![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
Sediments affect the performance of aerated lagoons and waste stabilization ponds in many ways. This paper presents the results of a three years study conducted on real-size facilities and implementing numerous analytical procedures. Sediment accumulation rates and physico-chemical characteristics are described as well as their activity in terms of oxygen consumption and exchange rates with overlying waters.
The deposits had a mean accumulation rate of 4.7 cm per year, their main characteristics being low viscosity and high organic content (>30%). They also accumulated numerous organic and mineral compounds, such as nutrients and heavy metals. Vertical concentration profiles, measured in the sediment and interstitial liquid phases, are presented and discussed. These results emphasize the importance of surface activity.
Sediment oxygen demand, which can be divided into biological and chemical components, ranged from 1 to 3 gO2/m2·d. Finally, the exchange rates of COD, nitrates, ammonia and orthophosphates existing at sediment-water interface were quantified under several redox conditions and substrate additions.