Evaluating the operational performance of the activated sludge wastewater treatment plant at Uganda Christian University, Mukono

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significant challenges faced by the UCU Activated sludge treatment system, including some infrastructural limitations, outdated technologies and operational inefficiencies that are hindering optimal performance.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.