REPORT ON OXIDATION POND AND ACTIVATED

SLUDGE PROCESS UNIT FOR PLLUTION CONTROL

Submitted by

PRITOM KALITA (210910010041)

RAHUL SAHARIA (210910010020)
RATHIN BARMAN (210910010042)
SILIMA PARBIN (210910010045)

B.Tech (5th Semester)

Under the supervision of

HEMANTAJIT MEDHI

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING BINESWAR

BRAHMA ENGINEERING COLLEGE KOKRAJHAR, ASSAM-
783370
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page no.
Page no:
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1.Background
1.2.Objectives
2. OXIDATION POND 2
2.1.Overview
2.2.Design and Operation
2.3.Advantages and Disadvantages
3. ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS 3
3.1.Overview
3.2.Design and Operation
3.3.Advantages and Disadvantages

4. COMPARISION OF OXIDATION POND ACVTIVATED 4

SLUDGE
4.1Treatment Efficiency
4.2Costs and Infrastructure
4.3Environmental Impact
5. CASE STUDIES 5
5.1.Oxidation Pond Success Story
5.2.Activated Sludge Process Implementation

6. CONCLUSION 6

7. RECOMENDATION 7

8. REFERENCE 8

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background

Water pollution is a pressing global issue, impacting ecosystems and human health. Municipal
and industrial wastewater treatment is essential to mitigate this problem. Two commonly used
methods for pollution control are oxidation ponds and the activated sludge process. This report
explores both processes, their design, operation, advantages, disadvantages, and compares their
effectiveness in treating wastewater..

1.2 Objectives

The objectives of this report are as follows:To provide an overview of oxidation ponds and the
activated sludge process.To discuss the design and operation of each treatment method.To
highlight the advantages and disadvantages of oxidation ponds and the activated sludge
process.To compare the treatment efficiency, costs, and environmental impacts of these
methods.To present case studies illustrating successful applications of each treatment process.To
draw conclusions and make recommendations regarding the selection of these methods for
pollution control.

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2. OXIDATION POND
2.1 Overview
Oxidation ponds, also known as lagoons, are natural or artificially created bodies
of water where wastewater is treated through natural processes. They rely on
sunlight, algae, and bacteria to break down organic matter. Oxidation ponds can be
classified into three types: facultative, aerobic, and anaerobic

2.2 Design

The design of oxidation ponds involves creating shallow basins with controlled inflow and
outflow. Wastewater is retained in these ponds for an extended period, allowing sunlight and
microorganisms to degrade pollutants. The operation is relatively simple, requiring minimal
energy and maintenance. Facultative ponds, for example, have an aerobic upper layer and
anaerobic lower layer, providing flexibility in treating different types of wastewater

2.3 Advantage and Disadvantage

Low operational costs.Minimal energy requirements.Suitable for small communities.Relatively

low sludge production.Disadvantages:Land-intensive.Climate-dependent (less effective in cold
climates).Limited treatment of nutrients and pathogens.Requires significant land area

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3. ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS
3.1 Overview
The activated sludge process is a biological wastewater treatment method that uses aeration and
microbial activity to break down organic matter. It consists of an aeration tank where
microorganisms, including bacteria and protozoa, are suspended and provided with oxygen to
consume organic pollutants.

3.2 Design and Operation

The design of an activated sludge system includes the aeration tank, secondary clarifier, and return
activated sludge (RAS) system. Wastewater enters the aeration tank, where it is mixed with
activated sludge. Oxygen is supplied through diffusers, promoting microbial activity. The
secondary clarifier separates the biomass from treated water, and RAS recycles some of the
activated sludge back into the aeration tank.

3.3 Advantage and Disadvantage

High treatment efficiency.Compact design.Suitable for varying influent loads.Effective removal of
nutrients and pathogens.Disadvantages:Higher operational and maintenance costs.Energy-intensive
due to aeration.Complex operation and control.Produces significant amounts of sludge.

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4. COMPARISION OF OXIDATION POND AND ACTIVATED
SLUDGE
4.1 Treatment Efficiency
Activated sludge generally offers higher treatment efficiency, especially in removing nutrients
and pathogens.Oxidation ponds are effective for organic matter removal but may require
additional treatment for nutrient removal.

4.2 Cost and Infrastructure

Oxidation ponds have lower operational costs and are more energy-efficient.Activated sludge
systems require more advanced infrastructure and have higher operational and maintenance
costs

4.3 Environment Effect

Oxidation ponds have a smaller environmental footprint and are more energy-
efficient.Activated sludge may consume more energy and generate more sludge,
impacting the environment

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5. CASE STUDIES
5.1 Oxidation Pond Success Story
Case: Small Municipality in a Warm ClimateIn a small municipality with limited
resources, oxidation ponds were implemented successfully to treat wastewater.
The system has been effective in meeting regulatory requirements, maintaining
low operational costs, and providing a sustainable solution for the community.

5.2 Activated Sludge Process Implementation

An industrial wastewater treatment plant adopted the activated sludge process to
meet stringent discharge regulations. Despite higher initial costs and energy
consumption, the system has consistently produced high-quality effluent and
ensured compliance with environmental standards.

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6. CONCLUSION

Oxidation ponds and the activated sludge process are both valuable tools for pollution control.
The choice between them depends on various factors, including treatment goals, available
resources, and environmental considerations. Activated sludge systems offer higher treatment
efficiency but come with higher operational costs and energy consumption. Oxidation ponds
are cost-effective and environmentally friendly but may require additional treatment for
nutrient removal.

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7. RECOMENDATION

Based on the comparison and case studies, the following recommendations can be made:For
Small Communities: Oxidation ponds are a suitable and cost-effective choice, particularly in
warm climates with limited resources.For Industrial Facilities: The activated sludge process
should be considered, as it provides better treatment efficiency and can handle varying influent
loads.Environmental Impact: Consider the environmental footprint and energy consumption
when selecting a wastewater treatment method. Explore options for renewable energy sources
to mitigate the environmental impact of the activated sludge process.

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8. REFERENCES
[Include a list of relevant references here, including textbooks, research papers, and
regulatory documents.] This report provides a comprehensive overview of oxidation ponds
and the activated sludge process for pollution control. It emphasizes the need for careful
consideration of treatment goals and resources when choosing between these methods.
Additionally, case studies highlight real-world applications and their successes, offering
valuable insights for decision-makers in wastewater management.