Process performance evaluation of the contact stabilization system at Birzeit University campus

Abstract

The purification capacity of the contact stabilisation system at Birzeit University campus has been studied for two years. The oxidation capacity of organic matter, ammonium oxidation, and denitrification potential were determined. The reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was 85%, and the effluent COD concentration was less than 110 mg/l (the average value was 88 mg/l). Suspended solids were removed with equal efficiency. The aerobic stabilization of organic solids was efficient, and no excess biosolids (sludge) had to be removed. High nitrification (70% of the influent nitrogen were nitrified) could be maintained at 15°C, and 42% of the oxidised nitrogen was denitrified. The specific oxygenation capacity of the treatment system is relatively high and reached about 5 kwh/kg COD. The specific wastewater treatment cost is about 0.52 US$/m³ or about 58 US$ per population equivalent per year. Based on the results obtained, batch operation and intermittent aeration of the biological process are suggested to achieve high effluent quality and to reduce power consumption.