an internal source of effluent from the biosolids / sludge incinerator, which is estimated to add approximately 10–25% of the wastewater plant's load. It is a well-known engineering practice to use 200 liters / day per population equivalent (PE), or 50–70 gal / day in the US, which corresponds to 150–300 mg / L BOD, or 6.25–175 lb BOD / day / 1000 PE, or 28.4–79.5 kg per 1000 PE; this can be expressed per PE by dividing by 1000. The sludge incinerator processes sludge from across northern Ireland as a final treatment step before ash disposal. This system and treatment can be used in one or more or all of these treatment facilities and plants.

[0187] Example 19A

[0188] A wastewater treatment plant is a system comprising a primary clarifier, a secondary biological treatment using diffused air, a subsequent secondary clarifier, chlorination, and discharge into the ocean. In this example, it is assumed that the plant has reached the design stage, making it difficult to meet the permit requirements for discharge, and that extensive redesign is planned. One embodiment of the present invention is a novel method for modernizing such a facility at minimal cost, redesigning the flow mode and primary clarifier function to create these anaerobic zones and integrate them into the biological treatment process. The updated treatment design enables improved treatment, while the plant improves settling and increases the capacity of hydrostatic and / or organic load rates to PE levels of 325,000–500,000 PE, or 350,000–750,000 PE, or between these ranges, or to PE levels higher than 10–20%, or higher than 20–40%, or higher than 10–200%, or between these ranges, or to an increase of percentage between these ranges, producing equivalents of Class B biosolids, clean Class B biosolids, or Class A biosolids. The plant may receive inputs at inlet facilities or anaerobic zones, recycled activated sludge (RAS) pipelines, partitions, or directly in aeration tanks. The plant may be further upgraded to include aerobic or anaerobic digesters, where further input of microorganisms may be carried out at the same rates as in the other examples above, with the aim of further reducing biosolid formation and producing Class A equivalent or better biosolids. The plant receives input at rates of approximately 1,000 liters per day (l / d) to approximately 50,000 l / d, approximately 10,000 l / d to approximately 50,000 l / d, approximately 20,000 l / d to approximately 75,000 l / d, approximately 1,000 l / d to approximately 100,000 l / d, less than approximately 1,000 l / d, less than approximately 20,000 l / d, less than approximately 50,000 l / d, less than approximately 100,000 l / d, and higher and lower rates, as well as all rates included in these ranges.Preferably, supply is carried out daily, but batches can also be supplied less frequently than daily, such as once every two days, once every three days, once a week, or once a month. Batches can also consist of multiple concentrations by increasing and / or decreasing the amount of food supplied to the batch, the example above being 1X, where 1X represents 0.1 kg of food per 1,000 liters of produced microorganisms, or 1 kg of food per 1,000 liters, or 10 kg of food per 1,000 liters, or 100 kg of food per 1,000 liters. Food for microorganisms can be sourced from Advanced Biofermentation Services Inc, Fleming Island, FL 32006 USA.

[0189] Furthermore, for the purpose of operating numerous plants of varying sizes, a preferred practice is to produce doses for smaller plants in the largest or medium-sized wastewater plants. These doses may be delivered at different concentrations to reduce the volume of the transported or concentrated liquid, with batch concentrations and volume reductions in the range of 2 to 100 times, 5 to 20 times, 20 to 50 times, or multiples thereof, or further concentrating the volume in a range between these. Suitable membrane separation systems can be obtained from Advanced Biofermentation Services, Fleming Island, Florida, USA. One advantage of loading 1 to 20 liters rather than 50 to 2000 liters into a small plant is that route personnel using small vans or dedicated vehicles can carry out deliveries, thus significantly reducing transport costs while enabling the supply of doses within 24 hours, 48 ​​hours, 1 to 7 days, or in between. Where distance or transportation is a constraint, local facilities will be established to meet the economically optimal route, based on the personnel, transportation, time, and cost related to delivery and logistics.

[0190] Example 20

[0191] Systems and methods for treatment using young microorganisms are used in large, medium, and small urban and rural wastewater treatment plants in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, where population density can be excessively high. For example, the Columbia Water and Sewer Authority of the District of Columbia operates the wastewater plant in the Washington, D.C. area, known as Blue Plains, with NPDES Permit DC0021199 dated September 1, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The liquid microorganisms for this treatment at this plant are grown in-situ and are not freeze-dried, frozen, or stored in any manner at any point prior to application. These microorganisms are supplied to the inflow of the inlet equipment, the inflow of the primary clarifier, the inflow of the aeration basin, or the nitrification / denitrification process (hereinafter referred to as the wastewater system) to distribute doses throughout the system or, where accessibility allows, to inject doses into the return activated sludge (RAS) recycling pipeline. Furthermore, additional batches may be supplied to an anaerobic digester after thermophilic hydrolysis to improve the decanting properties of the biomass, as well as further digestion, conditioning, or stabilization, in order to gain a competitive advantage against pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and Salmonella that grow under such conditions or survive the thermal hydrolysis process.

