scholarly journals Transformation of Waste Stabilization Ponds: Reengineering of an Obsolete Sewage Treatment System

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1193
Author(s):  
Silvânia Lucas dos Santos ◽  
Adrianus van Haandel
Keyword(s):  
Retention Time ◽  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Uasb Reactor ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Waste Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Waste Stabilization

Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSPs) are commonly used for sewage treatment. These systems are composed of a series of ponds: (1) anaerobic ponds, (2) facultative ponds, and (3) maturation ponds. WSPs generally produce good-quality effluent in terms of organic matter and pathogen removal, but their application has disadvantages. The most serious disadvantages are a long retention time, the release of biogas, and the impossibility of removing nutrients. A promising alternative to the use of WSPs is replacing the anaerobic pond and facultative pond with an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, with the advantages of greatly reducing the retention time and the biogas capture. The post-treatment ponds of the UASB reactor effluent involve oxygen production and the biological consumption of carbon dioxide, which raises the pH. An experimental investigation showed that it is possible to use polishing ponds in a sequential batch regime instead of continuous flow. This modification accelerates the decay of pathogens and accelerates the increase in pH, which, in turn, facilitates the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus. This produces a good-quality effluent with low concentrations of biodegradable organic material, nutrients, and pathogens. This good-quality effluent is obtained in a system without energy consumption or auxiliary materials and with a much smaller area than conventional stabilization ponds.

Removal of pathogenic organisms from the effluent of an upflow anaerobic digester using waste stabilization ponds

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (12) ◽  
pp. 275-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. G. H. Dixo ◽  
M. P. Gambrill ◽  
P. F. C. Catunda ◽  
A. C. van Haandel
Keyword(s):  
Retention Time ◽  
Domestic Wastewater ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Uasb Reactor ◽  
Waste Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Intestinal Nematode ◽  
Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Waste Stabilization ◽  
Nematode Eggs ◽  
Pathogenic Organisms

A series of four pilot-scale, shallow waste stabilization ponds (WSPs), comprising one facultative followed by three maturation ponds with a total design retention time of 20 days, was monitored to observe its ability to remove pathogenic organisms from the effluent of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) digester. The UASB reactor received strong domestic wastewater from the shanty district of a city in north-east Brazil. The raw wastewater had a very high concentration of intestinal nematode eggs of which, on average, 89.6 percent were removed in the UASB reactor. No intestinal nematode eggs were recovered in the effluent of the first maturation pond, making it suitable for restricted irrigation. The removal of eggs in the first pond exceeded predictions made using a recently published model. Faecal coliforms (FC) were reduced by 4.7 log units on average in the pond series -- the final effluent being suitable for unrestricted irrigation. pHs exceeding 10 were attained in the final maturation pond at the sunniest time of day. There was a significant correlation between levels of pH and FC in the ponds, the latter being ≤ 1000 per 100 ml when the former was ≥ 9.1. The removal of FC in the ponds was linear over the range of pH encountered. The findings are consistent with recent work by others suggesting that FC removal in ponds is multi-factorial. The UASB reactor, with a retention time of 7 h, is an efficient primary treatment alternative to an anaerobic pond in a WSP series receiving an extremely strong domestic wastewater. There are potential advantages of using the former in preference to the latter in a series of ponds.

Two-Step Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Bed System for Sewage Treatment Under Subtropical Conditions with Posttreatment in Waste Stabilization Ponds

2003 ◽  
Vol 109 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 167-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Seghezzo ◽  
Aníbal P. Trupiano ◽  
Viviana Liberal ◽  
Patrick G. Todd ◽  
María E. Figueroa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Waste Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Waste Stabilization

scholarly journals Enhancement of overloaded waste stabilization ponds using different pretreatment technologies: a comparative study from Namibia

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 500-512
Author(s):  
Jochen Sinn ◽  
Susanne Lackner
Keyword(s):  
Municipal Wastewater ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Uasb Reactor ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Treatment Technology ◽  
Waste Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Waste Stabilization ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge Blanket

