Estimated Loadings of Partially Treated Domestic Wastewater on Galveston Bay

摘要

The potential impacts of partially treated effluent on adjacent waterbodies arenumerous. These impacts include reductions in dissolved oxygen, eutrophication, and elevated fecal coliform levels. However, quantification of the quantities and effects of all but the most severe bypasses and overflows has been difficult to determine. Severe bypasses from faulty collection systems have contributed to fish kills in the past. Sources of partially treated effluent include bypasses of partially treated effluent from collection lines and at wastewater treatment plants, and runoff from improperly designed septic tank systems. The results of this report illustrate the potential magnitude and severity of partially treated effluent loading into the Galveston Bay system.