STAMFORD UNIVERSITY BANGLADESH

Department of Civil Engineering

Course : Environmental Engineering-1

Title : Sewerage Engineering and Environmental Sanitation

Lecture 9 : Sewage Treatment : Sedimentation

Lecture by
M. Feroze Ahmed Ph.D., FIE, FBAS, MASCE
Professor Emeritus
Stamford University Bangladesh
Learning Objectives

1. Sewage treatment by Stabilization Pond System

2. Advantages and disadvantages of Stabilization Pond System
3. Bacteria-Algae symbiosis in Waste Stabilization Ponds.
4. Design of Stabilization Ponds to meet the effluent quality requirement
STABILIZATION PONDS

Introduction
• Large shallow rectangular basins enclosed by earthen embankments.
• Open to atmosphere.
• Treatment by natural processes involving both algae and bacteria.
• As unaided by man, the rate of oxidation is rather slow.
• Longer hydraulic retention time: 30-50 days not being uncommon.

Application and suitability:

Stabilization ponds are particularly well suited for tropical and subtropical countries because the intensity of
the sunlight and temperature are key factors for the efficiency of the removal processes. It is also
recommended by the WHO for the treatment of wastewater for reuse in agriculture and aquaculture, especially
because of its effectiveness in removing nematodes (worms) and helminth eggs.

Stabilization ponds, as described here, use no aerators. High performance lagoon technology with aerators has
much more in common with that of activated sludge.

Processes Involved:
Sedimentation, Oxidation, Digestion, Synthesis, Photosynthesis, Endogenous Respiration, Aeration.
Evaporation. Thermal Currents. Seepage.
 Waste Stabilization Pond System

Waste stabilization pond system is consists of 3 types of ponds (1) an Anarobic Pond (2) a Facultative
Pond (3) one or more Maturation Ponds arranged in series. A typical arrangement is shown below:

Anaerobic Facultative Maturation Maturation

Inflow Pond Pond Pond Pond Outflow

Anaerobic Pond
Anaerobic pond is added to the system when BOD load is very high. There is no theoretical basis for the
design of anaerobic pond but practice shows that about 30 to 50 of BOD is removed in 3 to 5 days of
retention period. The allowable volumetric load λv < 400 g/m3/day of the tank. Since it is an anaerobic
process, a tank of 2-5 meter depth tank can be provided.

Facultative Pond
Receive raw sewage or effluent from primary treatment units or settled effluent from septic tanks and
anaerobic pretreatment ponds.
Further treat the effluent aerobically through separation, dissolving and digestion of organic material.
Aerobically break down most remaining organic solids near the pond surface.
Remove odor and kill most pathogenic microorganisms.
Aerobic condition is maintained in upper layers while anaerobic conditions exist towards the bottom.
Oxygen in the upper aerobic layer comes from re-aeration on surface, but major portion of O2 is supplied
by photosynthesis of algae.
Bacteria use the algal O2 to oxidize organic waste, whereas algae use CO2, which is the end product of
bacterial metabolism. This association is called “symbiosis between bacteria and algae”.
 Bacteria-Algae Symbiosis in Stabilization Ponds

Organic matter present

O2 Sunlight O2
in sewage is used by
bacteria as food for
energy and New ALGAE
reproduction of new
cell .This microbial Cell
oxidation of organic
matter needs oxygen, O2 CO2 , NH3,
part of which is
supplied by algae.
PO4, H2O
Oxidation of organic
matter by aerobic Organic
process produces CO2,
Matters BACTERIA New
H2O, NH3, PO4, etc.
Algae uptake CO2 and Cell
produce O2 for bacteria
Settleable
by photosynthesis in Solids
presence of sunlight.
This mutual
dependency of bacteria
and algae known as
Bacteria-Algae
Symbiosis. (Figure).
Reduction of BOD and Microorganism

dl = li – le
Dt = 0 -t
li l le
t=0 t=t
li Pond le

The BOD reaction can be expressed as

dl/dt = - k1.l … … … Eqn.(1)
In the above diagram, li is the BOD entering the pond, le is the BOD of the effluent leaving
the pond, then change in BOD in the pond dl = l i – le and the change in time dt = 0 – t .
Substituting these values in Eqn. (1)
( Li – le ) /( 0 – t) = - k1.l ;
Or li – le = k1.l.t
For a well mixed pond le = l; Now substituting le for l in the above eqn.
Li –Le = le.k1.t
The above eqn. can be rearranged as
Le/Li = 1 / (1 + k1.t) , … … … Eqn. (2a)
Or Effluent BOD, Le = Li / ( 1 + k1.t) … … … Eqn. (2b)
Where k1 = BOD reaction rate constant, t = detention time in the pond
The Eqn. (2) is used for estimation of BOD removal in facultative and maturation ponds.
Similarly, the bacterial removal in these ponds can be computed from eqn.
Ne/Ni = 1/ ( 1 + kb.t) … … … Eqn. (3)

