Determination of Different Forms of Phosphorus in Waters of the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Durres, Before and After Treatment

Abstract

- The purpose of this article is to present the results of a study on the water of the wastewater treatment plant in Durrës. For this, a study was conducted during the months of May, June and July 2021 which was based on the determination of the different forms of phosphorus in water, as one of the main nutrients, and responsible for the eutrophication of waters. Representative sampling was done before treatment, after treatment and in wetlands. Storage and transport of samples, based on recommended standard methods. Four different forms of phosphorus were identified (orthophosphate, total phosphorus, condensed phosphorus and organic phosphorus). The selection of standard analysis methods was made by APHA and DIN and for each of them the performance parameters of the method were defined (sensitivity, dictation limit and linear area of measurements). The results obtained were processed and compared with "On permissible discharge rates and zoning criteria for aquatic receiving environments", and EU Directive 91/271 / EEC. The results obtained from the study, showed the higher concentrations of different forms of phosphorus at the station before treatment, but only the values of total phosphorus concentration resulted outside the allowed norms. At the post-treatment station or in wetlands it is noticed that the concentrations of the studied of different forms of phosphorus are within the allowed norms, with the exception of the total phosphorus concentration. Therefore, for the reduction and recovery of phosphorus from water of wastewater treatment plants, the forms of phosphorus that are present must be considered.