CHAPTER FOUR: Wastewater Treatment and Disposal

Sewage contains sand, gravel, grit, pieces of wood, suspended solids, colloidal matter etc. This
sewage requires treatment before its disposal.
Reasons why sewage is treated before its disposal.
i) To avoid pollution of receiving water.
ii) To avoid unhealthy conditions.
iii) To have some agricultural value i.e., manure.
iv) To destroy pathogenic bacteria.
v) To dispose of wastewater easily and safely.
4.1. Flow measurements in treatment works
For accurate measurement of wastewater flowing into the treatment plant, flow measurement
devices are installed as part of the treatment process unit. The flow devices are:
a) Flow meter.
b) Parshall flume.
4.1.1. Flow meter (Proportional flow weir)
A proportional flow weir is provided at the outlet end of a grit chamber. The proportional flow
weir is a combination of a weir and an orifice. It consists of a rectangular plate with an opening
with curved sides for flow to pass through. Such an arrangement maintains a nearly constant
velocity in the grit channels by varying the cross-sectional area of flow through the weir so that
the depth is proportional to the flow.

Figure showing transverse view of a proportional flow weir (Source: Jahagirdar, 2015)

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The shape of the opening between the plates of the proportional flow weir is made in such a way
that the chamber depth will vary directly as the discharge, as a result of which the chamber
velocity will remain constant for all flow conditions.
The weir should be set 100 to 300 mm above the bottom of grit chamber to provide for the grit
storage. The weir should also be set at an elevation so as to provide a free fall into the cutlet
channel as such weir cannot function under submerged conditions.
4.1.2. Parshall flume with parabolic section of grit chamber.
The Parshall flume is used for a parabolic cross-section of the grit chamber. The flume is placed
at the downstream end of the parabolic-section of the grit chamber. The Parshall flume is an
open constricted channel which can be used as a measuring device.

Figure showing Parshall flume (Source: Pumnia et al., 1998)

Advantages of Parshall flume over the proportional flow weir.
i) It involves negligible head loss.
ii) It can work under submerged flow conditions up to certain limits.
iii) The flume is self-cleansing thus has no problem of clogging.

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 4.2. Conventional wastewater treatment process.

Influent (Raw sewage)

Preliminary Treatment Involves screening

and grit removal.

Primary Sludge Primary Treatment Involves primary

sedimentation

Biological Treatment Involves sewage

filtration

Secondary Sludge Secondary Treatment Involves secondary

sedimentation

Tertiary Sludge Tertiary Treatment (if Involves disinfection

necessary)

Effluent (Treated
Sludge Treatment sewage)

Treated Sludge
Effluent

Flow chart showing conventional wastewater treatment process

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Wastewater undergoes physical, chemical and biological processes during its treatment.
4.2.1. Preliminary treatment.
Preliminary treatment of wastewater consists of the processes which remove floating and
suspended solids some of which are of considerable size. The process removes materials like
dead bodies of animals, pieces of wood, papers, rags, metal containers, plastics and also heavy
settleable inorganic solids like grit and fragments of masonry.
Units involved in preliminary treatment are:
a) Screens.
b) Grit chamber or detritus tank.
Preliminary treatment prevents excessive loads on the subsequent unit processes by removing
grit and screenings from raw wastewater.
4.2.1.1. Racks and screens (Screening).
Screening is the first unit operation in wastewater treatment plants.
A screen is a device with openings of uniform size used to trap large floating/suspended solids
from sewage. The screening elements usually consists of parallel bars, rods, gratings or wire
mesh to allow wastewater to pass through and trap large solids. The racks and screens are usually
cleaned mechanically or manually.
Types of screens.
Depending upon size of the openings, screens are classified as coarse screens, medium screens or
fine screens.
4.2.1.1.1. Coarse screens (Bar racks)
Coarse screens serve more as protective devices in contrast to the fine screens which serve as
treatment devices. A bar screen is composed of vertical or inclined bars space at equal intervals
across the channel through which sewage flows. Bar screens have large openings of 75 to
150mm.
Coarse screens protect pumps, valves, pipelines and other appurtenances from damaging or
clogging by removing large objects such as rags from raw sewage.
4.2.1.1.2. Medium screens.
Medium screens have clear openings of 20 to 50 mm. The bars are usually 10mm on upstream
side and taper slightly to the downstream side.

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 4.2.1.1.3. Fine screens.
Fine screens have clear openings of less than 20mm. They are generally mechanically cleaned
devices. Fine screens are used to remove materials from industrial wastes which tend to produce
excessive scum or foam on the top of digestion tank contents.
4.2.1.2. Grit chambers (Grit removal).
Grit is the heavy mineral material found in raw sewage. It may contain sand, gravel, silt, cinders,
broken glass, small fragments of metal and other small inorganic solids that have specific
gravities greater than those of organic solids in wastewater. Grit has a specific gravity ranging
from 2.4 to 2.65.
Reasons why grit is removed from wastewater.
i) To protect moving mechanical equipment such as pumps from abrasion and abnormal
wear.
ii) To reduce the formation of heavy deposits in pipe lines, channels and conduits.
iii) To reduce the frequency of cleaning of subsequent unit operations such as digesters
caused by excessive accumulation of grit.
Types of grit chambers.
a) Horizontal flow grit chambers.
b) Aerated grit chambers.
4.2.1.2.1. Horizontal flow grit chambers.
Horizontal flow grit chambers are designed to maintain a velocity as close to 0.3m/s with a
detention period varying from 45 to 90 seconds. Such a velocity will permit the heavier grit to
settle out and carry most organic particles through the chamber.

Figure showing sectional view of a grit chamber.

Control sections such as flow meters and Parshall flumes are provided at the end of the channel
in order to maintain a constant velocity of flow.

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The grit chamber may be either mechanically cleaned or manually cleaned. The choice depends
upon:
i) Quality and quantity of grit to be handled.
ii) Head loss requirements.
iii) Space requirements.
iv) Topography.
v) Economic considerations.
4.2.1.2.2. Aerated grit chambers.
An aerated grit chamber is a special form of grit chamber consisting of a standard spiral flow
aeration tank provided with air diffusion tubes placed on one side of the tank. Aerated grit
chambers control the separation of inorganic and organic solids by producing a rolling flow
pattern. The grit particles tend to settle down at the bottom of the tank at rates dependent on the
particle size, their specific gravity and the bottom velocity of roll of the spiral flow. The heavier
grit particles with their higher settling velocities drop down to the floor whereas lighter organic
particles are carried with the roll of spiral motion and eventually out of the tank. Air flow is
regulated to give the separation desired.
4.2.2. Primary sedimentation. (Primary treatment)
Primary sedimentation tanks (clarifiers) are located just after the grit chamber for removal of
suspended solids. Sedimentation is the separation from water, by gravitational settling of
suspended particles that are heavier than water. Sedimentation of raw wastewater is practiced in
all large municipal plants and must precede conventional trickling filtration.
Primary treatment of wastewater involves mechanical and hydraulic separation of solids and
suspended organic matter from wastewater.
Organic solids settled in primary clarifiers are often stabilized by anaerobic decomposition in a
digestion tank.
Types of settlings.
Particles may settle out of wastewater in the following ways depending upon the concentration of
the suspension and the flocculating properties of the particles:

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 Figure showing types of settlings (Source: Pumnia et al., 1998)
Type I Sedimentation (Discrete settling)
Discrete settling corresponds to the sedimentation of discrete particles in a suspension of low
solids concentration. The particles have little tendency to flocculate or coalesce upon contact
with each other. Discrete settling removes grit and sand particles from the wastewater.
Type II Sedimentation (Flocculant settling)
This type of settling refers to rather dilute suspension of particles that coalesce or flocculate
during sedimentation process. Due to flocculation, particles increase in mass and settle at a faster
rate. Flocculant settling removes a portion of the suspended solids in untreated wastewater in
primary settling tanks and in upper portions of secondary settling tanks.
Type III Sedimentation (Hindered/ Zone settling)
This type of settling refers to flocculent suspension of intermediate concentration. Inter particle
forces hold the particles together and hence the mass of the particles subsides as a whole. Zone
settling occurs in secondary settling facilities used in conjunction with biological treatment units.
Type IV Sedimentation (Compression settling)
This refers to flocculent suspension of so high concentration that particles actually come in
contact with each other resulting in the formation of a structure. Further settling occurs only by
compression of structure brought about due to weight of particles which are constantly being
added to the structure. Compression settling occurs in the lower layers of a deep sludge mass
such as in the bottom of deep secondary settling facilities and in sludge thickening facilities.
Type I and Type II settling are usually associated with primary treatment facilities.
For primary sedimentation tanks, the rate of removal of BOD and SS is maximum during the
1
first 2 to 22 hours of settling.

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Sedimentation of sewage may either be plain sedimentation or chemical precipitation.
Objectives of sedimentation tanks.
i) To reduce the strength of sewage by about 40%.
ii) To reduce the load on other treatment plants.
iii) To minimise the quantity of settleable solids by about 80%.
iv) To reduce BOD by 40%.
v) To make sewage fit for other treatment processes.
Classification of sedimentation tanks.
According to their use:
a) Primary sedimentation tanks: if raw sewage is settled immediately after grit chamber.
b) Secondary or final sedimentation tank: if mixed liquor of activated sludge plants or
trickling filters’ effluents is settled.
c) Intermediate: if used between filters in case of two stage trickling filters.
According to flow in them:
a) Horizontal flow tanks: used in rectangular tanks and hopper bottom type tanks.
b) Radial flow tanks.: Which receive sewage in the centre and their flow is towards the
sides.
c) Vertical flow tanks. Which are not in common use.

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Figure showing radial flow circular sedimentation tank (Source: Tiwari, 2018)
Sedimentation tanks may be rectangular, circular and square in plan. The depth may be 2 to 5m.
The diameter of circular tanks may be 40m. The square tank may be 25m X 25m.The length is
kept 40m to avoid currents due to wind. The slope of sludge hopper is 2:1 (vertical to
horizontal). The slope is essential to slide the solids to the bottom by themselves. The rate of
sewage entering the tank should be equal to the rate of sewage leaving the tank. Sludge collected
at the bottom is removed by hand or mechanically.
Cleaning and maintenance.
Sludge is deposited continuously in the bed of tanks and its cleaning is required after sometime.
Mechanical devices are generally used for sludge cleaning. Mechanical scrapers are installed to
scrap the sludge continuously. The sludge is collected in a sump from where it is removed by
pumping or gravity.
4.2.3. Biological treatment.
The objectives of the biological treatment of wastewater are:
i) To coagulate and remove the non-settleable colloidal solids.
ii) To stabilise the organic matter.
4.2.3.1. Sewage filtration.
The action involved in sewage filtration consists of building up a few new stable compounds by
combination with oxygen. Filtration satisfies the BOD of organic waste with the help of aerobic

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bacteria. The filter units used for biological treatment consist of open beds of coarse aggregates
over which effluent from the primary clarifier is sprinkled intermittently. The coarse particles of
sewage are arrested by the filtering media and are oxidised and nitrified by the organic matter.
The necessary contact surface essential for the growth of aerobic bacteria is provided by the
aggregates. The aeration is provided by nature.
The effluent from the filter units containing stabilised new compounds is settled out in secondary
clarifiers.
Filtration process.
The secondary treatment or biological treatment of sewage is done by sewage filters and
activated sludge process units. The very fine suspended solids and the solids which are in
solution cannot be removed by sedimentation. They are removed by filtration, contact beds or
aerators. Secondary treatment i.e., filtration satisfies the BOD with the help of bacteria beds. The
aerobic bacteria act upon the organic matter and mechanical action is very little.
The sewage filters can be classified as follows:
a) Intermittent sand filters.
b) Contact beds.
c) Trickling filters.
4.2.3.1.1. Trickling filters
Trickling filters are the filters over which sewage is allowed to sprinkle or trickle for filtration to
occur. They are also known as sprinkling or percolating filters. The bed of a filter consists of
coarse, rough and hard material. The sewage is applied in the form of spray that is well
distributed over the surface which trickles through the filter. The sewage is then held in the
interstices of the filter bed. The fine non settleable solids, colloids and dissolved organic matter
are withheld and subjected to biochemical oxidation.
The effluent produced by the trickling filters consists of products of oxidation, residue of
partially oxidized matter and finely divided residue humus like material which is separated from
the stone surfaces due to the self-cleaning action of trickling filters.

