Performance of selected wastewater stabilization ponds in Dar es salaam

This study assessed the performance of five WSPs through investigation and determination of the levels of physico-chemical and biological parameters, which were BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, coliform number, temperature and pH of influent and effluent at UDSM, Mikocheni, Mabibo, Kurasini and Vingunguti wastewater stabilization ponds (WSPs) in Dar es Salaam. Four samples for influent and effluent were collected from each WSPs. From the analysis it showed all studied ponds had poor performance to most of the selected parameters. The parameter BOD was mostly performed poorly since it showed an increase from influent (19.16 mg/L – 23.76 mg/L) to effluent (19.78 mg/L – 24.17 mg/L) a situation not suitable to living organisms. The pond’s general performance obtained from the data was 25% (Mikocheni, UDSM and Kurasini), 37.5% (Vingunguti) and 50% (Mabibo). From the data it showed that the performance of the studied WSPs was unsatisfactory since all ponds except one (Mabibo) performed below 50%.