DOI: https://doi.org/10.31073/ecobezpeka202508-05

 

METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING THE PHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF WASTEWATER

 

Valery Frolov, Olena Stepova, Oksana Illiash

 

Abstract. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for determining the physical parameters of wastewater during its discharge into surface water bodies of various types, including rivers, lakes, and storage reservoirs. The proposed approach enables the assessment of impurity precipitation kinetics in wastewater and the identification of key factors influencing sedimentation and mixing processes in natural hydroecosystems. Particular attention is paid to the role of hydraulic particle size, density, shape, and mass, as well as to hydrological, physicochemical, and temperature conditions of receiving water bodies.

The methodology is based on classical hydromechanical principles, including gravitational and centrifugal force analysis, resistance forces of the aquatic environment, and dilution and mixing models. Mathematical relationships are applied to determine particle deposition rates under laminar and turbulent flow regimes, taking into account deviations from Stokes’ law for fine and non-spherical particles. The influence of Brownian motion on ultrafine particles and the effects of turbulence, coagulation, and hydrodynamic complexation on heterogeneous particle mixing are also analyzed.

An algorithm for preliminary wastewater treatment at industrial and municipal enterprises prior to discharge into surface waters is proposed. This algorithm allows for the calculation of maximum permissible concentrations of pollutants, suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, temperature, and acid–alkaline balance in wastewater, in accordance with sanitary and environmental standards. The applicability of the developed methodology is confirmed by comparing experimental data obtained from field measurements at wastewater–surface water mixing zones with calculated values, demonstrating high correlation and predictive reliability.

The implementation of the proposed methodology provides an effective tool for predicting the spatial and temporal distribution of pollutants in the water column and bottom sediments, including toxic metals. Its application contributes to improving environmental safety, protecting surface and groundwater resources, and enhancing the quality of drinking water sources in Ukraine under conditions of increasing anthropogenic pressure.

Keywords: wastewater discharge; surface water bodies; physical parameters; sedimentation kinetics; hydraulic particle size; mixing processes; environmental safety