WATER QUALITY STRATIFICATION IN SHALLOW WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS1

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The physical limnology of three modern wastewater stabilization ponds serving a small community in Minnesota was investigated over a 1‐year period (July 1989 ‐ October 1990). Water temperatures and associated meteorological parameters were recorded continuously; underwater light, dissolved oxygen, pH, and Secchi depth were measured intermittently (about weekly). Measurements of nutrients and planktonic species were made by other investigators. Water quality stratification dynamics were studied by analyzing variations of water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH distributions with time and over depth. Intermittent stratification and mixing of the shallow waste stabilization ponds (1–2 m deep) were documented and related to weather. The strong response of the ponds to seasonal and daily weather variations was observed. Three types of pond stratification conditions have been identified: (1) completely mixed during consecutive day and night, (2) stratified during the day and well‐mixed during the night, and (3) continuously stratified during day and night. A diurnal cycle of stratification dynamics was first noticed in late April and persisted through summer and into fall. Differences in light attenuation and hence temperature stratification and DO distribution between pond 1 (primary), pond 2 (second primary) and pond 3 (secondary) in the wastewater treatment system were documented and related to different waste loading conditions. Temperature stratification affects chemical, microbial, and planktonic processes in the ponds. Results presented in this paper can be used to provide guidance for water quality sampling in monitoring of pond performance. Information on true mixing conditions is also needed to gain better understanding of important factors affecting pond operation, and for process simulations and reactor modeling of waste stabilization ponds.