HEPATITIS VIRUSES IN DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES: OCCURRENCE, DETECTION AND REMOVAL
by Stephen Beszedits, Marvin D. Silbert and Leonard Walker
ISBN 0-920720-09-9 Published in November 2000
Viral hepatitis, caused by several viruses for which the liver is the major site of replication, affects hundreds of millions of people throughout the world. Apart from their shared tropism for liver tissue and ability to induce hepatitis, these agents are completely unrelated taxonomically. Hepatitis viruses may be broadly differentiated by the epidemiological characteristics of their transmission: fecal-oral versus parenteral. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are spread by the fecal-oral route, and are often referred to as "waterborne hepatitis viruses." The other well-characterized hepatotropic viruses are transmitted by direct contact with blood or body fluids.
Possessing an unequaled potential for epidemic spread, HAV is the agent most frequently implicated in waterborne disease and has been targeted as a key virus by the US EPA. Massive outbreaks of hepatitis E documented in recent years in parts of Africa and Asia attest to the prevalence of HEV and make it one of the most significant of the emerging pathogens. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to HEV infection; the average case fatality rate among pregnant women is 15-20%.
The growing number of reports on the isolation of hepatitis and some other enteric viruses from finished drinking water implies that many viruses are far more resistant to water treatment and disinfection processes than commonly used indicators such as coliform bacteria.
This state-of-the-art review focuses on the occurrence of hepatitis viruses in drinking water supplies, procedures for their detection, and established and novel technologies for their removal or inactivation. The emphasis is on removal/inactivation. Described are processes employed in community water works as well as in home water treatment devices, including coagulation; filtration; chemical oxidation using chlorine, chlorine dioxide and ozone; membrane separations; and UV irradiation. Applications of treatment methods are illustrated with case studies.
In order to provide a fuller picture of pathogenic microorganisms encountered in drinking water supplies, several other agents of current public health concern, e.g. Cryptosporidium and E. coli O157:H7, are also discussed in some detail.
The text is based on a wide variety of sources from sundry countries, including the United States, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, South Africa, India and Australia.
221 pages; approx. 44 000 words
With more than 300 references; mostly from the years 1990 to 2000
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Price: $85.00 (US)
NITRATE REMOVAL FROM DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES
by Stephen Beszedits and Leonard Walker
ISBN 0-920720-03-X, Published in May 1998
Nitrate contamination of drinking water supplies is a serious problem throughout the world. The
principal cause of nitrate pollution of ground and surface waters is the excessive use of
commercial fertilizers. Because elevated nitrate levels pose a potential risk to public health, the
US EPA has established a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg NO3-N/L for drinking
water. A similar limit of 50 mg NO3/L (11.3 mg NO3-N/L) has been set by the countries of the
European Economic Community.
This state-of-the-art review describes technologies suitable for the removal of nitrates from
drinking water supplies, with an emphasis on established processes used at public water works
and in POU/POE (point-of-use/point-of-entry) treatment devices. Included among the treatment
methods presented are biological denitrification, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis
and distillation. Applications of various techniques are illustrated with case studies drawn from
bench-scale and pilot plant investigations as well as full-scale experiences.
The availability of nitrate removal technologies is due mainly to research and applied engineering
work conducted in Europe and the United States. The text reflects the contributions from these
sources; about one-half of it is based on material from the United States and the other half on
material from Germany, France, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium and several other
European countries.
152 pages; approximately 30 000 words
With more than 250 references, mostly from the years 1990 - 1997
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Price: $85.00 (US)
NOVEL USES OF WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE
by Stephen Beszedits and Marvin D. Silbert
ISBN 0-920720-42-0, Published in Nov. 1996
The activated sludge process is the most widely used method for treating municipal and
industrial wastewaters. An unavoidable byproduct of activated sludge treatment is the generation
of large amounts of sludge. Disposal of this sludge presents a formidable and costly problem.
Current sludge management practices make only a limited use of the resource value of sludge.
Activated sludge is rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamin B12.
Consequently, it can be harnessed as a feed supplement for animals. Studies throughout the
world have indeed demonstrated that properly disinfected municipal and industrial sludges
(especially sludges from food processing plants) which do not contain excessive levels of heavy
metals and toxic organics can be included in the diets of poultry, pigs, cattle, sheep, fish and
other animals with positive results.
Thermal conversion processes (pyrolysis, gasification and liquefaction) offer an attractive means
of reducing sludge volume while generating gaseous, liquid and solid fuels. Liquids and gases
produced are readily combustible with conventional burners. The carbonaceous solid residue
(char) also has good adsorptive properties and can be employed for wastewater treatment as such
or upgraded into activated carbon. In addition to fuel, the liquid products of thermal conversion
represent a potential feedstock for the chemical industry.