[0192] The wastewater system receives feed at rates of approximately 5,000 gallons per day (GPD) to approximately 175,000 GPD, approximately 10,000 GPD to approximately 50,000 GPD, approximately 20,000 GPD to approximately 75,000 GPD, approximately 5,000 GPD to approximately 100,000 GPD, less than approximately 10,000 GPD, less than approximately 20,000 GPD, less than approximately 50,000 GPD, less than approximately 100,000 GPD, as well as higher and lower rates, and all rates included within these ranges. Preferably, feed is carried out daily, but batches can also be fed less frequently than daily, such as once every two days, once every three days, once a week, or once a month. The anaerobic system is injected based on its ability to decant water and remove solids, for the purpose of retaining biosolids for a longer period, and / or, in the case of a decrease in methane production suggesting a slowdown in microbial activity and digestion of solids, to enhance methane production. The anaerobic digester receives a similar amount of injection into the Unox system, but only once, twice, or three times within a day, week, or month. The purpose of these injections is to create a dominant competition for the growth of pathogenic bacteria in both the activated sludge system and the anaerobic digester, thereby causing their death, and thus enabling the production of Class B or Class A equivalents from the activated sludge system while producing more methane, or to allow the Class B sludge to be retained in the digester or auxiliary tank for a sufficiently long period to obtain Class A for disposal. The required retention time between the activated sludge system and the anaerobic digester is less than 30 days, less than 60 days, less than 90 days, less than 120 days, or less than 150 days. Biosolids can be retained for longer periods, which offers the benefit of reducing further downstream processing.

[0193] Example 21

[0194] Systems and methods that utilize young microorganisms for treatment are used in large, medium, and small urban and rural wastewater treatment plants along the Mid-Atlantic coast of the United States, where population density can be excessively high. For example, the Massachusetts Water Authority operates the Deer Island wastewater treatment plant, which serves the Boston area.

[0195] Example 22

[0196] Sludge, effluent wastewater, or both thereof are generated from a wastewater treatment plant using this fresh microbial treatment, without requiring or using any post-processing or post-treatment, and satisfying the following conditions: the geometric mean of the values ​​of effluent samples collected over a continuous 30-day period should not exceed 200 per 100 ml, and the geometric mean of the values ​​of effluent samples collected over a continuous 7-day period should not exceed 400 per 1 ml.

[0197] Example 23

[0198] Without requiring or using any post-processing or post-treatment, sludge, effluent, or both having the characteristics of Table 5 are generated from a wastewater treatment plant using this fresh microbial treatment.

[0199] [Table 5]

[0200] In another embodiment, this waste is generated by a minimum or reduced number of post-processing steps.

[0201] Example 24

[0202] In several embodiments, treatment with liquid microorganisms at the quantities, locations, and frequencies described herein, depending on the type and size of the secondary treatment plant, produces sludge or biosolids that meet the EPA standards set out in 40 Part 503 of the Code of Federal Regulations on Pathogens, Vector Attractants, and Metals, but with further enhanced fertilizer value. Figure 14 shows an example from Stark, Florida, regarding metal content, demonstrating that no accumulation of metals of concern occurred despite extended retention periods exceeding 100 days. Indeed, treatment with liquid microorganisms enhances the fertilizer value of biosolids by increasing the N:P ratio from 1.0 to 2.38 and the P:K ratio from 0.21 to 1000. While higher potassium and N:P ratios are highly beneficial for fertilizer applications, the total phosphorus in the agricultural product is simultaneously reduced by 10% to 2.3–2.1 mg / kg, allowing for 10% more biosolids to be applied to phosphorus-regulated land.

