Gupta, Vedansh

Vedansh Gupta is the Product Manager for AquaPrime and AquaStorm at Aqua-Aerobic Systems. He holds a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from the National...

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About Gupta, Vedansh

Vedansh Gupta is the Product Manager for AquaPrime and AquaStorm at Aqua-Aerobic Systems. He holds a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Jaipur, India, and an M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City. Vedansh has been working in the wastewater industry since 2016, specializing in biological and filtration processes, as well as environmental microbiology. He has authored several technical papers published in high-impact journals and WEF proceedings. Vedansh is an active member of professional organizations, including the Water Environment Federation and Illinois Water Environment Association, where he contributes to multiple committees.

Gupta, Vedansh

Titles from this speaker

Description: A Utility's Journey to Advanced Primary Treatment: From Pilot Testing to Full-Scale...

A Utility's Journey to Advanced Primary Treatment: From Pilot Testing to Full-Scale Implementation of Pile Cloth Media Filter

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Four Rivers Sanitation Authority (FRSA) in Rockford, Illinois, has long prioritized energy efficiency and sustainability, guided by its commitment to innovative technologies and operational excellence. Serving over 277,000 residents across 285 square km (110 square miles), FRSA operates a wastewater treatment facility with a permitted design average flow of 151,416 m3/d (40 MGD) and design maximum month flow of 302,833 m3/d (80 MGD)1.

As part of a facility planning initiative launc...hed in 2018, FRSA sought to upgrade its infrastructure, reduce energy consumption, and enhance resource recovery. The Authority's collaboration with the manufacturer and consulting engineer led to the adoption of Advanced Primary Cloth Media Filters. This advanced primary treatment solution was chosen for its ability to increase solids removal efficiency, reduce secondary treatment aeration energy demand, and boost biogas production, aligning with FRSA's sustainability goals.

PILOT TESTING — Understanding Pile Cloth Media Filters Potential
FRSA hosted a pilot study to evaluate cloth media filter performance compared to traditional primary clarifiers (Figure 1). The pilot, conducted using a Cloth Media Filter system, tested hydraulic loading rates (HLR) of 7.9— 9.8 m/h (3.25—4.0 gpm/ft2) and solid loading rates (SLR) of 43.9— 48.8 Kg/m2/day (9—10 lbs. TSS/ft2/day). Key results included:
- TSS Removal: 87.5%
- BOD Removal: 64.2%
- Effluent TSS: 26 mg/L

These results demonstrated pile cloth media filter's superior performance, offering significant reductions in solids and organics compared to existing clarifiers. By diverting more carbon to anaerobic digesters, primary filter increased biogas production and reduced downstream aeration energy demands.

FULL-SCALE IMPLEMENTATION — Scaling Up Sustainability
Based on pilot success, FRSA implemented two (2) 24-disk Pile Cloth Media Filter units, designed to handle an average flow of 56,781 m3/d (15 MGD) and a peak flow of 113,562 m3/d (30 MGD)2. The new filtration systems were strategically designed to be installed within the footprint of the aging primary clarifiers. The internal walls of the existing clarifiers were demolished, leaving the clarifier floors intact to serve as a foundation for constructing the filter units. Due to the hydraulic conditions at the facility, the design incorporates low lift pumps to transfer influent from an influent wet well to the filter's influent channel. The cloth media filter system's design allowed for splitting influent between the filters and remaining primary clarifiers. Backwash water and settled solids from the filters were routed to a dedicated gravity thickener before anaerobic digestion. The plant flow scheme is shown in Figure 2 and the aerial view of the new primary filtration building is shown in Figure 5.

Operational since mid-2024, the primary filter system has demonstrated a 20% higher removal efficiency for TSS and BOD compared to the existing primary clarifier, as detailed in Table 1 and illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

Key points:
- The reduced flow rate to the Primary Clarifiers has improved their TSS removal by approximately 5%.
- Additional 1,134 Kg/d (2,500 ppd) average increase in primary sludge to digestion, from the 30% of influent flow to Primary Filters compared to all treated in the Primary Clarifiers.
- The backwash and settled solids waste from the primary filters are processed through a dedicated gravity thickener, achieving an average of 5.29% total solids (TS) in the underflow while maintaining a blanket depth of 0.36 — 0.46 m (1.2—1.5 ft). In comparison, the gravity thickener for the primary clarifiers produces an average of 5.07% TS with a higher blanket depth of 1.3 — 1.5 m (4.3—5 ft). Notably, the solids concentration from the gravity thickener for the primary filters is sufficiently high to eliminate the need for a secondary thickening step, such as a gravity belt thickener, allowing the solids to be sent directly to the digesters.
- The increased primary sludge contributes to a 10% boost in enhanced biogas production, generating significant energy to offset operational energy costs.
- The reduced loading to the activated sludge system may lower aeration demands, thereby decreasing secondary treatment energy consumption following the blower upgrades in the upcoming project.

