THE WORLD BANK Water Unit From: Duncan Mara (Consultant) To: Mr.

Alex Bakalian (Middle East and North Africa Region), Mr. Peter Kolsky (Energy, Transport and Water Department) cc: Mr. Augustin Maria (Middle East and North Africa Region), Ms Maryanne Leblanc (Energy, Transport and Water Department) Date: January 30, 2010 Subject: MOROCCO : Technical Support for the Management and Design of Wastewater Treatment Works (Waste Stabilization Ponds) INTRODUCTION In accordance with my Terms of Reference dated January 6, 2010, I visited Morocco during January 1924 for discussions with the Direction de lAssainissement et de lEnvironnement of the Organisation National de lEau Potable (ONEP) in Rabat on the waste stabilization pond (WSP) component of the World Bank-funded Oum Er Rbia Sanitation Project (P098459). A list of persons met is given in Annex I. MISSION ACTIVITIES 1. Mission briefing and preliminary discussions ONEP confirmed that its two major problems were (a) to eliminate odor release from anaerobic ponds, and (b) to identify the most appropriate means of designing WSP systems which would operate satisfactorily in all parts of the country. 2. Field visits Visits to the WSP systems at Ouarzazate and Kalaa MGouna were made on January 21. Ouarzazate The WSP system at Ouarzazate comprises three anaerobic ponds and six facultative ponds, with provision for an additional anaerobic pond and two additional facultative ponds. The anaerobic pond effluents are mixed together and then spilt into equal parts for discharge into the facultative ponds. The pond system was constructed to a very high standard and its current performance is very satisfactory in terms of BOD removal, but it reportedly suffers from serious odor (H2S) problems. However, at the times of our visits (around 2 pm and 8 pm on January 21) there were no discernable odors nor at the airport (immediately adjacent to the ponds) at 6 am the following day. 1

It was clear at the times of our visits that the anaerobic ponds were not fully anaerobic as they were green in color (Figure 1). This suggested that they were receiving well below their design flow and BOD load and were consequentially operating as overloaded facultative ponds, rather than strictly anaerobic ponds (see section 3 below). In contrast, the facultative ponds, which were gray/brown in color (Figure 2), appeared to be working satisfactorily with a healthy algal population which was apparent only after throwing a small stone into the pond: the green color, characteristic of algae, immediately appeared (Figure 3).

Figure 1: Close-up of one of the six anaerobic ponds at Ouarzazate showing the high concentration of algae present.

Figure 2: One of the six facultative ponds at Ouarzazate characterized by an absence of green coloration.

Figure 3: Close-up of the facultative pond shown in Fig. 2 after a small stone had been thrown into the pond, showing that the algae, now clearly visible, had been located below the pond surface. 2

Kalaa MGouna The WSP system at Kalaa MGouna comprises two anaerobic ponds and two facultative ponds (Figures 4 and 5). The anaerobic pond effluents are mixed together and then spilt into equal parts for discharge into the facultative ponds. As at Ouarzazate, the Kalaa MGouna pond system was constructed to a very high standard and its current performance is also very satisfactory in terms of BOD removal, but it also reportedly suffers from serious odor (H 2S) problems, especially in the summer (JuneSeptember). However, at the times of our visits (around 4 pm on January 21) there was no discernable H2S odor, only a slight, but inoffensive, wastewater odor. Biogas bubbles were clearly seen rising to the surface of the two anaerobic ponds (and these were not green in color). The WSP system at Kalaa MGouna is adjacent to housing areas and two schools. We asked a group of half a dozen 1416 year old schoolgirls if they noticed any odor from the treatment works and they replied that there was an odor of bad eggs (i.e., H2S) in summer during the early mornings and late afternoons.

Figure 4: One of the two anaerobic ponds at Kalaa MGouna.

