A full scale study demonstrated the potential of aeration systems to reduce the water and air pollution potential of poultry wastes under commercial conditions. The performance of two oxidation ditches, each receiving the wastes from approximately 4000 laying hens, was monitored and evaluated. The relationships between two design and operational variables and system performance were examined. The variables were level of oxygen supply and solids retention time. It was observed that an oxygen input equivalent to the exerted carbonaceous oxygen demand provided a high degree of odor control. Increase in oxygen supply to also satisfy the exerted nitrogenous oxygen demand resulted in nitrification which terminated ammonia desorption. Subsequent nitrogen losses were the result of denitrification relationships between removals of total solids, volatile solids, COD, and organic nitrogen in aerated poultry wastes were developed. Two major problem areas were identified and examined. The first was the removal and concentration of residual solids to maximize oxygen transfer efficiency and minimize the volume of material requiring ultimate disposal. The second was sedimentation of solids in the oxidation ditch channel which reduced and in several instances stopped mixed liquor circulation.

"October 1976." "Prepared by Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, N.Y., for Manorcrest Farms, Camillus, New York, under project no. S800863." Includes bibliographical references (pages 138-145).