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Oxygen relationships in intermittent sand filtration of wastewaters

Citation

Pincince, Albert Bernard (1968) Oxygen relationships in intermittent sand filtration of wastewaters. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/AVVX-TN81. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:12212015-162348721

Abstract

A model for some of the many physical-chemical and biological processes in intermittent sand filtration of wastewaters is described and an expression for oxygen transfer is formulated.

The model assumes that aerobic bacterial activity within the sand or soil matrix is limited, mostly by oxygen deficiency, while the surface is ponded with wastewater. Atmospheric oxygen reenters into the soil after infiltration ends. Aerobic activity is resumed, but the extent of penetration of oxygen is limited and some depths may be always anaerobic. These assumptions lead to the conclusion that the percolate shows large variations with respect to the concentration of certain contaminants, with some portions showing little change in a specific contaminant. Analyses of soil moisture in field studies and of effluent from laboratory sand columns substantiated the model.

The oxygen content of the system at sufficiently long times after addition of wastes can be described by a quasi-steady-state diffusion equation including a term for an oxygen sink. Measurements of oxygen content during laboratory and field studies show that the oxygen profile changes only slightly up to two days after the quasi-steady state is attained.

Results of these hypotheses and experimental verification can be applied in the operation of existing facilities and in the interpretation of data from pilot plant-studies.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Civil Engineering
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Civil Engineering
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • McKee, Jack E.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:24 July 1967
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:12212015-162348721
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:12212015-162348721
DOI:10.7907/AVVX-TN81
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:9344
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By:INVALID USER
Deposited On:22 Dec 2015 17:35
Last Modified:21 Dec 2019 02:19

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