REDUCING THE MYSTERY FROM MICRONUTRIENT ADDITION

Many industrial wastewaters require micronutrient addition to achieve the desired organics removal and biological solids settling properties. Water conservation and growing demands for trace organics (e.g., emerging contaminants) removal are driving these needs to even greater levels. Providers of commercial micronutrient materials will not disclose their product compositions and typically offer widely varying recommended doses for the same wastewater. A fundamental understanding of micronutrient requirements for three industrial wastewaters, analyses of three popular commercial additives, a critique of the three supplier recommendations, and comparison of costs for commercial versus commodity additions are included in the presentation. A clearer understanding of micronutrient addition will not only facilitate enhanced organics removal but may also save thousands of dollars annually.