Classification of contaminants and treatability evaluation of domestic wastewater

Abstract

Long-term sampling and analysis were conducted in a domestic wastewater treatment plant for the investigation on the characteristics of the representative contaminants in raw sewage such as SS, COD, BOD5, TP, and TN. All these constituents were classified into dissolved and suspended groups by using a 0.45-µm membrane filter, and the concentration of each constituent in each group was analyzed. As a result, almost 100% of the SS was found to be suspended matter, as well as about 65% of COD, 60% of BOD₅, 50% of P, and 20% of N. All these could be easily removed by sedimentation or coagulation/sedimentation. A treatability evaluation diagram was proposed for a rational selection of wastewater treatment process in accordance with raw water quality.