Variations in BOD, algal biomass and organic matter biodegradation constants in a wind-mixed tropical facultative waste stabilization pond

Water Sci Technol. 2005;51(12):183-90.

Abstract

This study considered the impact of wind mixing on the efficiency of BOD removal and the first order biodegradation constant for organic matter in a primary facultative pond. Wind speeds of 1-4 m/s blowing from the effluent end of the pond towards the influent created surface-water flows of up to 0.94 m/s as determined by orange and coconut drogues moving in the opposite direction to the bulk hydraulic flow of 0.217 m/s. This was sufficient to cause mixing of the water column resulting in loss of stratification in terms of chlorophyll a, temperature and dissolved oxygen. BOD and chlorophyll a concentrations were spatially and temporally homogeneous throughout this large pond. BOD removal efficiency was only 50.30% as opposed to a projected value of 79% despite an acceptable surface organic loading of 350 kgBOD5/ha/d and an actual k value for BOD removal using influent sewage samples of 0.29 d-1 close to the projected value of 0.30 d-1. It would seem that wind mixing reduced pond efficiency by destroying stratification and thus reducing the microbial activity necessary to consume organic material. Mixing also increased the mean chlorophyll a concentration compared to stratified facultative ponds receiving similar loads and non-motile algae dominated the water column.

MeSH terms

  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Biomass
  • Bioreactors
  • Chlorophyll / analysis
  • Chlorophyll / metabolism
  • Chlorophyll A
  • Eukaryota / metabolism*
  • Facility Design and Construction
  • Kinetics
  • Organic Chemicals / metabolism*
  • Sewage / chemistry
  • Sewage / microbiology*
  • Tropical Climate
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods*
  • Water Movements
  • Water Purification / methods*
  • Wind

Substances

  • Organic Chemicals
  • Sewage
  • Chlorophyll
  • Chlorophyll A