Assessment of waste stabilization ponds (WSP) efficiency on wastewater treatment for agriculture reuse and other activities a case of Dodoma municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

This study aims to assess the parameters removal efficiency of waste stabilization ponds of Swaswa area in Dodoma municipality. The study was done by analysing nine parameters in groups of biochemical and nutrients parameters. One year (2010) analysis was done in monthly intervals from January to December. Some of parameters were analysed in situ while the rest are taken to Dar es Salaam for laboratory analysis where by the water samples were taken in 4 o C equipment for transportation. Results show very low removal efficiency for most of parameters from no removal at all to 26.7% (BOD 5 , pH, TDS, E.C, Total alkalinity, and Total hardness, NO 3 -N and PO 4 -P) from the influent to the final effluent. Only turbidity shows an excellent removal of 98.8%. The removal efficiencies were also compared to general removal efficiencies from other studies and find out results from this study are very low. This low removal efficiency may be due to incomplete construction of Swaswa ponds where the third stage of maturation is missing. This stage is essential for polishing water and nutrient as well as pathogen removal. There is need of frequent awareness campaign to a community for the reuse of wastewater for agriculture and its possible impacts. Ponds should be modified and addition of maturation ponds constructed. Further studies are required for pathogen removal assessment and impacts of reuse wastewater to the food crops.

Origin and mechanisms of high salinity in Hombolo Dam and groundwater in Dodoma municipality Tanzania, revealed

“…Free range livestock feeding practices involving huge trails of herds were also common. The main wastewater stabilization ponds (WWSP) in the near upstream of the catchment have a very low efficiency (Mkude and Saria 2014). The effluent of the poorly treated wastewater passes through the study area before entering HD.…”

“…An excess of Cl -renders a salty taste in water and a laxative effect to people not accustomed to it (WHO 2008). Apart from geological reasons, high Cl -may be due to poor sanitation (Mkude and Saria 2014) and high ET (Shindo 1991). Based on Soltan, (1998) system of classifying water based on Cl, SO 4 2-, HCO 3 cons., water sources can be grouped as normal chloride (\15 meg/L), normal sulfate (\6 meg/L), and normal bicarbonate (2-7 meq/L) types.…”

“…Apart from the geological reasons, the relatively higher Cl -could be attributed to atmospheric deposits, pollution (Kaka et al 2011). A recent study showed that the municipal WWSP found within the same catchment had very low efficiency (Mkude and Saria 2014).…”

Performance Evaluation of Waste Stabilisation Ponds

“…WSP systems are relatively low in operation and maintenance costs. In Tanzania, [3] where the third stage of maturation was missing. Reference [4] conducted a study on factors contributing to the inadequate performance of Gaza Waste Water Treatment system.…”

Hydroponics Effluents: A Potential Threat To The Environment

“…Wastewater effluents if properly used can make a good contribution to water conservation and expansion of irrigated agriculture, taking on an economic dimension. It also solves disposal problems aimed at protecting the environment and public health by preventing surface water pollution (Mkude, 2014). The degradation if occurs by improper disposal of the effluents is often related to the presence of organic and inorganic nutrients, which cause problems such as eutrophication and algal blooms.…”