Evaluation and removal efficiencies of a rural WWTP for metals and anions in Lufkin, East Texas (USA)

Authors

Kefa Karimu Onchoke, Stephen F Austin State UniversityFollow
Christopher M. Franclemont, Stephen F Austin State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 10-18-2022

Publication Title

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Abstract

The present study quantified element concentrations and evaluated the removal efficiencies of the Lufkin Wastewater Treatment Plant (LWWTP): a public municipal wastewater treatment plant in East Texas. Macroelements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, Se, Zn, P, and S) and microelements (Ni, Pb, Mn, Cr, Mo, Cu, Co, V, As, B, Ba) were detected using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. In addition, the anion concentrations (Br^-, NO₃^-, NO₂^-, PO₄^3-, F_^-, Cl^-, and SO₄^2-) and their percent removal from the LWWTP were assessed by using ion chromatography. Whereas macroelements in the influent were above the maximum ceiling limits, the total metal concentrations in the effluent were found below the USEPA (below μg/L) guidelines. In general, the removal efficiencies for metals in LWWTP were ≥ 94%. The removal efficiencies of the anions were > 100% (Br^-), 16.42% (Cl^-), 78.89% (F^-), 182.59% (NO₃^-), > 100% (NO₂^-), 51.81% (PO₄^3-), and 67.01% (SO₄^2-). In addition, Pierson correlation coefficients between the anions and cations, and implications for usage and suggested improvements of the treatment plants are proposed.

Volume

194

Issue

12

First Page

920

DOI

10.1007/s10661-022-10622-7

Repository Citation

Onchoke KK, Franclemont CM. Evaluation and removal efficiencies of a rural WWTP for metals and anions in Lufkin, East Texas (USA). Environ Monit Assess. 2022 Oct 18;194(12):920. doi: 10.1007/s10661-022-10622-7. PMID: 36257995; PMCID: PMC9579637.