Comparative Performance Evaluation of Physicochemical and Microbiological Parameters in Three-Pond and Four-Pond Waste Stabilization Systems in Kenyan Public Universities
Résumé
In tropical developing countries, wastewater is treated using Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSPs) due to their low operational expenses and ease of maintenance. This study examined the performance of three- and four-pond WSP systems in three Kenyan higher education institutions using a mixed-methods, multi-case design. Physicochemical and microbiological values of pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), total suspended solids, nutrients, and indicators of pathogens were examined together with the design parameters and maintenance habits. The findings revealed that the four-pond system at the University of Eldoret (UoE) achieved removal efficiencies over 80% for most parameters, attributed to increased hydraulic retention times, maximized pond depth, and increased maintenance. However, there were challenges across all systems in achieving regulatory discharge standards, especially for BOD5, COD, and pathogens. These findings suggest that upgrading the current systems and implementing tertiary treatment would greatly increase the efficacy of four-pond systems in an institutional context, ensuring greater compliance and protecting the environment and the health of the population.
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