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111� The Art of Wastewater Research ByJB Neethling, P.E., Ph.D. pplied research in wastewater is directed to solve pressing problems in treatment and disposal. While most applied research projects are associated with project- specific goals and needs, and geared to resolve design - related questions, some projects are more fundamental in nature and aimed toward a better scientific understanding of a process, phenomenon or feature. Table 1 shows some of HDR's wastewater research projects, in two categories. The Process Fundamentals category shows projects that are not necessarily related to a specific project. This project type is geared toward a better understanding of process fundamentals and enhanced ability to predict performance, enhance treatment or optimize facility operation. These projects are often sponsored by a research agency or conducted in collaboration with universities. The second category is Pilot and Full -Scale Testing— conducted to assess process performance, increase plant capacity, or test and develop unit processes for full -scale application. These studies are typically designed for specific projects and are used to determine performance capabilities or determine operating parameters for design or optimization. HDR's role is to advise the project team during execution of an applied research project. HDR staff provide technical direction and input in the planning, design, execution and evaluation of a project. For more information on these projects, contact JB Neethling at (916) 817 -4830 or jb.neethling @hdrinc.com. Table 1. Applied Research and Technology Projects in Wastewater — Process Fundamentals Reliability of Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR) —this Water Environment Research Foundation project surveyed EBPR plants and conducted a detailed evaluation of the performance of six of these facilities. The relationship of Biochemical Oxygen Demand /Phosphorus (BOD /P), process configuration, and phosphorus uptake and release were studied to establish process reliability. Phosphorus Removal Populations — Identification and Impact of Reactor Configuration -This study evaluated the population of phosphorus accumulating organisms and the differences due to operational mode of full -scale treatment plant. Biosolids Treatment using oxic- settling- anoxic (OSA)- Conniballm Sludge Reduction Process — Evaluate factors that affect the performance, key design parameters and modeling, microbial population structure and dynamics in the system. This study is among the very few leading efforts for gaining fundamental understanding of the mechanisms and performance of this new solids handling process. Fermentation Reactor for EBPR — Designed, field tested and patented unique fermenter process (UFAT) to generate volatile fairy acids needed for EBPR. This two -stage process includes a fermentation and VFA stripping/solidsseparation step to optimize VFA production and control solids thickening. Mixing of Anaerobic Digesters— HDR- sponsored study to compare efficiency of various digester mixing devices: gas mixing, pump mixing and turbine mixing. Energy Usage and Optimization - Developing procedures to assess the energy usage and optimization of energy components in water and wastewater treatment plants. Water Environment Research Foundation University of Washington, Seattle, WA Moore Consultants, WA Hampton Roads Sanitary District, VA Clean Water Services, OR Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities, NC Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority, Greenville, SC City of Las Vegas University of Wisconsin, Madison University of Nevada, Las Vegas USFilter Clean Water Services, Tigard, OR Broomfield, CO Lincoln, NE Clean Water Services, OR Texarkana, TX Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA