Norton, John

Dr. John Norton is Director of Energy, Research, and Innovation for GLWA, a combined water/wastewater utility in Southeast Michigan. GLWA treats more...

Joined:

About Norton, John

Dr. John Norton is Director of Energy, Research, and Innovation for GLWA, a combined water/wastewater utility in Southeast Michigan. GLWA treats more than 40% of the water, and 30% of the wastewater, for the state of Michigan. Norton leads GLWA's research efforts to understand, extend, and enhance its linear and process infrastructure.

Norton, John

Titles from this speaker

A Surveillance Study: Per-and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Biosolids

Abstract

This surveillance study was aimed at understanding concentrations of PFAS in biosolids. To address this objective, samples were collected from of twenty-five wastewater resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) throughout North America over a six-month period. A minimum of two samples were collected from each WRRF: Location A – sludge entering the stabilization process, and Location B – biosolids (post-stabilization sludge). Modified EPA Method 537.1 was used to analyze 40 PFAS compounds in these samples by Eurofins Laboratories. Only 20% of the measured PFAS compounds were detected in the biosolids samples. Three major solid stabilization methods were evaluated, anaerobic digestion, incineration, and chemical stabilization. Anaerobic digestion and chemical stabilization indicated increases in PFAS in Location B in comparison to Location A, except for in the case of incineration, where ash samples (Location B) did not contain any of the measured PFAS compounds above the method detection limit.

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are being extensively studied in all the matrices due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment and negative human health impacts. This study conducted a survey of twenty-five wastewater resource recovery facilities (WRRF) throughout North America over a six-month period to evaluate for PFAS other emerging contaminants in biosolids. Among the 40 PFAS compounds evaluated, only 20% were detected in biosolid samples. Concentrations of the detected PFA

SpeakerOza, Shubhashini

Presentation time

13:30:00

13:55:00

Session time

13:30:00

15:00:00

SessionUnderstanding and Addressing PFAS in Biosolids

Session locationRoom N426b - Level 4

TopicMunicipal Wastewater Treatment Design, PFAS

Author(s)

Oza, Shubhashini

Author(s)S. Oza 1; S. Estahbanati 2 ; J. Norton 3; N. Hontoria 4; X. Fonoll Almansa 5; M. Khan 6; C. Muller 7; K. Bell 8; J. Hatfield 4; S. Oza 1;

Author affiliation(s)Brown & Caldwell 1; Brown & Caldwell 2 ; Great Lake Water Authority 3; Brown & Caldwell 4; Great Lake Water Authority 5; Great Lake Water Authority 6; Brown & Caldwell 7; Brown & Caldwell 8; Brown & Caldwell 4; Brown & Caldwell 1;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825159011

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count10

Application of Vacuum Extraction to Anaerobic Digestion for Process Intensification and Resource Recovery

Abstract

The IntensiCarbTM process utilizes the decoupling of SRT and HRT, like recuperative thickening, to increase process capacity while simultaneously reducing the influence of toxic metabolic by products through extraction (ex. ammonia-N) and recover additional methane. This paper summarizes 3 years of research evaluating the efficacy of the process utilizing a side-by-side comparison of conventional mesophilic digestion with varying intensification factors (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x) in bench-scale trials conducted at Western University in London, Ontario digesting blend of primary and secondary sludge collected from the Greenway Wastewater Treatment Plant. Figure 1 provides a process flow diagram of the IntensiCarbTM process simulated in these tests. Figure 2, plots change in volatile solids reduction (VSr) in relation to hydraulic and solids retention times of IntensiCarb to explore its impact on the rate and extent of digestion. Based on this data it can be seen that the primary mechanism of process enhancement is the rate of digestion, rather than extent, being able to operate a higher loading rate, low HRT, with out significant increase in overall destruction at extended SRT. While some instability was observed in the higher loading rates it was transient during transition periods. With the move toward resource recovery, the energy yield of the digestion process is as critical as maximizing methane production per unit volume has potential long-term operating cost benefits as well as sustainability impacts. Figure 3, plots the impact of digester hydraulic retention time on the methane yield of the digester (m3-CH4/m3digester/d). Figure 3, clearly illustrates that with the IntensiCarbTM process the methane yield on an equivalent digester volume basis is more than 4.5 times higher than the conventional digester at 20 days SRT; 1.28 m3-CH4/m3digester/d verses 0.28 m3-CH4/m3digester/d, respectively. Furthermore, conventional mesophilic digestion typically does not operate, at scale, under 15 days of retention time. This is because below this level significant risk to process stability has been historically observed. The accumulation of ammonia has a self-limiting effect on anaerobic digestion. To date, no technology has effectively managed ammonia-N in-situ, resulting in risks for process instability and or significant population shifts, as reported by Mah et al. (2017) for THP. This is significant in that the control of ammonia in the digester could support high loadings without the negative impacts of toxicity and reduce return stream impacts, often a concern with high rate anaerobic digestion processes. The data shows (Figure 4) that as the digester load increased with IntensiCarbTM, the overall total ammonia-N levels remained around 800 mg-N/L or less, while a more conventional system would be expected to be operating at 2,100 to >5,000 mg-N/L. This observation alleviates one of the primary limits to anaerobic digestion. High loadings and high ammonia concentrations have been attributed to shifts in digester populations, as outlined by Mah et al (2017) when evaluating thermal hydrolysis. With similarly high loads but significantly reduced ammonia-N levels, the population profile of several of the test digesters were evaluated and compared to the control. The relative abundance of bacteria and archaea (methanogens) depicted in Figure 6 indicates that the relative abundance of archaea increases with intensification factor, approximately 40% (Figure 5). Looking at the specific methanogenic population present, there is a shift that occurs between the conventional (Control) digester relative to the intensified digesters. As the intensification level increases the methanogenic population shifts from one dominated by the low-growth rate Methanosaeta to one dominated by high-growth rate Methanosarcina (Figure 6). Some have suggested that digesters dominated by Methanosarcina have a higher overall capacity and stability due to their significantly higher maximum specific growth rate. The opposite was reported for thermal hydrolysis based digestion (Mah et al (2017)). Vacuum enhanced anaerobic digestion represents a novel process for the intensification of anaerobic sludge stabilization. Potentially offering unique opportunities for resource recover, ammonia-N and dissolved methane, as well as providing a mechanism to alleviate the current limitations associated with anaerobic digestion, metabolic byproduct toxicity.

