Total Suspended Solids: Guide for Wastewater Treatment

Introduction

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are an important parameter in water, and one that is often regulated in water discharge limits. Because of this total suspended solids have an important role in wastewater treatment. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of TSS, its impacts, and effective management strategies in wastewater systems, including a real-world case study of how a dairy plant reduced TSS levels by 95% using advanced filtration techniques.

What Are Total Suspended Solids (TSS)?

Total Suspended Solids represent particles larger than 2 microns that are not dissolved but suspended in water. TSS can include a wide range of materials:

• Inorganic substances: sand, sediment
• Organic waste: algae, bacteria
• Other particulates: clay, silt

Understanding TSS is essential for effective wastewater management and ensuring water clarity and quality. High TSS likely means that the water is very cloudy and hard to see through, meaning it has high turbidity.

Measuring TSS in Wastewater

Accurate measurement of TSS is vital for effective wastewater management. Methods include:

1. TSS sensors or monitors: Capable of detecting levels from 1,000 mg/L to as high as 8% solids.
2. Laboratory tests: Using EPA-approved methods for precise assessments.

Proper measurement ensures treatments are tailored and effective.

Impact of High TSS Levels

High levels of TSS can have significant environmental and health effects:

1. Environmental impacts:
   • Reduced dissolved oxygen levels in water
   • Harm to aquatic life and ecosystem disruption
   • Increased water turbidity
2. Health concerns:
   • Potential presence of harmful bacteria and heavy metals
   • Risks of gastrointestinal issues and other health problems
   • Do not drink water that has high TSS or is very cloudy, unless you are sure that it is safe to do so
3. Treatment process effects:
   • Reduced efficiency of wastewater treatment systems
   • Potential for anaerobic digestion and biogas production in severe cases

Common Sources of TSS in Wastewater

1. Natural sources:
   • Erosion and runoff
   • Algae growth
2. Human-induced sources:
   • Industrial processes
     • Manufacturing
     • Food Production
     • Beverage Production
   • Landfill waste runoff
   • Urban water use runoff

Common Types of Suspended Solids in Wastewater

1. Bacteria: Indicates potential health risks or presence of pathogens
2. Clay: Causes cloudy appearance, difficult to remove
3. Gravel and Sand: Can settle or remain suspended based on water flow
4. Silt: Affects aesthetic quality of water

The types of suspended solids found in wastewater depend on the industry that creates the wastewater.

TSS Removal Techniques

At bioprocessh2o, we specialize in sophisticated treatment systems for TSS reduction:

1. Advanced filtration systems
2. Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs)
   • Combine biological degradation with membrane filtration
   • Ideal for limited space and water reuse scenarios
   • Highly effective in TSS removal
3. Sedimentation techniques
4. Chemical treatment methods

Case Studies: Reducing Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

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CASE STUDY: CENTRALIZED WASTEWATER TREATMENT INDUSTRY

Industry: Centralized Wastewater Treatment

Problem: A centralized wastewater treatment and recovery facility, was experiencing high concentrations of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in the wastewater generated during their treatment processes. The local Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) demanded significant reductions in organic loading for discharge to the municipal sewer.

Solution: A combined bioFAS™ Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) system and bioFLOW Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) System were installed to reduce the BOD, COD, and TSS concentrations. The system included three (3) 50,000-gallon bioreactors for BOD and COD removal, followed by the MBR system for effluent polishing, biosolids concentration, and TSS removal.

Status/Results: The combined bioFAS™ MBBR and bioFLOW MBR Systems effectively remove more than 90% of the COD, virtually eliminate BOD, and significantly reduce TSS, allowing the facility to comply with local POTW effluent discharge requirements with minimal operator attention.

We've helped industries including food and beverage, industrial facilities, and landfills manage their wastewater solids effectively.

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CASE STUDY: LARGE-SCALE DAIRY PRODUCTION FACILITY

Industry: Food & Beverage (Dairy)

Problem: A large-scale cheese production facility needed to install a wastewater treatment system to reduce the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), ammonia, and phosphorus from a commingled process water stream generated during cheese and dairy production. This was necessary for compliance with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) surface water discharge permit.

Solution: bioprocessH2O supplied a bioPULSE™ Airlift Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system. This system incorporates energy-efficient airlift external tubular and back-washable membranes. The MBR treatment process was designed to meet and exceed the permitted effluent limits for discharge to a fresh water stream.

Status/Results: The bioPULSE™ MBR has proven highly effective at reducing BOD, TSS, ammonia, and phosphorus from the dairy process water, meeting all effluent discharge requirements.

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The bioPULSE™ MBR System achieved the following performance:

• 300,000 GPD of wastewater treated
• Over 99% BOD removal (from 1,150 mg/L to less than 3.74 mg/L)
• More than 98% TSS reduction (from 350 mg/L to less than 6.9 mg/L)
• Over 96% phosphorus removal (from 25 mg/L to less than 1 mg/L)
• Effective ammonia reduction to less than 1 mg/L

This case study showcases the effectiveness of the bioPULSE™ MBR system in treating dairy wastewater. The system's ability to significantly reduce BOD, TSS, ammonia, and phosphorus levels demonstrates its capability in managing complex wastewater challenges in the food and beverage industry, particularly in dairy processing.

The successful implementation at this large dairy production facility highlights how advanced MBR technology can help food processing facilities meet strict environmental regulations while maintaining operational efficiency. This solution not only ensures compliance with NPDES requirements but also contributes to sustainable water management practices in the dairy industry.

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Best Practices for TSS Management

1. Regular monitoring and measurement
2. Implementing source reduction strategies
3. Optimizing treatment processes
4. Employing advanced technologies like MBRs

Conclusion: Commitment to Sustainable Wastewater Management

Our commitment extends beyond meeting regulatory standards. We strive to provide technologies that address TSS challenges efficiently and contribute to sustainable water management through effective solids management and comprehensive TSS analysis.

For assistance with your TSS management needs, contact bioprocessh2o. We're here to help you achieve optimal wastewater treatment results.

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