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The hypothesis that absorbed air would be released in the apparatus was qualitatively observed by bubble formation. The adverse effects of bubble formation on floc blanket formation and effluent turbidity were supported qualitatively by the appearance of floc particles in the sedimentation tank effluent. Also, large particles were sparse in the sedimentation column. Quantitatively, data collect over twenty four hours shows an increase in effluent turbidity when comparing the experiment run with saturated air to the control experiment. We ran this experiment on both high and low floc blanket formation. In the high floc blanket formation state the floc blanket level is above the plate settlers. In the low floc blanket formation the floc blanket formation level is below the plate settlers. Due to the energy build-up in the sedimentation column, the top layer of the liquid in the column is more unstable. Instability causes flocs to enter to the plate settler and potentially leave with the effluent. This instability is increased when the system is exposed to water saturated with air.
Conclusion and Future Considerations
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