A concept development of an early warning system for toxic sewage detection

Abstract

The article presents a concept of an EWS (early warning system) for toxic sewage detection upstream from Wroclaw Wastewater Treatment Plant. It includes design and construction of three toxicity warning stations, situated in municipal sewage system. Early detection of toxic contaminants provides time for corrective actions. Wastewater toxicity level is based on activated sludge OUR (Oxygen Uptake Rate) measurement. The database of normal level of activated sludge OUR is collected during the measurement initial phase. Hence, if toxic event occurs, device will measure decreased OUR value and WWTP operators will be alarmed. Additionally, flow measurement is carried out. It allows to estimate the volume of a toxic stream. Development of the early warning system requires solving minimum six different scientific and technical issues and is a subject for a complex research project.