1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Potsdam Plant

A sewage plant belonging to The City of Cape Town which is based in the Milnerton area in
Cape Town is divided in to two sections. These section are divided in such way that one is
called the 1997 plant and the other one being called 2008 plant based on the years which
those plants were built. The water which was treated in the 1997 plant was being sold to the
private companies by the City of Cape Town then because of high demand of this water the
2008 plant was built. There was a problem that was experienced considering the quality of
water that was obtained from the 2008 plant. A research was conducted as to find the
problem which lead to the quality of water being what it was.

1.2 Purpose of the report

The purpose of this report is to give feedback on what were the aspects that might have lead
to the research being conducted and it will also look at what was found to be the problem
when the research was conducted. The report will include also the solutions that were tried
out on trying to overcome the problem that was found. A comparison between a literature
review to what was found be operating at the plant will be discussed as to determine
wherether the operating machines of the plant were used the way that they are suppose to and
if the are place at right places or not.

1.3 The research

During the research that was done on what might be the problem on the water that it was of
the quality that it was, it was found that the was less oxygen fed to the water when the water
comes out of the surface area zone. This problem was assumed that it might be caused by the
aerators that are installed in the 2008 plant. Trying to find a problem in the aerators was
challenging as they are quiet a number of thing that are involve in the operation of the
aerators. Looking at motors at the aerators, they were found to be ones of varying speeds
which were changing automatically changing according the need of them doing so. Some of
the things that were considered were wherether the aerators that were used were the right
aerators and if they were at the required height to operate on the conditions at which they
were operating. The fact that the motors could automatically change the speedy gave a
suggestion that the aerators being the right type of aerators should be able to handle the water
that enters the surface aerator area in high volumes 30ML to be specific.

This now lead to the other aspect which was what might cause the motors to run at a speed
that is less or more than required. The first thing which was looked at was the probes that are
responsible to be the ones that indicate to the motors what speed are they suppose to be
running at according to the amount of the oxygen needed in the water. The probes at the time
at which the research was conducted were under repair because of that they were found to be
delivering the wrong massage to the motors as to what speedy they should be running at. The
power consumption was one important aspect of the research when looking at what time was
the problem of less oxygen occurring as it is understood that the oxygen available at the
atmosphere during the 24hours of a day varies. Weather is also one of the aspects which were
considered to be the ones that affect the availability of oxygen though the day.

1
2. Literature reviewed

2.1 mechanical aerators

Mechanical aerators are commonly divided into two groups based on major design and
operating features: aerators with vertical axis and aerators with horizontal axis. Both groups
are further subdivided into surface and submerged aerators. In surface aerators, oxygen is
entrained from the atmosphere; and in the submerged aerators, oxygen is entrained from the
atmosphere and, for some types, from air or pure oxygen introduced in the tank bottom. In
either case, the pumping or agitating action of aerators help to keep the content of the aerators
tank or basin mixed. In the following discussion, the various types of aerators will be
described, along with aerators performance and energy requirement for mixing. (George,
Franklin, Stensel,2004;443)

Figure 1: top view of the new plant in Potsdam.(www.googlehealth.com).

2.1.1 Type of aerators:
2.1.1.1 Surface mechanical aerators with vertical axis.
Surface mechanical aerators with vertical axis are design to induce either updraft or
downdraft flows through a pumping action. Surface aerators consist of submerged or partially
submerged impellers that are attached to motors mounted on float or fixed structures. The
impellers are fabricated from steel, cast iron, noncorrosive alloys, and fiberglass-reinforced
plastic and are used to agitate the wastewater vigorously to facilitate solution of the air.
Surface aerators may be classified according to the type of impeller used: centrifugal, radial-
axial, or axial; or the speed of rotation of the impeller: low and high speed. Centrifugal
impellers belong to the low-speed category; the axial flow impeller type aerators operate at
high speed. In low-speed aerators, the impeller is driven through a reduction gear by an
electric motor. The motor and the gear box are usually mounted on a platform that is
supported either by piers extending to the bottom of the tank or by beams that span the tank.
Low speed aerators may also be mounted on floats. In high-speed aerators, the impeller is
coupled directly to the rotating element of the electric motor. High-speed aerators are almost
mounted on floats. These units were originally developed for use in ponds or lagoons where
the water surface elevation fluctuates, or where a rigid support would be impractical. Surface
aerators may be obtained in sizes from 0.75 to 100 kW (1 to 150 hp). (George, Franklin,
Stensel, 2004; 443-444)

2
 Figure 2: mechanical aerators with vertical axis in Potsdam

In Potsdam waste water treatment, a TMA type of aerator is in use on the new plant.