Abstract Waste stabilization ponds (WSP) are a well-established wastewater treatment technology in Namibia. However, they are often overloaded and we still lack concepts and technologies for improvement. Therefore, this study presents the full-scale implementation of two pretreatment technologies to reduce the inflow of organic and solid loads into a facultative pond. We specifically compared the effects of anaerobic biological and mechanical pretreatment by an upstream anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and a 250 μm micro sieve (MS). Not only in Namibia but also in most sub-Saharan countries, there is little experience with these technologies for the treatment of municipal wastewater in small and fast-growing local communities. Both technologies were tested in parallel for a period of 17 months and proved operational. While the UASB achieved better removal results with respect to chemical oxygen demand (COD) and suspended solids (TSS), the MS was more flexible in handling changing inflow patterns and had a much smaller footprint. The average total COD reductions of the MS and the UASB were 22 and 50%, respectively. TSS were removed by 45% with the MS and by 57% with the UASB reactor. Therefore, UASB and MS are viable options for the enhancement of existing WSP to reach better effluent values of the facultative pond.

Waste stabilization ponds in France: a report on fifteen years experience

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (12) ◽  
pp. 91-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Racault ◽  
C. Boutin ◽  
A. Seguin
Keyword(s):  
Load Level ◽  
Organic Load ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Waste Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Sewerage System ◽  
System Type ◽  
Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Waste Stabilization ◽  
Output Load

In 1992, a survey was conducted on the performance of waste stabilization ponds in France. The data selected come from a sample of 178 ponds, with an average capacity of 600 p.e., throughout France. For each plant, one or several input--output load measurements over a 24-h period are available. The average organic load level received is approximately 25 kg BOD/ha.d, representing 50% of the nominal load. The quality of the treated water is presented based on the type of sewerage system feeding the ponds. The results appear dispersed, however; in 70% of the cases the concentrations in COD and BOD on filtered samples are under 120 mg/l and 40 mg/l, respectively, and the concentration in TSS under 120 mg/l (discharge standards in France for waste stabilization ponds). The reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients are on average from 60% to 70%. The influence of different parameters (sewerage system type, organic load, season, age of plant, etc.) was studied. The results appear noticeably worse when the ponds receive wastewater from a strictly separate sewerage system.

Impact of microaeration bioreactor on dissolved sulfide and methane removal from real UASB effluent for sewage treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 81 (9) ◽  
pp. 1951-1960 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. S. Cabral ◽  
A. L. Sanson ◽  
R. J. C. F. Afonso ◽  
C. A. L. Chernicharo ◽  
J. C. Araújo
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Uasb Reactor ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Sulfide Removal ◽  
Dissolved Sulfide ◽  
Removal Efficiencies ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge Blanket

Abstract Two bioreactors were investigated as an alternative for the post-treatment of effluent from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor treating domestic sewage, aiming at dissolved sulfide and methane removal. The bioreactors (R-control and R-air) were operated at different hydraulic retention times (HRT; 6 and 3 h) with or without aeration. Large sulfide and methane removal efficiencies were achieved by the microaerated reactor at HRT of 6 h. At this HRT, sulfide removal efficiencies were equal to 61% and 79%, and methane removal efficiencies were 31% and 55% for R-control and R-air, respectively. At an HRT of 3 h, sulfide removal efficiencies were 22% (R-control) and 33% (R-air) and methane removal did not occur. The complete oxidation of sulfide, with sulfate formation, prevailed in both phases and bioreactors. However, elemental sulfur formation was more predominant at an HRT of 6 h than at an HRT of 3 h. Taken together, the results show that post-treatment improved the anaerobic effluent quality in terms of chemical oxygen demand and solids removal. However, ammoniacal nitrogen was not removed due to either the low concentration of air provided or the absence of microorganisms involved in the nitrogen cycle.

