Inadequate Sampling and Analysis at Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant
Saulius Simoliunas, Kimplate Inc / Great Lakes Water Protection Committee, [email protected]
Lucinda Darrah, Great Lakes Water Protection Committee, [email protected]
Abstract
Upper Great Lakes Connecting Channels Study ( 1988 ) determined from transect data analysis that Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant was the outstanding polluter of Detroit River. Transect data collection and analysis were discontinued by US and Canada in Detroit River after the mentioned study. Presently DWTP shows very little pollution in its reports, although it uses the same ( primary and secondary ) treatment. However, phosphorus levels rise tenfold in Detroit River, contributing to algal blooms in Western Lake Erie. DWTP does not have adequate sampling sites with hourly sampling devices, but relies on grab samples. DWTP does not use standard methods of analysis and operators perform the analysis. The solution is to institute proper sampling and stick to standard methods of analysis performed by chemists.
1. Keyword
Detroit River
2. Keyword
pollution sources
3. Keyword
phosphorus