1. What is Population Equivalent?

Population Equivalent refers to the total strength of wastewater for estimating the treatment required for municipal sewage treatment plant. It converts industrial wastewater load into an equivalent population that would produce the same organic load.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Population Equivalent formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Population Equivalent
• \( Q \) — BOD of Industrial Sewage (kg/m³)
• 0.08 — Standard conversion factor (kg BOD per person per day)

Explanation: The formula converts industrial wastewater BOD load into an equivalent population that would generate the same organic loading, helping in designing appropriate treatment facilities.

3. Importance of Population Equivalent Calculation

Details: Calculating population equivalent is crucial for designing municipal sewage treatment plants that need to handle both domestic and industrial wastewater. It helps determine the required treatment capacity and ensures proper sizing of treatment facilities.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BOD value of industrial sewage in kg/m³. The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will compute the population equivalent based on the standard conversion factor.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the significance of the 0.08 factor?
A: The 0.08 factor represents the average biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) contribution per person per day (0.08 kg BOD/person/day), which is a standard value used in wastewater engineering.

Q2: When should population equivalent be calculated?
A: Population equivalent should be calculated when industrial wastewater is discharged into municipal sewer systems to determine the appropriate treatment capacity and sizing requirements.

Q3: Are there different conversion factors for different regions?
A: While 0.08 kg BOD/person/day is a commonly used standard value, some regions or specific municipal guidelines may use slightly different conversion factors based on local conditions.

Q4: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes average BOD production rates and may not account for seasonal variations, specific industrial characteristics, or unusual demographic patterns.

Q5: How is this calculation used in treatment plant design?
A: The population equivalent helps engineers determine the total organic loading on a treatment plant, which is essential for designing appropriate biological treatment processes, aeration systems, and overall plant capacity.