THE FATE OF HEAVY METALS IN WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS

The distribution of toxic heavy metals was studied throughout the process of treatment of domestic wastewater by stabilization ponds. The concentrations and distribution of free and bound zinc, cadmium, lead and copper through the various stages of a treatment plant were analyzed by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV). Only a slight decrease in the total metals concentration was observed during the various stages of the wastewater treatment plant. However, the distribution among dissolved (free and chelated) and particulate fractions did change towards solubilization of most of the particulate fraction. Within the soluble fraction a significant decrease in the free cations occurred due to a proteinaceous chelating agent(s) released by the microbial population in the ponds. A similar phenomenon was found in simulated laboratory experiments which were carried out with a Chlorella strain isolated from the stabilization ponds.

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