The IntensiCarbTM, process is a vacuum enhanced anaerobic digestion process, that separates solids and hydraulic residence time. Resulting in increased process capacity by six times and in-situ removal of ammonia from the digestion process, exceeding the capacity of all commercially available sludge digestion processes on the market today. The process appears to select for increased methanogenic robustness and ammonia tolerance as well as create new opportunities for resource recovery.

SpeakerMuller, Christopher

Presentation time

16:00:00

16:20:00

Session time

15:30:00

17:00:00

SessionAdvances in Anaerobic Digestion

Session number219

Session locationRoom 344

TopicBiosolids and Residuals, Intermediate Level, Research and Innovation

Author(s)

Muller, Christopher, Khadir, Ali, Abdelrahman, Amr, Al-Omari, Ahmed, Jang, Eunkyung, Bell, Katherine, Norton, John, Sheculski, Chris, Santoro, Domenico, Nakhla, George

Author(s)C. Muller1, A. Khadir3, A. Abdelrahman3, A.A. Al-Omari1, E. Jang2, K. Bell1, J. Norton4, C. Sheculski2, D. Santoro2, G.F. Nakhla3

Author affiliation(s)1Brown and Caldwell, 2USP Technologies, 3Western University, 4Great Lakes Water Authority

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2024

DOI10.2175/193864718825159715

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count14

Description: Building A New Digester or Intensifying the Existing Anaerobic Digesters? A Deep...

Building A New Digester or Intensifying the Existing Anaerobic Digesters? A Deep Dive into Advanced AD Intensification Technologies in North America

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives
Anaerobic digestion (AD) has been widely adopted by municipalities for solids management in wastewater resource recovery facilities (WRRF). AD enhances resource recovery, adding value to wastewater treatment. However, its kinetics pose challenges, with slow hydrolysis and methanogenesis necessitating a solid residence time (SRT) of 15-20 days, leading to larger footprints and higher construction costs. Faster growing acidogenic microorganisms produce inhibitory substances that destabilize the process, especially when organic loading rates increase or feed material resists hydrolysis. Furthermore, population growth demands a capacity increase in AD tanks to handle the higher wastewater sludge flowing into the plants. A traditional method to increase the capacity of the digesters for a utility is building new digesters which requires relatively high capital and operation costs. Tackling such challenges necessitates adopting advanced AD intensification technologies that alleviate the biological limitations, provide smaller footprint, and increase capacity at lower costs.

Intensification technologies are a general umbrella term to include any technology that improves the performance of AD systems. The benefits of intensification technologies include, but are not limited to, enhanced production of valuable products, reduced process footprints, higher organic loading, and improved process stability. In practice, municipalities make ad hoc decisions to select intensification technologies available commercially that meet their regulatory and financial needs. To the best of our knowledge, there are no comprehensive analyses and references available in our industry that cover the practitioners to select appropriate intensification technology for their municipalities and compare the existing advanced AD technologies in North America.

The objective of this study is to discuss and analyze the benefits of intensification technologies for AD in WRRF. The goal is to provide the municipalities with a comprehensive framework to select and implement appropriate intensification technologies, considering their specific needs and conditions, to enhance the performance and efficiency of AD processes.

Methodology
Six municipalities in North America were interviewed that each have implemented one of the full-scale intensification technologies, and further compared and analyzed the benefits of intensification technologies. First, a literature survey was conducted to identify and compare currently used intensification technologies by municipalities in North America. Six major intensification technologies were identified including Acid-Phase Digestion (APD), Temperature-Phased Digestion (TPAD), Recuperative Thickening (RT), Thermal Hydrolysis (THP), Post-Aerobic Digestion (PAD), and High Solid Digestion. Then, for each intensification technology, an offline survey and an hour-long interview were conducted with a municipality that has adopted the technology to understand their experience. Finally, a framework for evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each intensification technology was developed.