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Figure showing the details of a trickling filter (Source: "Toprak Home Page", n.d.).
The biological purification is brought about mainly by aerobic bacteria which for a bacterial film
know as bio film around the particles of the filtering media. For the existence of this film,
sufficient oxygen is supplied by providing suitable ventilation facilities in the body of the filter.
Trickling filters serve to oxidise and bio flocculate the organic matter in the sewage.
Biological process in a trickling filter.
Though trickling filters are classified as aerobic treatment devices, the biofilm formed on the
filter medium is aerobic to a depth of only 0.1 to 0.2mm, and the remaining part of the film is
anaerobic.

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Figure showing the attached growth film on trickling filter (Source: Pumnia et al., 1998).
As the wastewater flows over the biofilm, the soluble organic material in the sewage is rapidly
metabolised while the colloidal organics are adsorbed onto the surface. In the outer portions of
the biological film (slime layer), the organic matter is degraded by the aerobic micro-organisms.
Since food concentration is higher at the outer layer, the micro-organisms near the outer surface
are in a rapid growth phase. As the micro-organisms at the outer surface grow, the thickness of
the slime layer increases and the diffused oxygen is consumed before it can penetrate the full
depth of the slime layer. The lower zone of the film is thus in a state of starvation, due to which
anaerobic environment is established near the surface of the media. As a result of having no
external organic source available for cell carbon, the micro-organisms near the media surface
enter into an endogenous phase of growth and lose their ability to cling to the media surface.
Eventually, there is scouring of the slime layer due to flowing liquid and a fresh slime layer
begins to grow on the media. This phenomenon of scouring of the slime is called sloughing or
unloading of the filter.

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Loading of conventional trickling filters.
The permissible loading on standard rate trickling filters can be expressed in the following units:
a) Hydraulic loading: is the total flow of sewage including recirculation applied on unit
area of filter in a day. It’s expressed in m3/d/m2.
b) Organic loading: is the 5-day 200C BOD excluding the BOD of the recirculant applied
per unit volume in a day. It’s expressed in g/d/m2.
Merits and demerits of conventional trickling filters.
Merits.
i) The effluent obtained from trickling filters is highly nitrified and stabilised. The effluent
can therefore be disposed of in smaller quantity of dilution water.
ii) They possess a unique capacity to handle shock loads.
iii) They can remove about 80% of suspended solids and about 75 to 80% of BOD.
iv) The rate of filter loading is relatively higher in comparison to contact beds or intermittent
sand filters; hence it requires less land space.
v) The working of trickling filters is simple, cheap and does not require any skilled
supervision.
vi) They are self-cleansing.
vii) As it contains less mechanical equipment, mechanical wear and tear is small.
viii) Operation of trickling filters requires less electrical power to run the mechanical
equipment.
ix) The moisture content of sludge obtained from trickling filter system is as high as 99%.
Demerits.
i) The loss of head through the filter system is high, thus making the automatic dosing
through siphonic dosing tanks necessary.
ii) The cost of construction of the filter is high.
iii) They require large area in comparison to other biological treatment processes.
iv) They require preliminary treatment and therefore cannot treat raw sewage as such.
v) Final settlement in humus tank is necessary.
vi) The process may develop odour and fly nuisance.
4.2.4. Secondary sedimentation (Secondary treatment).
After the treated sewage has undergone the biological treatment process, the effluent is directed
to secondary clarifiers (settling tanks.) Secondary clarifiers perform two functions:
i) To separate the stable suspended organics (bio flocs) from the treated wastewater.
ii) To thicken the treated wastewater and obtain desired concentration of solids.

