Current extensive research on aerobic granular sludge (AGS) largely focuses on improving its microbial biodiversity, settlement behavior, nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency, and shock load resistance. Great challenges that have to be faced are the bottleneck of slow-speed granulation and easy disintegration after granulation, which are key to the extended application of AGS technology. In the present review, the typical morphological structures of AGS are firstly summarized as well as the granulation model hypotheses, and then, we analyze the dominant microflora and their spatial distribution features. The influencing factors on particle structure stability are discussed thereafter on a macro and micro scale. Prospects and future research trends are also discussed based on the current study results for AGS technology.

A paucity of literature has compared geotextile dewatering methods to more conventional dewatering methods (i.e. centrifuge, sedimentation) in the context of how geotextile dewatering will perform at reducing particulate matter in the dewatering effluent. Particulate matter is the primary source of inorganic and organic contaminants (i.e. dioxins and furans) in an unconsolidated sediment (estimated 577,000 m3) that has accumulated in a wastewater stabilization basin in Nova Scotia, Canada. Physical and chemical properties of the contaminated sediment were initially characterized, and subsequent laboratory experiments were carried out for three common dewatering methods: sedimentation, centrifugation, and geotextile filtration. Filtrate quality in terms of suspended solids (number, particle size distribution of particles) was examined for differences based on the three dewatering techniques assessed. All three methods provided effective removal of particulate matter during dewatering, but geotextile dewatering could prove to be a more economical and practical solution for dewatering of these sediments.

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This research was conducted independently by the author and under the supervision of Dr. Pascale Champagne, who has reviewed and edited this thesis. All experimental work and results were obtained through her technical guidance and feedback.

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