This paper presents a new simple, rapid, and accurate method suitable for on-site measurement of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and carbonate alkalinity in anaerobic reactors. This titrimetric method involves eight pH observations, and typically, the full procedure takes approximately 15 min. An important feature of the method is a built-in quality control mechanism allowing the user a rapid means of assessing the reliability of the experimental procedure. To evaluate the accuracy of the method, both laboratory-made waters and industrial UASB effluent were tested. High accuracy for both VFA and carbonate alkalinity measurements (error within 2% and 1%, respectively) plus good repetition (average standard deviation of 6.7% and 1.45%, respectively) was obtained. The method takes into account the effects of the phosphate, ammonium, and sulfide weak acid subsystems. Appraisal of the effect of an input error in these subsystems revealed that VFA measurement is fairly insensitive to phosphate and ammonium concentrations. It is, however, sensitive to H2S loss during titration where the sulfide concentration is higher than approximately 10 mg/Las S. With regard to the carbonate alkalinity measurement, error in concentration of either phosphate or sulfide or H2S loss might result in a significant error. Short guidelines for correct execution of the method are given in an appendix.

Three biochemical models for biological excess phosphorus removal are critically analysed: the Comeau/Wentzel, Mino and modified Mino models. There is agreement between the models except in one respect, the generation of reducing equivalents (NADH2) required to convert acetate to poly-β-hydroxybutyrate under anaerobic conditions. In this regard a procedure is suggested to determine which of the models' premises are correct.

No abstract

Struvite precipitation is common in waste water systems containing high concentrations of dissolved orthophosphates, free and saline ammonia and magnesium ions, such as in anaerobic fermentation systems, often leading to severe fouling. It appears that a reduction of the partial pressure of CO2, ie. pCO2 is a trigger mechanism for struvite precipitation. An algorithm was developed, based on equilibrium chemistry, to quantitatively predict the struvite precipitation potential of the water in such a process. This was then extended, to predict the change in state together with precipitation potential due to chemical perturbations, particularly variations of pCO2. Experimental verification of the algorithms is presented.