2.1.1.1.2General Description:

The TMA Aerator is a vertical shaft surface aerator which provides a mechanical means of
oxygen transfer to sewage or industrial effluent.
Manual, or any required degree of automatic control can be provided, including adjustment of
aeration intensity by dissolved oxygen monitoring.
The TMA Aerators are easily constructed and are available for conventional bridge
mounting, on tripods with light access bridges, in simple rectangular tanks or channels which
can vary in size and arrangement.
TMA Vertical Shaft Aerators can be installed in any configuration within aeration lanes
thereby offering a broad range of treatment capabilities from small communities to major
installations. (biwaterconsultancy.co.uk, 2006; 1)

2.1.1.1.3 Design:
Biwater TMA aerators provide sufficient oxygen input and maximum mixing characteristics
with a minimum expenditure of power. The proven operating characteristics mean that the
installations are simple, inexpensive and efficient.
Complete mixing and appropriate circulation velocities though the aeration tanks are
achieved with the robust non-clog design. (biwaterconsultancy.co.uk, 2006; 1)

2.1.1.1.4 Process:
Oxygenation of the fluid promotes cultivation and reproduction of micro-organisms which
carry out the treatment process by breaking down organic matter.
Oxygenation also re-establishes dissolved oxygen levels in the final effluent in order to
sustain plant and animal life when discharged into rivers and lakes.
Vertical shaft aerators achieve oxygen transfer by developing a large interface between air
and liquid so that oxygen can diffuse from the air into the liquid. In achieving this it is
necessary to prevent local build up of oxygen concentration by promoting good mixing
within the liquid.
The Simplex Aerator satisfies both these criteria by drawing up sub-surface liquid and
discharging it in heavy torrents, thus creating heavy turbulence upon striking the liquid
surface with great force. (biwaterconsultancy.co.uk, 2006; 1)

3
 Figure 3: Impeller of a vertical surface aerator in Potsdam

2.1.1.1.5 Technical Data:

Biwater Treatment offers a standard design of Simplex Aerators in the range of 3KW to
200KW. All aerators are guaranteed for the standard aeration efficiency (SAE) into clean
water (at 15 Deg. C) of 1.8Kg02/kW/hr (based on motor shaft power).

Splash protection can also be provided in the form of GRP or steel covers.

Full scale test conditions can be simulated for the majority of aerators at Biwater’s purpose
built research test facility, which has an adjustable volume of up to 2250m³ and a maximum
power input of around 100kW. (biwaterconsultancy.co.uk, 2006; 1)

2.1.1.1.6 Special specifications of a slow speed type of TMA aerator:

• Power ratings from 3kW to 200kW.
• Slow speed, range is 40 to 60 rpm.
• Complete mixing
• (SAE) into clean water 1.8 kgO2/kWhr
• Up to 4.0m diameter
• Bridge mounted or floating.( biwaterconsultancy.co.uk , 2006; 2)

2.1.1.1.7 OXYGEN TRANSFER

The design of the TMA aerator provides high levels of oxygen input with Maximum mixing
characteristics while using minimum power. (biwaterconsultancy.co.uk, 2006; 2)

2.1.1.1.8 CONTROL
Manual or any require degree of automatic control can be provided, including adjustment of
aeration intensity by dissolved air monitoring. This, when linked with immersion level
changes or variable speed Motor control, enables optimum performance of the aeration plant
to be obtained at all times. Consequent reductions in power consumption
Result in considerable savings. (biwaterconsultancy.co.uk, 2006; 2)

2.1.1.1.9 NON-CLOG DESIGN

Open aerator blades radiate from a central hub and debris cannot accumulate in the aerators.
The efficiency of the aerator is thus maintained without the need to clean the blades. The

