Introduction to Design, Construction and Operation of Wastewater Stabilization Ponds

Stabilization ponds due to reasonable performance, ease of operation, and economic advantages, have been primarily considered for wastewater treatment for large and small communities. Today, however, due to changes in the quality of wastewater, increased levels of toxic pollutants, strict environmental regulations, and the need for reusing the effluent, modification of these ponds seems necessary. Current ponds must be upgraded in a way that sustains their benefits such as simplicity of construction, maintenance and operation, and less need to electromechanical equipment expert manpower, while removing their disadvantages such as high suspended solids in the effluent, odor, and the need for vast lands. In this paper, major defects of the conventional stabilization ponds are discussed, and methods of improving them as well as novel technologies are introduced.