New Orleans’ Experience in Usage of Bio-stimulant in their Wastewater Collection System to reduce BOD5 and Control Odor/Corrosion
By
Robert S. Reimers1, Jill Fox1, James Harvey1, Norman K. Murray2 and Fred Bloetscher4
1 Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
2 Natural Resource Protection, Wichita, Kansas
3 Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
4 Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida
Abstract
The City of New Orleans has been using Bio-Kat, a patented cellular bio-activation liquid additive, to control hydrogen sulfide odor in their West Treatment Plant since July 7, 2006. Prior to the introduction of Bio-Kat, the City was using hydrogen peroxide to control the hydrogen sulfide odor. Although odor is the dominant public concern, sulfide reducing bacteria and hydrogen sulfide also play a leading role in the corrosion of both cement and iron pipes and force mains. Bio-Kat reduces hydrogen sulfide production by increasing the metabolic activity of aerobic microorganisms in the wastewater keeping the ORP greater than 100 mv while above the -250 mv to initiate anaerobic activity diminishing corrosion in pipes and force mains.
Additionally, lower influent BOD by 25 percent, degradation of collection system fats, oil and grease and decreased sludge production has been observed with the use of Bio-Kat in the Hollywood Florida and New Orleans West Bank wastewater treatment plants. By utilizing the hydrogen peroxide control, the cost of the system was estimated to be 8.45 million dollars a year to reduce the hydrogen sulfide levels to 3.55 mg/L, yet by using Bio-Kat, the cost of the system is 0.6 million dollars per year to reduce these levels to 0.26 mg/L. This estimate represents a $7.85 million dollars saving due to corrosion damage per year.