Sediment accumulation in a series of four pilot-scale stabilization ponds

Settling and accumulation of sediments have been measured on the bottom of the facultative and three maturation ponds of a series of pilot-scale stabilization ponds. The mean deposition rate in the facultative pond showed that the attempt to establish a short-term sedimentation by in situ measurements failed. The rates were largely overestimated and the values calculated from the sediment accumulated in a long-term are closer to the reality. The sediment depth increase rates are 5 cm/year for the facultative pond and 1.3 cm/year for second and third maturation ponds. In the last maturation pond it is 1.6 cm/year.

The rate of sediments deposit (volatile solids) in the first pond can be estimated by an at^−b equation.