Figure 5: One of the two facultative ponds at Kalaa MGouna. 3. Post-visit analyses Ouarzazate WSP (a) Design flow and load: The design flow and BOD load for the existing WSP at Ouarzazate are 9011 m 3/day and 3545 kg/day, respectively, giving a BOD concentration in the raw wastewater of 393 mg/L. The

volume of each of the three anaerobic ponds is 15,900 m3, so the volumetric BOD loading on the anaerobic ponds at the design flow and load (V) is:
V = 3,545,000 g/day = 74 g/m3 day 3 15,900 m 3

This value is too low for a design (January) temperature of 9C: a value of 100 g/m 3 day is used for design temperatures of 10C. (b) Current flow and load: The current flow to the Ouarzazate WSP is ~4600m3/day and the BOD concentration in the raw wastewater is ~276 mg/L. Thus the volumetric BOD loading on the anaerobic ponds is currently: V = 276 mg/L 4600 m3 /day = 27 g/m3 day 3 15,900 m 3

which is a very low value. The corresponding surface BOD loading (S) is: 10 276 mg/L 4600 m 3 /day 3 15900 m 3 S = = 900 kg/ha day 3.4 m where 3.4 m is the wastewater depth in the ponds. The surface loading of 900 kg/ha day is very high: a facultative pond would be designed to receive a loading of only 90 kg/ha day for a design temperature of 9C. (c) Only one anaerobic pond in operation: The volumetric loading on only one anaerobic pond would currently be: V = 276 mg/L 4600 m3 /day = 80 g/m3 day 15,900 m 3

This is a much more satisfactory value. It is worth noting that it is stated in the 1998 Design Manual for Waste Stabilization Ponds in Mediterranean Countries (details in Annex II), if, due to an initially low rate of sewer connections in newly sewered towns the sewage is weak or its flow low, it is best to by-pass the anaerobic ponds until the sewage strength and flow is such that a loading of at least 50 g/m 3 d can be applied to them. In the case of the Ouarzazate WSP it would be better to by-pass only two of the three anaerobic ponds as the current flow and load are such that the one remaining anaerobic pond would receive a loading of >50 g/m3 day. Kalaa MGouna WSP (a) Design flow and load: The design flow and BOD load for the existing WSP at Kalaa MGouna are 613 m 3/day and 376 kg/day, respectively, giving a BOD concentration in the raw wastewater of 613 mg/L. The

combined volume of the two anaerobic ponds is 3814 m3, so the volumetric BOD loading on the anaerobic ponds at the design flow and load is: V = 376,000 g/day = 100 g/m3 day 3814 m3

which is perfectly satisfactory for a design temperature of 9C. (b) Current flow and load: The current flow to the Kalaa MGouna WSP is ~350m3/day and the BOD concentration in the raw wastewater is ~467 mg/L. Thus the volumetric BOD loading on the anaerobic ponds is currently: V = 467 mg/L 350 m 3 /day = 42 g/m3 day 3814 m 3

which is low (but not as low as that on the Ouarzazate ponds). (c) No anaerobic pond in operation: If both anaerobic ponds were by-passed, the surface BOD loading on the two facultative ponds, each of which has an area of 5152 m2, would currently be: S = 10 467 mg/L 350 m 3 /day = ~160 kg/ha day 2 5152 m 2

This is too high for a design temperature of 9C, so the best option would be to leave the two anaerobic ponds in operation (despite the volumetric BOD loading on them currently being 42 g/m3 day, rather than being >50 g/m3 day). Odor release Odor release from anaerobic ponds, also from overloaded facultative ponds, is principally due to the release of hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) formed from the reduction of sulfates in the raw wastewater under anaerobic conditions by the obligately anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria (such as Desulfovibrio spp.). The sulfides so produced co-exist in two forms in aqueous solutions: dissolved H2S gas and the bisulfide ion (HS), with their proportions being pHdependent. Odor is released as some of the dissolved H2S molecules escape from the pond to increase the partial pressure of the H2S gas in the atmosphere above the ponds (Henrys law). Values of pH lower than 7 favor H2S rather than HS, but the pH of anaerobic ponds treating domestic/municipal wastewater is usually in the range 7.27.8. The sources of sulfates in wastewater are (a) the sulfates in the local drinking water and (b) domestic detergents which can contain up to 40% by weight of sodium sulfate. In Ouarzazate, for example, the sulfate concentration in the local drinking water is 320 mg SO 4/L, which is lower than the 400 mg/L permitted in Morocco (whereas the US EPA, EU and WHO maximum permitted levels are all 250 mg/L). However, early work in Texas found that odor release was

