ABSTRACT
Effect of operational conditions on the nitrogen removal in a pilot scale baffled
wastewater stabilization ponds under tropical conditions
Abstract
Four pilot scale wastewater stabilization ponds (WSP) were set up in Kampala – Uganda and operated under low (period 1, 0.0057 g NH4-N l
) ammonia loadings. Pond 1 was operated as control while ponds 2, 3 and 4
were fitted with baffles having the same surface area for biofilm attachment but different
configurations to induce different flow patterns. The major aim of this study was to
investigate the performance in nitrogen removal of these ponds under the different
operational conditions. The results of period 1 showed that the control pond performed
better in nitrogen removal than the baffled ponds. This was probably due to the effect of
TSS on light penetration. The TSS during period 1 was significantly higher than period 2. It
is likely that the algae growing in the upper most layers blocked light penetration hence
affecting the development of algal biomass and nitrifiers in the deeper parts of the baffles.
