Current analytical methods for determining steroids in sewage sludge and sediment are reviewed and experimental data comparing LC/MS ESI and GC/MS quantification of extracts from these matrices is presented. The effect of matrix influence on method analysis and steroid recoveries was investigated and a comparison of GC and LC determination with mass spectrometry performed. Consequently upon this, an environmental analytically robust methodology is presented and using this technique analysis of sediments determined E1 to be the main steroid (<18 ng/g), EE2 and E3 were determined at far lower concentrations with minimal detection of E2.

The denitrification potential, a key parameter in nutrient removal activated sludge systems, is mathematically described in terms of mass balance expressions for different carbon sources, namely, easily biodegradable substrate, slowly biodegradable substrate and biomass. Mass balance was derived both for single-anoxic (pre-denitrification) and dual anoxic (Bardenpho) systems. Correction factors for anoxic growth were experimentally determined using respirometry for domestic sewage and meat processing wastewater. The denitrification potential expressions were evaluated for different process configurations such as pre-denitrification, Bardenpho process and University of Cape Town (UCT) process.

Activated Sludge Model No. 1 (ASM 1) has been used extensively for the design and simulation of biological treatment systems. Batch respirometric experiments have been described in the model for the determination of model coefficients and respirometric studies have been proved to be useful in kinetic parameter estimation and wastewater characterisation for ASM 1. Activated Sludge Model No. 3 (ASM3) has also introduced a number of kinetic and stoichiometric coefficients with the new processes defined in the model, also suggesting some default values. Recent studies on the application of ASM3 are limited to special cases in terms of parameter determination. Proper calibration of ASM3 parameters can be a difficult task without involving respirometric procedures as experimental tools. Respirometric batch tests were conveniently used in this study in order to estimate ASM3 parameters and the main kinetic and stoichiometric model coefficients were successfully and uniquely determined for aerobic and anoxic conditions for acetate.

Water Framework Directive aiming to maintain and improve the aquatic environment in the EU was launched by the European Parliament in 2000. According to this directive, control of quantity is an ancillary element in securing good water quality and therefore measures on quantity, serving the objective of ensuring good quality should also be established. Accordingly, it is a comprehensive and coordinated package that will ensure all European waters to be protected according to a common standard. Therefore, it refers to all other Directives related to water resources management such as Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive Nitrates Directive, Drinking Water Directive, Integrated Pollution Prevention Control etc. Turkey, as a candidate state targeting full-membership, should comply the necessary preparations for the implementation of the "Water Framework Directive" as soon as possible. In this study, the necessary legislative, political, institutional, and technical attempts of the pre-accession countries have been discussed and effective recommendations have been offered for future activities in Turkey.

Nitrate utilization was used as the basis for experimental assessment of storage kinetics under anoxic conditions. Acetate and the filtered portion of primary sludge were selected as substrates. Experimental data were evaluated in accordance with ASM3. Results obtained did not confirm previously suggested values for kinetic coefficients. Acetate storage could be characterized by k STO and Y STOD values of 10 g COD (g COD ? day) 21 and 0.6 g COD (g COD) 21 , respectively. Higher values were computed for primary sludge. Results suggest reevaluation of the concept of readily biodegradable substrate as defined in ASM3 and tested in the study.