Statistically-Based Comparison of the Removal Efficiencies and Resilience Capacities between Conventional and Natural Wastewater Treatment Systems: A Peak Load Scenario

摘要: Emerging global threats, such as climate change, urbanization and water depletion, are driving forces for finding a feasible substitute low cost-effective conventional activated sludge (AS) technology. On the other hand, given their cost easy operation, nature-based systems constructed wetlands (CWs) waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) appear to be viable options. To examine these systems, 210-day experiment with 31 days of peak load scenario was performed. Particularly, we conducted deliberate strategy experimentation, which includes applying preliminary study, models, hypothetical tests power analysis compare removal efficiencies resilience capacities. In contrast comparable high organic matter—around 90%—both natural showed moderate nutrient efficiencies, inferred necessity further treatment ensure compliance environmental standards. During period, pond appeared most robust they indicated higher strength withstanding matter nitrogen shock were able recover within short period. However, demand land—2.5 times larger than that AS—is major concern applicability WSPs despite lower operation maintenance (O&M) costs. It is also worth noting initial efforts on systematic experimentation have an essential impact ensuring statistically practically meaningful results in this comparison study.