Investigation of the Sludge Production in Waste Stabilization Ponds

Wastewater treatment by stabilization pond is regaining much interest in countries where climatic conditions are suitable and land is available. Waste stabilization pond (WSP) systems minimize sludge production and thus reduce the cost of operation the problems associated with sludge handling, treatment and disposal.Desludgine of pond is not difficult and it may be perfomed on- site every 5-10 years.The aim of this study was to measure sludge production rate in WSP systems. A series of three pilot- scale ponds were built in order to treat some of raw sewage from Shoosh Wastewater Treatment Plant. Integrated stabilization pond consisted of a facultative pond with pit fermentation and a high-rate pond followed by a maturation pond. Detention time was 20 days for all the ponds.The study was carried out for 16 months. The results of the research showed that overall sludge production for total ponds was 76.5 liter per capita per year. The accumulation rate in facultative, high-rate and maturation pond was 63%, 20% and 17% respectively. This study showed that the average concentration of sludge dry solids was 13.6 percent. The average density of sludge was found 1276 Kg/m3.