[0203] Example 25

[0204] In one embodiment, supplying liquid microorganisms, or treatment using liquid microorganisms in the quantities, locations, and frequencies described herein depending on the type and size of the secondary treatment plant, produces a liquid effluent that meets the characteristics intended for discharge into freshwater receiving rivers or into the ocean, targeting the pathogen content shown in Table 6 below in relation to the Georgia standard, with respect to either whole feces, Escherichia coli (E. coli), or Enterococcus. Attached data over a period of approximately 8 months obtained from a kraft mill representing a typical paper industry treated with liquid microorganisms shows that the geometric mean for fecal coliforms (E. coli) is less than 62.05, which is below the standard shown in Table 7. The state of Georgia in the United States assumes the adoption of a statistical mean of 200 cfu / 100 mL per month, with a daily maximum of 400 cfu / 100 mL. "The supply of liquid microorganisms, or treatment using liquid microorganisms in the quantities, locations, and frequencies described herein, depending on the type and size of the secondary treatment plant, will produce liquid effluents that meet the characteristics intended for discharge into freshwater receiving rivers or into the ocean, in accordance with any current EPA or state regulations in the United States."

[0205] [Table 6]

[0206] [Table 7] a Condition a allows us to determine which indicators are appropriate for freshwater used for coastal recreation; however, until condition a makes this determination, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an applicable indicator. b Values ​​for use obtained using analytical methods 1103.1, 1603, 1604 or equivalent methods for measuring viable bacteria. c Single maximum limit = geometric mean *10^(Confidence level factor) * The log standard deviation is calculated using the following factors: 75%:0.68; 82%:0.94; 90%:1.28; 95%:1.65; and the log standard deviation obtained from the EPA epidemiological study is 0.4. d Values ​​for use with analytical methods 1106.1, 1600, or equivalent methods for measuring viable bacteria. e Single maximum limit = geometric mean * 10^(Confidence level factor) * The calculation is performed using the log standard deviation, where the confidence level factors are 75%:0.68; 82%:0.94; 90%:1.28; 95%:1.65; and the log standard deviation obtained from the EPA epidemiological study is 0.7. CL = Confidence Level

[0207] Example 26

[0208] An embodiment of a multi-tank system is provided.

[0209] In this specification, the excess solids or biosolids for the secondary processing process, which are the same as described herein, are withdrawn for further processing into a holding tank, aerobic, anaerobic, or facultative digester used to further reduce the mass of the biosolids. The residue is then concentrated using dehydration equipment such as a belt press or centrifuge, or options exist for processing the biosolids by a thermophilic process, drying, or chemical process to destroy pathogens before final landfill disposal, application to agricultural land, or incineration, or, if drying in a pelletizer is used, the final product may be commercially sold as fertilizer such as Milorganite. Aerobic, anaerobic, or facultative processing using liquid microorganisms in the quantities, locations, and frequencies described herein, depending on the type and size, is carried out against pathogens of further competitive advantage to produce biosolids that are Class A, Class B, or Class Clean B according to EPA federal guidelines or state regulations, and to prevent the regrowth of such pathogens of concern. Such aerobic, anaerobic, or facultative digesters or tanks may be used to function in other modes, such as an aerobic digester operating facultatively, anaerobically, or both, or they may be modified from their original design. Alternatively, an anaerobic digester or tank may be modified to function aerobically, facultatively, or both by continuously switching the system on and off with air for less than one day, two days, three days, four days, five days, three hours, three hours, six hours, twelve hours, or eighteen hours per day. If only one retention tank or aerobic, anaerobic, or facultative digester exists, additional tanks may be added to prevent further contamination by pathogens when sludge or biosolids are disposed of.A preferred method is to have a series of two, three, or four tanks for filling Class A biosolids, for the purpose of providing the retention time described herein, in which sludge or biosolids are retained and can be sequentially transferred when new sludge or biosolids are discarded from the secondary treatment system. Any of these digesters can be operated in any mode ranging from aerobic to facultative to anaerobic, or can be swapped according to the preferred orientation of a particular system. These tanks may be oriented to pass through a nitrification and denitrification cycle in such a manner that ammonia (measured as TKN) released from the decomposition of organic matter can be released by denitrification to nitrogen gas, thereby reducing the oxygen demand in the secondary treatment system, which would normally have to process more ammonia. This is particularly true for anaerobic systems, as there is no nitrification, which occurs only under aerobic conditions. The use of multiple tanks in multiple modes is sought to reduce the ammonia load returning to the main secondary treatment system. Furthermore, once the digested ammonia liquid has been converted to nitrates, this can be used as an additional oxygen source for the secondary treatment system, which is used in an anaerobic or oxygen-free zone before aeration, thereby reducing the energy required for electricity to aeration in the secondary treatment system. Phosphorus released into the liquid phase from the decomposition of the biosolids can also be chemically removed, or it can be withdrawn from the first, second, or third aerobic or facultative digester or holding tank and concentrated using the dewatering equipment described herein, or it can be treated in a separate side-stream bioreactor dedicated to phosphorus removal using PAO microorganisms cultured by supplying liquid microorganisms at the amounts and frequencies described herein, after the removal of nitrates in an anaerobic or oxygen-free digester or holding tank.By using such a side-stream reactor combined with membrane separation technology to retain PAO, the phosphorus concentration in the sludge or biosolid in this reactor can be increased to more than 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 30% by weight as P. This biosolid or sludge may be recovered later and used as a high-concentration, sustained-release phosphate fertilizer.

