Biological Nutrient Removal in a Full Scale Anoxic/Anaerobic/Aerobic/ Pre-anoxic-MBR Plant for Low C/N Ratio Municipal Wastewater Treatment

A novel full scale modified A2O （anoxic/anaerobic/aerobic/pre-anoxic）-membrane bioreactor （MBR） plant combined with the step feed strategy was operated to improve the biological nutrient removal （BNR） from low C/N ratio municipal wastewater in Southern China. Transformation of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, and membrane fouling were investigated. Experimental results for over four months demonstrated good efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand （COD） and NH4^＋-N removal, with average values higher than 84.5%and 98.1%, re-spectively. A relatively higher total nitrogen （TN） removal efficiency （52.1%） was also obtained at low C/N ratio of 3.82, contributed by the configuration modification （anoxic zone before anaerobic zone） and the step feed with a distribution ratio of 1：1. Addition of sodium acetate into the anoxic zone as the external carbon source, with a theoretical amount of 31.3 mg COD per liter in influent, enhanced denitrification and the TN removal efficiency in-creased to 74.9%. Moreover, the total phosphate （TP） removal efficiency increased by 18.0%. It is suggested that the external carbon source is needed to improve the BNR performance in treating low C/N ratio municipal waste-water in the modified A^2O-MBR process.

A flexible model-free tram signal priority method with a large coordination scope in China

Tram systems with the advantages of reliable operation,comfort,low emissions and moderate capacity have been quite popular in recent years in China.However,there are still problems with tram signal control(e.g.evaluation model,signal control strategies).In-depth analysis on existing operational issues of trams,calculation of two evaluation indexes,as well as a flexible model-free tram signal priority method were developed to deal with tram problems.Empirical research in Songjiang District,Shanghai shows that:(1)The function of the green extension strategy is limited with c.a.10%tram priority improvement,while the optimal one can reach to 85%higher on average.(2)A scheme with a benefit for trams and with no negative impact,and even benefits,for general traffic can be realized.(3)The optimal solution is beneficial for intersections with a maximum c.a.70%amelioration with delay decreasing from 132.7 s/vehicle to 40.89 s/vehicle,or from 104.77 s/capita to 22.31 s/capita.This paper has great significance for the signal optimization and safety of tram systems,even the development of a comprehensive transportation system for a city.

Experimental-mechanistic analysis of pavement base deflections measured with light weight deflectometer

An extensive experimental-mechanistic study was conducted to reveal the relationship between the light weight deflectometer(LWD)measured deflections and the degree of compaction of pavement base materials.Both laboratory experiments and test pits experiments were performed with different types of pavement base materials.The modulus based maximum allowable LWD deflections under different structural and compaction conditions were developed for the most commonly used pavement base aggregate in Indiana.The maximum allowable deflections are based on the equivalent subgrade modulus and the thickness of the layer to be compacted.It is emphasized that the LWD deflections must be measured as soon as the material is compacted or before the moisture content decreases beyond a specified range.Therefore,the maximum allowable deflections are specified in terms of the difference between the actual moisture content and the optimum moisture content.The maximum allowable deflection values provide a sound basis for compaction quality control using LWD devices.