Biological Wastewater Treatment Systems: Theory and Operation

Biological Wastewater Treatment Systems Theory and Operation N. J. Horan University of Leeds UK The increasing concern being voiced about the destruction and pollution of our environment has led to a growing awareness worldwide of the need for more effective sewage treatment. The contribution of sewage, treated effluents and sewage sludges to the spread of disease is now being quantified, emphasizing the vital need for improved sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities. Biological Wastewater Treatment Systems introduces basic concepts of microbial growth and reactor engineering which are required to understand fully the rational design and operation of wastewater treatment systems. It considers both conventional and low cost treatment options and describes the relative importance of organic, nutrient and pathogen removal. The ability of each unit operation to achieve these is discussed in detail. Topics covered include wastewater characteristics and the effects of its discharge on receiving waters; process fundamentals; microorganisms exploited in wastewater treatment; and microbial energy generation. The book brings together the three major disciplines of Microbiology, Chemistry and Engineering into a format which can be understood by engineers with no biological background and biologists who have little understanding of the processes employed for the treatment of sewage. It will be useful for senior first degree students in civil, environmental and wastewater engineering and biological science, as well as those following more advanced courses in environmental pollution control and tropical public health engineering.