CFAs: Next-Generation Analytical Methods for Understanding Biological Nutrient Removal Processes

Objectives

• Using a combination of literature review, utility surveys case studies, and lab study, investigate how wastewater monitoring using next-generation analytical methods (i.e., amplicon sequencing, genomics, transcriptomic, proteomics, and metabolomics) can be applied for understanding, optimization, troubleshooting, and control of biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes.
• Identify case studies of successful application of microbial population monitoring for wastewater treatment processes using next-generation methods, with remediation strategies and lessons learned.
• Develop an up-to-date guidance document for use by treatment plant process control and operations staff to implement next-generation analytical methods.
• Identify high-priority research gaps that impede robust and consistent application of next generation analytical methods for understanding and monitoring BNR processes.

Research Approach

• The following approach is intended as a suggested starting point:
  • Conduct a literature review (building on findings from WRF 4961, 4878, and 4827a [Garner et al. 2023, Park and Chandran 2018, Hoar et al. 2019]) that synthesizes currently available methods and findings relevant to BNR processes at wastewater treatment facilities, including their technology readiness level.
  • Conduct an industry/treatment plant survey. The information collected from the survey should be useful for identifying challenges related to BNR process control and meeting nutrient discharge limits that could be addressed with next-generation tools, and for understanding the degree of readiness/willingness of utilities to adopt next-generation tools. The survey should include both facilities that have attempted to utilize next generation methodologies to inform process operation or troubleshooting and those that have not. The survey should focus on treatment plants with BNR processes and should include plants with a variety of operating conditions such as:
    • Size: from small (< 1 MGD) to large (> 10 MGD) plants
    • Operating temperature: cold (40 – 60o F) to hot weather (80 – 100o F)
    • Various types of BNR processes and configurations (e.g., activated sludge, membrane bioreactor, granular activated sludge, etc.)
  • Develop criteria to evaluate currently available tools. Identify tools with high potential for of full-scale application and widespread adoption.
  • Based on findings from the above project components, design and perform experiments (bench scale and/or in-situ) to evaluate the selected tools using wastewater samples from treatment plants with various operating conditions. The experimental timeline would ideally extend over 1+ years and over multiple treatment plants and results should inform the research questions listed below.
  • Perform data analysis and integration. This effort would include the potential to integrate data with process modifications/control and/or with mathematical process modeling.
  • Provide a cost matrix for adoption of a routine monitoring program that uses NeXT generation tools (both for building and operating an in-house lab or consistent use of third parties), including comparisons to alternative (conventional) methods. This will help utilities with their business case approval to establish regular monitoring with next-generation technologies.
  • Develop a guidance document and identify key remaining research gaps/needs. This document should help utilities assess whether these tools would be helpful for their needs, understand the limitations of the tools, determine what should be considered when setting up a sampling and analytical plan, and understand how to interpret the data. This document should provide recommendations for:
    • Simple process control parameters like sludge volume index (SVI), dissolved oxygen (DO), solids retention time (SRT), mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), oxygen uptake rate (OUR), and influent food to microorganism ratio (F/M)
    • Optimal sampling locations, sample frequency and sample storage requirements
    • Data analysis
    • Control charting
    • Monitoring microbial community changes and succession during seeding/inoculation, routine operation, and as an early warning system for process inhibition or foaming and bulking

Funding Information

• The maximum funding available from WRF for this project is $250,000. The applicant must contribute additional resources equivalent to at least 33% of the project award. For example, if an applicant requests $100,000 from WRF, an additional $33,000 or more must be contributed by the applicant. Acceptable forms of applicant contribution include cost share, applicant in-kind, or third-party in-kind that comply with 2 CFR Part 200.306 cost sharing or matching. The applicant may elect to contribute more than 33% to the project, but the maximum WRF funding available remains fixed at $250,000.
• The anticipated period of performance for this project is 24-30 months from the contract start date.

Expected Deliverables

• Final Research Report and presentation
• Guidance document for utilities seeking to adopt next-generation methods for monitoring BNR processes, including a cost matrix
• A fact sheet for utilities considering the use of next-generation methods outlining options and associated resource needs in terms of sampling type and frequency, equipment, staffing, software, communication to operations, and limitations.
• Case studies of successful applications of microbial population monitoring or other innovative, emerging analytical methods for BNR process understanding, design, modeling, monitoring, control, or optimization/troubleshooting

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals will be accepted from both U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based entities, including educational institutions, research organizations, governmental agencies, and consultants or other for-profit entities.
• WRF’s Board of Directors has established a Timeliness Policy that addresses researcher adherence to the project schedule. Researchers who are late on any ongoing WRF-sponsored studies without approved no-cost extensions are not eligible to be named participants in any proposals.

For more information, visit WRF.