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 4.2.4.1. Sedimentation with coagulation. (Chemical precipitation)
Secondary clarifiers or secondary sedimentation tanks are located after the units of biological
treatments such as filters or activated sludge process. They are provided to treat the treated
sewage to such an extent after this the sewage can be directly discharged into the natural
drainages. If the sewage is treated by secondary treatment it should be detained for two hours.
Situations where chemical precipitation is adopted.
i) When the sewage flow has high seasonal variations in strength and volume.
ii) When the intermediate treatment between plain sedimentation and biological treatment is
inadequate.
iii) When the suspended solids from industrial wastes are to be precipitated as they are not
amenable for biological treatment.
iv) When the sludge conditioning is required for dewatering.
Process of chemical precipitation.
When a certain chemical is added to sewage a precipitate known as floc, which is almost
insoluble in water is produced. The flocs attract small particles to form larger size. This size goes
on increasing during the process of settlement.
Chemical precipitation involves two processes:
i) Mixing: The chemical solution is mixed readily in sewage so that the solution disperses
quickly with the entire sewage. The mixing is done by violent agitation so that the
chemicals added may come in contact with suspended particles as soon as possible.
ii) Flocculation: The flocculation is done with reduction in speed and carried for longer
period to bring small particles and suspended matter in contact with the chemicals added.
The flocs formed grow in size, agglomerate and settle down at the bottom of the tank.
Chemicals used are: alum, ferrous sulphate, ferric sulphate, ferric chlorides, sodium aluminate,
sulphuric acid, lime, etc.
Factors affecting precipitation.
The following factors affect the precipitation of sewage:
i) Kind of chemicals used.
ii) Quality of chemical.
iii) Character and concentration of sewage.
iv) pH value of sewage.
v) Time of mixing and flocculation.
vi) Temperature.
vii) Violence of agitation.

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Merits and demerits of chemical precipitation.
Merits.
i) Rapid and thorough clarification of sewage.
ii) Removal of higher percentage of suspended solids.
iii) Smaller size tanks are required.
iv) Operation is very simple.
Demerits.
i) High cost of chemicals used.
ii) Difficulty in removal of larger quantity of sludge produced.
iii) Requires skilled attendance.
iv) It gives of a putrescible effluent.
4.2.5. Sludge treatment
The term sludge is used to designate the organic solids that settle when sewage is passed through
a settling tank.
Sludge treatment is the process of treating sludge before disposing it off in a suitable manner.
Sludge contains less solids and more moisture, thus it has a high pollution power.
Sludge treatment may include all or a combination of the following unit operations and
processes:
i) Thickening or concentration.
ii) Digestion.
iii) Conditioning.
iv) Dewatering.
v) Drying.
vi) Incineration.
For us we will focus on sludge digestion and sludge drying.
4.2.5.1. Sludge digestion.
The principal objective of sludge digestion is to subject the organic matter present in the settled
sludge to anaerobic or aerobic decomposition so as to make it innocuous and amenable to
dewatering on sand beds or mechanical filters before final disposal. Sludge digestion is the
process by which the solid organic matter deposited by sedimentation is liquified and gasified by
biological action. Sludge digestion tanks are used for sludge digestion purposes.

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Figure showing sludge digestion tank (Source: Jahagirdar, 2015).
The digestion tanks are circular in plan with a flat or hopper shaped bottom. They are covered at
the top to retain heat and odour, and for collecting sludge gas.
Digestion process.
The condition of sludge is changed in such a way that its volume is reduced. Its fertilizing
qualities are changed and valuable gas is produced. The products produced is digested sludge,
sludge gas and supernatant liquid. The digested sludge dries easily and is converted into sludge
cakes on drying beds. Sludge gas that accumulates at the top under roof of the tank can be used
as fuel.
The supernatant liquid can be used for irrigation or can be disposed of into natural waters or raw
sewage without treatment.
Factors affecting sludge digestion are:
i) Temperature.
ii) Mixing.
iii) pH value. The pH value should be between 6.8 to 7.2.
4.2.5.2. Sludge drying.
The purpose of drying sludge is to reduce the moisture content and volume of sludge so that it
can be used after drying without causing offensive odours or risk public health. Drying is