The Removal of Excreted Bacteria and Viruses in Deep Waste Stabilization Ponds in Northeast Brazil

1986 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 31-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. I. Oragui ◽  
T. P. Curtis ◽  
S. A. Silva ◽  
D. D. Mara
Keyword(s):  
Clostridium Perfringens ◽  
Retention Time ◽  
Northeast Brazil ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
Faecal Coliforms ◽  
Pathogen Removal ◽  
Waste Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Waste Stabilization ◽  
Faecal Streptococci

The removal of excreted bacteria (faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci, Clostridium perfringens, total and sorbitol-fermenting bifidobacteria, salmonellae and thermophilic campylobacters) and viruses (enterovirus and rotavirus) in a series of deep anaerobic, facultative and maturation ponds (depth range: 2.8 - 3.4 m), with an overall retention time of 21 days and a mean mid-depth temperature of 27°C, was studied. Thermophilic campylobacters, bifidobacteria and salmonellae were not detected after 11, 16 and 21 days' retention respectively. Faecal coliforms, faecal streptcocci and Cl. perfringens were reduced by 4, 4 and 2 orders of magnitude respectively, and enteroviruses and rotaviruses both by 3 orders. The results indicate that pathogen removal in deep ponds is similar to that in ponds of normal depth.

Comparison of simple, small, full-scale sewage treatment systems in Brazil: UASB–maturation ponds–coarse filter; UASB–horizontal subsurface-flow wetland; vertical-flow wetland (first stage of French system)

2014 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. von Sperling
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Subsurface Flow ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Uasb Reactor ◽  
Plant Management ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Vertical Flow ◽  
Coarse Filter ◽  
Horizontal Subsurface Flow

This paper presents a comparison between three simple sewage treatment lines involving natural processes: (a) upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor–three maturation ponds in series–coarse rock filter; (b) UASB reactor–horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetland; and (c) vertical-flow constructed wetlands treating raw sewage (first stage of the French system). The evaluation was based on several years of practical experience with three small full-scale plants receiving the same influent wastewater (population equivalents of 220, 60 and 100 inhabitants) in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The comparison included interpretation of concentrations and removal efficiencies based on monitoring data (organic matter, solids, nitrogen, phosphorus, coliforms and helminth eggs), together with an evaluation of practical aspects, such as land and volume requirements, sludge production and handling, plant management, clogging and others. Based on an integrated evaluation of all aspects involved, it is worth emphasizing that each system has its own specificities, and no generalization can be made on the best option. The overall conclusion is that the three lines are suitable for sewage treatment in small communities in warm-climate regions.

Performance of UASB based sewage treatment plant in India: polishing by diffusers an alternative

2011 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 680-688 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Walia ◽  
P. Kumar ◽  
I. Mehrotra
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Sewage Treatment Plant ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Uasb Reactor ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Detention Ponds ◽  
One Year

In India, recently, upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) based sewage treatment plants (STPs) have come up in a big way. Sequence adopted: screens- grit chambers- UASB reactors followed by one-day detention ponds (DP). Performance of DPs located at five STPs (27–70 ML/d) was evaluated over a period of one year from July 2004 to July 2005. The installation of these non-algal ponds reduced land requirement, but from treatment point of view it at best offered only removal of solids washed out of the UASB reactor. Total coliform count in the effluent from ponds ranging from 106 to 109 MPN/100 mL is more than the maximum permissible limit of 10,000 MPN/100 mL. A need has, therefore, been felt to evaluate the possibility of aerating the effluent from UASBR. During aeration, ORP and DO increase, whereas COD and BOD decrease. In a continuous aeration ~50% reduction in COD and nearly 50% increase in DO saturation (DO/DOs) can be achieved by increasing ORP from −100 to 122 mV. Regression equation established between ORP and COD/CODi & DO/DOs may find wide application.

