Abstract

This study explores the performance enhancement of conventional plug flow activated sludge (AS) systems through direct integration of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) within the aeration tank, under Egyptian municipal wastewater treatment conditions. A pilot-scale system was constructed in the Madinaty Wastewater Treatment Plant, comprising control (AS only) and experimental (AS with plant integration) lines. Across six replicated experimental runs and two validation campaigns, the system was evaluated for key treatment parameters including COD, BOD₅, TSS, DO, MLSS, and MLVSS, alongside kinetic and oxygen transfer analyses. Results revealed significant improvements in oxygenation and improved TSS removal efficiency. Although COD and BOD5 concentrations remained above regulatory thresholds, the experimental configuration consistently outperformed the control in effluent quality. The integration of plants led to a more favorable F/M ratio and a higher SRT, suggesting enhanced biological stability. These findings position plant-integrated aeration as a viable retrofit strategy to improve energy efficiency, and effluent quality in existing AS facilities—particularly in energy-constrained, climate-sensitive contexts like Egypt.

School

School of Sciences and Engineering

Department

Environmental Engineering Program

Degree Name

MS in Environmental Engineering

Graduation Date

Fall 1-5-2026

Submission Date

9-18-2025

First Advisor

Ahmed ElGendy

Committee Member 1

Tarek Ismail

Committee Member 2

Mohamed ElMorsi

Extent

139 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

Disclosure of AI Use

Thesis text drafting; Thesis editing and/or reviewing

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Available for download on Saturday, September 18, 2027

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