The Effects of Disposable Diapers Padding Material on Municipal Waste Treatment Processes.

摘要

The report discusses a laboratory study to evaluate the potential effects of the 'flushable'portion of disposable diapers on the operation of commonly employed municipal wastewater treatment processes. Two laboratory-scale treatment plants were constructed and operated at a capacity of 24 l/day each. One plant was operated as a control. Each plant consisted of a primary clarifier,an activated sludge aeration basin, a secondary clarifier,and both an anaerobic digester and an aerobic digester as alternative means of sludge stabilization. Based on estimates from available information,the current maximum contribution;the practical maximum contribution;and the absolute maximum contribution of disposable material was estimated. Based on available information with regard to diaper usage and the results of this study,the contribution of disposable diaper material to municipal wastewater streams will have no measureable effect on typical municipal wastewater treatment processes at present or in the near future. (Author)