RELEVANCE
The FRSA primary filtration project exemplifies the transformative potential of advanced primary treatment technologies in meeting today's wastewater challenges. By integrating pile cloth media filters into its treatment process, FRSA has achieved significant operational efficiencies, enhanced resource recovery, and made strides toward its sustainability goals. This case study demonstrates the importance of collaboration between utilities, consulting engineers, and technology providers in advancing innovative solutions, providing a model for other facilities seeking to upgrade infrastructure while maximizing sustainability and efficiency.

This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2025, held September 27-October 1, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Presentation time

14:30:00

15:00:00

Session time

13:30:00

15:00:00

SessionOptimizing the Treatment Train using Advanced Primary Filtration and its impact on Secondary Treatment

Session locationMcCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

TopicLiquid Stream Treatment Technology - Preliminary, Primary, and Wet Weather Treatment

Author(s)

Gupta, Vedansh, Strassburg, Scot, Law, Kam

Author(s)V. Gupta1, S. Strassburg2, K. Law3

Author affiliation(s)Aqua Aerobic Systems Inc1, Four Rivers Sanitation Authority2, Donohue & Associates, Inc.3

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2025

DOI10.2175/193864718825159914

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count19

Description: Early Adopters Prove Resiliency of Auxiliary Treatment Strategy and Effectiveness of...

Early Adopters Prove Resiliency of Auxiliary Treatment Strategy and Effectiveness of Latest Generation of Multi-Purpose Filtration

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Many utilities face increasing challenges from (A) high wet-weather flows and (B) stringent effluent limits. Some also aspire to (C) decarbonize and increase resource recovery. Filtration was previously considered feasible only for tertiary polishing (B); however, filter technologies have evolved to address (A) and (C). These can improve performance and resiliency as POTWs mitigate climate change, aging infrastructure, and growing populations. Previous generation pile cloth filters have successfully helped solve (A) and (B) for over 10 years (Fitzpatrick et al, 2018). Adaptations emerging for (C) enhance the capture of influent carbonaceous materials to recover bioenergy, bioplastics feedstock, or other renewable resources and lower downstream energy demands (Hengel-Prom et al, 2022). Several facilities in the US and UK have operated primary filters since circa 2017, more are being installed/designed, and dozens have piloted successfully. The latest generation technologies further increase the viability of multi-purpose applications.

Regulatory policies on (A) vary nationwide and around the world. Within the United States Eighth Circuit Court's jurisdiction, USEPA honors the Court's 2013 decision upholding blending and auxiliary enhanced high-rate treatment (EHRT) technologies, such as pile cloth filters (Iowa League of Cities v EPA). Utilities outside the Eighth Circuit have regulatory precedence for case-by-case permitting, such as USEPA's 1994 CSO Control Policy and NPDES permits for other EHRT facilities outside of the Eighth Circuit. Efforts continue for consistent federal policy that more clearly allows pile cloth filters and other EHRT technologies for auxiliary wet-weather treatment nationwide.

METHODS AND RESULTS
Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) and Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) successfully overcame these challenges, inside and outside the Eighth Circuit, respectively. Both utilities began operating multi-purpose pile cloth filter facilities in 2021 following comprehensive evaluations, applied research, onsite piloting, design, value engineering and construction. The alternatives evaluations included triple-bottom-line assessments, reference facility visits, and onsite piloting of leading EHRT technologies (Szerwinski et al, 2023).