Results
Figures 1 and 2 show approximately sixty plants in North America have adopted advanced AD technologies with TPAD, THP, and APD being the top 3 technologies implemented today. While for RT, high solid digestion, and PAD only one facility for each has adopted the technology to date. The interviews of municipalities sought many common features of intensification technologies. These attributes included higher organic loading rate, decoupling SRT from HRT, improved process stability, ease of operation, and enhanced recovery of valued products reported in Table 1. Interestingly, while seeking similar attributes from an intensification technology, the choice of intensification technology rarely depended on the technological advantages alone. Rather, each municipality's choice of intensification technology reflected their unique concerns reflecting the history of their facility, relationship with their local constituents, influent characteristics, and other economic opportunities. For example, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) adopted a two-phase AD process to retrofit an existing AD facility to cope with persistent foaming issues they had been dealing with historically. The City of Montpelier Water Resource Recovery Facility constructed a new AD with a recuperative thickener (RT) to be able to maintain high SRT in response to incidental high organic loading events. DC Water adopted Thermal Hydrolysis to increase capacity.

In conclusion, intensification technologies significantly enhance anaerobic digestion (AD) performance by boosting stability, increasing organic loading rates, and reducing costs and footprints. This study provides a detailed framework for municipalities to choose the best technology tailored to their unique needs, emphasizing the importance of a customized approach over a one-size-fits-all solution.

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

Presentation time

09:00:00

09:30:00

Session time

08:30:00

10:00:00

SessionPass the Gas: Digester Rehab, Intensification, and Innovation

Session locationMcCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

TopicBiosolids & Residuals

Author(s)

Kakar, Farokh Laqa, Elsayed, Ahmed, Marcus, Andrew, Zareie, Mahdis, Norton, John, Jankowski, Kevin, Cox, Christopher, Seib, Matt, Peot, Chris, Morse, Thomas, Smillova, Diana, Muller, Christopher, Elbeshbishy, Elsayed

Author(s)F. Kakar1, A. Elsayed2, A. Marcus3, M. Zareie2, J. Norton3, K. Jankowski3, C. Cox4, M. Seib5, C. Peot6, T. Morse7, D. Smillova8, C. Muller1, E. Elbeshbishy2

Author affiliation(s)Brown and Caldwell1, Toronto Metropolitan University2, Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA)3, City of Montpelier WRRF4, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District5, DC Water & Sewer Authority6, Metro Water Recovery7, City of St. Petersburg8

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Sep 2025

DOI10.2175/193864718825160170

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count22

Description: Development of a Wastewater Surveillance Program to Protect Public Health in...

Development of a Wastewater Surveillance Program to Protect Public Health in Southeastern Michigan