The effect of environmental conditions on faecal coliform decay in post-treatment of UASB reactor effluent

2000 ◽  
Vol 42 (10-11) ◽  
pp. 111-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. van der Steen ◽  
A. Brenner ◽  
Y. Shabtai ◽  
G. Oron
Keyword(s):  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Decay Rate ◽  
Light Attenuation ◽  
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket ◽  
Uasb Reactor ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Stabilization Pond ◽  
Stabilization Ponds ◽  
Dark Conditions

The removal of faecal coliforms (FC) in waste stabilization ponds is partly caused by natural decay processes. This work distinguishes between light mediated and light independent processes, since only the upper layer of a stabilization pond receives solar radiation. Light attenuation by algae matter or other particles causes darkness in the rest of the pond. The purpose of this work was to investigate the decay processes in stabilization ponds in order to yield improved design of pond systems. Experiments were carried out with buffered effluents from an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor, treating domestic wastewater. The FC decay rate was determined and compared for light and dark conditions, in aerated bottles and beakers, respectively. The effective environmental factors were also investigated and mathematical expressions were derived for their effect on the FC decay rate. Special attention was given to the effect of light attenuation by algae matter. It was found that light independent FC decay in aerated UASB effluent is caused by a shortage in carbon sources, since glucose addition prevented decay for over ten days. The nutrient content of UASB effluent was satisfactory for a long-term survival. The FC decay in the dark parts of stabilization ponds is therefore under conditions of carbon and nutrient sufficiency expected to be negligible. Under conditions of carbon shortage, the light independent FC decay was found to be temperature dependent, but not pH dependent (in the range 7.2 - 9.1). The FC decay in beakers exposed to solar radiation was much faster then under dark conditions. The light mediated decay was affected by the pH, DO concentration and the solar radiation intensity, but not by the temperature. The addition of autoclaved algae matter strongly reduced the FC decay in the beakers, due to light attenuation. It is therefore expected that the light attenuation by algae matter in stabilization ponds also reduces the FC decay. This could partly offset the stimulating effects of algae photosynthesis (i.e. increased pH and DO concentrations) on FC decay. It seems therefore that there is an optimum algae concentration for maximum FC decay. This can lead to a new design approach, based on regulation of algae growth in stabilization pond systems.

Removal efficiency and methanogenic activity profiles in a pilot-scale UASB reactor treating settled sewage at moderate temperatures

2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (10) ◽  
pp. 243-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Seghezzo ◽  
R.G. Guerra ◽  
S.M. González ◽  
A.P. Trupiano ◽  
M.E. Figueroa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Removal Efficiency ◽  
Retention Time ◽  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Granular Sludge ◽  
Pilot Scale ◽  
Cod Removal ◽  
Uasb Reactor ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Methanogenic Activity

The performance of a sewage treatment system consisting of a settler followed by an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Bed (UASB) reactor is described. Mean ambient and sewage temperature were 16.5 and 21.6°C, respectively. Total Chemical Oxygen Demand (CODt) concentration averaged 224.2 and 152.6 mg/L, for raw and settled sewage, respectively. The effluent concentration was 68.5 mgCODt/L. Total and suspended COD removal efficiencies of approximately 70 and 80%, respectively, have been observed in the system at a mean Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) of 2 + 5 h. Maximum COD removal efficiency was achieved in the UASB reactor when upflow velocity (Vup) was 0.43 m/h (HRT = 6 h). Mean Specific Methanogenic Activity (SMA) and Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS) concentration in the granular sludge bed were 0.11 gCOD-CH4/gVSS.d and 30.0 gVSS/Lsludge, respectively. SMA was inversely related to VSS concentration, and both parameters varied along the sludge bed height. The Solids Retention Time (SRT) in the reactor was 450 days. Sludge characteristics have not been affected by changes of up to one month in Vup in the range 0.28–0.85 m/h (HRT 3–9 h). This system or two UASB reactors in series could be an alternative for sewage treatment under moderate temperature conditions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document