Abstract:
This research study investigated the operational performance of the Activated Sludge Treatment
Plant (ASWWTP) at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono. Given the rapid
urbanization and industrial growth in Uganda, effective wastewater management has become
increasingly critical. The evaluation focused on the plant’s compliance with the national effluent
discharge standards by analyzing key indicators which are: Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD),
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids
(TSS), PH and Bacterial Feacal Coliform.
The research methodology indicates a comprehensive analysis of influent and effluent
wastewater characteristics, operational parameters like the Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT), the
Sludge Volume Index (SVI), Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS), the food to
microorganism ratio and their compliance with Uganda regulations of efficiency of activated
sludge treatment system. This study identifies significant challenges faced by the UCU
Activated sludge treatment system, including some infrastructural limitations, outdated
technologies and operational inefficiencies that are hindering optimal performance.
According to the research findings and assessment, the performance of the sewage works was
found be moderate in achieving pollutant removal. The aeration unit showed some satisfactory
characteristics in reduction of pollutants for the parameters under study. However, the clarifier
unit exhibited some small defects that impacted the overall final operation. The removal
efficiencies were below expectations, and several wastewater quality parameters did not comply
with the standards set by Uganda’s National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA,
2020). It is recommended that plant operators receive adequate training and that regular
maintenance be prioritized. Recommendations for process optimization, including improved
aeration and sludge recycling, were proposed. The study provides practical insights towards
enhancing wastewater treatment practices in Uganda, in alignment with Sustainable
Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