Abstract

Introduction The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has exposed modern society's vulnerability to infectious diseases. Despite significant human tragedy and financial constraints, water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) continue to provide clean water to shared waterways and protect the environment. Additionally, several wastewater utilities and their research partners have 'looked to the sewers' to help public health agencies track the spread of SARS-CoV-2 via wastewater surveillance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials have relied on clinical testing of symptomatic individuals to monitor the outbreak of SARS-CoV-21 . The approach is reactive since there is typically a time lag between the onset of disease and when the result of a clinical test is reported to a local health agency. Testing symptomatic individuals also fails to identify asymptomatic cases known to spread the disease. Wastewater surveillance is a disease-tracking tool that analyzes untreated wastewater for human biomarkers. Measurement of these biomarkers can provide an aggregated signal of public health in a community. The technique has been successfully implemented for the early detection of polio, as well as retrospective identification of hepatitis A outbreaks. Retrospective analyses suggest the signal of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater can precede reported clinical cases by up to three weeks. Early detection of disease supports early response, such as public health decision-making and pop-up vaccination clinics. Additional applications of wastewater surveillance include monitoring for future disease outbreaks, antibiotic resistance, and health disparities6. A successful wastewater surveillance program requires collaboration between community leaders, wastewater utilities, epidemiologists, public health officials, engineers, doctors, and other scientists. At the heart of each program is the wastewater utility, whose knowledge of the sewer system is critical to correlating wastewater surveillance data to public health trends. This presentation highlights the role of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) in the development of an effective wastewater surveillance program in southeastern Michigan. The presentation includes a historical description of pre-pandemic research efforts at GLWA with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), collaborative efforts to rapidly implement a SARS-CoV-2 monitoring program, analysis of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater data, and discussion on the role of the wastewater utility in wastewater surveillance. The GLWA case study has the potential to help other wastewater utilities implement programs at the local level and support the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) efforts implementing the National Wastewater Surveillance System7. Wastewater Surveillance at GLWA The GLWA WRRF is the largest single-site treatment facility in the USA, with a primary treatment capacity of 1,700 million gallons per day (MGD). The WRRF serves the three largest counties in Michigan, including Wayne County (1.8 million residents), Oakland County (1.2 million), and Macomb County (0.8-0.9 million)8. Wastewater from residents in each county flows to three distinct interceptors: the Detroit River Interceptor (DRI, Wayne County); the Oakwood-Northwest-Wayne County Interceptor (ONWI, Oakland County); and the North Interceptor-East Arm (NIEA) (Figure 1). Therefore, wastewater surveillance analysis at these three interceptors can provide insights into public health in three subcommunities in Southeastern Michigan. From 2017 to 2019, the Xagoraraki lab at MSU worked with GLWA and DWSD to complete a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research grant to study viral outbreaks in Detroit via wastewater surveillance9. The research showed that measured viral signals correlated with public health data of viral disease cases and select viruses such as hepatitis A could be quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) up to two weeks before medically-reported cases. Additionally, the research allowed MSU to refine a novel sampling, viral concentration, and analysis technique with improved turnaround times compared to conventional methods. Development of SARS-CoV-2 Monitoring Program This work allowed the GLWA-MSU partnership to quickly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, GLWA and CDM Smith co-funded an expansion of the previous MSU effort to focus on SARS-CoV-2 in Southeast Michigan. GLWA performed sampling at the central WRRF, CDM Smith performed collection system sampling and provided Geographic Information System (GIS) support, DWSD provided sampling and coordination support, and MSU conducted viral quantification and data analysis. All parties were involved in data analysis and research reporting. The results showed that quantification of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater was possible10. The vital work led to additional funding from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), with continued support from GLWA and collaboration with DWSD. Recently published results from the continued funding show that wastewater surveillance could provide early warnings of COVID-19 peaks approximately four weeks before reported cases. The program in an example of how utility seed funding and industry partnerships can springboard the development of lasting and impactful research programs at a local level. Public Health Collaboration A critical component to the program's success is active collaboration between local health departments and the GLWA, MSU, and DWSD team, necessary for data sharing and understanding. Since wastewater surveillance provides public health entities with data for informed early decision-making, the involvement of public health officials is critical for both the development and understanding of wastewater surveillance systems. As part of the 2021 surveillance work, the team held a weekly call that has led to an interactive discussion on recent results, explanatory factors, and best understanding of methods to support public health responses. Results - MSU Lab A $2.7 million MDHHS grant will support an expansion of these wastewater surveillance efforts at GLWA from 2021 through 202311, by MSU, with CDM Smith as a subcontractor and GLWA and DWSD as partners. Preliminary data from August 2020 through July 2021 show that SARS-CoV-2 were successfully measured in the three interceptors throughout the sampling period (Figure 2). Generally, the peak SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in wastewater preceded clinical cases in the community by two to four weeks12, suggesting wastewater surveillance can be used as an early warning signal for public health response. Future Considerations and the Role of the Wastewater Utility Wastewater surveillance is an effective tool to measure aggregated community-level biomarker data. Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 data in wastewater at the GLWA WRRF from August 2020 to July 2021 correlated with reported clinical cases and may provide a lead time of two to four weeks. The project's success would not be possible without thought leaders from local utilities, public health entities, industry partners, and MSU. The CDC has established the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) to increase the acceptance of the approach. Success will be dependent on successful coordination with utilities and research leaders due to their intimate knowledge of wastewater infrastructure. The results of our work can be used as a case study to be shared with the NWSS Utility Community of Practice13 for approaches to establish the network of partners required for successful integration. Capacity building will be critical to advance wastewater surveillance as a tool for monitoring and mitigating COVID-19 and future public health concerns.

This paper was presented at the WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference, February 21-24, 2022.

SpeakerNorton, John

Presentation time

11:00:00

11:30:00

Session time

10:30:00

12:00:00

SessionUtility Collaboration & Regionalization

Session number19

Session locationHyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando, Florida

TopicCollaboration, Collection Systems, Regionalization, Sanitary Sewer Overflow, Strategic Plan

Author(s)

J. NortonA. GosineA. BuschX. Fonoll AlmansaA. MehrotraJ. SheetsB. MiyaniL. ZhaoI. Zagoraraki

Author(s)J. Norton 1; A. Gosine 2; A. Busch 3; X. Fonoll Almansa 4; A. Mehrotra 5; J. Sheets 6; B. Miyani 7; L. Zhao 8; I. Zagoraraki 9

Author affiliation(s)Great Lakes Water Authority 1; Detroit Water and Sewerage Dept 2; UMC Speaker 3; GLWA 4; Water Environment Federation 5; CDM Smith 6; Michigan State University 7; Michigan State University 8; Michigan State University 9

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Feb 2022

DOI10.2175/193864718825158221

Volume / Issue

Content sourceUtility Management Conference

Word count14

Description: Feasibility Study for the Implementation of Hydrothermal Liquefaction in Southeast...