JCW saved $200M in construction costs with a multi-purpose filtration strategy compared to wet-weather flow storage and equalization. Design and CMAR collaboration saved an additional $40M in construction costs through 60% design value engineering for wet-weather treatment and nutrient removal. The multi-purpose filters are part of improvements that achieve annual average nutrient goals of TP<0.5mg/L and TN<10mg/L at an average design flow rate of 19mgd with peak wet-weather capacity up to 172mgd. A 115mgd AquaStorm MegaDisk filter facility provides direct filtration of coarse-screened influent during peak wet-weather flow events and is also used during normal flow conditions to enhance capture of phosphorus-bearing solids. This system is the largest capacity dual-purpose pile cloth disk filter facility in the US. Monitoring data demonstrate that the multi-purpose filter consistently achieves TSS < 5mg/L during normal conditions and < 20mg/L during peak wet-weather conditions.

LRWRA realized similar advantages as JCW at their Adams Field WRF. Improvements include (1) nitrification and denitrification retrofits and clarifier upgrades to the existing 36mgd activated sludge process and (2) new 58mgd multi-purpose filter, 94mgd UV disinfection expansion, and 94mgd effluent pump station. The filters used for auxiliary parallel wet-weather treatment are also used for effluent polishing during normal flows to improve effluent quality and downstream UV performance and O&M. The stormiest month was March 2023, when four wet-weather events required auxiliary treatment for 16 of 31 days. Effluent TSS and BOD remained at or below 10mg/L.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Results from JCW and LRWRA agree favorably with reference facilities at over 40 POTWs nationwide and over 100 worldwide operating a variety of EHRT technologies for over 30 years. These data show that pile cloth filters and other EHRT technologies are consistently able to provide 'non-biological secondary treatment' of wet-weather flows, further supporting the US Eighth Circuit Court's 2013 decision and 2021 clarification upholding EHRT applications to wet-weather blending practices for both combined and separate sewer systems. Both facilities co-thicken and anaerobically digest carbon-bearing solids captured by the filters, thus these facilities' operations also add to the knowledgebase for emerging enhanced primary treatment applications aimed at increasing decarbonization and resource recovery.

This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2025, held September 27-October 1, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Presentation time

15:30:00

16:00:00

Session time

15:30:00

17:00:00

SessionResiliency and Effectiveness of Wet Weather Flow Management and Treatment

Session locationMcCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

TopicLiquid Stream Treatment Technology - Preliminary, Primary, and Wet Weather Treatment

Author(s)

Fitzpatrick, James, Gupta, Vedansh, Hengel-Prom, Christine, Kadava, Anjana, Kerr, Tracy, Szerwinski, Alexander, Thompson, John, White, Nathan

Author(s)J. Fitzpatrick1, V. Gupta2, C. Hengel-Prom1, A. Kadava3, T. Kerr4, A. Szerwinski3, J. Thompson4, N. White1

Author affiliation(s)Black & Veatch1, Aqua Aerobic Systems Inc2, Johnson County Wastewater3, Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority4

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Sep 2025

DOI10.2175/193864718825160078

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count17

Description: Simultaneous Aerobic Cometabolism of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Using Novel...

Simultaneous Aerobic Cometabolism of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Using Novel Biocatalysts

Abstract

Chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs) are a major class of pollutants found in contaminated soil or groundwater sites, particularly in developed countries. There are several identified microorganisms that degrade individual CHCs; however, consolidated biodegradation of multiple CHCs remains a challenge. This study shows the application of the MNETM technology for the aerobic biodegradation of multiple CHCs using a single strain of microorganism. Nine out of ten (9/10) CHCs were degraded to below 50 µg/L using a bench-scale configuration. The most abundant contaminant in the groundwater sample, 1,2-Dichloroethane, was degraded by 98% from 11 mg/L to 260 µg/L consistently by MNE biocatalysts. The results also show complete mineralization of compounds under aerobic conditions to form almost an equal amount of theoretical chloride ion, indicating negligible volatilization of CHCs and complete degradation by MNE biocatalysts. Overall, this study shows the promising application of MNE technology utilizing a single microorganism for aerobic co-metabolism of multiple CHCs when present in combination.

SpeakerGupta, Vedansh

Presentation time

14:10:00

14:30:00

Session time

13:30:00

15:30:00

SessionEmerging Topics in Microconstituents

Session number402

TopicMicroconstituents

Author(s)

V. GuptaN.C. HlavacekA. RazaviF. Shirazi

Author(s)V. Gupta1; N.C. Hlavacek1; A. Razavi1; F. Shirazi1;

Author affiliation(s)Microvi Biotech Inc., CA1

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2020

DOI10.2175/193864718825157391

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count10

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Gupta, Vedansh

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