Wastewater characteristics

35

L
L
L
L
L

L
L

Figure 2.9. Approximate distribution of the solids in raw sewage

(in terms of concentration)

2.2.3.3 Carbonaceous organic matter

The organic matter present in sewage is a
characteristic of substantial importance, being
the cause of one of the main water pollution
problems: consumption of dissolved oxygen
by the microorganisms in their metabolic
processes of using and stabilising the organic
Protein compounds ( 40%)
matter. The organic substances present in
Carbohydrates ( 25 to 50%)
sewage consist mainly of (Pessoa & Jordao,
Oils and grease ( 10%)
1982):
Urea, surfactants, phenols, pesticides and others (lower quantity)
The carbonaceous organic matter (based on organic carbon) present in the
inuent sewage to a WWTP can be divided into the following main fractions:
Organic matter in sewage

classication: in terms of form

and size
Suspended (particulate)
Dissolved (soluble)
classication: in terms of
biodegradability
Inert
In practical terms it is Biodegradable
not usually necessary to classify organic matter in terms
of
proteins, fats, carbohydrates, etc. Besides, there is a great difculty in
determining