Feasibility Study for the Implementation of Hydrothermal Liquefaction in Southeast Michigan: Considering Environmental, Economic, and Social Aspects

Abstract

Introduction: While some sectors can be fully decarbonized through the implementation of renewable energy sources, the decarbonization pathways for the wastewater sector are more complex. Resource recovery through sludge management can be an option to reduce GHG emissions in water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). Of all the sludge produced in the U.S., 22% is being landfilled, 16% is being incinerated, and 52% is being land applied (with 80% of the sludge being digested before land application).[1] New regulations and concerns about emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are creating challenges and increasing costs for land application, the most used disposal strategy. Thus, it is critical to implement new processes to maximize resource recovery and remove emerging contaminants without increasing overall costs and GHG emissions. HTL is a promising technology that can reduce sludge volume by 90%, recover phosphorous, remove emerging contaminants, and convert 65% of the energy content in the sludge into biocrude oil, a precursor for aviation fuel.[2,3] A large-scale adaption of HTL for WRRFs requires an evaluation of the economic, environmental and social impacts of HTL. Here we premier the first evaluation of technical feasibility and assessment of economic, environmental and social impacts related to the implementation of HTL in the WRRF of the City of Detroit (GLWA), which operates one of the largest WRRF in the nation. The feasibility study consisted of three tasks. Task 1 assessed the availability and detailed characterization of waste streams. Task 2 conducted community engagement (hearing from the community and professional stakeholders). Task 3 involved Economic and environmental analysis. GLWA generates 320 dry ton of sludge per day. 240 dry ton/day of sludge is being converted in class A-EQ biosolids for land application through a thermal process and the rest (80 dry ton/day), is incinerated. Our feasibility assessment focused on identifying three promising scenarios for replacing incineration at GLWA with HTL. Furthermore, one of the scenarios was compared from an environmental and economic perspective with two other sludge management options (current GLWA sludge management practices and the replacement of the incinerator with AD). Current GLWA sludge management practices GLWA generates 320 dry ton of sludge per day. 240 dry ton/day of sludge is being converted in class A-EQ biosolids for land application through a thermal process and the rest (80 dry ton/day), is incinerated. Our feasibility assessment focuses on replacing the incinerator with HTL. Task 1: Availability and detailed characterization of waste streams The number of multiple types of organic wastes was quantified in the City of Detroit and its surroundings (Table 1). Samples of different types of wastes were characterized by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to evaluate them as a substrate for HTL. For each waste PNNL evaluated its pumpability and the solids and ash percentage. Furthermore, Proximate, FAMES and ICP analyses were conducted on the different wastes collected. This data was used for subsequent tasks related to HTL modeling, and economic and environmental assessment. Task 2: Community engagement (hearing from the community and professional stakeholders) We performed two separate workshops: (1) a community workshop with neighbors from Detroit and (2) a professional workshop with personnel from wastewater utilities and refineries, consultants and waste haulers. These workshops collected relevant data for our environmental and economic analysis. The community workshop identified sustainability metrics that were relevant for the neighbors of the WRRF in Detroit. The workshop also revealed the community's perspective on the HTL co-substrates. For example, the community groups preferred food waste to be diverted to composting instead of HTL, which was taken into consideration when determining the three best scenarios to implement HTL. Furthermore, a survey was sent to the neighbors in Delray (neighborhood close to WRRF) to know their opinion about resource recovery from wastes. Overall, the survey showed that neighbors have a positive perception about resource recovery and HTL (Figure 1). The professional stakeholders expressed benefits and risks HTL can have for their type of industry. The benefits are related to economic incentives of biocrude, the reduction of solids and the potential to destroy emerging contaminants. The risks they expressed were related to the willingness of refineries to accept the crude and the safety and operation of high temperature and pressure systems. Specially, having personnel able to work with such systems are not abundant in WRRFs. Task 3: Economic and environmental analysis Task 3.1: Three most optimal waste-to-energy scenarios involving HTL Based on wet waste resources and logistic analyses in the Detroit area, communication with project team, community groups and stakeholders, and economic and environmental analyses, three blending scenarios made through our selection of optimal waste-to-energy scenarios (see Table 2). Table 3 and Figure 2 show the economic and environmental indicators for the three blending scenarios. As per the GREET model, the potential avoided emissions for food waste and sludge are 1238 and 735 kg CO2e/dry ton, respectively. In the LCOD calculation of scenarios involving food waste, a $36/wet ton tipping fee is assumed for food waste along with the transportation costs associated of delivering food waste to the HTL plant gate. In Scenario 3, 35 dry tons per day of food waste are mixed with 110 dry tons of sludge to generate biocrude. Increasing the utilization of food waste leads to enhancements in environmental indicators like GHG, WI, NRRU, and SW, albeit at the expense of a higher LCOD. Task 3.2: Comparison among current practices, AD and HTL For this task we compared scenario 1 from task 3.1 with GLWA current practices and with a scenario where GLWA replaces the incineration with AD. Table 4 and 5 show the life cycle inventories and the sustainability indicator values, respectively. Compared to AD alternatives, HTL offers better energy efficiency and production, as well as lower levelized disposal costs and water intensity. However, the AD scenario has the lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions among the three scenarios because part of the generated biogas is assumed to heat the digesters, eliminating the need for additional natural gas in the AD process.

This paper was presented at the WEF Residuals & Biosolids and Innovations in Treatment Technology Joint Conference, May 6-9, 2025.

