Investigating the Possibility of Using the Effluent of Qasr-e-shirin Wastewater Treatment Plant in Aquaculture

Abstract

The use of unconventional water sources, such as the reuse of treated wastewater in accordance with environmental principles, is of great importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of artificial wetland treatment of Qasr-e-shirin in Kermanshah province on water quality, growth performance and biochemical composition of fish body for optimal use in the aquaculture industry. In this study, water quality parameters including turbidity, DO, COD, MPN total coliform, nitrate, phosphate, and experiments in sections of bioassay, monitoring of aquatic tissue due to the presence of pathogens were satisfactory.The results show that the COD, turbidity and MPN values of the total effluent from the treatment plant are 33 mg/L, 13.4 NTU and 230,000, respectively. Effluent analysis took place after passing through the UV pool and complete dewatering of the pool with treated and disinfected effluent; COD, turbidity and MPN values of total coliform were 25 mg/L, 13 NTU and 8000, respectively. The microbial load of the effluent is dramatically reduced by passing through the UV pool. The bioassays performed confirmed the proper growth of aquatic animals during the growth process and had a high and appropriate index; also, according to microbiological tests, no traces of human-borne microbes were observed in fish tissue. According to the national standards and the results of the analysis of the output of the treatment and disinfection unit, it is observed that in the current conditions and treatment system, it is not possible to use this treated wastewater for fish farming in the region and more treatment is needed.

Keywords

• effluent reuse
• artificial wetlands
• aquaculture
• water analysis
• bioassay