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Light penetration in waste stabilization ponds

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Thomas CurtisORCiD

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Abstract

The penetration of light into waste stabilization ponds was studied because of its importance in pathogen removal and algal productivity. The attenuation of light in ponds was dominated by light absorption by gilvin (also called dissolved yellow matter or humic substances) and algae, light scattering processes (turbidity) being of no importance. Gilvin exerts a strong influence over the spectral variation and longer wavelengths penetrate much better than short wavelengths. Estimates of attenuation coefficients in the u.v. suggest that these wavelengths are less penetrating than previously reported. Differences in algal concentrations cause the differences in light attenuation seen between ponds, though they also cause some spectral variation because short wavelengths are more affected by changes in algal biomass than long ones. In the absence of algae there appears to be a lower limit to the clarity of ponds dictated by gilvin and other substances. Secchi disks were found to be reliable instruments for measuring light penetration.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Curtis TP, Mara DD, Dixo NGH, Silva SA

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Water Research

Year: 1994

Volume: 28

Issue: 5

Pages: 1031-1038

ISSN (print): 0043-1354

ISSN (electronic): 1879-2448

Publisher: Pergamon

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0043-1354(94)90188-0

DOI: 10.1016/0043-1354(94)90188-0

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