SpeakerFonoll Almansa, Xavier

Presentation time

10:55:00

11:15:00

Session time

10:15:00

11:45:00

SessionAdvanced Thermal Processes for Sustainable Biosolids Management: Case Studies and Innovations

Session number25

Session locationBaltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

TopicBiosolids treatment, business case evaluation, Hydrothermal Liquefaction, Innovative Technology, PFAS/Emerging Contaminants, Sludge treatment

Author(s)

Fonoll Almansa, Xavier, Norton, John, Marcus, Andrew, Wehner, William, Li, Shuyun, Jiang, Yuan, Seiple, Timothy, Miller, Carol, Wager, Yongli

Author(s)X. Fonoll Almansa1, J. Norton2, A. Marcus2, W. Wehner1, S. Li3, Y. Jiang3, T. Seiple C. Miller4, Y. Wager4

Author affiliation(s)University of Texas at Austin, 1Great Lakes Water Authority, 2, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 3Wayne State University, 4

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date May 2025

DOI10.2175/193864718825159753

Volume / Issue

Content sourceResiduals and Biosolids Conference

Word count18

Pyrolyis Gas Thermal Oxidation: PFAS and Emissions Control

Abstract

Introduction Biosolids pyrolysis and gasification are gaining interest as a means to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from biosolids, however PFAS destruction has yet to be proven from the gas phase emissions. In 2020, the USEPA demonstrated that PFAS were removed to below reporting limits in biochar, the solid phase residual product from the Silicon Valley Clean Water (SVCW) biosolids pyrolysis system, but analytical techniques had not matured at the time for gas phase analysis (Thoma et al., 2021). Later bench scale studies showed that appreciable amounts of PFAS could be transferred from biochar to the gas phase at typical pyrolysis temperatures (500°-700°C) (McNamara et al., 2023; Williams et al., 2021). Pyrolysis gas contains an appreciable energy density and can be combusted for energy recovery and the industry has long postulated that gas-phase PFAS would be destroyed in the gas phase when combusted (Winchell et al., 2022). However, no studies had been conducted to date to demonstrate the extent of destruction. This presentation presents results from a Water Environment Federation (WEF) research study lead by Brown and Caldwell with five utility and industry partners to develop a bench-scale biosolids pyrolysis and thermal oxidation laboratory scale reactor to evaluate PFAS inputs and outputs, including flue gas emissions from the pyrolysis gas thermal oxidizer. The lab-scale reactor was created in partnership with Western University and BioForceTech, the pyrolysis system supplier for SVCW, to mimic the pyrolysis and thermal oxidation parameters from the full-scale installation. This presentation provides results from the study and lessons learned from operational issues and proposed mitigation steps for thermal oxidation at full-scale. Methodology The bench scale biosolids pyrolysis and thermal oxidation system were manufactured and commissioned by Western University over a twelve-month period starting Spring of 2022. The thermal oxidizer was configured by installing a forced air gas burner in a steel-lined combustion chamber. The burner and combustion chamber were configured with a propane pilot system that ignited the pyrolysis gas mixture, creating a self-sufficient flame when pyrolysis gas is available. The chamber was configured to provide sufficient residence time and turbulence to match the SVCW system parameters (1,000°C at two seconds). Once the system was found to meet key performance requirements the PFAS sampling event was conducted May 2023. Dried biosolids from SVCW were processed in the lab-scale biosolids pyrolysis and thermal oxidation system over three operating days for a continuous four-hour sampling campaign each operating day. Biosolids were loaded at a rate of 15 grams per minute at a solids residence time of 20 minutes and processed at a pyrolysis reactor temperature of 620°C. PFAS were analyzed in the biosolids, biochar and gas phase extracts by Eurofins. Gas-phase sampling was conducted by a commercial stack sampler, Ortech, using a modified OTM-45 PFAS sampling train. The PFAS data was received in August and September 2023 and are currently being evaluated using the data quality analysis plan developed under the Brown and Caldwell lead Water Research Foundation Tailored Collaboration program project (WRF 5111). Results and Discussion PFAS sampling data is under review and will be available for detailed comparison by 2024 WEF RBC. An initial review of preliminary findings and their comparison to a 2019 BioForceTech study is provided below. - No clear trend was observed between PFAS in the dewatered and dried biosolids. A wide range of variability in PFAS concentrations was observed indicating potential PFAS transformation in the dryer, some PFAS transfer to gas-phase, or sampling variability. - Except for PFBA at 0.7 ng/g, PFAS were below reporting limits in biochar. The reporting limit for the 2023 data was 0.4 ng/g, an order of magnitude lower than the 2-4 ng/g reporting limits available in 2019. - The loading for each PFAS to the bench-scale system ranged from 0.1 - 15 ng per second and the individual PFAS emissions rates in the flue gas ranged from 0.0001 - 0.008 ng per second, indicating individual destruction and removal efficiencies (DRE) will generally exceed 99% for PFAS in the thermal oxidizer flue gas. Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate PFAS destruction and removal from combustion of biosolids pyrolysis gas. This data can support PFAS air permitting from biosolids pyrolysis projects under consideration by state permitting agencies such as Maine Department of Environmental Protection. While the study demonstrates the efficacy of thermal oxidation for PFAS treatment at bench scale, several lessons learned have been identified from operational issues at the full scale SVCW pyrolysis system that should be considered before widespread adoption. The main issue faced by SVCW is excessive dust from the pyrolysis reactor transferred into the combustion chamber, coating the interior of the burner and chamber. This requires a regular shutdown and cleaning cycle that takes two to three days for cooling, cleaning and reheating. This presentation will provide insights gained into dust creation and mitigation measures under consideration by SVCW and BioForceTech to improve operational uptime.

