The activated sludge plant (ASP) is one of the main wastewater treatment processes in the UK. With the increasing stringent requirement for effluent quality, there has been a considerable increase in the use of chemicals for phosphorus precipitation in ASPs to achieve effluent consents. Alum is one of the most widely used chemicals in the treatment of wastewater. In this study, we examine the impact of varying concentrations of alum on the bulking and settleability of a full-scale activated sludge plant with simultaneous co-precipitation. The results showed an improvement in the settleability of the activated sludge with the initial stirred sludge volume index (SSVI) before alum dosing dropping from 105 to 85 after one sludge age. The SSVI increased to 155 with the settleability and floc compactability deteriorating at a dose rate of 145mg/L of alum. The bulking of the sludge was caused by a combination of the filaments present and the surface chemistry of the activated sludge flocs.
Buyers and suppliers of healthcare products and services are more dependent on each other than ever before for the provision of scarce and unique resources, which highlights the need to implement supply chain sustainability practices. Firms controlling these resources hold excessive power over others. This study adopted resource dependence theory as a theoretical lens to explore the role of relationship power in supply chain sustainability practices between a South African private healthcare provider and its suppliers. The study employed a generic qualitative single-case study design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 12 participants at various levels of the case organisation’s hierarchy. The main findings revealed several types of environmental and social practice used in the supply chain of the private healthcare provider. Some of the environmental practices were effective waste management and recycling, while the social practices included supplier selection and periodic reviews. The healthcare provider exercised extensive power over its suppliers to implement these practices. By exploring the advantages and disadvantages of sustainability practices, the findings showed that relationship power acted as a driver of supply chain sustainability. Mutual commitment, continuous communication, and training support these practices. Healthcare managers must be aware of the importance of relationship power for supply chain sustainability practices implementation, and are advised to invest time and effort in building buyer—supplier relationships to aid sustainability. This study expands the literature on relationship power in supply chain sustainability practices in an underexplored developing country healthcare context.
A number of key success factors in the management of organisations responsible for the provision of water supply and sanitation services to developing communities have been identified as critical to the sustained success of such organisations. These factors have to receive specific and sustained attention from management. They should form the focus of management attention in addition to the many other important factors requiring management input. The key success factors which are critical to ensure a sustained water supply and the provision of sanitation services to developing communities centre around two main areas, i.e. the credibility of the organisation with the community it serves and the creation of an organisation culture of focusing on service to the community, on income generation and on minimising of losses.
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