Graphical presentation of the transformation of some nutrients in a wastewater stabilization pond system

• Published in: Water research (Oxford) Vol. 28; no. 7; pp. 1659 - 1665
• Main Authors: Xian-Hua, Wen, Yi, Qian, Xia-Sheng, Gu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 1994; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; carbon; Exact sciences and technology; graphics; material transformation; nitrogen; phosphorus; Pollution; wastewater stabilization pond system; Wastewaters reuse. Miscellaneous; Water treatment and pollution; material transformation; graphics; wastewater stabilization pond system; carbon; nitrogen; phosphorus; Stabilization pond; Nutrient; Phosphorus; Nitrogen; Carbon; Modeling; Material balance; Waste water
• ISSN: 0043-1354; 1879-2448
• DOI: 10.1016/0043-1354(94)90234-8

In order to evaluate the transformation processes of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in a wastewater stabilization pond system visually and quantitatively, material transformation graphics of these three elements are produced from the ecological model of a pond system. The model was established by the authors based on their own experimental experiences. The results of the analyses of these graphics indicate that the removal rates of carbon are closely related to its transformation quantities; the mechanisms of the wastewater stabilization pond and its difference from the traditional biological treatment system are interpreted further in this study. The study shows that the major characteristics of a pond system beyond the traditional biological treatment system are that the pond system possesses a longer food chain which makes the system more stable and maintains a perfect relationship between bacteria and algae which makes good oxygen and nutrient cycling. Removal of nitrogen and phosphorus mainly depends on the nutrient assimilation of bacteria and algae, since microbial biomass is limited in the pond system, very high removal rates of nitrogen and phosphorus should not be expected using a stabilization pond.