The value of k1 is dependent on temperature and its variation with temperature is described
 MARAI’S THOREM

This theorem states that maximum efficiency in a series of ponds is achieved when retention time in each pond is the same.
Let the retention time in the first pond be t 1 and in the second pond t2 and let t1+t2=Θ (Total retention time).
The effluent BOD5 is Le from the complete mixed pond system is given below,

(Eqn. 1)
t1 t2
(Eqn.2)

(Eqn. 3)

Efficiency,
(Eqn. 4)

Efficiency will be maximum, if le in Eqn. 4 is minimum, and le is minimum when

[(1+k.t1) (1+k.t2)] in Eqn. 3 is maximum.
Let, Y = (1+k.t1) (1+k.t2)
= (1+k.t1) (1+k.(Θ-t1)) = 1+kΘ-k.t1+k.t1+k2.Θ.t1-k2.t2
= 1 + k.Θ + k2.Θ.t1 – k2.t12
dy/dt1 = k2.Θ – 2.k2.t1 = 0 (for maximum of minimum)
=> Θ = 2.t1
t1 = Θ/2 = (t1+t2)/2
=> t1 = t2
d2y/dt12 = - 2. k2 (The above condition is for maximum Y, i.e. Minimum L e)
Hence for maximum efficiency the retention time in each pond i.e. the size of the ponds should be equal.
 Design Aspects

Depth: Most commonly used depth:

• Anaerobic ponds :2–4m
• Facultative ponds : 1 – 1.5 m
• Maturation ponds : 1 – 1.5 m

Area: Length/Width ratio is generally 2-3 to 1. The length & width are obtained from the mid-depth area.
• The mid-depth area is given by: A = Q*t/D
where, Q = volumetric flow rate (m3/day), t = retention time (day), D = pond depth (m).

BOD Loading
The surface BOD5 loading λs is the weight of BOD5 applied per unit area per day. If a sewage flow Q (m3) per day
having a BOD5 Li (mg/L) is applied on a facultative pond of area A (m2), then:

λs = Li . Q/A (g/m2.d) = [10-3 .Li .Q] / [10-4 .A (kg/ha.d)] = 10 Li .Q/A (kg/ha.d) … (4)

The Volumetric loading, λv = Li . Q/V = Li/t , [t = V/Q] … (5)

Maximum BOD5 surface loading that can be applied to a facultative pond before it failed (i.e. become completely
anaerobic) is related to the monthly ambient air temperature, T (oC),
λs = 20T – 120 [kg/(ha.d)] … … … … (6)
Problem 1. Design a facultative and maturation pond system to treat 10,000 m3/d of domestic sewage
with a BOD5 of 630 mg/L and Faecal Coliform of 4x107 FC/100 mL. The design temp is 20°C and the
required effluent standards are: BOD5 < 25 mg/L, FC < 5000/100 mL. Assume the values of k and kb as 0.3
d-1and 2.6 d-1 respectively.

Solution :
Allowable BOD load on Facultative pond , λs = 20T – 120 = 20 x 20 -120 = 280 kg/ha.d
BOD Load = Li Q = 630 mg/l x 10,000 m3/d = 0. 630 kg/m3 x 10,000 m3/d =6300 kg/d
Area of Pond = 6300 kg/d / 280 kg/ha.d = 22.5 ha= 225,000 m2
Let Length, L = 2 Breadth, B; then Area 2B2 = 225,000m2 ; B= 335m ; L= 670 m
Actual Area = 335 x 670 = 224,450 m2
Actual Volume of the Pond = 224,450 x 1.25 = 280,563 m3. [ Assuming a depth of 1.25 m]
Detention time t = V/ Q = 280,563/ 10,000 m3/d = 28 days [ 1 Acre = 10,000 m2]
Assuming 2 Maturation pond of 7 days detention time
Volume of maturation pond = tm x Q = 7 x 10,000 = 70,000 m3;
Assuming depth D = 1.25 m; Area A = 70,000/ 1.25 = 56,000 m2
Again assuming L = 2B, Area 2B2 = 56,000 m2, B = √(56,000/2) = 167, say B=165, L = 340
Actual Volume = 70,125; tm = 70,125 /10,000 = 7 days
Le = Li / [(1 +k. tf) ( 1 + K.tm) ( 1 + k.tm)] [tf and tm are detention time in facultative and maturation ponds]
= 630 mg/l / [(1 + 0.3 x 28) (1 + 0.3 x 7)2 ] = 6.97 mg/l << 25 mg/l [ O.K ]

Ne = Ni [FC/100ml] / (1 + kb. Tf) ( 1 + kb . tm)2

= 4x107 / (1 + 2.6.x 28) ( 1 + 2.6 x 7)2 = 1470 [FC/100 ml]<< 5000 [FC/100ml]; hence O.K.