4
aerators can operate in various volumes and are available in powers of up to 132 kW.
(Gillard, biwaterconsultancy.co.uk, 2006; 2)

2.1.1.1.10 MOUNTING ARRANGMENTS

The TMA aerators are available for conventional bridge mounting, on tripods with light
access bridges or on Floats. They are suitable fur use in simple rectangular tanks or channels
which can vary in size and arrangement. In certain tank configurations baffles may be fitted if
required. Low tip speeds allow for reduced platform heights. (biwaterconsultancy.co.uk,
2006; 1)

2.1.1.2 Mechanical aerators with horizontal axis.

Mechanical aerators with horizontal axis are divided into two groups: surface and submerged
aerators. The surface aerators are patterned after the original kessener brush aerator, device
used to provide both horizontal cylinders with bristles mounted just above the water surface.
The bristles were submerged in the water and the cylinder was rotated rapidly by an electrical
motor drive, spraying wastewater across the tank, promoting circulation, and entraining air in
the waste water. Angle steel, steel of other shape, or plastic bars or blades are now used
instead of bristles.

Figure 4: Mechanical aerators with horizontal axis (freepatentsonline.com, 2009; 1)

Submerged horizontal-axis aerators are similar in principle to surface aerators except disks or
paddles attached to rotating shafts are used to agitate the water. The disk aerator has been
used in numerous applications for channel and oxidation ditch aeration. The disks
submerged in the waste water for approximately one-height to three-eight of the diameter and
enter the water in a continuous, nonpulsating manner. Recesses in the disks introduce
entrapped air beneath the surface as the disk turns. Spacing of the disks can vary depending
on the oxygen and mixing requirements of the process. Typical power requirements are
reported as 0.1 to 0.75 kW/disk (0.15 to 1.00 hp/disk). (George, Franklin, Stensel, 2004; 445)

2.1.1.3 Aerators performance.

Mechanical aerators are rated in terms of their oxygen transfer rate expressed as kilograms of
oxygen per kilowatt-hour (pound of oxygen per horsepower-hour) at standard conditions.
Standard condition exist when the temperature is 200 C, the dissolved oxygen is 0.0 mg/L,
and the test liquid is tap water. Testing and rating are normally done under non-steady-state
conditions using fresh water, deaerated with sodium sulfite. Commercial-size surface aerators
range in efficiency from 1.20 to 2.4 kg O2/kW.h(2 to 4 lb O2/hp.h). Efficiency claims for

5
aerator performance should be accepted by the design engineer only when they are supported
by actual test data for the actual model and size of the aerator under consideration. (George,
Franklin, Stensel,2004;446-447)

2.1.1.4 Energy requirement for mixing in aerators systems.

As with diffused-air systems, the size and the shape of the aeration tank are very important if
good mixing is to be achieved. Aeration tanks may be square or rectangular and may contain
one or more aerators. The depth and width of the aeration tanks for the mechanical surface
aerators are dependent on aerator size. Depths up to 11 m (35 ft) have been used with
submerged-draft tube mixers.
In diffuser-air systems, the air requirement to ensure good mixing varies from 20 to
30m3/103.min of the volume of the tank, for a spiral-roll aeration pattern. For a grid system of
aeration in which the diffusers are installed uniformly along the aeration basin bottom,
mixing rates of 10 to 15 m3/103 m3.min have been suggested. Typical power requirements for
maintaining a completely mixed flow regime with mechanical aerators vary from 20 to 40
kW/103 m3, depending on the type and design of the aerator, the nature and concentration of
the suspended solids, the temperature, and design of the geometry of the aeration tank,
lagoon, or basin. In the design of aerated lagoons for the treatment of domestic wastewater, it
is extremely important that the mixing power requirement be checked because, in most
instances, it will be the controlling factor. (George, Franklin, Stensel, 2004; 448)

