Strathkelvin Instruments manufactures an activated sludge respirometer (STRATHTOX) designed for measuring the toxicity of industrial wastewaters. The STRATHTOX technology is central to toxicity management procedures aimed at protecting activated sludge bacteria, particularly sensitive nitrifiers, from poisoning by industrial effluents. The STRATHTOX is an essential tool in ensuring that effluents discharged by treatment works are compliant with stringent legislation, such as the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Clients include major water companies, manufacturers that treat their own waste, and works that treat tankered wastes and leachates. Strathkelvin‘s STRATHTOX is also used by process engineers at the time of commissioning new treatment works.

Operation

The STRATHTOX is used for respiration inhibition tests, for measurement of short term BOD and for monitoring activated sludge ‘health‘. A recent addition is the ability to carry out nitrification inhibition tests accurately and quickly. The STRATHTOX has six oxygen electrodes and easy–to–use software, and is designed to be used by semi–skilled personnel. The tests can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes. There are no manual calculations or analysis involved, and a fully audited report is produced for printing out.

Technical support

Strathkelvin offers a toxicity testing service, carried out in its laboratories in Newhouse, Near Motherwell. This is useful for customers who need a rapid evaluation of the toxicity of a suspect wastewater or leachate. Results are normally e–mailed back within 24—48 hours.