Evaluation of Aluminum and Iron Addition During Conditioning and Dewatering for Odor Control

This research resulted in a three-part project. The two research studies, Evaluation of Aluminum and Iron Addition during Conditioning and Dewatering for Odor Control (03CTS9a; Matthew J. Higgins, PhD; Bucknell University) and Effect of Aluminum and Iron on Odors, Digestion Efficiency, and Dewatering Properties (03CTS9b; Dr. John T Novak PhD; Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University) provided valuable information on how strategic addition of metal salts can increase treatment efficiency and significantly reduce biosolids odors. The research also confirmed that the interactions of iron and aluminum are complex and at times competing. Appropriate onsite testing and monitoring are necessary to effectively achieve the desired results. Online PDF below includes both 03CTS9a and 03CTS9b

The third part featured an interactive, web-based decision tree Biosolids Odor Reduction Roadmap (03CTS9c; Robert H. Forbes, PE; CH2M HILL). As of February 2020, the web tool is no longer available.

Originally funded as WERF project 03-CTS-9A, 03-CTS-9B, and 03-CTS-9C.