Performance evaluation of the UASB sewage treatment plant at James Town (Mudor), Accra

The UASB Sewage Treatment Plant at James Town, Accra, is used for domestic sewage treatment to remove organic material from the wastewater. To achieve higher removal efficiencies, Trickling Filters, Settling Tanks and other treatment units were used as post treatment. This study analysed the physical, chemical and biological parameters of the influent (raw sewage) as well as the effluent from the plant. The result indicated that the total removal efficiencies were 94.4%, 98.1%, 68.8%, 17.4%, 78.3% and 99.97% for COD, BOD, TS, TKN, PO4-P and Faecal coliform respectively. The overall performance of the plant was generally satisfactory. The study further revealed that Turbidity, Ammonia-nitrogen and Nitrate-nitrogen of the effluents exceeded the EPA guidelines however; the total nitrogen and phosphate-phosphorus of the final effluent could be discharged into the Korle-Lagoon without causing eutrophication or health risk. On the other hand, the current management practices may cause the plant to work inefficiently.