3. HISTORY OF POTSDAM WWTW.

3.1 Introduction
The Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) has been undergoing an upgrade from
32 mega litres per day (Mℓ/d) to 47 Mℓ/d. Currently the Plant is receiving an annual average
of approximately 37 Mℓ of wastewater daily. Construction began towards the end of 2004
and was scheduled to be completed towards the middle of 2009.
3.2 General
The upgrading and extension of the Potsdam WWTW comprises decommissioning the
biofilter plant of 15Mℓ and extending the plant capacity to 47 Mℓ/d. The upgrade of the
WWTW will result in a much improved effluent quality to meet the standard requirements set
by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF).
The 8 Mℓ interim capacity plant which was commissioned in August 2007, to alleviated
dependency on the existing biofilter plant and allow developments to continue, is no longer in
use as the 30 Mℓ extension has been in operation since April 2008. Phase II of the main
extension, which includes the bioreactor, various pumpstations, primary and secondary
settling tanks, odour control and dewatering facilities, is now nearing completion.

6
3.3 30 Mℓ Plant Extension and Upgrade to Treatment Works
The raw sewage is split between the old (1997) 17 Mℓ/d plant and the new 30 Mℓ,/d plant.
The new raw sewage pumpstation pumps the raw sewage to the 3 newly constructed primary
settling tanks. The settled primary sludge from the settling tanks is pumped via the primary
sludge pumpstation to the sludge holding tanks before it is dewatered and sent for
composting or disposed of to a landfill site. The overflow from the primary settling tanks is
discharge to the bioreactor. The newly constructed bioreactor consists of two identical
streams each with a capacity of 15 Mℓ/d. The outflow from the bioreactor is settled in
secondary settling tanks to separate the treated wastewater from the biomass solids. The
underflow is returned to the beginning of the bioreactor as it contains organisms which are
responsible for removing impurities from the wastewater. The treated overflow is discharged
through a series of maturation ponds before it undergoes UV disinfection and either re-used
or discharged to the Diep River.( friendsofrietvlei.co.za,2008;1)
The tanks, which were used for the interim 8Mℓ/d
capacity, as discussed above, have been modified to
operate as aerobic digester tanks. A certain quantity
of sludge which is periodically removed from the
bioreactor is thickened and with the use of oxygen
further biologically degraded. This procedure is to
ensure that the dewatered sludge meets beneficial re-
use requirements. The commissioning of these tanks
is under way.( friendsofrietvlei.co.za,2008;1).

Figure 1: Interim capacity prior to conversion

However, there is still construction work in progress on site. The sludge dewatering capacity
of Potsdam is currently being further upgraded in order to accommodate the increased
requirement for solids dewatering.
The main extension has been operating in the manner described in the first paragraph since
April 2008. The biofilter plant has since been decommissioned.
The extension of the odour control units on site is also underway (discussed in greater detail
below). New odour control units will be provided at the new raw sewage pumpstation and
the new and old primary settling tanks which are in general the main sources of odour at
wastewater treatment works. .( friendsofrietvlei.co.za,2008;1)

3.4 UV Disinfection
The Potsdam WWTW was essentially the pioneer for this technology in the Western Cape as
it is only the second such installation in the country. The only other such installation is at the
Daspoort WWTW in Tswane. The choice of the technology was based primarily on the fact
that it is the more environmentally friendly in that it is not a major hazardous installation and
it does not produce potentially harmful by-products. Although the UV disinfection unit at
Potsdam was commissioned in 2006, it could not meet the required disinfection rate until the
Biofilters were taken out of commission in June 2008 (when the new activated sludge plant
capacity was in operation). This was because the Biofilter effluent could not meet the
transmissivity specification. June 2008 marked the first time since in the history of the