[0210] Example 27

[0211] An embodiment of a treatment system and treatment method for liquid spills from a paper mill is provided.

[0212] The paper industry is the largest industrial user of water, ranging from 1 to 60 MGD. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the release of pathogens into effluents discharged into receiving rivers. Research conducted by the industry and provided by the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, available from materials such as Advanced Biofermentation Services Inc., Fleming Island, Florida 32003 USA, and incorporated herein by reference, shows that E. coli counts can range from 180 to 160,000 per 100 mL. Water assessment criteria set by the USEPA are proposed in Table 7 of the NCASI Bulletin herein, but may be modified to be more stringent by individual states. The supply of liquid microorganisms to secondary treatment systems such as single-pass lagoons, aeration stabilization systems, or activated sludge plants commonly used by the paper industry can satisfy the limits of pathogens of concern without the excessive capital and high operating costs required to meet these new standards due to further treatment that would reduce plant energy consumption, large amounts of water consumption, and emissions. Treatment using liquid microorganisms in the quantities, locations, and frequencies described herein, depending on the type and size of the secondary treatment plant, is carried out to meet regulatory standards, examples of which are provided in Table 7.

[0213] It is not necessary to provide or address theories based on novel and innovative processes, materials, performance or other beneficial features and properties that are applicable to or associated with embodiments of the present invention. However, various theories are provided herein for further advanced technologies in the art. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the theories described herein do not limit or narrow the scope of protection granted by the invention as described in the claims. These theories are not required or practiced to utilize the present invention. The present invention may lead to novel theories previously unknown that describe the functional features relating to embodiments of the methods, articles, materials, devices and systems of the present invention, but it is further understood that such subsequently developed theories should not limit the scope of protection granted to the present invention.

[0214] Various embodiments of the systems, equipment, techniques, methods, activities, and operations described herein may be used for various other activities and in other fields not described herein. Furthermore, these embodiments may be used in conjunction with other equipment or activities that may be developed in the future, or with existing equipment or activities that may be partially modified based on the teachings herein. Moreover, various embodiments described herein, including input amounts and rates, age of microorganisms, and microbial supply points, may be used together in any one or more of these examples, any one or more of these embodiments, and in different and various combinations. Thus, for example, the configurations provided in the various embodiments herein may be used together, and the scope of protection provided by the present invention should not be limited to a specific embodiment, example, or a specific embodiment, configuration, or arrangement described in a particular embodiment in a particular drawing.

[0215] The present invention may be embodied in forms other than those expressly disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or essential features of the invention. The described embodiments should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not limiting. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are as follows: [1] a. In a wastewater treatment system having wastewater inflow containing pollutants, the wastewater treatment system comprises a first treatment device, a second treatment device, and a third treatment device, wherein wastewater flows from the first treatment device through the second treatment device to the third treatment device; b. Multiple microorganisms are supplied to the wastewater treatment system at a controlled predetermined input rate, and the microorganisms are selected to remove contaminants from the wastewater, and the multiple microorganisms are approximately 10 3 cfu / ml~10 13 It contains cfu / ml, the microorganisms have not been frozen or freeze-dried, and have a D50 age of less than 14 days; c. The input rate is such that the D50 age of microorganisms in the wastewater within the wastewater treatment system is maintained at less than 20 days; d. To produce effluent with reduced pollutants in wastewater, with pollutants reduced by at least approximately 90% as measured by DOD and TSS. A method for controlling the microbial age in the treatment of influent wastewater flow, including [specific details omitted]. [2] The method according to [1], wherein the wastewater treatment plant has a treatment capacity of approximately 5 MGD to approximately 40 MGD. [3] The method according to [1], wherein the wastewater treatment plant has a treatment capacity of approximately 20 MGD to approximately 100 MGD. [4] The method according to [1], wherein the wastewater treatment plant has a treatment capacity of more than 10 MGD. [5] The method according to [1], wherein the wastewater treatment plant has a treatment capacity of more than 100 MGD. [6] The method according to [1], [2], [3], [4] or [5], wherein microorganisms are supplied to a second processing device. [7] The method according to [1], [2], [3], [4] or [5], wherein microorganisms are supplied to a third processing device. [8] The method according to [1], [2], [3], [4] or [5], wherein microorganisms are supplied to second and third processing devices, and the feeding rate is the cumulative feeding rate in each processing device. [9] The wastewater treatment plant has a processing capacity of approximately 200 MGD to 300 MGD and is equipped with a fourth processing device; a. The first processing device comprises a screen and a sedimentation tank, thereby removing particles, plastics, and gravel from the wastewater; b. The second processing device includes a reservoir; c. A third treatment device is equipped with a sedimentation tank; a return flow containing activated sludge is flowed to the second treatment device, and effluent is flowed out of the third treatment device; d. The fourth processing device is equipped with a holding tank, and the sludge from the third processing device is flowed into the fourth processing device, where the sludge is concentrated. The method described in [1].

