Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to systems and methods of providing improved ballasted clarification systems for the treatment of water or wastewater. In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include introducing an influent including the water or wastewater and a coagulant; agitating or mixing the influent causing flocs to develop; introducing polymer and ballast wherein the ballast has an aspect ratio of less than 1.15; agitating or mixing the influent causing the ballast to move through the influent and penetrate the flocs; agitation or mixing the flocs to cause larger flocs to form through collision of smaller flocs among the flocs; providing the influent into a clarifying tank having a bottom and a top, wherein the ballast particles in flocs cause the flocs to settle to the bottom of the clarifier; and outputting an effluent from the top of the clarifying tank.

Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to systems and methods of providing improved ballasted clarification systems for the treatment of water or wastewater. In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include introducing an influent including the water or wastewater and a coagulant; agitating or mixing the influent causing flocs to develop; introducing polymer and ballast wherein the ballast has an aspect ratio of less than 1.15; agitating or mixing the influent causing the ballast to move through the influent and penetrate the flocs; agitation or mixing the flocs to cause larger flocs to form through collision of smaller flocs among the flocs; providing the influent into a clarifying tank having a bottom and a top, wherein the ballast particles in flocs cause the flocs to settle to the bottom of the clarifier; and outputting an effluent from the top of the clarifying tank.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of treating wastewater. The present invention may include a method of treating such wastewater comprising selenium in the form of water soluble selenates, selenites, and/or selenides, the method including: a chemical/biological treatment process, causing the water soluble selenates, selenites, and/or selenides in the wastewater to be converted into insoluble elemental selenium; and a physical treatment process, trapping the insoluble elemental selenium in a filtration device.