Detection and Control of Combined Sewer Overflows Using a Distributed Wireless Embedded Network and the In Situ Treatment of Wastewater Using Enzymatic Processes and Hydrogen Peroxide

This thesis examined two possible means to reduce the impact of combined sewer overflow events: to use a novel, inexpensive, distributed, decentralized, real-time network of wireless nodes called CSONet to maximize upgradient storage potential during wet weather and to create an in situ treatment method that could treat the stored wastewater to below wastewater treatment plant standards. Two pilot CSONets were created. One increased the storage capacity of a basin by up to 152%, improved flood protection, and regulated the basin draining. The other CSONet controlled a 429,140 gallon section of inline storage. A combination of enzymes and hydrogen peroxide was examined as a possible in situ treatment system. The hydrogen peroxide reduced the E. coli concentration in combined wastewater by over 5 log units and reduced the total suspended solids concentration by up to 10%. The enzymatic treatment, though, did not improve the net oxidation of oxygen demanding compounds.