Toxicologie environnementale et analytique

Wastewater Treatment Facilities in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

Adan Kendric

Water contamination is a global problem that primarily affects rural communities that use these water sources for daily domestic activities. The review objective was to decide whether the emanating from the Bushbuckridge Region's Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs) adds to the contamination of the Sand Stream Catchment. Thulamahashe and Dwarsloop were the two WWTWs where the investigation was carried out. Participants responses to a questionnaire were gathered. For the purpose of determining physicochemical parameters and coliform counts, monthly water samples were taken from the treatment plant and Sand River. The study discovered that the Sand River Catchment was primarily polluted by WWTWs. Unprecedented mechanical and technical difficulties confront the WWTWs. Raw wastewater has been discharged into catchments as a result of numerous system failures at the WWTWs as a result of aging systems and pressure on deteriorating facilities. Besides, the review uncovered those elements like populace development, unfortunate activity and support of WWTWs, poor planning and an absence of thoroughly prepared staff added to WWTW disappointment. Both WWTW effluents met the National Water Act of South Africa's effluent discharge standards for pH (between 6.90 and 9.30), EC (between 20.80 and 87.50 ms/m), ammonia (between 7.22 and 86.80 mg/L as N), nitrate/nitrite (between 0.10 and 0.73 mg/L as N) and ortho-phosphate (between 0.01 and 6.50 mg/L as P). During some of the study's months, COD levels in both WWTWs exceeded the limit (ranging from 25.00 to 149.00 mg/L). The study also found that E. coli counts were low upstream but high downstream for both catchments and at the WWTW's point of discharge. As a result, the study established a link between the condition of WWTWs and water quality parameters, as well as a link between wastewater treatment plants and poor water quality. The study recommends taking efficient measures to deal with the issues.