Activated Sludge Foaming - New Publication

PhD student Martin Fryer and Professor Nick Gray of the Water Technology Research Group, based in the Centre for the Environment have published a new and precise method for estimating foam development in full scale aeration tanks in wastewater treatment plants. Foaming is a major problem in the operation of activated sludge treatment which is a biological process that treats 90% of wastewater in the developed world. The new methodology opens up the possibility of better foam prediction allowing more time for operators to prevent problematic foam occurring; as well as now being able to measure the effect of remedial action. The foaming Scum Index (FSI) has been presented in the latest issue of the Journal of Environmental Management.



Fryer, M. and Gray, N.F. (2012) Foaming Scum Index (FSI) – A new tool for the assessment and characterization of biological mediated activated sludge foams. Journal of Environmental Management , 110, 8-19. Doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.05.009

Today is Earth Day- April 22nd

Since the launch of the first Earth Day in the US on April 22nd 1970, tens of millions of people have taken part in global based activities…raising environmental awareness. Last year in excess of 1 billion people participated in Earth Day activities making it the largest civic observance in the world. Link

Water Meters...A Holistic Approach to Water Conservation



Copyright Plymouth Water

 Quite of few people have been asking for my opinion on the introduction of water meters in Ireland. To be quite honest I am not generally in favour of universal metering simply because of the cost. I would favour a temporary flat rate charge in areas where supplies are not at a critical level, but the introduction of meters in areas where alternative supply side investment is being planned, such as Dublin. However, I feel that the introduction of meters as planned is very crude and that a more integrated approach is needed for water conservation.  A more ambitious plan, which would secure our water supplies for at least the next fifty years, would be to include the householder more directly in this process. I would like to see every household have their supply pipe checked when the meter is installed for leaks, that it is not lead and that the electricity system is not earthed via the pipe. Also, every householder should be given the option to have all their taps and shower heads, and possibly also their toilets replaced with conservation low-flow units at a discounted rate to ensure maximum conservation of water. This installation of meters and household upgrades should be carried out by registered plumbers trained for this task. I would also subsequently like to see all households given the option to buy into some form of service arrangement so that they can have their household system checked regularly for leaks and repaired where necessary for a small annual fee. This would make water conservation savings well in excess of 40% possible as well as ensuring higher quality water. We need to tackle the lead issue, promote the sensible use of water and to reduce leakage on the supply side of the service pipe.

New Wastewater Treatment Plant for North Dublin

Fingal County Council has identified nine possible sites for its new wastewater treatment plant to serve North Dublin County. This will also include a new sewerage network and a marine outfall.   It is holding a number of public consultations days at their offices in Swords.  Further details can be accessed at their website. 

PhD Student Wins Award

Congratulations to PhD Research Student Theresa Hughes of the water Technology Research Group, who won the best student paper award at the 2011 national meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation held at Bismark in the USA for her paper 'Co-treatment of acid mine drainage with municipal wastewater using the activated sludge process: preliminary treatability studies.'  The paper has been published in the conference proceedings: Reclamation: Sciences Leading to Success edited by Professor  R.I. Barnhisel, pages 283-305, published by the ASMR, Lexington .

Dublin Faces Possible Water Shortages

Dublin City Council have issued advanced notice that their reservoirs in the Wicklow mountains are rapidly falling due to a very dry March and April resulting. With little or no water replenishing stocks reserves now stand at 120 days, rather than the usual 178 days normally expected at this time of year. This means that if dry weather continues then restrictions will have to be implemented both in the City and throughout the Greater Dublin area. The cut off point is 80days storage at which restrictions will be put into place. Consumers are asked to conserve supplies, especially in relation to using water for the garden and washing vehicles etc.

SFI Postdoctoral Four-Year Early Career Grants

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has recently launched the Starting Investigator Research Grant (SIRG) which is aimed at funding excellent early-career-stage investigators (postdoctoral) to carry out independent research in the fields of science and engineering that underpin biotechnology, information and communications technology, and sustainable energy and energy-efficient technologies. Funding of up to €400,000 direct costs over a four year period is provided to successful applicants, to include the Starting Investigator’s salary and funding for a postgraduate student . A mentor is required to support the necessary support and infrastructure to the project. Full information can be accessed here.
The Water Technology Research Group would like to encourage applications from any nationality to apply for one of these grants. Each institution including Trinity College Dublin is required to supply a list of approved (pre-selected) candidates to SFI who make the final selection. An internal deadline of 15th June has been set for online applications, then a short-listing will be coordinated by the Dean of Research in association with the Faculty Deans. Time is short, so if you are interested please contact either Professor Nick Gray or the TCD research office.

MSc Students Visit Swords STW

Francis O'Hagan and the MSc
students examining the final effluent

The students of the MSc course in Environmental Science were given VIP treatment when they visited Swords Sewage Treatment Works operated by Fingal County Council.  We were shown around by plant supervisor Mr Francis O’Hagan who gave a very useful insight into the management and operation of a modern wastewater treatment plant. The incredibly low odour at the plant coupled with an excellent final effluent is a huge credit to all the staff of this local authority run plant.

Weirs on the River Dodder

 There are some spectacular weirs on the River Dodder in Dublin but some of them as shown below are in urgent need of repair

Grand Canal: The heart of Dublin City

For those of you who don't know about the Grand Canal and how much a part of Dublin it is, here are two great videos showing just how much a part of the City it is.