not a problem if the raw wastewater contained <500 mg SO4/L,1 so it is always recommended that wastewater sulfate concentrations are measured, especially if the sulfate concentrations in the local drinking water are high. As no odor release occurred at the times of the field visits , it is difficult to say more at this stage into the reasons for the reported odor releases from the WSP at Ouarzazate and Kalaa MGouna see Plans for Next Mission below. WSP effluent reuse ONEP explained that its position was that it should only treat wastewater to current discharge standards (presently a BOD of 120 mg/L); treatment to reuse standards was not its responsibility, although it would work with other agencies who wished to pay for additional treatment for reuse (e.g., maturation ponds). However, due to the large differences between winter and summer temperatures in Morocco, the alternative strategy shown in Figure 6 is especially attractive: essentially one of a pair of facultative ponds is used as a maturation pond in summer; costs are reduced and the effluent is suitable for restricted irrigation (i.e., the irrigation of all crops that are not eaten uncooked). 4. Presentation of field-visit findings and preliminary recommendations to ONEP On January 23 a presentation on the mission findings and preliminary recommendations were made to ONEP. These were, together with additional recommendations, were as follows: presentation of field-visit findings and post-visit analyses, as detailed above; temporary decommissioning of two of the three anaerobic ponds at Ouarzazate; measurement of the sulfate concentration in raw wastewaters; and discussion of options for odor control for example, covering the anaerobic pond, 2 and using high-rate anaerobic ponds;3 A further recommendation is that ONEP should measure H2S concentrations in the air near reportedly odorous anaerobic ponds using a hand-held H2S monitor.4 [The opportunity was taken at this meeting on January 23 to make a short presentation on Brazilian condominial sewerage to familiarize ONEP with this wastewater-collection technology prior to the forthcoming study visit to Brazil.]
1

Gloyna, E. F. and Espino, E. (1969). Sulfide production in waste stabilization ponds. Journal of the Sanitary Engineering Division, American Society of Civil Engineers 95 (SA3), 607628.
2

As, for example, at the WSP systems in Melbourne (details in the Water Science and Technology paper by DeGarie and others listed in Annex II).
3

High-rate anaerobic ponds combine the advantages of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors and the simplicity of anaerobic ponds (details in Annex III).
4

Several models are available see, for example, http://www.professionalequipment.com/hydrogen-sulfide/.

Anaerobic ponds

Facultative ponds

Winter operation: two series of anaerobic and facultative ponds. Anaerobic ponds

Maturation pond

Facultative pond

Summer operation: one of the two facultative ponds receives the effluent of both anaerobic ponds and the other receives the effluent of this facultative pond, so acting as a maturation pond. Note: the elevation of the base of the maturation pond must be below that of that of the facultative pond to permit gravity flow between the two in summer.

Figure 6: Alternative strategy for the production of effluents suitable for restricted irrigation. 7

PLANS FOR NEXT MISSION It was agreed with Mme Bourziza (Chef de la Division Suivi des Etudes Dcentralises, Direction de lAssainissment et de lEnvironnement, ONEP) that my next mission should be after the ONEP condominial-sewerage study visit to Brazil which is currently scheduled (but not yet confirmed) for 20 February 2 March; thus the weeks of 22 and 29 March may be possible (to be confirmed with World Bank and ONEP) (earlier dates in March are not possible due to other commitments). Prior to this second mission I would: review the report Capitalisation de lExprience ONEP dans le Domaine de lEpuration Cas de 5 STEP (detailed in Annex II) ; and prepare, and send to World Bank and ONEP for comment, a draft document setting out the WSP design and commissioning procedures to be followed by consulting engineers preparing WSP designs for medium-sized cities and towns in Morocco under contract to ONEP. This would essentially be a to do and how to do list of WSP design and commissioning procedures which ONEPs consulting engineers would have to demonstrate that they had followed and would follow, or justify to ONEP why they had not or would (or could) not. This document would also explain in detail the reuse strategy presented in Figure 6 and other reuse options. Also prior to the second mission it is recommended that ONEP purchase a hand-held H2S monitor, so that H2S concentrations in the air near odorous anaerobic ponds can be ascertained. During the second mission (of ~10 days/2 weeks duration) I would: complete the review of the report Capitalisation de lExprience ONEP dans le Domaine de lEpuration Cas de 5 STEP; finalize the WSP design and commissioning procedures document and ensure that ONEP fully comprehends its contents so that it can be properly translated into French; investigate further the anaerobic-pond odor problem and control options and, if anaerobic ponds are to be covered, means of measuring the biogas collected and burnt so that ONEP can apply for carbon credits; visit additional WSP sites as required by ONEP and using, as appropriate, the hand-held H2S monitor; discuss further WSP effluent reuse options; and review alternative wastewater treatment technologies for small communities in Morocco for example, constructed wetlands and other low-energy options.

