Pollution (Sewage) ①

(a) What is sewage? (4)

(a) Describe regulations controlling sewage discharge (4)
(b) Sketch biological sewage treatment plant (6)
(c) Describe above plant (6)
4/2002

Sewage means:
 Drainage and wastes from toilets, but not including wash water from
basins, and wash tubs.
 All drainage from medical premises, including wash water from basins
and wash tubs.
 Drainage from spaces containing living animals.
Untreated sewage contains oxygen absorbing bacteria, which could
deprive fish, and living plants. Untreated sewage may also spread of disease
such typhoid, dysentery and poliomyclitics... etc.

Regulation
Annex IV of the MARPOL 73/78 (IMO) is international regulation for the
prevention of pollution by sewage from ships. This regulation is effective for all
ships 200 GRT and above with minimum 10 person of crew.
According to the regulation, the ship must have approved type sewage
treatment plant and holding tank with sufficient capacity.
Distance in NM from nearest land
Type of sewage
0 NM 4 NM 12 NM
Sewage treated by
approved No visible floating solids or discoloration
Sewage treatment plant
Sewage comminuted and
disinfected with approved Prohibited
equipment
Untreated sewage Prohibited
Moderate rate,
Sewage held in holding ship en-route at
Prohibited
tanks not less than 4
knots.

Restricted 30/06/2023 17:42:06

 Pollution (Sewage) ②

The System shown has four compartments. Incoming sewage

passes through a coarse screen into the primary collection tank where it
remains until displaced by overflow into the aeration section. A connection
is provided so that the primary collection tank can be pumped out.
In the aeration tank, waste is retained for about 24 hours being
thoroughly mixed and aerated by the aerators located at the bottom of the
tank. The aerobic bacteria and micro organisms break down the organic
wastes into mainly carbon dioxide, water and inert organic material and
produce new bacteria cells and organisms. CO2 is emitted via the vent
system.
Rotary blower supplied air provided oxygen for bacteria and micro
organisms. After prolonged aeration, the mixed liquor is displaced into the
settlement tank where biological floc is formed.
Settling compartment is designed to precipitate all solids to the
bottom of the hopper as activated sludge which is then returned by air lift
back to the aeration tank where it is mixed with the incoming raw sewage.
Clean effluent from the top of the settling tank is collected in the last
compartment for disinfection and discharge overboard. Disinfection is
achieved by treating the clean effluent with a solution of calcium or sodium
hypochlorite; this is usually carried out in a tank or compartment on the
end of the sewage treatment unit. In some plants this disinfection is
carried out by ultra-violet radiation.
The discharge of the resulting harmless effluent is controlled by float
switch connected to the discharge pump.

Restricted 30/06/2023 17:42:06

 Pollution (Sewage) ③

Restricted 30/06/2023 17:42:06