Abstract |
Various organisms were tested for their ability to remove the orthophosphate ion from solution. After preliminary testing of fish, several aquatic plants, algae and clams, a system of natural algal succession and beds of the oriental clam Corbicula fluminea Muller was chosen. Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions at phosphate concentrations of 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0 mg/liter. The results indicated that this system can remove the phosphate ion to below 0.30 mg/liter in 16 days or less and yield a clear effluent acceptable for reuse. A potential fishery and possibly other water-based recreation appears feasible. Originally this research was to be conducted with tertiary treated municipal wastewater, but completion of the city facility was delayed and consequently it was necessary to simulate 'wastewater' by adding phosphates and nitrates to local well water. (Author) |