Novel Design Concept for Facultative Ponds Using Rock Filters to Reclaim the Effluent
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 137, Issue 4
Abstract
This paper presents a novel design concept for using rock filters as in-line natural media in waste stabilization ponds. A pilot-scale algae-rock-filter pond (ARP) system was investigated in parallel with algae-based ponds (ABPs) over a period of 6 months to evaluate the treatment efficacy of both systems. Each system entailed four equally sized ponds in a series and was continuously fed with domestic wastewater from Birzeit University. The removal rates of organic matter, nutrients, and fecal coliforms were monitored within each treatment system. The results obtained revealed that the ARP system was more efficient in the removal of organic matter [total suspended solids (TSS) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), 86% and 84%, respectively] and fecal coliforms () than the ABP system (81%, 81%, , respectively). The ARPs showed higher removal rates for ammonium and phosphorus (68.8% and 50.0%, respectively) compared with the ABPs (57.9% and 41.5%, respectively). The biogenic-aerated ARP option is a cost-effective and land-saving alternative with effluent quality suitable for restricted agricultural irrigation. The ARPs utilizing a new algae-biofilm design concept should be investigated at a large scale to enhance the information available to relevant decision makers, who are seeking sustainable on-site wastewater treatment alternatives.
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Acknowledgments
This study, joint research led by the Institute of Environmental and Water Studies, Birzeit University, was executed through the financial support of the UNESCO-Flanders Program Grant No. UNSPECIFIED513RAB2041, which the writers gratefully acknowledge. The comments provided by anonymous reviewers are highly appreciated because they improved the quality of the article.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 137 • Issue 4 • April 2011
Pages: 284 - 290
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 2, 2008
Accepted: Aug 27, 2010
Published online: Sep 1, 2010
Published in print: Apr 1, 2011
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