Research Areas
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Civil Engineering Graduate Seminar Series
* For the previous seminars please visit the research groups' pages
Coming Up!
4 March 2013, 12:10-1 PM, Gregg
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Exploring Comparative Performance of Full-Scale, Deep-Bed Anthracite and GAC Biofilters for Simultaneous Removal of Organic Precursors and Manganese |
Assessing Biological Removal of Manganese | |
Presenter: Ransom Horner-Richardson Advisor: Dr. M.R. Collins |
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Presenter : Varouna Appiah Advisor: Dr. M. R. COLLINS
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Bio: Ransom Horner-Richardson completed his Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering in May 2012 at the University of New Hampshire. His interest in environmental engineering topics and drinking water treatment in particular, has led him to pursue his Masters degree in the field of Environmental Engineering. |
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Bio: Varouna obtained her BS in Environmental Engineering, Municipal Processes from UNH in May 2012. She is now pursuing her MS in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering track). |
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Ransom with Sampling Apparatus in GAC Filter Bed |
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Abstract:
Manchester Water-Works Drinking Water Treatment Plant (MWTP) in Manchester, NH operates eight deep bed biofilters following intermediate ozonation for organic precursor removal. Four of the beds use Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) as the filter media and four use crushed anthracite. In the summer months, manganese is prevalent in the source water for MWTP with levels up to 0.25 mg/l. The plant operates the biofilters during these Mn spikes at an elevated pH (8.0) to improve the filter performance for Mn while reducing performance for organic precursors. This study proposes to assess each deep-bed filter media for differences and similarities in operation and removals for organics and manganese and answer the following questions: 1) What is the comparative performance of each media type (GAC and anthracite) as a biological growth media for organic precursor (TOC, DOC, BDOC, UV absorbance, SUVA) removal over selected filter cycles (and in particular after filter cleaning) and with regard to filter depth and temperature? 2) What is the comparative performance of each media type (GAC and anthracite) as a biological manganese (Mn) removal media over selected filter cycles (and in particular after filter cleaning) and with regard to filter depth and temperature? 3) What is the rate limiting nutrient (RLN) for the biofilters e.g., carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus? 4) What is the comparative performance of the filters for competing filtration removal goals i.e., organic precursor removals vs. Mn removals, with regard to temperature fluctuation, pH fluctuation, and filter media type? Each filter type will be assessed over a year cycle to determine the effects of temperature, media type and filter depth on these competing removal goals. |
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Abstract: Manganese is considered as a secondary contaminant by the US EPA. Therefore, its presence in water is not considered to affect health at the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 0.05 mg/L. However, if this level is exceeded in the distribution system, numerous aesthetic problems can be experienced. Indeed, as the water travels through the system, manganese starts to collect as a black manganese oxide biological layer on pipe surfaces causing technical problems. As this layer disperses through the water, consumers may experience undesirable taste and odor. The most common processes that are used today for manganese removal involve aeration or chemical oxidation followed by filtration. However, biological removal of manganese could provide for a more robust alternative as the MnO2 precipitates resulting from such treatment have stronger configurations than those created by physical-chemical processes. Moreover, the dense biomass formed extends the duration of the filter as head loss increases at a comparatively slower rate. The factors that favor biological removal include redox potential (Eh), dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, manganese concentration, pH, temperature, and distribution of media. |
Spring 2013 Schedule
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Date |
Time Slot |
Name |
Advisor |
1st or 2nd seminar |
Location |
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Jan 28 |
12:10-12:35 |
Georgian Tutuianu |
Medina |
1st |
Kings |
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12:35-1:00 |
Patrick Santoso |
Goodspeed |
1st |
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Feb 4 |
12:10-12:35 |
Jon Coulp-Yu |
Bell |
1st |
Kings |
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12:35-1:00 |
Michael Sudak |
Benoit |
1st |
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Feb 11 |
12:10-12:35 |
Josh Collins |
Malley |
1st |
Gregg |
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12:35-1:00 |
RaeAnna Hughes |
Malley |
1st |
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Feb 18 |
12:10-12:35 |
Jeff Senders |
Collins |
2nd |
Gregg |
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12:35-1:00 |
Margaret King |
Kinner |
1st |
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Feb 25 |
12:10-12:35 |
Jon Coulp-Yu |
Bell |
2nd |
Kings |
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12:35-1:00 |
Jennifer Jencks |
Kinner |
1st |
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Mar 4 |
12:10-12:35 |
Ransom Horne-Richardson |
Collins |
1st |
Gregg |
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12:35-1:00 |
Varouna Appiah |
Collins |
1st |
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Mar 18 |
12:10-12:35 |
Jennifer Jencks |
Kinner |
2nd |
Gregg |
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12:35-1:00 |
Margaret King |
Kinner |
2nd |
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Mar 25 |
12:10-12:35 |
Annika Mathiasson |
Medina |
2nd |
Kings |
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12:35-1:00 |
Georgian Tutuianu |
Medina |
2nd |
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Apr 1 |
12:10-12:35 |
Patrick Santoso |
Goodspeed |
2nd |
Kings |
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12:35-1:00 |
David Salzer |
Goodspeed |
2nd |
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Apr 8 |
12:10-12:35 |
Amy Getchell |
Benoit |
2nd |
Kings |
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12:35-1:00 |
Heidi Borchers |
Ballestero |
1st |
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Apr 15 |
12:10-12:35 |
Bryan Carignan |
Jacobs |
2nd |
Kings |
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12:35-1:00 |
Zachary Scanlon |
Gress |
1st |
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Apr 22 |
12:10-12:35 |
Marc Gullison |
Benoit |
2nd |
Kings |
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12:35-1:00 |
Charles Watkins |
Kinner |
1st |
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Apr 29 |
12:10-12:35 |
Josh Collins |
Malley |
2nd |
Gregg |
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12:35-1:00 |
RaeAnna Hughes |
Malley |
2nd |
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May 6 |
12:10-12:35 |
Rowen Prescott |
Goodspeed |
2nd |
Kings |
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12:35-1:00 |
Michael Sudak |
Benoit |
2nd |