Engineering Commons^™

Enhanced Removal Of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (Pfoa) Via Microwave-Fenton-Reactive Membrane Filtration, Fangzhou Liu

Theses

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), one of the common per- and poly fluorinated alkylated substances (PFASs), is increasingly detected in the environment due to the diverse industrial applications and high resistance to degradation processes. This study evaluated degradation of PFOA in microwave-assistant catalytic membrane filtration, a process that integrates microwave catalytic reactions into a ceramic membrane filtration. First, water permeation of the pristine and catalyst-coated membranes were examined under the influence of microwave irradiation to analyse the impacts of the coating layer and water temperature increase on permeate flux, which were well interpreted by three models. Then, the PFOA removal was first …

Effectiveness Of Water Quality Benefits Provided By Stormwater Management Facilities/Infiltration Basin, Vinicius Rodrigues De Mattos Barreto

Theses

Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) and devices are systems frequently built under assumed design performances, but rarely verified after construction. Their effectiveness in protecting the environment against pollutants carried by stormwater runoff has been extensively questioned and investigated. This research presents a case study of an infiltration basin in Medford, NJ to verify if the 80% expected Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal as stated in the New Jersey Stormwater BMP Manual is actually achieved. A sampling pit was installed on the site and infiltrated water samples were collected during three rain events and TSS measurements were compared with the inflow. …

Fates Of Spilt Oil And Factors Affecting The Bio-Degradation Of Oil: A Review, Amogh-Ranganath Chakravarthy

Theses

The usage of crude oil and its products is increasing; in turn, the number of spills is also going up. The inland spills are the more recurrent spills in the U.S today. This review article deals with the weathering of oils, which commences just after oil spills into the environment with various processes such as evaporation, dissolution, photo-oxidation, dispersion, emulsification and bio-degradation along with other possible fates. Biodegradation is one of the most significant processes of weathering which depends on oil physical and chemical characteristics, environmental characteristics, pH, salinity and oil concentration. There is a range of oil concentration for …

Challenges Of Permitting Ballast Water Discharges From Commercial Vessels In U.S. Waters, Paul Rodriguez

Theses

On February 5, 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) issued the Vessel General Permit (VGP), under the Clean Water Act (CWA), for discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels, including ballast water discharges. This set forth permit requirements for most commercial vessel discharges within 3 nautical miles of U.S. shore. Since it will expire in December 2013, the US EPA recently issued a draft 2013 VGP. One of the significant changes is the proposal of numerical ballast water discharge standards requiring most commercial vessels to install ballast water treatment systems onboard.

The objective of this thesis is …

Development And Application Of A Computer Simulation Tool For Ecological Risk Assessments, Haiyi Lu

Theses

In an effort to improve tools in ecological risk assessment (ERA), an ERA software tool was developed and applied. Based on a preliminary evaluation of existing ecorisk models, the relative deficiencies were identified and included the need for a user-friendly interface, an interactive database management system (DBMS), and a comprehensive evaluation of exposure pathways. In this research, Visual Basic (VB) 6.0 and Microsoft SQL server were selected for developing the Windows-based interface and local DBMS, respectively. For the exposure estimate, Yuma and Aberdeen Proving Grounds were identified as baseline ecosystems. Terrestrial and aquatic plant and animal receptor selection was based …

Optimization Of Nitrogen Removal In Sequencing Batch Reactor, Suppakit Poonyachat

Theses

Operating parameters for sequencing batch reactor have the influenceon each substrate concentration. Concentration profile changes as operationparameters are changed. The study was conducted to model the variationin effluent concentration from sequencing batch reactor. MLVSS and cycletime are the parameters that were varied. Concentration in Fill, React,and Settle Period were calculated by using kinetic equations.

The results can show that these parameters have effects on the concentrationprofile. The increase of MLVSS can lower the concentration of BOD andammonium concentration in React period. Increasing MLVSS can show thatmore substrate utilization and nitrification process occur more rapidly.Concentration of nitrate at the end of …

Intelligent Process For Uasb Reactors, Sita Mohan

Theses

The Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor is widely used for the anaerobic treatment of concentrated municipal / industrial wastewaters and sludges. Ability to handle high organic loading rates and cost effectiveness are often the most cited merits of the UASB process. Numerous mathematical models have been developed to describe the process and mechanistic phenomena in these systems. However, evidence in the literature of these models having been applied, either as control or diagnostic tools is limited. The use of intelligent process control mechanisms can greatly ease problems associated with operating these reactor systems.

The objective of this study is …

Measurement Of Microcarrier Weighted Floc Using The Environmental Electron Microscope, Viriya Vithayaveroj

Theses

Utilizing the concept of coagulation in conjunction with the sediment enhancement by microcarrier, the microcarrier process has been demonstrated in a laboratory investigation as an effective and economic operation in removing colloidal particles in an aquatic system. The microcarrier, an inert aluminum silicate particulate (Ottawa Sand) of 53 to 75 micrometers in diameter was used in this study. The interaction between the flocs and the microcarriers plays an important role in the mixing process. The principal objective of this study is to examine the structural interaction between the flocs and the microcarrier.

