Steven Wooten, Applications Engineer
N-CON Systems Co., Inc. Crawford, GA 30630
ABSTRACT
Simplified, rapid, real time methods for assessing toxicity of wastewater are essential for controlling discharges from industrial waste generators to wastewater treatment plants. This presentation will describe an instrument that combines the action of living micro-organisms, representative of the treatment system, with a method of determining and recording the impact of a continuous waste stream on their respiration.
The operating principle of the BIOSCAN On-line Toxicity Monitor is simple. Aerobic micro-organisms require oxygen as they break down organic matter or substrate. If their activity is normal, the dissolved oxygen in the water is consumed. Toxic or inhibitory materials impair biomass respiration and little or no dissolved oxygen is used. Therefore, the quantity of dissolved oxygen and the rate at which it is consumed is an indication that the material flowing through the biological filter is biodegradable, inhibitory or toxic.
The high speed of the instrument's reaction to toxic or inhibitory conditions, combined with user selected alarm points give operating personnel adequate warning so that remedial action can be taken. An on-board data recorder logs up to 4 days of data, and performs routine self-checks and daily calibration of the dissolved oxygen sensor. Data will be presented from laboratory testing, and on-site monitoring of influent from the Crooked Creek Treatment Plant in Gwinnett County (GA). Biomonitoring using this new technology combining the representative biomass and the power of modern computers will help to reduce the incidence of damage to wastewater treatment systems. The BIOSCAN offers an affordable, timely alternative to Whole Effluent Toxicity testing. It is intended for routine screening of wastewater to document the treatability of wastes and to warn of potential problems.
For more information, please write
nconsys@n-con.com