This paper was presented at the WEF Residuals and Biosolids Conference, June 18-21, 2024.

SpeakerRoss, John

Presentation time

13:30:00

14:00:00

Session time

13:30:00

15:00:00

SessionCarbonization

Session number19

Session locationOklahoma City Convention Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

TopicPFAS, pyrolysis

Author(s)

Ross, John

Author(s)J. Ross1, L. Winchell1, M. Romero1, F. Kakar1, A. Miot2, J. Norton3, M. Magruder4, K. Bell1

Author affiliation(s)Brown and Caldwell 1; Brown and Caldwell 1; Brown and Caldwell 1; Brown & Caldwell 1; Silicon Valley Clean Water 2; Great Lakes Water Authority 3; Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District 4; Brown and Caldwell 1;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Jun 2024

DOI10.2175/193864718825159452

Volume / Issue

Content sourceResiduals and Biosolids Conference

Word count9

Reliable Wastewater Disinfection with Peracids: Integrating Batch Kinetics and Hydrodynamics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Concerns related to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) during chlorine disinfection of wastewater and other safety concerns regarding chlorine operation initiated a great interest in alternative chemical disinfectants. For example, peracetic acid (PAA) received significant attention due to its minimal aquatic toxicity and efficacy in reducing regulated fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) (Antonelli et al., 2006; Manoli et al., 2019; WEF, 2020). The generally low efficacy of PAA in inactivating viruses in wastewater along with the ongoing discussions about revision of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Ambient Water Quality Criteria to include a viral indicator (Dunkin et al., 2017), led to a strong interest in another peracid, performic acid (PFA), which its bacterial and viral inactivation capacity usually outperforms PAA (Ragazzo et al., 2020). The objective of this study was to establish efficacy of PFA as a disinfectant compared to PAA and sodium hypochlorite for secondary effluent wastewater applications. The inactivation of indigenous FIB by PFA has been evaluated and compared with PAA and sodium hypochlorite under identical conditions. The disinfection data were interpreted using the concept of integral CT (ICT) and modeled by an ICT-based double-exponential microbial inactivation kinetic model to develop ICT-response data. This abstract presents the initial results of the Water Research Foundation Project #5219 titled 'Performic Acid Disinfection in Wastewater Effluent and CSOs In Context of Disinfection By-Products and Future Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Viruses', with the participation of more than 10 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across the United States and Canada. Similar experiments with the ones presented herein for the first WWTP will be performed for all participating utilities, thus the results of this project may have a significant impact on disinfection practices in North America. Additional to FIB experiments, disinfection tests on viral indicators inactivation and DBPs formation will also be performed in the framework of this project. METHODS Secondary effluent wastewater was collected from a WWTP in ON, Canada (activated sludge-based processes). Its basic water quality characteristics were: pH=7.6, TSS=7.7 mg/L, BOD=10.8 mg/L, COD=13.5 mg/L, TN=18.6 mg/L, and TP=0.4 mg/L. Disinfection bench tests were performed in 2 L of wastewater at 2 disinfectant concentrations (1 and 2 mg/L for PFA and chlorine; 2 and 3 mg/L for PAA). Samples were collected at 6 contact times (0, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 30 min) and analyzed for disinfectant concentration (Chemetrics and Hach methods) and E. coli, fecal coliforms, total coliforms and enterococci (standard membrane filtration methods) (GAP EnviroMicrobial Services, London, ON, Canada). RESULTS The residual disinfectant concentration data were used to calculate exposure to chemical disinfectant (i.e., integral CT) by fitting initial demand (D, mg/L) and decay (k, 1/min) (Eq. 1): ICT=((C0-D)/k)âˆ™(1-e^(-kâˆ™t))(1) where ICT is the integral estimate of the time-dependant residual disinfectant concentration (mg min/L), C0 is the initial concentration of disinfectant (mg/L) and t is the contact time (min). The FIB inactivation data were plotted as a function of integral CT (Figures 1-4) and modeled by a double-exponential inactivation kinetic model in the domain of ICT (Eq. 2): N=N0âˆ™(1-β)âˆ™e^(-kdâˆ™ICT^m )+N0âˆ™(β)âˆ™e^(-kpâˆ™ICT)(2) where N0 and N are the initial and after treatment concentration of bacteria (CFU/100 mL), β is the fraction of particle-associated bacteria, m is a parameter that describes initial resistance of bacteria to disinfectant, and kd and kp are the ICT-based inactivation rate constants for dispersed (free) and particle-associated bacteria, in (L/(mg min))m and L/(mg min), respectively. PFA exhibited the highest inactivation efficiency for all studied indigenous FIB, followed by chlorine and PAA (Figures 1-4). For example, model-predicted integral CT requirements for 1-log reduction of total coliforms and enterococci were determined as 3-4 mg min/L, 8-10 mg min/L and 40-45 mg min/L for PFA, chlorine and PAA respectively (Figures 3 and 4). Based on model predictions, to achieve a 2-log reduction of both commonly regulated E. coli and fecal coliforms, PFA required ~10 times lower ICT than both PAA and chlorine (Figures 1 and 2). We also present an advanced disinfectant dosing control strategy that accounts for changes in wastewater quality and quantity, together with the hydrodynamics of the contact chamber. Bench test results of PFA (Eqs. 1 and 2) were integrated into a process model to evaluate four dosing strategies, namely, flow pacing, constant ICT, constant ICT advanced demand, and constant ICT advanced demand/decay. Figure 5 and Table 1 show that the advanced control strategy achieves consistent performance and optimizes disinfectant dosage. CONCLUSIONS Results show that PFA was superior to both PAA and chlorine. Although the PFA pricing estimates are currently higher than that of hypochlorite, the lower ICT requirements of PFA may result in a competitive cost compared to chlorine. This indicates the need for site-specific testing to better understand disinfection efficiency and cost benefits of PFA as a wastewater disinfectant.

