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Performance of Kalobe waste ponds, Mbeya

in the study’s conclusions. Samples were collected in The parameters measured included BOD, 5-day
sterilized high-density polyethylene bottles, stored in (BOD ), which indicates the concentration of
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portable coolers at 4°C, and transported within 2 h to biodegradable organic matter and serves as a key measure
the Mbeya Water Quality Laboratory for analysis. Field of wastewater strength and treatment efficiency; COD,
parameters such as temperature, odor, color, and the representing the total quantity of both biodegradable
presence of scum were also documented onsite using and non-biodegradable organic compounds; TSS,
standardized visual indicators. This strategy ensured reflecting particulate matter that can settle or be filtered,
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representative and reliable data for calculating removal and therefore indicating sedimentation performance;
efficiencies and understanding temporal and spatial NH –N, a primary form of nitrogen relevant for assessing
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pollutant dynamics within the WSP system. nitrification potential and nutrient removal; NO ⁻–N, an
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intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle, whose
2.2.2. Parameters measured presence can signal incomplete nitrification; and TDS,
The performance of the Kalobe WSP system was which indicate the ionic content of wastewater and
assessed using six key physicochemical parameters, may reflect industrial salt contributions or mineral
selected based on their regulatory importance and solubilization.
relevance to both domestic and industrial wastewater The selection of these parameters was based on
monitoring. These parameters provide insight into standard wastewater treatment performance indicators
organic load, solids content, and nutrient removal outlined by APHA. and in accordance with Tanzanian
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efficiency across the pond system. environmental regulations. 18 Furthermore, these
parameters are widely used in evaluating the efficiency
A B of WSPs in tropical environments. 6,16 All parameters
were analyzed at each of the four designated sampling
points—raw influent, anaerobic pond outlet, facultative
pond outlet, and final maturation pond outlet. This
approach enabled the calculation of both stage-wise and
overall removal efficiencies.

C 2.2.3. Instrumentation and laboratory methods
The physicochemical parameters (Table 1) were
analyzed using standard procedures outlined in the
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
Wastewater. Analyses were conducted at the Mbeya
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Zonal Water Quality Laboratory under controlled
conditions, immediately after sample delivery, to ensure
accuracy and prevent sample deterioration.
All equipment was calibrated before use using
Figure 2. Kalobe waste stabilization ponds. certified standards, and measurements were conducted
(A) Anaerobic ponds; (B) Facultative ponds; in triplicate to ensure reproducibility. Quality assurance
(c) Maturation pond. and control protocols were followed, including the use

Figure 3. Schematic layout of Kalobe waste stabilization ponds.

Volume 22 Issue 6 (2025) 201 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025320249