Sludge can also be incorporated into building materials. For example, it is possible to make
bricks that substitute up to 30% sludge for the clay. Ash arising from the incineration of sludges
can also be utilized in bricks and as an aggregate in concrete.
137 pages; approximately 26 000 words
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With more than 200 references
Price: $85.00 (US)
POWDERED ACTIVATED CARBON ENHANCEMENT OF THE
ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS
by Stephen Beszedits and Marvin D. Silbert
ISBN 0-920720-40-4 Published in Oct. 1996
The activated sludge process is one of the most versatile and economical wastewater treatment
methods. Since its inception, the conventional activated sludge process has undergone many
modifications. One of the latest innovations in activated sludge technology is the addition of
powdered activated carbon (PAC). In the presence of PAC, removal of contaminants occurs both
by physical adsorption and biological assimilation.
Among the many benefits which have been realized in bench-scale, pilot plant and full-scale
treatment of wastewaters by PAC addition to the activated sludge process are: higher BOD and
COD removals, more uniform plant operation and plant effluent quality during periods of widely
varying organic and hydraulic loads, better nitrification, enhanced removal of EPA's priority
pollutants, reduced aeration foaming, suppressed stripping of volatile organics, superior color
reduction, lower effluent toxicity to fish, and improved sludge settling/thickening/dewatering.
This state-of-the-art review describes the fundamental aspects of PAC - activated sludge
treatment, including techniques for regenerating spent carbon. Applications of the process are
illustrated by case studies involving the treatment of municipal wastewater, landfill leachate and
effluents from oil refineries, textile mills, coke ovens, food processing facilities, synfuels plants,
pulp and paper mills, pharmaceutical establishments and various other sources.
138 pages; approximately 26 000 words
With more than 180 references
Spiralbound
Price: $85.00 (US)
REMEDIATION OF LEAD- AND ARSENIC-CONTAMINATED SOILS
by Stephen Beszedits and Aharon Netzer
ISBN 0-920720-44-7 Published in April 1997
Remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals and organic chemicals is one of the major
environmental challenges today. It is not only a formidable task from a technical perspective but
also a very costly one. It has been estimated that cleaning up the thousands of contaminated sites
in North America alone will entail many billions of dollars.
Two of the most commonly encountered soil pollutants are lead and arsenic. Principal
anthropogenic sources of soil lead include mining, smelting, automobile battery reprocessing,
vehicle exhausts, and the disposal of wastewater treatment sludges. Combustion of fossil fuels,
mining, smelting, wood preserving involving arsenical formulations, and application of certain
agricultural chemicals are some of the activities contributing to the arsenic contamination of
soils.
Concerted efforts by governmental agencies and the private sector have resulted in the
development of a multitude of soil treatment processes in recent years. This state-of-the-art
review describes established and emerging methods for remediating soils containing lead and
arsenic. Included among the technologies presented are soil washing and flushing,
solidification/stabilization, electrokinetic remediation, in situ and ex situ vitrification, thermal
desorption, incineration, and phytoremediation. Applications of the various techniques are
illustrated with case studies drawn from bench-scale and pilot plant studies, field demonstrations,
and full-scale treatment experiences. Also covered in some detail is the interaction of lead and
arsenic with the various constituents of the soil matrix.
125 pages; approx. 25 000 words
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With more than 200 references
Price: 85.00 (US)
REMOVAL/RECOVERY OF HEAVY METALS FROM
WASTEWATERS
by Stephen Beszedits and Aharon Netzer
ISBN 0-920720-38-2 Published in Febr. 1996
Heavy metals (i.e. cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, nickel, silver, and zinc) are
ubiquitous, persistent, and hazardous pollutants. A multitude of industrial and commercial
activities generate metal-laden wastewaters, notably metal finishing, chemical manufacturing,
tanning, and mining. Other contributors of heavy metals to the environment include iron and
steel works, power plants, photoprocessing operations, foundries, petroleum refineries, and
textile mills.
Increasingly stringent environmental regulations governing the discharge of wastewaters and the
disposal of sludges have stimulated both improvements in existing treatment technologies and
the development of many new methods in recent years. Consequently, waste generators today can
choose from a multitude of treatment processes, ranging from simple removal procedures to
advanced techniques which also permit the recovery and recycle of the metals.
This comprehensive state-of-the-art review describes conventional and novel methods available
for the removal and reclamation of heavy metals with a special emphasis on commercially
proven processes. Precipitation, cementation, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, ozonation, solvent
extraction, activated carbon adsorption, evaporation, electrodialysis, foam separations, and
electrolytic recovery are some of the techniques presented. Also covered is the management of
metal-contaminated sludges. Applications of treatment processes are illustrated with case studies
taken from bench-scale investigations as well as experiences from full-scale treatment facilities.