7
operation of the Potsdam WWTW that all the effluent discharged from it complied with the
DWAF legislation.( friendsofrietvlei.co.za,2008;1).
3.5 Single Discharge Point
The two sets of maturation ponds both discharged upstream of the Diep River / Rietvlei
confluence. To minimise the negative impact that the effluent may have on the wetland, the
maturation flow pattern was re-arranged so that the two separate process streams are
combined before the UV disinfection unit and discharged into a final holding pond before
overflowing to the Diep River by-pass channel.( friendsofrietvlei.co.za,2008;1)
3.6 Increase Re-use of Effluent
Before the extension, the Works supplied institutions and industries such as Century City,
Caltex, SAPPI, golf courses and several schools with treated effluent for industrial and
irrigation purposes. This accounted for 30% of the summer flow that would otherwise be
discharged to the Diep River. Most of the re-use water was abstracted from the Biofilter
plant’s maturation ponds which meant that some of the customers were not always happy
with the water quality and had to treat it further on their premises. The construction of the De
Grendel reservoir and the 800mm supply pipeline built by the Reticulation Branch has
extended the re-use capacity to supply several more customers, including farmers in the
Durbanville area. Recent (2008) figures indicate that a weekly average of up to 76% of the
effluent can be re-used in dry weather. With the new activated sludge reactors now on-line,
an improved water quality will be supplied to the City’s customers.
( friendsofrietvlei.co.za,2008;1)
3.7 New Activated Sludge Reactors
The continued operation of the Biofilters, which treated approximately half of the influent to
the Works, was the major reason of the non-compliance of the treated effluent. They had to
be replaced with more suitable treatment facilities. The two new Bioreactors are designed to
biologically remove phosphorous and can each treat up to 15 Mℓ/d. This has essentially given
the Works increased treatment capacity, up to 47 Mℓ/d. The flow diversion has now
alleviated some of the load onto the older activated sludge plant, which has also shown some
performance improvement.( friendsofrietvlei.co.za,2008;1)
3.8 Effluent Quality
Tables 1 and 2 summarise the average performance of the Bioftiler Plant and the Activated
Sludge Plants (ASP) respectively.
Table 1: Average performance of Biofilter Plant from Jan 01 – Apr 06
Effluent
Biofilter
standard
Plant
requirement
Average
COD mgCOD/ℓ 91 <75
Ammonia mgN/ℓ 11 <10
Nitrate mgN/ℓ 5.0 <15
Phosphate mgP/ℓ 6.0 <1.0
Total Suspended
mgTSS/ℓ 23 <25
Solids
E.coli 3.1x105 <1.0x103
It is clear from Table 1 that the effluent quality produced by the biofilters prior to the
treatment works upgrade did not meet the effluent standard requirements.

8
Table 2 indicates a notable improvement in the effluent quality produced by the 30 Mℓ ASP
extension – which replaced the Biofilter Plant. (friendsofrietvlei.co.za, 2008; 1)

Table 2: Average performance of the ASP 97 and ASP 08.( friendsofrietvlei.co.za,2008;1)

Effluent
ASP 97 ASP 08 standard
requirement
Sampling Jan 07 - Nov May 08 -
Period 08 Nov 08
Average Average
COD mgCOD/ℓ 58 44 <75
Ammonia mgN/ℓ 1.6 0.3 <10
Nitrate mgN/ℓ 3.3 3.7 <15
Phosphate mgP/ℓ 1.8 3.4 <1.0
Total
Suspended mgTSS/ℓ 17 13 <25
Solids
The major public concern over the past few years has been the high E.coli levels in Milnerton
Lagoon which is used heavily for recreational purposes. A graph in the print version of this
newsletter shows the 4 stages of the construction period (2004 to present) in relation to
the E.coli concentrations. The E.coli levels during Stage IV (June to November 2008) show a
definite improvement over Stage III.
The new acitivated sludge plant was optimised and is performing very well in terms of
meeting the phosphate requirement. However, there is a slight increase in Phosphate during
the effluent passage through the maturation ponds which sometimes causes the combined
final effluent to just tip over the 1 mgP/ℓ mark. On going forward, we have to pay close
attention to the Stage IV monitoring of the E.coli and phosphate concentrations in particular.
3.10 Environmental Considerations
The Record of Decision issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs and
Development Planning (DEA&DP) attached various conditions to the authorization. Most
importantly, the City of Cape Town was required to keep Interested and Affected Parties
(I&APs) informed by constituting an Environmental Monitoring Committee (EMC) and to
develop and implement an Env.( friendsofrietvlei.co.za,2008;1)
The Potsdam EMC was constituted in July 2004, and comprises the
following:
» City of Cape Town;
» Ward Councillors;
» Friends of Rietvlei;
» Table View Residents Association;
» Milnerton Residents Association;
» Milnerton Ridge Residents Association;
» Parklands Homeowners Association;
» Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa;

