Sludge accumulation, properties and degradation in a waste stabilization pond in Mexico

The sludge layer in a primary, facultative wastewater stabilization pond in Texcoco, Mexico was studied. Five sludge cores were taken in the pond, near the entrance, middle, exit, and at the midpoint about 5 m from each side. Each core was stratified into four subsamples and analyzed. Temperature, pH, ORP, and %VS decreased with depth (age) in the sludge layer, whereas ammonia and TS concentrations increased. The concentrations of fecal coliforms and viable helminth eggs also decreased with depth in the sludge layer, but significant concentrations of both organisms were still present in the oldest sludge, which is estimated to be over seven years old (average). From a sludge depth survey it was found that the majority of the sludge accumulated near the inlet of the pond. The average net sludge accumulation rate was estimated to be 24 mm/yr.