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A Novel Sustainable Nature-Based Approach for Enhanced Removal of Solids and Organics in Activated Sludge Treatment

This study explores the performance enhancement of conventional plug flow activated sludge (AS) systems through direct integration of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) within the aeration tank, under Egyptian municipal wastewater treatment conditions. A pilot-scale system was constructed in the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Efram, George Ashraf LAmei
Format: Thesis
Published: AUC Knowledge Fountain 2026
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Summary:This study explores the performance enhancement of conventional plug flow activated sludge (AS) systems through direct integration of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) within the aeration tank, under Egyptian municipal wastewater treatment conditions. A pilot-scale system was constructed in the Madinaty Wastewater Treatment Plant, comprising control (AS only) and experimental (AS with plant integration) lines. Across six replicated experimental runs and two validation campaigns, the system was evaluated for key treatment parameters including COD, BOD₅, TSS, DO, MLSS, and MLVSS, alongside kinetic and oxygen transfer analyses. Results revealed significant improvements in oxygenation and improved TSS removal efficiency. Although COD and BOD5 concentrations remained above regulatory thresholds, the experimental configuration consistently outperformed the control in effluent quality. The integration of plants led to a more favorable F/M ratio and a higher SRT, suggesting enhanced biological stability. These findings position plant-integrated aeration as a viable retrofit strategy to improve energy efficiency, and effluent quality in existing AS facilities—particularly in energy-constrained, climate-sensitive contexts like Egypt.