9
 » Representative for developers;
» Representative for effluent re-users;
» DEA&DP;
» The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF); and
» The Environmental Control Officer (ECO), who also acts as Chair and
fulfils the secretarial functions of the EMC,
The role of the EMC is to monitor and report to the City of Cape Town,
DEA&DP, DWAF and their organisational constituents on the construction
activities associated with the upgrading and extension of the Potsdam
WWTW, in terms of the environmental requirements set in the Record of
Decision and the EMP. Since its constitution, the EMC has held 18
meetings, the frequency of which has been dictated by the EMC members.
As per the requirements of the Record of Decision, an EMP was compiled
and approved by the DEA&DP. The EMP takes the form of a series of
environmental specifications that are integrated into Tender Documentation
for each contract.
ANA were appointed as the Environmental Control Officer (ECO) for the
construction phase, and are responsible for monitoring day-to-day
compliance by the various Contractors with the requirements of the EMP.
The ECO reports on a monthly basis to the City of Cape Town, the EMC
and DEA&DP. As per the requirements of the Record of Decision and good
practice, the ECO and EMC will continue to monitor compliance with the
environmental requirements.
Ironmental Management Plan (EMP) for the construction phase. ( friendsofrietvlei.co.za,
2008; 1)

Potsdam activated sludge reactor 2008 plant

Setteabl TOTAL
eS Suspended S RAS(ACT)SETTLEABL Incoming flow to
DATES (ml/l) (mg/l) Ph E SOLIDS (mg/l) the reactor(Ml)
21 December
2009 1000 5850 6.7 83.191
12 January
2010 960 4310 6.6 5240 81.423
19 January
2010 730 3580 6.5 6750 85.097
26 January
2010 550 3400 6.7 5280 90.644
02 February
2010 720 3420 6.9 5180 72.475
09 February
2010 450 2920 6.7 10880 94.246
16 February
2010 900 4500 6.7 6290 92.881
23 February
2010 960 4790 6.6 6180 93.025
02 March 2010 800 4810 6.6 4770

Figure 3.1: the data table obtained fro the 21december 2009 to 02 march 2010

10
4. RESULTS DISCUSSION

4.1 The Potsdam 2008 plant

4.1.1 Potsdam activated sludge reactor 2008 plant

Potsda

1200

1000 21 December 20
solids (ml/l)

800

600 11
This section shows data of dates and settle-able solids that were managed to be settled at the
dates between the 21 December 2009 and 02 March 2010 from the Potsdam activated sludge
reactor 2008 plant see figure 3.1 above for the data table. Looking at the graph it shoes that
towards the end of 2009 there was a high value of solids that were managed to be settled
which that would give a suggestion that the plant was working fine at the time. As the time
goes on going to the beginning of January 2010 towards the beginning of March 2010 the
graph shows that the volume of solids that were managed to be settled was going up and
down. Since it was already discovered that there was a problem with the surface aerator zone
at this plant this could be the reflection of that as the plant was going through repairs at that
area at that time.

P o tsd

6.9 85.097
83.191
81.423

6.8
The above section contains a data table that has dates the ph and the incoming flow that
comes to the surface aerator area. These readings are plotted in the graph above. Referring to
the graph above the ph looks to be steady for all the dates which would have an average ph of
6.6. The incoming flow to the reactors also seems to be steady at all the dates.

6.7 6.712
 in c o m

1200

21 D ecem ber 200

1000 1 3
21 2 J a n u a r

800
The data above contains certain dates which readings were taken of settle-able solids
matching them up with the flow that came in at the same dates. Looking at the graph it shows
that during the 12th of January 2010 is the volume of settle-able solids quiet high with only

13 19
81.423 ML coming in compared to the settle-able solids that were obtained on the 9th on
February 2010 with a high amount of incoming flow being 94.246 ML. This deference could
be because around that time of 9th of February 2010 there were repairs which were taking
place in the aerators. Going to the end of February 2010 the relationship between settle-able
solids and the incoming flow seems to be stable which this could be because the repairing
was done at the aerators.