The study was designed into two stages, the …

Characterization Of Steel Corrosion In An Aggressive Environment, Sung Min Maeng

Theses

As part of the Sustainable Green Manufacturing Program, the corrosion resistance of sputtered tantalum is being studied in order to evaluate it as a replacement coating for electroplated chrome. To accomplish this, studies were conducted to evaluate corrosion properties of the gun barrel steel by employing corrosion rate and bulk measurements including x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and x-ray fluorescence (XRF), as well as synchrotron-based x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS).

Corrosion behavior of steel immersed in an aggressive environment of 37.8 % hydrochloric acid at room temperature was investigated as a function of time from …

Modeling Of A Permeable Reactive Barrier, Guatam C. Ijoor

Theses

The focus of the presentstudy was centered on the modeling analysis to support the Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) design. The flow model formulated to simulate the Permeable Reactive Barrier System integrated the available geologic, hydro geologic and geo-chemical data from numerous recent installations to simulate a subsurface ground water scenario.

Different generic cases that a PRB system would fall into were identified based on its utility and aquifer conditions and then employed to produce different model adaptations. The different simulation codes and interfaces were evaluated, and the most expedient of them was used to simulate the Model.

The simulations were …

Coagulation And Disinfection By-Products Formation Potential Of Dissolved Organic Matter Fractions, Neeraj S. Pipada

Theses

Both the proposed United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Disinfectants- Disinfection By-Products and Enhanced Surface Water Treatment rules have provisions for minimizing the formation of undesirable precursors of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water Natural Organic Matter (NOM) contains many of the precursors to the DBPs formed following disinfection of drinking water. DAX-8 resin procedures were used to isolate and fractionate NOM into six dissolved organic matter (DOM) fractions; Hydrophobic acid (FA), base (FB), neutral (FN), and hydrophilic acid (PA), base (PB) and neutral (PN). Aluminum sulfate (alum) jar coagulation tests were performed to determine the optimum coagulation ranges of …

Analysis And Modeling Of Ultrasound To Decontaminate Heavy Metals In Dredged Sediments, Ruvini Perera

Theses

Sediments contaminated with heavy metals due to past disposal practices threatens the environment and requires remediation. This research is an attempt to develop a technology to decontaminate heavy metals in the dredged sediments with an integrated set of processes using ultrasound. Acoustic cavitation caused by ultrasound energy can be used to remove chromium from the sediments. Two coupled processes were used to treat both coarse (Process#1) and fine (Process#2) fractions of the sediments. Full factorial experimental designs were carried out to evaluate the treatment technique and to statistically model and optimize the processes. The model for Process#1 had four contributing …

Ultrasound To Decontaminate Organics In Dredged Sediments, Kanya Veerawat

Theses

In this research, it was attempted to decontaminate and separate dredged sediments contaminated with organic compounds by the application of ultrasound energy coupled with sub-atmospheric pressures. The decontamination and separation of contaminated sediments was achieved by integrated two processes. For Process 1, ultrasound energy was used to decontaminate the sandy fraction in dredged sediments, and sub-atmospheric pressure was used to separate and remove fines. For Process 2, ultrasound was again used to decontaminate fines with bulk fluid, and sub-atmospheric pressure was used to remove the contaminants with water. Process 1 was evaluated and found to have four variables contributing to …

Production Of Submicron Aerosols By Powder Depressurization, Amit Haryani

Theses

Disaggregation of dry powders in shear flow has limitations in producing submicron particles. This study explores a new method for the production of submicron particles by the depressurization of powder aerosols. The depressurization mechanism is based on the rapid depressurization of the aggregated powder through a specially designed nozzle. As the pressure suddenly decreases from very high values inside the aggregates (800 psi) to ambient at the surface of such aggregates, disaggregation takes place due to the force exerted by the gas escaping through their pore structure.

he effect of various process parameters, namely: nozzle diameter, pressure and pretreatment with …

The Determination Of 2-Methylisoborneol And Geosmin In Water Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Ramesh Chandra Sharma

Theses

Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol are responsible for imparting earthy, musty taste and odor qualities to water. The human threshold odor concentrations (TOCs) for 2-MIB and Geosmin vary over a wide range. TOCs of 10ng/1 for Geosmin and 30ng/1 for 2-MIB have been reported.

Currently available methods are time consuming and require use of sophisticated technique and expensive equipment.

