Document Type

Dissertation

Date of Award

Spring 5-31-1984

Degree Name

Doctor of Engineering Science in Environmental Engineering

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

First Advisor

Robert Dresnack

Second Advisor

Richard B. Trattner

Third Advisor

Su Ling Cheng

Fourth Advisor

David S. Kristol

Fifth Advisor

Paul N. Cheremisinoff

Sixth Advisor

Thomas J. Olenik

Abstract

The research was concerned with the kinetics and mechanisms of BOD reduction due to pressurization. The initial investigations involved attempts to reproduce and interpret the results of previous investigators. Thereafter, actual wastewater samples were pressurized and changes in the wastewater characteristics were analyzed and recorded. Based on the findings, possible mechanisms for creating the changes noted were proposed.

To test the mechanisms considered, samples of pure compounds were prepared and pressurized. The results of this analysis eliminated all of the mechanisms but the actual one. The mechanism responsible for changes in BOD profile under pressure conditions is the hydrolysis of large molecular weight organic molecules into smaller fractions. Specific members of these families were analyzed and BOD changes and kinetic data were recorded.

The final phase of the research involved the preparation of composite synthetic wastewater samples subjected to pressure, and analyzing the similarities in their responses to pressure compared to that of actual wastewater samples.

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