PrO2 Case Study
Supplemental Oxygen Delivery at the Anthony Ragnone Wastewater Treatment Plant
Project Overview
Natural Resources Management, LLC (NRM) was retained by the Genesee County Drain Commissioner to oversee, analyze, and evaluate a supplemental oxygen injection trial at the Anthony Ragnone Wastewater Treatment Plant (ARTP).
The Goal
Test the effectiveness of the PRO₂ system as an alternative to traditional blower-forced air aeration methods.
How the Trial Worked:
Set Up:
- Oxygen supply via blower-forced air and fine-bubble diffusers was shut down in a trial tank (T1).
- The PrO₂ system delivered supplemental oxygen into the first pass of the aeration tank.
- Control tank (T2) continued normal operations for comparison.
Technology:
- PRO₂ system injects compressed oxygen (>93% O₂) dissolved into a supersaturated slip stream at a molecular level.
- Fine-bubble diffusion was used in the control tank for a direct performance comparison.
Monitoring:
- Daily measurements: influent flow, blower air volumes, oxygen usage, effluent quality (DO, BOD, TSS, ammonia, TP).
- Microscope evaluations of microbial communities were conducted toward the end of the trial.
Key Findings:
Oxygen Utilization Efficiency:
PRO₂ system achieved approximately 4.5 times greater oxygen utilization efficiency compared to fine-bubble aeration.Energy Savings:
Estimated 15% reduction in power usage in the trial tank compared to traditional aeration.Nutrient Uptake Performance:
With the PRO₂ system:Same nutrient removal (ammonia and phosphorus) achieved with 30% less tank volume.
Aerobic zone nutrient uptake rates improved despite reduced air input.
Microbial Activity:
Mixed liquor solids concentration in the trial tank increased by 5% within ten days.
Indicating enhanced microbial activity without notable changes in community composition.
Future Potential:
The PRO₂ system may support treatment capacity increases without requiring new construction, offering significant cost savings on utilities and infrastructure expansion.
Conclusion:
The study at ARTP clearly demonstrated that supplemental oxygen delivery via the PRO₂ system offers a highly efficient, energy-saving alternative to traditional fine-bubble aeration. These findings pave the way for developing a permanent oxygen injection system design focused on maximizing performance while minimizing operational costs.
- Metric
- Oxygen Used (lbs/day)
- Power Use (Est.)
- Tank Volume Required
- Efficiency
- Traditional
- 1,940
- Higher
- 100%
- Baseline
- PrO₂ System
- 432
- 15% Lower
- 70%
- 450% Boost
FAQ
PrO2 injects dissolved oxygen directly into the water column without disturbing sediment, targeting deep zones where low oxygen contributes to algae and bacteria problems.
Improved oxygen levels reduce internal phosphorus release and slow algae growth, often resulting in visibly clearer water and healthier ecosystems within 1–2 seasons.
Yes. It’s a quiet, chemical-free solution that operates safely in recreational lakes, parks, and residential developments.
Yes. It’s designed for continuous operation and adapts to temperature changes common in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
Yes. Improved oxygen levels prevent fish stress and reduce anaerobic bacteria activity that causes foul smells and poor water quality.
Want to explore how this applies to your treatment facility?
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- Location: Montrose, Michigan
- Prepared for: Genesee County Drain Commissioner – Water and Waste Services Division
- Prepared by: Natural Resources Management, LLC and Engineered Logic, LLC