Mathematical Analysis for the Optimization of a Design in a Facultative Pond: Indicator Organism and Organic Matter

Facundo Cortés Martínez,Alejandro Treviño Cansino,Vyacheslav Kalashnikov,Ramón Luévanos Rojas,María Aracelia Alcorta García

doi:10.1155/2014/652509

Abstract

Stabilization ponds are easy to operate and their maintenance is simple. Treatment is carried out naturally and they are recommended in developing countries. The main disadvantage of these systems is the large land area they occupy. The aim of this study was to perform an optimization in the design and cost of a facultative pond, considering a mathematical analysis of the traditional methodology to determine the model constraints (fecal coliforms and organic matter). Matlab optimization toolbox was used for nonlinear programming. A facultative pond with the traditional method was designed and then the optimization system was applied. Both analyses meet the treated water quality requirements for the discharge to the receiving bodies. The results show a reduction of hydraulic retention time by 4.82 days, and a decrease in the area of 17.9 percent over the traditional method. A sensitivity analysis of the mathematical model is included. It is recommended to realize a full-scale study in order to verify the results of the optimization.

Highlights

The inadequate wastewater management and discharge to receptors bodies lead to problems, for example, health risks due to contamination by pathogens, odors, and loss of biodiversity
The purpose of the pond systems is to store and treat wastewater with a retention time determined according to Abbas et al [1] and Naddafi et al [2]
For the design of the facultative pond was considered the methodology adopted for Mexico by the National Water Commission and the Mexican Institute of Water Technology

Summary

Introduction

The inadequate wastewater management and discharge to receptors bodies lead to problems, for example, health risks due to contamination by pathogens, odors, and loss of biodiversity. The purpose of the pond systems is to store and treat wastewater with a retention time determined according to Abbas et al [1] and Naddafi et al [2]. Stabilization ponds are classified according to their content of oxygen in anaerobic, facultative, and maturation or polishing. Lagoon systems are composed of these 3 types, they can be designed only with 2 ponds (facultative and maturation), it is possible to consider in the design a single lagoon: facultative. The construction of these systems is inexpensive, easy to operate, and easy to maintain. Stabilization ponds can function independently or in combination with other treatment systems, Shilton and Mara [3]

Methods

Results

Conclusion