[10] The method relating to [9], wherein microorganisms are supplied to a second processing device.

[11] The method relating to [9], wherein microorganisms are supplied to a third processing device.

[12] The method according to [9], wherein microorganisms are supplied to second and third processing devices, so that the input rate is the cumulative input rate in each processing device.

[13] The method according to [9], wherein the sludge contains fecal coliform bacteria at a most probable number (MPN) of less than 1,000 per gram of total evaporation residue (dry weight), and Salmonella bacteria at a rate of less than 3 MPN per 4 grams of total evaporation residue (dry weight).

[14] The method according to [9], wherein a second dose of microorganisms is supplied to a fourth processing device.

[15] The method according to [9], wherein the second device does not have supplied oxygen.

[16] a. Obtaining sludge from an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant; b. Pouring sludge into a sedimentation tank; c. Microorganisms are supplied to the sedimentation tank, selected to decompose contaminants in the sludge, and the microorganisms are not frozen or freeze-dried, thereby allowing the microorganisms to decompose contaminants in the sludge; d. The sludge is retained in the settling tank for a retention period, which is at least 60 days; e. After the retention period, the sludge is removed from the retention tank, and the removed sludge is Class A sludge, which means that the sludge was not subjected to a disinfection process during the retention period. A method for producing Class A sludge without requiring disinfectant treatment, including the use of disinfectants.

[17] a. In a wastewater treatment system having wastewater inflow containing pollutants, the wastewater treatment system comprises a first treatment device, a second treatment device, and a third treatment device, wherein wastewater flows from the first treatment device through the second treatment device to the third treatment device; b. Multiple microorganisms are supplied to the wastewater treatment system at a controlled predetermined input rate, and the microorganisms are selected to remove contaminants from the wastewater, and the multiple microorganisms are approximately 10 3 cfu / ml~10 13 It contains cfu / ml, the microorganisms have not been frozen or freeze-dried, and have a D50 age of less than 2 days; c. The input rate shall maintain the D50 age of microorganisms in the wastewater within the wastewater treatment system to less than 4 days; d. To produce effluent with reduced pollutants in wastewater, with pollutants reduced by at least approximately 90% as measured by DOD and TSS. A method for controlling the microbial age in the treatment of influent wastewater flow, including [specific details omitted].

[18] a. In a wastewater treatment system having wastewater inflow containing pollutants, the wastewater treatment system comprises a first treatment device, a second treatment device, and a third treatment device, wherein wastewater flows from the first treatment device through the second treatment device to the third treatment device; b. Multiple microorganisms are supplied to the wastewater treatment system at a controlled predetermined input rate, and the microorganisms are selected to remove contaminants from the wastewater, and the multiple microorganisms are approximately 10 3 cfu / ml~10 40 It contains cfu / ml, the microorganisms have not been frozen or freeze-dried, and have an average age of less than 10 days; c. The input rate shall maintain the average age of microorganisms in the wastewater in the wastewater treatment system to less than 20 days; d. This reduces pollutants in wastewater, producing effluent with pollutants reduced by at least approximately 90% as measured by DOD and TSS. A method for controlling the microbial age in the treatment of influent wastewater flow, including [specific details omitted].