Answer
Facultative Pond : 670m x 335m x 1.25m
2 Maturation Ponds of equal size : 340m x 165m x 1.25 m
Problem 2. Repeat prob.1 incorporating anaerobic pretreatment.

Solution: Assuming BOD and FC removal of 30% each for a detention time of 3 days in the anaerobic pond.
Volume of anaerobic pond = Q . ta = 10,000 x 3 = 30,000 m3 [ ta = detention time in Anaerobic pond]
Depth D = 3 m , Area A = 30,000/3 = 10,000 m2 [ Assuming a depth of 3 m ]
Assuming L = 2B; 2B2 = 10,000 ; B = 22.36 m ( say 25 m); L = 50 m
BOD load on facultative pond = 6,300 kg/d x ( 1 - 0.30) = 4,410 kg.d
Area of Pond = ( 4,100 kg/d )/ 280 kg/ha.d = 14.6429 ha= 146,429 m2
Let Length, L = 2 Breadth, B; then 2B2 = 146,429 m2 ; B= 270 m ; L= 540 m
Actual Area = 270 x 540 = 145,800 m2
Actual Volume of the Pond = 145,800 x 1.25 = 182,250 m3. [ Assuming a depth of 1.25 m]
Detention time t = V/ Q = 182,250/ 10,000 m3/d = 18.23 days [ 1 Acre = 10,000 m2]
Assuming 2 Maturation pond of 7 days detention time
Volume of maturation pond = tm x Q = 7 x 10,000 = 70,000 m3;
Assuming depth D = 1.25 m; Area A = 70,000/ 1.25 = 56,000 m2
Again assuming L – 2B, 2B2 = 56,000 m2, B = √(56,000/2) = 167, say B=165, L = 340
Actual Volume = 70,125; tm = 70,125 /10,000 = 7 days
BOD of the influent to facultative pond = 630 x ( 1 – 0.30) = 441
Le = Li / (1 +k. tf) ( 1 + K.tm) ( 1 + k.tm) [tf and tm are detention time in facultative and maturation ponds]
= 441 mg/l / (1 + 0.3 x 18.23) (1 + 0.3 x 7)2 = 7.11 mg/l << 25 mg/l [ O.K ]
Ni = 4x 107 x 0.7 = 2.8 x 107 FC/100 ml
Ne = Ni [FC/100ml] / (1 + kb. Tf) ( 1 + kb . tm)2
= 2.8x107 / (1 + 2.6.x 18.23) ( 1 + 2.6 x 7)2 = 1,569 [FC/100 ml]<< 5000 [FC/100ml]; hence O.K.
Results
Anaerobic Pond : 50m x 25m x 3m
Facultative Pond : 540m x 270m x 1.25m
Maturation Pond : 340m x 165m x 1.25m
Maturation Pond

• Used as a second stage to facultative ponds.

• Completely aerobic and able to maintain aerobic conditions at depths of up to 3m.
• Usually, the depth of a maturation lagoon is 1 – 1.5 m.
• BOD removal is small.
• Main function is the destruction of pathogen.
• Removal of FC defines effectiveness in removing pathogens.
• By proper design, >99% removal of pathogens is possible and effluent standard of <5000 FC/100ml can be
maintained.
• Detention period
- 7 days (each) for two ponds in series.
- 5 days (each) for three ponds in series.
Advantages and disadvantages of stabilization pond system

Advantages:
 Cheapest and simplest of all treatment technologies.
 Produce high quality effluent.
 Reduce the level of pathogens much lower than other methods.
 Absorb variable organic and hydraulic loading with less adverse effect on the effluent quality.
 No mechanical or external energy (except atmosphere) input.
 Minimum control.
 Skilled operators are not required.
 Lower capital, operation and maintenance cost.

Disadvantages

• Requires expert design and supervision.

• Variable capital cost depending on the price of land.

• Requires large land area.

• Effluent/sludge requires secondary treatment and/or appropriate discharge.

• Odour Problem in anaerobic condition.

• Excessive accumulation of algae and bacteria cells may overload the receiving water bodies.
Exercise

1. Show that the BOD of a effluent of a stabilization pond can be expressed a Le = Li/ (1 + k.t). The
terms have their usual meaning.
2. Explain Bacteria-Algae symbiosis in stabilization pond.
3. State and prove Marai’s theorem
4. Mention advantages and disadvantages of stabilization pond system
5. Design a stabilization pond system to treat 1000 m3/d of domestic sewage which has a BOD5 of 500
mg/L and FC count of 4x107 FC/100 mL to meet the WHO standard for unrestricted irrigation (FC <
100/100 mL). The effluent will also meet the royal Commission standard of 20 mg/L for BOD. The
design temp is 17°C. Given: kb = 2.6 d-1 at 20°C, k = 0.3 d-1 at 20°C.
[ Hints : Convert the values of k and kb at desired temperature of operation of the plant and
proceed with those converted values]]