Statistical methods for assessing water quality after treatment on a sequencing batch reactor

Abstract

Given that water scarcity is a big issue nowadays, wastewater treatment is necessary for the future water use and the prevention of environmental contamination. In this context, this study presents the results of the statistical analysis of ten water parameters before and after the water cleaning in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The influent biodegradability is assessed by computing the BOD5/COD ratio. New momentary and global efficiency indices are introduced for the evaluation of the pollutants' removal efficiency. Five classes of efficiencies (excellent, good, fair, marginal, and poor) are also proposed for the evaluation of WWTP's performances. The study shows that the WWTP's efficiency is good - when working with six water parameters – and marginal - when working with ten parameters. Small efficiencies of nitrates, total dissolved solids, and chlorine removal are noticed. Statistical distributions of ten water parameters in the influent and effluent are fitted and tested by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Chi-squared tests. They are utilized for computing the probability of exceeding the admissible limits of water parameters in the effluent, which can be used as a warning tool for improving the WWTP's performance.