Fluorescence spectroscopy has been successfully used in the identification of many organic compounds. Geosmin and 2-MIB have organic origin. This research explores the possibility of using the technique of fluorescence spectroscopy in the determination of Geosmin and 2-MIB. The excitation and emission wavelengths …

Stabilization Of Water Treatment Plant (Wtp) Residuals Using Sorbond, Rituraj Sinha

Theses

Disposal of water treatment plant (WTP) residuals has always been an important consideration for the water industry. Stringent water quality standards, environmental regulations, and unavailability of land for ultimate disposal affect disposal of large amounts of this residual. The search for alternate economical disposal options and beneficial use are probably the next most logical and economical step to take.

This study was performed to explore the possibility of stabilization of water treatment plant (WTP) residuals using additives. Three water treatment plant (WTP) residuals from treatment plants in New Jersey were used for the analysis. The objective of this research is …

The Study Of Permeability In Concrete, Jie Yuan

Theses

In this study, samples of regular, high performance, expansive and the polymer concrete and mortar were prepared for test of permeability and mechanical property. In the permeability measurement, water and an aqueous chemical solution were employed as the permeant.

The test results of the samples, ranging from 5.7 x 10-9 cm/sec to 1.0 x cm/sec for the permeability and 3800 psi to 10600 psi for compression strength, indicated that the polymer coated concrete has the lowest permeability among the concretes and high performance concrete has the highest compression strength . The finding leads to the possibility that a high strength …

Enhancing The Bioavailability Of Sorbed Pollutants From Sediments Using Ultrasound, Rachel Mathew

Theses

Many organic compounds, that enter aquatic systems have a strong tendency to sorb onto particulate matter which may be present in suspension or as sediment. Numerous studies have shown that the sediment in aquatic systems concentrate contaminants several orders of magnitude greater than the concentration in the aqueous phase. Particulate associated contaminants in sediments are not easily bioavailable. Hence the efficacy of any treatment technology would be strongly undermined if the contaminants are not made available for microbial utilization. Sediment associated contaminants can be made biologically available to various microorganisms under certain conditions.

In this study, desorption studies were conducted …

An Analytical Approach To Toxic Substance Replacement In Support Of Pollution Prevention, Ithan B. Zimmer

Theses

In support of pollution prevention and in accordance with Executive Order 12356 concerning pollution prevention, all federal agencies must comply with the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) chemical release reduction and pollution prevention planning. The inventory lists hundreds of chemicals and choosing those to replace and finding actual replacement chemicals or procedures is not always clear. This study focuses on an analytical approach to this problem by understanding the application of two substances. The representative chemicals are two volatile organic compounds (VOC), ethyl ether and ethanol, used as solvents in ammunition manufacturing.

Thirteen military specifications provide the cases involving ether. Ethanol's …

A Methodology For The Design Of An Integrated Air Stripping/Biofiltration Process To Clean Contaminated Aquifers, Pothitos Ioannis Stamatiadis

Theses

This thesis deals with the conceptual design of an integrated air stripping/biofiltration process for cleaning aquifers contaminated with volatile organic pollutants. In this technology, the pollutant is transferred from the aquifer to an air stream which is subsequently treated in a biofilter. The work presented here is an effort to develop a design methodology for the integrated process and suggests a general, quantitative approach which can be used in preliminary technology evaluation. This methodology involves relatively simple equations for the stripping process and detailed (oftentimes complex) models for biofiltration under conditions of continuous variation of the properties of the polluted …

Biodegradation And Landfill Settlement, Shailesh Pisolkar

Theses

The most widely used method for the final disposal of solid waste is landfilling, which is also economical and simpler than most other disposal systems. Long term settlement in a landfill occurs mainly due to biodegradation of the refuse which is a very slow microbiological process. However, if the rate of biodegradation is enhanced, it may be possible to achieve early stabilization, faster settlement, consequently more capacity of the landfill to handle waste.

The objective of this research is to study the effects of enhanced biodegradation on settlement and to compare these results to other models used for predicting landfill …

Solidification/Stabilization Of Petroleum Contaminated Soils With Cold Mix Asphalt Concrete, Nazhat Aboobaker

Theses

In this research Petroleum Contaminated Soils (PCSs) are recycled in Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA), to produce a useful product that can control potential environmental threats. The stability, durability, and hydraulic conductivity are three important engineering parameters that need to be considered when using petroleum contaminated soils (PCSs) in cold mix asphalt (CMA). In this research, stability, durability, and hydraulic conductivity due to the addition of six different PCSs into CMA is investigated. The stability test were performed to determine if cold mix asphalt made with petroleum contaminated soil can withstand heavy traffic. The freeze-thaw, and wet-dry tests were performed to …

Advanced Characterization And Leaching Behavior Of Hexavalent And Trivalent Chromium From Waste Material, Erik Moerman

Theses

In this thesis we employed advanced characterization techniques such as XRF, XRD, XPS, SEM, and EDS to provide detailed information about the chromium waste _ specifically chromium valence states (Cr(VI) and Cr(III)), and their chemical association with other phases in the waste matrix.

