What are the characteristics of high-strength wastewater?

High-strength wastewater is characterized by elevated levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These parameters indicate a higher concentration of organic matter and pollutants compared to normal-strength wastewater.

BOD measures the amount of oxygen microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter, which increases in high-strength wastewater due to the higher organic content. Similarly, COD reflects the total quantity of oxygen required to chemically oxidize organic and inorganic matter, which is also elevated in high-strength waste.

TSS indicates the amount of solid particles suspended in water, which is significant in high-strength wastewater as it often exhibits a higher concentration of solids. Nutrient levels, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can also be high, leading to potential issues like eutrophication in receiving water bodies.

These characteristics highlight the need for more intensive treatment processes to effectively manage high-strength wastewater, as conventional treatment methods may not be sufficient. Understanding these parameters is crucial for the design and operation of wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring they can handle varying strengths of wastewater appropriately.