Key Parameters in ETP, STP, and WWTP: Ensuring Optimal Water Treatment

Introduction

In the world of water treatment, Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP), Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), and Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) are essential for maintaining environmental safety and public health. These plants must monitor and control several key parameters to ensure that treated water meets regulatory standards before being released into the environment. This blog will explore the most important water quality parameters, including Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Liquid Suspended Solids (LSS), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), their definitions, standard parameters, importance, and measurement techniques.

1. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Definition:
BOD is a measure of the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water. It indicates the level of organic pollution in the water.

Standard Parameter:

According to the Department of Environment (DOE) standards, treated water should have a BOD level of less than 30 mg/L.

Importance:
BOD is critical for assessing the organic pollution in water. High BOD levels indicate a high concentration of biodegradable material, which can lead to oxygen depletion and harm aquatic life.

Measurement:
BOD is measured by incubating a water sample at 20°C for five days and comparing the oxygen levels before and after incubation.

2. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

Definition:
COD measures the total quantity of oxygen required to oxidize both organic and inorganic matter in water.

Standard Parameter:

Treated water should have a COD level of less than 250 mg/L according to DOE standards.

Importance:
COD is an essential indicator of water pollution and the effectiveness of treatment processes. It reflects the potential of water to consume oxygen, which can impact aquatic ecosystems.

Measurement:
COD is measured by oxidizing the water sample with a strong chemical oxidant and determining the oxygen consumption using titration or colorimetric methods.

3. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Definition:
DO refers to the amount of oxygen dissolved in water, which is crucial for the survival of aquatic organisms.

Standard Parameter:

The DOE recommends that treated water should have a DO level of at least 4-6 mg/L to support aquatic life.

Importance:
DO is vital for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. Low DO levels can lead to hypoxic conditions, harming fish and other aquatic organisms.

Measurement:
DO is measured using an electrochemical probe or a colorimetric method, often done in-situ to ensure accurate readings.

4. Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

Definition:
TSS represents the amount of solid particles suspended in water that can be trapped by a filter.

Standard Parameter:

Treated water should have a TSS level of less than 100 mg/L according to DOE guidelines.

Importance:
TSS affects water clarity and can carry pollutants such as heavy metals and bacteria. High TSS levels can lead to sedimentation, clogging, and reduced light penetration in aquatic systems.

Measurement:
TSS is measured by filtering a water sample through a pre-weighed filter, drying the filter, and weighing the retained solids.

5. Liquid Suspended Solids (LSS)

Definition:
LSS refers to the smaller particles in suspension that remain in the water after settling of larger particles. It is a subset of TSS.

Standard Parameter:
LSS should typically be kept as low as possible, though specific standards may vary based on the application.

Importance:
LSS can contribute to turbidity, affecting water quality and treatment processes, especially in filtration systems.

Measurement:
LSS can be measured similarly to TSS but may involve additional steps to separate finer particles.

6. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

Definition:
TDS represents the total concentration of dissolved substances, such as salts and minerals, in water.

Standard Parameter:

The DOE recommends that treated water should have a TDS level of less than 2100 mg/L.

Importance:
TDS affects water taste, scaling potential, and overall water quality. High TDS levels can be harmful to aquatic life and may cause problems in industrial applications.

Measurement:
TDS is measured using a conductivity meter or by evaporating a water sample and weighing the residue.

Conclusion

Monitoring and controlling BOD, COD, DO, TSS, LSS, and TDS are crucial for the effective operation of ETP, STP, and WWTP facilities. These parameters ensure that treated water meets environmental standards, protecting aquatic ecosystems and public health. Regular measurement and adherence to DOE standards are essential for maintaining compliance and achieving optimal water treatment outcomes.

Aquafit Technology: Your Partner in Water Treatment

Aquafit Technology is proud to offer comprehensive water testing services to meet all your needs. We provide detailed and accurate water test reports, ensuring that you have the critical information necessary to maintain optimal water quality. Whether it's for residential, industrial, or commercial purposes, our advanced testing methods cover a wide range of parameters, including chemical composition, microbial content, and physical properties. Trust Aquafit Technology to deliver precise and reliable water test reports, helping you make informed decisions to ensure the safety and purity of your water.