A Kansas municipality utilized a mechanical wastewater system as its primary treatment solution. The 0.75 MGD system included clarifiers, anaerobic digesters and trickling filters in the treatment process prior to discharging into the Arkansas River. Effluent exceeded ammonia levels allowed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for this area.
Mechanical System in Kansas
Primary Clarifier Trickling Filter
Installing the BiO2 Biological Control Center
BiO2 Solution™ Biological Control Center
Working in conjunction with KDHE in 2001, The BiO2 Solution™ proposed using a biological solution for providing additional oxygen and reducing ammonia in the mechanical system. Microalgae were introduced into an activated sludge return line that discharged into a primary clarifier. Effluent from the clarifier was routed to trickling filters where the microalgae attached themselves to the filter media and, with sunlight, created the oxygen necessary to reduce ammonia levels.
Despite a limited hydraulic retention time (HRT), testing completed by KDHE, as summarized below, shows substantial improvement in effluent quality after installation of The BiO2 Solution™ in December of 2001. Not only were ammonia concentrations substantially reduced, but additional treatment benefits were realized.
Summary of KDHE Final Effluent Spot Checks (no samples taken in 2001 & 2003)--BiO2 Solution™ System installed 12/01/01
