Overview
Overview
AulBac 1800 Algae Control chemical application is a proven method of preventing excessive and harmful algae growth.
Location
Pennsylvania
Market
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Industrial Solutions
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Wastewater Treatment Solutions
Introduction
Introduction
Certain and specific conditions can encourage the growth of various types of algae in both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. Conditions such as warm temperatures, increased light availability, and abundant macronutrient (Nitrogen and Phosphorous) concentration all contribute to excessive algal blooms.
Why are these blooms a problem in wastewater treatment?
- Algal blooms create high effluent total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and pH compliance issues.
- Algal blooms promote low dissolved oxygen (DO). Algae utilize the oxygen created during the day at night leaving less available for bacteria to consume. The BOD-consuming bacteria promote a more healthy wastewater treatment lagoon.
- Odor – low DO conditions promote nuisance lagoon odors creating issues for Utility personnel.
- Excess sludge – when algal blooms die off, they sink forming large sludge blocks.
Challenge
Challenge
A municipal wastewater treatment lagoon was experiencing high effluent TSS due to abundant algal growth. The effluent TSS concentrations were ≥ 212 mg/L.
After a successful site visit, Aulick / CITCO Water Technical Consultants were tasked with developing a treatment strategy to effectively address and disfavor the algae growth.
Our Solution
Our Solution
Aulick / CITCO Water’s AulBac 1800 – Algae Control was identified as the correct chemistry for this specific application. This blend of proprietary microorganisms was formulated for use where inordinate algae growth is a problem.
The microbes in AulBac 1800 will breakdown excess wastes in ponds and lagoons and reduce excessive quantities of inorganic nutrients, such as biologically usable forms of phosphorus and nitrogen (which are causative reasons for excessive algal blooms). The AulBac 1800 application lead to cleaner water, higher dissolved oxygen levels, and lower effluent TSS for this wastewater Utility.
In this case, AulBac 1800 was added directly to the lagoon (Consult with an Aulick / CITCO Water Technical Consultant for detailed dosing rates for your specific wastewater treatment plant recommendation).
Our Results
Our Results
Aulick / CITCO Water utilized AulBac 1800 at this lagoon for three weeks and recorded the TSS reading after the conclusion of each week.
- Week 1 – TSS = 212 mg/L
- Week 2 – TSS = 171 mg/L
- Week 3 – TSS = 61 mg/L
Two treatment ponds flowing in series with a total surface acre treated of 18.0 required the application of 40.0 lbs. of AulBac 1800 over the 3-week period.
By maintaining a healthy and effective biomass, wastewater treatment personnel can improve their macronutrient output and safely reduce the performance impact associated with excessive algae growth.
If your wastewater treatment plant is prone to excessive algae growth that impacts effluent treatment quality, Aulick / CITCO Water, through bioaugmentation, can provide a non-hazardous and cost-effective method for algae growth prevention and maintain effluent compliance and treatment integrity.
