Studies on High Altitude Waste Stabilization Ponds in Peru

Studies on waste stabilization ponds at Cajamarca (altitude: 2,675 metres) and Juliaca (3,827 metres) in Peru have shown that existing pond design equations can be confidently used for designing ponds for high Andean towns, even though there are large diurnal variations in air temperatures and high light intensities. Some caution must be exercised above 3,500 metres, however, since safety margins are reduced. Sludge accumulation was minimal, despite the pond water temperatures being lower than 15°C in the region of the sediments.