Treatability Study on the SepticTAnk Sludges

The characteristics of septic tank sludges were investigated and the kinetic coefficients in the aerobic biodegradation were evaluated from bach treatability tests. Using an unbiased statistical method, the estimated values, k (substrate removal rate coefficient) =0. 0175hr-1 at 17\ulcornerC, K. (Michaelis Menten constant) = 248mg/ e, a (cell yield coefficient)=0.625, and Kd (cell decay coefficient:' =0. 00192hr-1 were obtained based on biodegradable COD(mg/ \ulcorner) and volatile suspended solids(mg/\ulcorner). The relationship between COD and BOD, COD (mg/\ulcorner) =2. 1 BOD(mg/\ulcorner) +250, also was established for the septic tank sludges. Dilution was inevitable for the grit removal because of the high viscosity of the sludges. An aerobic activated sludge process rather than anaerobic processes was recommended for the removal of soluble organics after the removal of grit and suspended solids. A multi-stage activated sludge process was adapted for this highly concentrated and not easily-degradable waste. It was estimated that a four-stage activated sludge process would require 40 hours retention time compared to 92 hours for a single-stage process, 52 hours for a double-stage process, and 46 hours for a three stage process in order to achieve an effluent quality of 84mg/ e COD( 40mg/ e BOD) with about 4, OOOmg/ \ulcorner MLSS from an influent quality of I, 500mg/ t COD(714mg/.e BOD), while multi-stages beyond four stage would not save the required retention time significantly.