[19] a. To incorporate young microorganisms into activated sludge; b. Maintaining the age of microorganisms incorporated into the activated sludge below a predetermined age; c. Remove solid matter from activated sludge, and ensure that the removed solid matter contains at least some of the incorporated microorganisms; d. Further young microorganisms are supplied to the removed solids, and the removed solids are retained for a period of 30 to 160 days, thereby obtaining clean sludge with less than 0.1 MPN / ml of Salmonella. A method for producing pathogen-free sludge directly from wastewater without post-treatment with disinfectants, including [the specified component].

[20] The method according to

[19] , wherein the clean sludge contains less than 2 MPN / mL of fecal coliform bacteria. [twenty one] The method according to

[19] or

[20] , wherein clean sludge contains a culturable, cytopathic enteric virus at a concentration of less than 2 MPN / infectious unit of 4 dry weight grams. [twenty two] The method according to

[19] or

[20] , wherein the clean sludge is free of heavy metals.

Claims

1. a. Obtaining sludge from an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant; b. Flowing sludge into the treatment device; c. Microorganisms are supplied to the processing device, selected to decompose contaminants in the sludge, the microorganisms contain approximately 10³ cfu / ml to 10¹³ cfu / ml, the microorganisms are not frozen or freeze-dried, and the microorganisms have a D50 age of less than 14 days, thereby enabling the microorganisms to decompose contaminants in the sludge; d. Retaining the sludge in the retention device for a retention period of at least 30 days, wherein the average age of the supplied microbial population during the retention period is less than two weeks; e. After the retention period, the sludge is removed from the retention device, and the removed sludge is Class A sludge, which means that the sludge was not subjected to a disinfection process during the retention period. A method for generating Class A sludge in a wastewater treatment system without requiring disinfectant treatment, including the method described above.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the D50 age of the supplied microorganism is at least one day shorter than that of STR-a.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wastewater treatment plant has a treatment capacity of 5 MGD (19 ml / day) to 100 MGD (380 ml / day).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wastewater treatment plant has a treatment capacity higher than 10 MGD (38 ML / day).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wastewater treatment plant has a treatment capacity higher than 100 MGD (380 ml / day).

6. a. Incorporating microorganisms into activated sludge, wherein the microorganisms contain approximately 10³ cfu / ml to 10¹³ cfu / ml, the microorganisms are not frozen or freeze-dried, and the microorganisms are less than 14 days old (D50 days); b. Maintaining the age of incorporated microorganisms in activated sludge below a predetermined age, such that the average age of the incorporated microorganism population during the retention period is less than two weeks; c. Removing solid matter from activated sludge, wherein the removed solid matter contains at least some of the incorporated microorganisms; d. Further microorganisms are supplied to the removed solids, and the removed solids are retained for a period of at least 30 days, thereby obtaining clean sludge with less than 0.1 MPN / ml of Salmonella. A method for generating pathogen-free sludge directly from wastewater in a wastewater treatment system without post-treatment with disinfectants, including the above.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the D50 age of the supplied microorganism is at least one day shorter than that of STR-a.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the clean sludge contains less than 2 MPN / mL of fecal coliform bacteria.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the clean sludge contains a culturable and cytopathic enteric virus at a concentration of less than 2 MPN / infectious unit of 4 dry weight grams.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the clean sludge is free of heavy metals.

11. a. In a wastewater treatment system having wastewater inflow containing pollutants, the wastewater treatment system comprises a first treatment device and a second treatment device, wastewater flows from the first treatment device to the second treatment device, and the wastewater treatment system has STR-a; b. Microorganisms are supplied to the wastewater treatment system at a controlled, predetermined rate of input, and the microorganisms are selected to remove pollutants from the wastewater, and the microorganisms are approximately 10 ３ cfu / ml ~ 10 １３ It contains cfu / ml, the microorganisms are not frozen or freeze-dried, and have a D50 age of less than 14 days; c. The input rate is such that the D50 age of microorganisms in the wastewater within the wastewater treatment system is maintained to be at least one day shorter than that of STR-a, and the average age of the introduced microbial population is less than two weeks; d. The amount of pollutants in wastewater is reduced. A method for treating wastewater flow in a wastewater treatment system, including [the specified method].

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein microorganisms are grown in a facility separate from the wastewater treatment system and then transported to the wastewater treatment system.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the microorganisms are stored in a facility separate from the wastewater treatment system for a period of up to 10 days, and then transported to the wastewater treatment system.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the microorganisms are concentrated before being transported to a wastewater treatment system.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the concentrated microorganisms are diluted before being supplied to a wastewater treatment system.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the input rate is used to maintain the D50 age of microorganisms in the wastewater of the wastewater treatment system to be at least 5 days shorter than STR-a.

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