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Performance of very shallow ponds treating effluents from UASB reactors
M von Sperling1, L C A M Mascarenhas
1Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. marcos@desa.ufmg.br
Summary
Very shallow polishing ponds effectively treat wastewater effluent, significantly removing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and E. coli. This system meets standards for irrigation, proving efficient for urban wastewater management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
- Microbial Ecology
Background:
- Polishing ponds are crucial for post-treatment of anaerobic reactor effluents.
- They aim to further reduce organic matter and eliminate pathogenic organisms.
- Conventional systems often require longer detention times and greater depths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of very shallow polishing ponds in series.
- To assess the removal efficiency of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and E. coli.
- To determine the impact of low depth and detention times on effluent quality.
Main Methods:
- Investigated four very shallow (0.40 m) polishing ponds operating in series.
- Utilized anaerobic effluent from Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- Analyzed BOD and E. coli removal coefficients under low detention times (1.4-2.5 days per pond).
Main Results:
- Achieved excellent removal rates for BOD and E. coli.
- Demonstrated good ammonia removal, meeting European standards and WHO guidelines.
- Observed higher removal coefficients compared to conventional pond systems.
- Found no significant difference in E. coli removal between ponds with varying depths and detention times.
Conclusions:
- Very shallow polishing ponds with low detention times are highly effective for wastewater treatment.
- The system is suitable for achieving compliance with stringent wastewater and irrigation standards.
- Applicability of UASB reactors followed by shallow ponds in series is strongly supported.