181 pages; approximately 52 000 words
With more than 450 references
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Price: $95.00 (US)
TREATMENT OF CYANIDE WASTES BY CHEMICAL OXIDATION
by Stephen Beszedits and Leonard Walker
ISBN 0-920720-34-X Published in Febr. 1994
Cyanide is a conspicuous pollutant in a multitude of wastewaters. Principal sources of cyanide-contaminated effluents include electroplating facilities, iron and steel works, oil refineries,
chemical manufacturing plants, and the leaching of gold and silver ores. Classified as both
hazardous and toxic, cyanide is an EPA designated priority pollutant.
While a number of technologies are available for the removal of cyanide from wastewaters, the
treatment of choice most often is chemical oxidation. Chemical oxidation provides a reliable and
cost-effective means of removing cyanide.
Paramount among the oxidation processes is alkaline chlorination, the classical method for
treating cyanide wastes. Also popular are ozone and hydrogen peroxide, especially the latter. The
recently developed Inco SO2/air process has gained widespread acceptance, notably by the metal
finishing and mining industries. Extensively employed in Europe for the oxidation of cyanide and
other pollutants, Caro's acid (peroxymonosulfuric acid), however, has yet to become well-established in North America. Wet air oxidation is particularly suitable for treating concentrated
cyanide wastes, e.g. spent plating solutions. Among the less commonly used oxidants for cyanide
destruction are chlorine dioxide and potassium permanganate. Advanced oxidation techniques,
i.e. processes which involve various combinations of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and ultraviolet
radiation, are utilized chiefly when destruction of the highly refractory iron cyanide is desired.
Applications of conventional and novel oxidation methods presented are illustrated with case
studies drawn from bench-scale and pilot plant experiments as well as the operation of full-scale
treatment systems.
110 pages; approximately 25 000 words
With more than 150 references
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Price: $85.00 (US)
TREATMENT OF PHENOLIC WASTEWATERS
by Stephen Beszedits and Marvin D. Silbert
ISBN 0-920720-26-9 Published in Oct. 1990
Phenols are the most prevalent organic pollutants in wastewaters. Major sources of phenolic
effluents include petroleum refineries, coke ovens, synfuels production facilities, wood
preserving plants, and manufacturers of plastics, resins, dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and a
host of other chemicals. Because even at very low concentrations phenols can impart
disagreeable tastes and odors to drinking water, taint fish flesh, and exert various other adverse
environmental effects, stringent limits have been imposed on the discharge of phenols into
municipal sewage treatment works and receiving waters. Phenols also occupy a prominent
position on the US EPA priority pollutants list.
This state-of-the art review describes established and novel technologies for the removal of
phenols from wastewaters, including biological processes, activated carbon adsorption, solvent
extraction, chemical oxidation (i.e. oxidation with chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide,
ozone and potassium permanganate), powdered activated carbon(PAC)-enhanced biological
treatment, reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration, foam separations, wet oxidation, ionizing radiation,
adsorption using synthetic polymeric sorbents, and liquid membranes. Applications of treatment
methods are illustrated with case studies drawn from bench-scale and pilot plant studies as well
as experiences derived from the operation of full-scale installations. Techniques available for the
treatment/disposal of soils contaminated with organics are also discussed in some detail.
Although the text is based primarily on US sources, technical developments and examples of
treatment practices from several other countries are also described.
157 pages; approximately 36 000 words
With more than 300 references
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Price: $95.00 (US)
TREATMENT OF WASTEWATERS FROM THE PRODUCTION OF SOFT DRINKS AND INSTANT COFFEE
by
Stephen Beszedits and Marvin D. Silbert
ISBN 0-920720-07-2 Published in September 1999
The production of soft drinks and instant coffee gives rise to substantial volumes of wastewaters
containing a wide variety of pollutants. Effluents from soft drink bottling plants are characterized
by high BOD levels while discharges from the manufacture of instant coffee are not only high in
BOD but also possess a distinctive dark brown color. In addition to liquid wastes, the making of
instant coffee generates a considerable amount of solid wastes in the form of spent grounds.
This state-of-the-art review describes established and novel methods for treating effluents from
soft drink and instant coffee production facilities. Discussed are aerobic and anaerobic biological
processes, land application, and physical/chemical techniques such as activated carbon
adsorption, reverse osmosis, evaporation, and chemical oxidation. Applications of treatment
methods are illustrated with case studies drawn from bench-scale and pilot plant investigations as
well as experiences from full-scale treatment works. Also covered in some detail is the recovery
and utilization of spent coffee grounds for fuel, animal feeding, horticulture, wastewater
treatment, and as a source of chemicals.
Examples of technical innovations and treatment practices are taken from several countries,
including the United States, Great Britain, Germany, The Netherlands, Japan, South Africa, and
Brazil.
130 pages; approx. 26 000 words
With more than 150 references
Spiralbound
Price: $85.00 (US)
Last updated 2000-11-17