Evaluating the performance of natural treatment systems for domestic
wastewater treatment towards sustainability in South India.
Abstract
Wastewater is a valuable resource that requires effective treatment
management solutions on a global scale. Wastewater has become a major
source of irrigation in peri-urban areas in developing countries.
Natural treatment systems (NTS) have recently gained appeal in
peri-urban environments due to their lower cost and maintenance
requirements. The operating efficiency of natural systems was tested in
this study using case studies from Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
The efficacy of nutrient (Phosphorous and Nitrogen content) and organic
matter removal was investigated in four NTS with varying operation
maintenance and loading rates. According to the study, Natural treatment
systems have a lot of potential for treating peri-urban wastewater.
Waste-stabilization systems outperform systems based on duckweed and
hyacinth plants, according to the findings. Regularly maintained and
operated systems have an organic and nutrient removal efficiency of over
80%, outperforming others. According to the findings, decentralized,
well-maintained Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSP) provide a feasible,
self-sustaining, and environmentally beneficial wastewater treatment
option for rural irrigation water.