Investigations of the dynamic behaviour of the composition of combined sewage using on-line analyzers

Continuously analyzing sensors today permit the recording of the dynamic behaviour pattern of pollutants in combined sewage through physical parameters. This report presents the results of such measurements. They were done in a storm water tank which is equipped with a combined sewage overflow and located at the end of a 360 ha catchment area. The results show that by using a combination of sensors for dissolved solids (using UV absorption) and of sensors for particulate solids (using scattered light measurement), reliable information on the composition of the combined sewage can be obtained. A statistical relationship between these two parameters and the chemical oxygen demand was established. The analyzing methods presented permit the real-time control of sewer systems on the basis of the pollution carried in the combined sewage. Through the information on the actual concentration of primary pollutants provided by on-line analysis, heavily polluted streams can be retained selectively in storm water tanks or directed to the treatment plant. However, due to the adverse conditions in a sewer system operational disturbances and stringent maintenance requirements are still an impediment to long-term operation.