Disinfection processes and mechanisms in wastewater stabilization ponds: a review

Abstract

Wastewater stabilization ponds (WSPs) have been proven to be economical alternatives to conventional wastewater treatment technologies due to their unique advantages including ease of operation, minimal energy input, and minimal maintenance requirements. Their reported high pathogen removal efficiencies have made WSPs a popular choice for wastewater treatment, especially as tertiary lagoons. This paper provides a critical overview of the various disinfection processes and mechanisms that occur in WSPs. A thorough review of the removal or attenuation mechanisms for bacterial, viral, protozoan, and helminthic pathogens is presented. Factors that impact the removal efficiency of pathogenic organisms may include sunlight, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, sedimentation, attachment, hydraulic retention time, pond depth, predation and nutrient availability; the relationship between these factors is also discussed. The purpose of this review paper is to utilize the current understanding of pathogen removal mechanisms in pond systems to improve the operation and design of WSPs, and more importantly, to provide guidance for the definition of regulations with respect to pathogen removal in eco-engineered wastewater treatment systems such as WSPs.