International Journal of Innovation and Development

VOLUME ESTIMATION AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF WATER TREATMENT PLANT SLUDGE: A CASE STUDY OF BAREKESE AND SUNYANI WATERWORKS

Sampson Ekundoh-Toe

Kumasi Technical University

J. Darmey

Kumasi Technical University

J. C. Ahiekpor.

Kumasi Technical University

Keywords: Water Treatment, Donnan Dialysis, Coagulant Recovery, Water Treatment Plant Sludge.

---

Abstract

Conventional water treatment process in most parts of the world, Ghana inclusive, remains an

integral component of water purification. The use of large volumes of coagulant, particularly

alum and polyelectrolyte, as part of the process is therefore inevitable. Previous studies found

significant volumes of water treatment plant sludge (WTPS) produced as a by-product with varied

physiochemical constituents. However, continuous monitoring of WTPS volume generated and

varying physicochemical and biological attributes remains sparsely executed globally particularly

in Africa. It was within this context that the study sought to determine the volume of the WTPS

generated to develop a model to project the WTPS produced at any water treatment plant. The

physicochemical and biological characteristics of the sampled WTPS were also examined. To achieve

these objectives, the study explored knowledge from already published literature and online data.

Series of laboratory testing and analysis were undertaken to characterize the WTPS samples. The

data set collated was then analyzed using statistical charts and the developed model for WTPS

volume estimation. The study found that Ghana Water Company Limited’s (GWCL) treatment plants

procured large volume of coagulant and generated about 4.29 million m3 of WTPS annually. The

developed model for WTPS generation was expressed as (Vwsg)=(Vrw

+V

c ) - (Vbw-Vtw-Vf-Velo): It

was also evident from the laboratory analysis that the concentration of hazardous elements in the

samples occurred at levels consistent with Ghana Standard Authority’s (GSA) guidelines. However,

there were traces of E. coli in Sunyani WTPS. Based on this study’s findings, it is recommended that

WTPS be dewatered and treated to reduce sludge volume and remove harmful chemical element

in them prior to disposal into the environment. To significantly contribute to WTPS reduction and

environmental safety, it is recommended that GWCL in partnership with government provides

research funding support for further studies into the Donnan Dialysis technique of coagulant recovery

and its economic applicability across the water industry.

---

Author Biographies

Sampson Ekundoh-Toe, Kumasi Technical University

Department of Chemical Engineering

J. Darmey, Kumasi Technical University

Department of Chemical Engineering

J. C. Ahiekpor., Kumasi Technical University

Department of Chemical Engineering