The removal of Cr(VI) was accomplished by leaching with aqueous solutions containing inorganic anions such as Cl^-, SO₄^2-, PO₄^3- and others. Cr(VI) can be released from the waste by a combination of desorption and ion exchange processes. The efficiency and kinetics of displacing CrO₄^2- from the waste by …

Separation Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons By Using Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography, Patricia Simmons

Theses

In this work, the use of micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) for the separation of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds is investigated. All of the compounds studied are listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as priority pollutants.

In micellar electrokinetic chromatography, solutes partition between the aqueous phase and the micellar phase. This partition is based on the hydrophobicity of each compound. In some cases, organic modifiers are added to the electrophoretic solution to enhance the separation efficiency. The organic modifier used in this study is y-cyclodextrin (y-CD), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is used as the micellar phase. …

Remediation And Reuse Of Chromium Contaminated Soils Through Cold Top Ex-Site Vitrification, Wiwat Kamolpornwijit

Theses

More than 150 sites in Hudson County, New Jersey are identified as chromium contaminated sites. Hexavalent chromium, highly soluble in water, is considered as an environmental and health hazard, classified as a group A human carcinogen. In this research, the feasibility was performed to study the possibility of remediation of chromium contaminated soil by ex-situ vitrification and to evaluate reuse potential of vitrified products as highway construction aggregate. A series of physical and chemical analysis was conducted on nine soil samples collected from different chromium contaminated sites. Results were analyzed for their compatibility for vitrification. Sand and carbon were added …

Sensivity Analysis And Design Calculations With Biofiltration Models, Michael Lawrence Cohen

Theses

Biofiltration is a new technology for biological treatment of volatile organic compounds present in airstreams. It is a complex process and thus, engineering models which attempt to describe it are by necessity very involved and contain a large number of parameters.

In this study, two models describing biofiltration of airstreams carrying a single pollutant (VOC) were used in detailed parameter-sensitivity studies. One model concerned biofiltration under steady-state conditions, while the second described the transient behavior of the process. The intent of the sensitivity studies was to determine which model parameters need to be known with accuracy in order to allow …

A Study Of Settlement In Landfills Due To Biodegradation, Michael Guasconi

Theses

Finding new space for landfills is difficult due to land availability, stringent environmental regulations, and public sentiment. So other means of waste disposal, such as hauling it to a distant landfill, or incinerating it, will have to be resorted to. These methods may be unpopular with the public involved. By studying settlement due to biodegradation, ways to increase settlement can be found, allowing for additional waste disposal capacity in operating, and closed landfills.

Existing theoretical models are based on rheological concepts, not on biodegradation. So, they do not realistically model settlement. In this study, a model to determine the rate, …

Reverse Osmosis As A Pretreatment Of Ion Exchange Equipment At Pse & G'S Hudson Generation Station, Steven Leon

Theses

Public Service Electric and Gas Company's Hudson Generating Station has historically had problems providing sufficient high quality water for its two once through, supercritical design boilers. The station requires over 60 million gallons annually to compensate for system losses.

The stations' ion exchange demineralizers proved to be costly to operate and overall inefficient in performance. Drawbacks include: short service cycles, periodic contamination of storage tanks due to premature breakthrough, prohibitively high chemical regenerant costs, excessive labor requirements, frequent resin replacement, and overall unreliable plant operations.

A reverse osmosis unit was installed as a pretreatment to the demineralizers to offset these …

Hydrodynamic And Water Quality Modeling Of The Whippany River, John E. Krohn

Theses

The Whippany River is located in northern New Jersey and is a major tributary to the Passaic River System. This waterway accepts a wide variety of wastes from the diverse communities within its watershed. These wastes contribute to a rather complex network of biological, chemical and physical interactions.

The purpose of this study is to develop a water quality model using QUAL2E. This model will be used as a tool to simulate the complex interactions that take place within the river system. The river must he considered from physical, biological and chemical perspectives. A successful model can determine current water …

Integration Of Pneumatic Fracturing And In Situ Vitrification In Coarse Grained Soils, Sean Thomas Mcgonigal

Theses

This thesis investigates conceptual integration of the Pneumatic Fracturing (PF) process with In Situ Vitrification (ISV) for remediation of contaminated soil. Integration will permit ISV melts to be initiated below the ground surface and extend the depth of the ISV process.

Bench scale experiments were conducted in 4.9 ft³ (0.14 m³) Plexiglas tanks filled with a test soil that was specifically blended to simulate the Hanford Formation in Richland, WA. Discrete pneumatic fractures were successfully created and filled with the ISV starter path material. Conductivity measurements made across two graphite electrodes exhibited a pre-fracture soil resistance of …