Operational problems of conventional activated sludge units and its solution proposals: West Black Sea basin

Operational problems frequently encountered in municipal wastewater treatment plants with capacity of over 10,000 m3/ day in West Black Sea Basin were investigated. The plants covered in the study are consist of pre-treatment units and biological treatment (activated sludge system) units. The operational problems that may occur in each of these units are discussed and solution proposals are presented based on the characteristics of West Black Sea Basin. Sand accumulation problem in grating and grit chambers is the result of sewage system which affected by seasonal conditions. Problems occuring primary and final sedimentation tanks were related to the sludge level observing and the regulation of sludge extraction. In the sameway, the basis of the problems in the aeration tank can be solved aeration system regulation which affected by seasonal conditions. Operational problems in activated sludge units must be configured according to geographical, meteorological, climatic, economic and sewage system specifications of service region. It will be difficult to overcome operational problems due to deficiencies and disruptions in project design. Being employed people with adequate training in wastewater treatment and presence of a laboratory to observe the necessary controls, observing of changes in raw wastewater considering the climatic characteristics and taking measures will help to overcome the problems that ocur during operation.