The objective of this study was to establish disinfection efficacy of performic acid (PFA) compared to peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite, for secondary effluent wastewater applications. The disinfection data were interpreted and modeled using the concept of integral CT, leading to the development of an advanced dose control strategy. PFA was the most effective disinfectant, and when combined with advanced process control, a consistent performance throughout the operation was achieved.

SpeakerManoli, Kyriakos

Presentation time

09:30:00

10:00:00

Session time

08:30:00

10:00:00

SessionPeracids Challenge Traditional Disinfectants

Session number503

Session locationRoom 338

TopicDisinfection and Public Health, Intermediate Level, Research and Innovation

Author(s)

Manoli, Kyriakos, Jang, Eunkyung, Mitobe, Sierra, Parra, Anggy, Diaz Rangel, Carlos, Bell, Katherine, Da Silva, Allegra, Oza, Shubhashini, Norton, John, Tikariha, Lomesh, Lawryshyn, Yuri, Santoro, Domenico

Author(s)K. Manoli1, K.Y. Bell2, E. Jang2, J. Norton3, S. Mitobe1, A. Parra4, C.A. Diaz Rangel1, A.K. Da Silva5, S. Oza6, L. Tikariha7, Y. Lawryshyn7, D. Santoro8

Author affiliation(s)1Lambton Water Center, Research & Innovation, Lambton College, Ontario, 2Brown and Caldwell, CA, 2, 3Great Lakes Water Authority, IL, 4Lambton Water Center, Research & Innovation, Lambton College, 5Brown and Caldwell, CO, 6Brown and Caldwell, NC, 7University of Toronto, 8USP Technologies, GA

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2024

DOI10.2175/193864718825159567

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count11

Description: Wastewater Disinfection Using Peracids: Simulation of System Performance and Process...

Wastewater Disinfection Using Peracids: Simulation of System Performance and Process Control Alternatives Using Batch Inactivation Kinetics from a 10-Plant North American Study

Abstract

Over the last two decades, peracetic acid has gained popularity for municipal wastewater disinfection, as reported by several investigators who have conclusively demonstrated good antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganism models including bacteria. More recently, performic acid (PFA) has been studied as a substitute for PAA. In this study, we present recent disinfection and demand/decay and microbial inactivation kinetic results from ten North American wastewater treatment plants for PAA, PFA and total chlorine. These results are utilized in a simulated contact chamber where we consider five different dose control strategies; from simple constant disinfectant dosing to advance controls where demand and decay are measured online and adjustments to the dosing are made in real time. System performance when compared to five control strategies anticipate a lesser demand for a disinfectant for advanced control strategies at the expense of higher geomean microbial counts at the outlet. However, it is observed that using an advanced control strategy for chemical disinfection results in a steady performance and requires less quenching to meet regulatory compliance.

This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2023 in Chicago, IL.

SpeakerLawryshyn, Yuri

Presentation time

16:30:00

17:00:00

Session time

15:30:00

17:00:00

SessionAdvancements and Optimization with Chlorine, Peracetic Acid, and Performic Acid Disinfection

Session locationRoom S405 - Level 4

TopicDisinfection and Public Health, Intermediate Level, Municipal Wastewater Treatment Design, Research and Innovation

Author(s)

Lawryshyn, Yuri

Author(s)Y. Lawryshyn 1; L. Tikariha 1 ; J. Norton. John 2; J. Da Silva 3; K. Bell 4; D. Santoro 5; Y. Lawryshyn 1;

Author affiliation(s)University of Toronto, Ontario, CANADA 1; University of Toronto, Ontario, CANADA 1 ; Great Lakes Water Authority 2; Brown and Caldwell 3; Brown and Caldwell 4; USP Technologies 5; University of Toronto 1;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825159016

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count23

Base text size -

Norton, John

About Norton, John

My Recent Activity