Use of waste stabilization ponds’ systems in Mediterranean Europe

Abstract

Abstract This paper is a review of the use of waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) systems in Mediterranean Europe. More specifically, it aims at registering the situation and the efficiency of waste stabilization ponds’ systems in Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and Cyprus. For that reason, the systems’ efficiency for the removal of suspended solids (SS), BOD5, COD, N-total, N-NH4, P-total, and F. coliforms is estimated. The possibility of effluents’ reuse, according to their quality, is also examined. All the aforementioned countries were selected because they have similar climate and they are all European Union member states: therefore, any differences in waste stabilization ponds’ popularity and efficiency as well as in the legislation regarding the reuse of the ponds’ effluents is also interesting. In Greece, the use of waste stabilization ponds is limited and although most of the existing ponds are not adequately designed, constructed, operated, and maintained, the systems’ efficiency is satisfactory.