ANNEX I Page 1 of 1

LIST OF PERSONS MET ONEP, Rabat: Mme. Fadila Ben Osman (Directeur, Direction de lAssainissement et de lEnvironnement) Mme. Mahjouba Bourziza (Chef de la Division Suivi des Etudes Dcentralises, Direction de lAssainissement et de lEnvironnement) M. Rachid Lahnine (Chef, Etudes Spcifiques, Direction de lAssainissement et de lEnvironnement) M. Yassir Lambarki Dae/sn (Chef, Etudes Dcentralises Nord, Direction de lAssainissement et de lEnvironnement) M. Stili Abdelaziz (Chef, Etudes Dcentralises Sud, Direction de lAssainissement et de lEnvironnement) M. Mrhari Saad (Ingnieur Gnie Rural, Direction de lAssainissement et de lEnvironnement)

ANNEX II Page 1 of 1 A. ONEP REPORTS RECEIVED Assistance Technique pour la Ralisation du Projet dAssainissement de la Ville dOuarzazate Mission 1, Actualisation de lAPD: Lot Station dEpuration (EWI-Maroc, 2003) Capitalisation de lExprience ONEP dans le Domaine de lEpuration Cas de 5 STEP: Tche 1, Diagnostic du Fonctionnement des STEP et Recommandations pour lAmlioration, Parties IIII (Fichter Water & Transportation, Freiburg, 2008) (as pdf files). [Note: this updates the 1994 CEREMHER report.] Schma Directeur National dAssainissement Liquide Document Final SDNAL Synthse (Rapport Minute) (Ministre de lIntrieur, 1997) B. ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS GIVEN TO ONEP Guidelines for the Hydraulic Design of Waste Stabilisation Ponds (A. Shilton & J. Harrison, Massey University, New Zealand, 2003) Design Manual for Waste Stabilization Ponds in Mediterranean Countries (D. Mara & H. Pearson, Lagoon Technology International Ltd, Leeds, 1998) Thematic Overview Paper: Waste Stabilisation Ponds (M. Pea Varn & D. Mara, IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre, Den Haag, 2004) Domestic Wastewater Treatment in Developing Countries (D. Mara, Earthscan Publications, London, 2004) Floating geomembrane covers for odour control and biogas collection and utilization in municipal lagoons (C. J. DeGarie and others, Water Science and Technology 2000: 42 (1011), 291298) ONEP was also given the URL of my personal website (which is essentially an online library on wastewater treatment, especially in WSP, and reuse and many other aspects of environmental

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health engineering in developing countries, including inter alia condominial sewerage): www.personal.leeds.ac.uk/~cen6ddm. ANNEX III Page 1 of 1 HIGH-RATE ANAEROBIC PONDS High-rate anaerobic ponds (HRAnP) were developed in Colombia by Professor Miguel Pea Varn.* They are in two parts: a deep digestion pit where the untreated wastewater enters at the base, and a shallower quiescent settlement zone to allow any suspended solids to settle; the two parts are separated by a plastic mesh to minimize solids carry-over from the digestion pit to the settlement zone. They are covered, so the biogas can be collected. They thus combine the advantages of UASB reactors and the simplicity of anaerobic ponds, and in warm climates they can achieve 80% BOD removal at a hydraulic retention time of 12 hours. Currently the only full-scale HRAnP is at Cerrito (population: ~50,000), near Cali in southwest Colombia (Figures A1 and A2).

Figure A1: Cover over the digestion pit of the HRAnP at Cerrito, southwest Colombia.

Figure A2: The settlement zone (left) and the digestion pit (right) of the HRAnP at Cerrito.

_________________________
*(a) M. R. Pea Varn (2002). Advanced Primary Treatment of Domestic Wastewater in Tropical Countries: Development of High-rate Anaerobic Ponds (PhD thesis). Leeds: University of Leeds (available at: http://www.personal.leeds.ac.uk/~cen6ddm/ThesisPenaVaron.html).

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(b) M. R. Pea Varn and D. D. Mara (2006). High-rate anaerobic pond concept for domestic wastewater treatment: results from pilot-scale experience. In Aqua 2003: Multiple Uses of Water for Life and Sustainable Development (ed. M. R. Pea Varn, I. Restrepo, D. D. Mara and H. Gijzen), pp. 137142. London: IWA Publishing.

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