University of Cebu

College of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering

CE ELCETIVE 4

WATER AND WASTEWATER ENGINEERING

(3:30 – 4:30 PM / MWF)

Group Members:

Abarquez, Jan Michael S.

Elcana, Janine C.

Zafico, Lorraine Jean M.

Engr. Federico A. Aves, Jr.

Instructor
 Wastewater characterization

Wastewater characteristics, as well as water treatment processes, are important for

environmental engineers to understand. Analyzing the physical, chemical, and biological
characteristics of wastewater plays a critical role in the wastewater treatment process.

1. Physical Characteristics of Wastewater

 Color - Fresh sewage is normally brown and yellowish in color but over time becomes
black in color.
 Odor – Wastewater that includes sewage typically develops a strong odor.
 Temperature - Due to more biological activity, wastewater will have a higher
temperature.
 Turbidity - Due to suspended solids in wastewater, wastewater will have a higher
turbidity, or cloudiness.


2. Chemical Characteristics of Wastewater

Wastewater contains different chemicals in various forms as mentioned below.

 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) - COD is a measure of organic materials in wastewater

in terms of the oxygen required to oxidize the organic materials.
 Total Organic Carbon (TOC) - TOC is a measure of carbon within organic materials.
 Nitrogen - Organic nitrogen is the amount of nitrogen present in organic compounds.
 Phosphorous - Organic phosphorous (in protein) and inorganic phosphorous
(phosphates, PO4- )
 Chlorides (Cl-)
 Sulfates (SO4-2)
 Heavy metals
 Mercury (Hg)
 Arsenic (As)
 Lead (Pb)
 Zinc (Zn)
 Cadmium (Cd)
 Copper (Cu)
 Nickel (Ni)
 Chromium (Cr)
 Silver (Ag)
3. Biological Characteristics of Wastewater

 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) - BOD is the amount of oxygen needed to stabilize
organic matter using microorganisms.
 Nitrogenous Oxygen Demand (NOD) - NOD is the amount of oxygen needed to convert
organic and ammonia nitrogen into nitrates by nitrifying bacteria.
 Microbial life in wastewater - Wastewater contains the following microbes:
 Bacteria
 Protozoa
 Fungi
 Viruses
 Algae
 Rotifers
 Nematodes
 Oil and Grease - Oil and grease originate from food waste and petroleum products. The
amount of oil and grease in raw wastewater varies from 10 to 109 mg/L.

Wastewater constituents

The important constituents of concern in wastewater treatment are listed below:

1. Suspended solids - can lead to development of sludge deposits and anaerobic conditions
when untreated wastewater is discharged in the aquatic environment.

2. Biodegradable organics - composed principally of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats,

biodegradable organics are measured most commonly in terms of BOD ( biochemical oxygen
demand) and COD ( chemical oxygen demand). if discharged untreated to the environment,
their biological stabilization can lead to the depletion of natural oxygen resources and to
development of septic conditions.

3. Pathogens - communicable diseases can be transmitted by the pathogenic organisms that

may be present in wastewater

4. Nutrients - Both nitrogen and phosphorus, along with carbon , are essential nutrients for
growth. When discharged to the aquatic environment, these nutrients can lead to the growth
of undesirable aquatic life. When discharged in excessive amounts on land, they can also lead
to the pollution of groundwater.

5. Heavy metals - Are usually added to wastewater from commercial and industrial activities
and may have to be removed if the wastewater is to be reused.
6. Dissolved inorganic - Inorganic constituents such as calcium, sodium, and sulphate are added
to the original domestic water supply as a result of water use and may have to be removed if
the wastewater is to be reused.

Sampling Procedures

1. A clean pair of new, non-powdered, disposable gloves will be worn each time a different
location is sampled and the gloves should be donned immediately prior to sampling. The
gloves should not come in contact with the media being sampled and should be
changed any time during sample collection when their cleanliness is compromised.
2. Sample containers for samples suspected of containing high concentrations of
contaminants shall be stored separately.
3. Sample collection activities shall proceed progressively from the least suspected
contaminated area to the most suspected contaminated area. Samples of waste or
highly contaminated media must not be placed in the same ice chest as environmental
(i.e., containing low contaminant levels) or background/control samples.
4. If possible, one member of the field sampling team should take all the notes and
photographs, fill out tags, etc., while the other members collect the samples.
5. Field investigators must use new, verified certified-clean disposable or non-disposable
equipment cleaned according to procedures contained in SESD Operating Procedure for
Field Equipment Cleaning and Decontamination (SESDPROC-205) for collection of
samples for trace metals or organic compound analyses.