Waste stabilization ponds: Use, function, and biota

Abstract

Stabilization ponds have been widely accepted in recent years, following studies that established deeper understanding of the phenomena associated with the stabilization process. A compilation of information on the use of both sewage and industrial ponds is presented showing types and geographical location in the United States. A total of 1,304 stabilization ponds currently are used as the principal method of sewage treatment serving a population of 2,138,085. Ponds are used for tertiary treatment serving a population of 2,146,951, in 343 instances. Use of 827 industrial ponds by 31 industries in 44 States is also indicated. Indiana ranks first in usage with 159 ponds and Ca!ifornia second with 140. Ponds were classed as effective by 66 percent of the 455 users who reported on this item. Of 149 reports on odors, 73% indicated nuisances. Insect problems were reported in only a sinall number of instances. Data are presented on design considerations and the mechanism of waste stabilization ponds. Aerobic ponds are given greatest emphasis. Photosynthesis and its dependenre upon the algal mass, suitable temperature, incident light penetration, nutrient supply, and induced vertical mixing by wind are of prime importance in the stabilization mechanism. Odorb are associated with prolonged anaerobic conditions, and these may persist up to 4 weeks following extended ice cover in cold climates, if BOD loadings are 25 lbs. per acre per day or greater. Nitrogen and carbon may be limiting factors in the development of an algal mass. Coliform, ROD, and nutrient removals are presented for various physical, chemical, and climatic conditions. Although fecal streptococci removal averaged 97%, in a study pond, they were still discharged in the efHuent at a rate of 700,000 per second in winter and 70,000 per second in summer. A striking similarity exists generally among the algal speciation in stabilization ponds, regardless of geographic location. The algal mass is, howovcr, dependent upon unique pond condit.ions tind locntion, and may vary upwards to nearly 5 million algal cells per milliliter, 34,000 p.p.m. by volume, or 30-35 tons per acre per year. The problem of blue-green algal mats and resultant pigpen odors in extremely localized :wens is duscussed. Midges and midge larvae may have an impact on the nutrient c:yc:le in a stabilization pond, and may pose a potential localized nuisance in some areas. Mosquito problems 255 256 R. PORGES AND K. M. MACKENTHUN have usually been associated with growths of aquatic vegetation. for minimizing the potential problem are discussed. Suggestions

Rural Latrine Systems, a Pilot Project in the Ryukyu Islands

“…The systems have been free of any disagreeable odors. Observation of the pond studied has shown no mosquito breeding, which supports the observations of Porges and Mackenthun (4).…”

Fate and movement of microorganisms in the environment

“…For example, E. coli and S. faecalis die more quickly in soil in the summer than in the autumn or winter (Van Donsel and others, 1967). Similar short survival times in the summer and longer in the winter have been reported for fecal coliforms in waste stabilization ponds (Porges and Mackenthun 1963). Williams and Hoy 1930).…”

REVIEW: Perspectives on wastewater treatment wetlands and waterbird conservation

“…The provision of wildlife habitat has been promoted as an ancillary function of CWs (Hawke & Jose 1996) but less often for WSPs. Unfortunately, very little is known of the extent and distribution of wastewater treatment wetlands and the only published inventory we found was a 40‐year‐old report on WSPs in the United States (Porges & Mackenthun 1963). Hamilton et al.…”

“…The provision of wildlife habitat has been promoted as an ancillary function of CWs (Hawke & Jose 1996) but less often for WSPs. Unfortunately, very little is known of the extent and distribution of wastewater treatment wetlands and the only published inventory we found was a 40-year-old report on WSPs in the United States (Porges & Mackenthun 1963). Hamilton et al (2007) found there to be a poor understanding of the prevalence of wastewater resources across the globe and supported proposals for a global database (van der Hoek 2004), which could be used to determine the global potential of wastewater treatment wetlands for waterbird conservation, amongst other needs.…”