P o ts d

12000

8 5 .0
10000 8 3 .1 9 1 8 1 .4 2 3

8000
The graph above shows a relationship between total suspended solids with the RAS (ACT)
settle-able solids and the incoming flow to the surface aerators. Seemingly the relationship
between the total suspended solids and the RAS (act) settle-able solids is quiet steady as the
lines on the graphs show a relationship between the two where one increases the other one
also increases. Again looking at these two lines on the 9th of Feb. 2010 it shows that there
must have been a problem around that time as there is a difference in the relationship between
the two lines as the graph clear shows that. Looking at a relationship between the incoming
flow and the total suspended solids, they form a good relationship which indicates that even 6750
6000 5148 5 0
mg/l)
though there was a problem with the probes on the days like the 9th of Feb.2010 there was no
effect on the total settle-able solids due to the high flow coming in.

Effluent
standard
ASP 97 ASP 08 requirement ASP 08
May 08 9-Feb-
Sampling Jan 07 - - Nov 10- 2-
Period Nov 08 08 Mar-10
Average Average Average

COD mgCOD/ℓ 58 44 <75 44.75

Ammonia mgN/ℓ 1.6 0.3 <10 0.525

Nitrate mgN/ℓ 3.3 3.7 <15 2.525

Phosphate mgP/ℓ 1.8 3.4 <1.0 0.975

Total
Suspended
Solids mgTSS/ℓ 17 13 <25 9

Table 2: Average performance of the ASP 97 and ASP 08. (friendsofrietvlei.co.za, 2008; 1)

The table above shows the average of the ASP 97 and ASP 08 for a certain period of time
which was taken from the internet, but the was an additional column which was put in. this
column was of average performance of the ASP 08 at which an average numbers were taken
from certain days which were between the period of time 9th Feb.2010 to the 2nd March 2010.
Looking at this table and comparing the results that were found when checking the average
performance of the ASP 08 during the period of time from 9th Feb.2010 to the 2nd March 2010
the to column of the effluent standard requirement, one can say that the results meet the
results meet the requirements. There is no much difference between the average performance
of the ASP 08 between Jan.2008 to Nov.2008 and the average performance of the ASP 08
between the 9th Feb.2010 to the 2nd March 2010 considering the fact that the average
performance of the ASP 08 between the 9th Feb.2010 to the 2nd March 2010 was not taken for

15
every day in that period of time. This would give an indication that even though there were
problems with the probes but they did not have an effect on average performance of the ASP
08.

5. CONCLUDION ANS RECOMMENDATIONS

In conclusion it can be said that the research was a success as the problem that lead to the
poor quality of water produces by the 2008 plant was found. It can also be said that the plant
needs to be inspected so that if there are problems that are taking places they can be noticed
by the people of the plant before the companies that the City of Cape Town sells this water to
because that could have a high cost. Seemingly there were no complaints about the 1997
plant which its water was solid by the City. After the whole process of treating there water,
the water that comes from the 2008 plant comes togetther with the water that comes from
1997plant so it was since there were no complaints before about the 1997plant then it was
concluded that the quality of water is affected by the water that comes from the 2008 plant.

The plant of 2008 is a new plant so the kind of technology that is used on that plant is new
compared to the one that is used to the 1997 plant but it is the one that is failing. A
recommendation that can be made is that a company that gets to be employed must be
researched on its previous jobs that it has done before. A number of quotations must be
looked at and the company that should get a job should be a company that does a good job
whether it’s expensive or not. It would be wise also to employ the company that built the
1997 plant to take over the job of building the 2008 plant even if they use the old technology
building the plant because using the new technology while its not working accordingly would
be a waste of money.

16
17
6. Bibliography
• G.Tchobanoglous, F.Burton, H.stensel,2009, Wastewater engineering, 4thedition,
united State: Mc Graw Hill.

• Tony Gillard,2006, SURFACE AERATORS,[Friday 26st of 2010]

http://www.biwaterconsultancy.co.uk/products/TMA.htm
• Non,2008,Potsdam wwtw, [Wednesday 31st of 2010]

http://friendsofrietvlei.co.za/PotsdamNewsletter3.html

• Non,2009,Image of horizontal surface aerators, [Tuesday 30st of 2010]

• Non,2010,Cape Town , [Wednesday 31st of 2010]

www.google_earth.com