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brought about by directing a stream of heated air or other gases at about 3500C. Dried sludge is
removed from the kilns is granular and clinker-like which may be pulverised before use as soil
conditioner.
Sludge drying can also be done by use of drying beds that receive solar radiation.
4.3. Waste stabilization ponds. (Oxidation ponds)
A stabilization pond (lagoon) is an open flow through earthen basin of controlled shape,
specifically designed and constructed to treat sewage and biodegradable industrial wastes. They
are generally lined with clay to prevent seepage of sewage into the ground thus preventing
ground water pollution. Waste stabilization ponds are a relatively low-cost treatment system
which has been widely used particularly in rural areas. The mixing action in the stabilization
ponds is provided by natural processes such as wind or heat but may be augmented by
mechanical or diffused aeration. Stabilization ponds provide comparatively long detention
periods extending from a few to several days.
The stabilization ponds provide a suitable habitat for microscopic plants, bacteria, protozoans
etc. It is this microbial population that stabilize the putrescible matter by oxidising it to form
nitrates and CO2. The nutrients released by the microbial population are used by algae which in
turn release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. This process results in complete
stabilization of organic wastes.
For the most effective treatment, WSPs should be linked in a series of three or more with effluent
being transferred from the anaerobic pond to the facultative pond and, finally, to the aerobic
pond. The anaerobic pond is the primary treatment stage and reduces the organic load in the
wastewater. The entire depth is fairly deep and is anaerobic. Solids and BOD removal occurs by
sedimentation and through subsequent anaerobic digestion inside the accumulated sludge.
Anaerobic bacteria convert organic carbon into methane and through this process, remove up to
60% of the BOD.
In a series of WSPs, the effluent from the anaerobic pond is transferred to the facultative pond,
where further BOD is removed. The top layer of the facultative pond receives oxygen from
natural diffusion, wind mixing and algae-driven photosynthesis. The lower layer is deprived of
oxygen and becomes anaerobic. Settleable solids accumulate and are digested on the bottom of
the pond. The aerobic and anaerobic organisms work together to achieve BOD reductions of up
to 75%.
Anaerobic and facultative ponds are designed for BOD removal, while aerobic ponds are
designed for pathogen removal. An aerobic pond is commonly referred to as a maturation,
polishing, or finishing pond because it is usually the last step in a series of ponds and provides
the final level of treatment. It is the shallowest of the ponds, ensuring that sunlight penetrates the
full depth for photosynthesis to occur. Photosynthetic algae release oxygen into the water and at
the same time consume carbon dioxide produced by the respiration of bacteria. Because
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photosynthesis is driven by sunlight, the dissolved oxygen levels are highest during the day and
drop off at night. Dissolved oxygen is also provided by natural wind mixing.
Classification of waste stabilization ponds.
Stabilization ponds are classified according to the nature of biological activity that is taking
place. i.e., aerobic, anaerobic and facultative ponds.
Advantages of waste stabilization ponds.
i) Has lower initial cost than that required for a mechanical plant.
ii) Lower operating costs.
iii) Has regulation of effluent discharge, thus providing control of pollution during critical
times of the year.
iv) Treatment system is not significantly influenced by a leaky sewage system bringing
storm water along with the sewage.
Disadvantages of waste stabilization ponds.
i) Requires extensive land area hence the method can be used only in rural areas where land
costs are less.
ii) Assimilative capacity of certain industrial wastes is poor.
iii) There are potential odour problems.
iv) If used in urban areas, expansion of town and new developments may encroach on the
lagoon site.
v) Effluent quality standards of 30mg/l for suspended solids are not met.
4.3.1. Anaerobic ponds.
In anaerobic stabilization ponds, the entire depth is in anaerobic condition except at the
extremely shallow top layer. The anaerobic micro-organisms do not require the presence of
dissolved oxygen in the water to function. The build-up of sludge is much less in the anaerobic
system compared to the aerobic system. The contents of the anaerobic lagoon are black in colour,
which is an effective indication that the lagoon is functioning properly. Anaerobic ponds are
deep with their depths ranging from 2.5 to 5m. Anaerobic ponds have an efficient length to width
ratio of 2:1. The chief function of anaerobic ponds is deposition and digestion sewage solids.
Anaerobic ponds find use mainly in the treatment of strong industrial wastes.
4.3.2. Facultative ponds.
A facultative pond combines the features of the aerobic and anaerobic ponds. Facultative ponds
have intermediate depths ranging from 1.0 to 1.5m. A facultative pond consists of three zones:
i) Aerobic zone at the top.
ii) Anaerobic zone at the bottom.

