【正文】
H of . The industrial wastewater treatment system was found to have extremely poor settling and dewatering properties due to a high concentration of sodium ions. Laboratory tests were initially conducted to evaluate a strategy for possible field application of divalent cations to achieve a lower M/D ratio, followed by field trials of weekly monitoring of activated sludge properties. Short and long term solutions were proposed. Conclusions1 Cations were directly related to changes in settling and dewatering properties. The laboratory study was an effective prelude to field trials. The laboratory treatability study indicated the unsuitability of calcium addition for the field trial. The laboratory research further showed that magnesium would be a suitable divalent cation alternative. Field trials demonstrated an improvement in floc density associated with an increase in magnesium ions. A time lag could be anticipated prior to achieving improvements in settling properties. Although cation exchange may take place, a plete replacement of sludge flocs may be required for the divalent ions to be pletely incorporated into the sludge floc. Magnesium ions improved dewatering properties in the laboratory study to a greater extent than demonstrated in the field trials, probably due to the higher concentration of the divalent ion used in the laboratory study. The field trials linked dewatering properties to an increase in the soluble ammonium ions. It appears that ammonium ions interact with activated sludge flocs in a manner similar to sodium ions, causing a release in soluble proteins and a deterioration in dewatering properties. Complex variations in several cations simultaneously may make it challenging to isolate the cause for changes in settling and dewatering properties. Interaction between different cations and the floc (cation incorporation into the floc) and amongst themselves (cation exchange) need to be taken into account when considering their influence on settling anddewatering properties. The addition of magnesium sulfate proved to be extremely beneficial in improving settling properties. If further improvements are required, long term strategies are essential. For the industrial facility, it may be useful to