Page 9 - Simplified Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals_Ponds and Lagoons PT2

Stabilization Ponds & Sludge Lagoons

Algae Control

Stabilization Ponds are like algae farms. Algae population contributes to daytime

oxygen production and helps other microscopic animals and bacteria survive to

help consume wastewater organics. However excess algae population on the

surface of Ponds can become so thick, light is blocked, forming an underlayer of

dying algae and stagnation.

Unaddressed, the Pond can develop odors, lose the beneficial bacteria and

microscopic animals within the Pond and result in poor treatment of the

wastewater.

Algae population can be controlled with regular doses of copper sulfate. Copper

sulfate is toxic to algae and toxic to microbiology. Care must be taken to properly

dose and disperse copper sulfate correctly. Overdosing could result in potential

permit violations.