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 iii) Facultative zone situated between the aerobic and anaerobic zones where decomposition
of incoming organic wastes and products of anaerobic decomposition are done by
facultative bacteria.

O2 CO2 CH4 CO2 CH4

AEROBIC ZONE 0.2 – 0.6m

1.0m (min)
FACULTATIVE ZONE
1.5m (max)
ANAEROBIC ZONE

Sludge
Figure showing zones of a facultative pond (Adopted from: Pumnia et al., 1998)
Organic solids that settle on the bottom are subjected to anaerobic decomposition. Wastewater
treatment effected by facultative ponds is comparable to that of conventional secondary
treatment processes.
4.3.3. Maturation ponds. (Aerobic/Algae ponds)
In maturation ponds, oxygen is supplied by natural surface area aeration and by algal
photosynthesis. The pond is kept shallow at depths between 0.5 to 1.2 m so that it functions
aerobically throughout the entire depth. The length to width ratio should not exceed 3:1. The
detention period for maturation ponds is about 7 days for proper development of algae.
Factor affecting operation of aerobic ponds are:
i) Nutrient levels.
ii) Temperature.
iii) ph.
Pond BOD removal Pathogen removal Hydraulic Retention
Time (HRT)
Anaerobic pond 50 to 85% - 1 to 7 days.
Facultative pond. 80 to 95% - 5 to 30 days.
Maturation pond. 60 to 80% 90% 15 to 20 days.
Table showing BOD and Pathogen removal of different types of WSPs (Source: EAWAG, n.d.)

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 Influent (Raw wastewater)

ANAEROBIC POND

FACULTATIVE
POND

MATURATION
POND

Effluent (Treated wastewater)

Figure showing typical series arrangement of wastewater stabilization ponds.
4.4. Disposal of wastewater
After wastewater has undergone through the various treatment processes, the by products that
include screenings, grit, sludge and effluent (treated wastewater) need to be disposed of
accordingly.
4.4.1. Disposal of screenings
Screenings separated from raw sewage can be disposed of by one of the following means:
i) Disposal by burial.
ii) Disposal by incineration.
iii) Disposal by digestion in sludge digestion tanks.
iv) Disposal by grinding.
4.4.2. Disposal of grit.
Grit may be disposed of by dumping, burying or by sanitary land fill.

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 4.4.3. Disposal of sludge.
After sludge has been treated, it can be disposed of be any of the following methods:
i) Spreading on farm land.
ii) Dumping in abandoned quarries.
iii) Disposal by land filling.
iv) Disposal into sludge lagoons.
v) Disposal into the sea.
4.4.4. Disposal of effluent.
Treated wastewater i.e., effluent from wastewater treatment process is usually discharged into
bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, seas, oceans etc.

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 References
EAWAG. Waste Stabilisation Ponds | SSWM - Find tools for sustainable sanitation and water

management!. Sswm.info. Retrieved 18 February 2021, from

https://sswm.info/factsheet/waste-stabilisation-

ponds#:~:text=Waste%20or%20Wastewater%20Stabilization%20Ponds,a%20series%20f

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