How the Lab Works

Students prepare a simulated wastewater and spend the week analyzing and treating the wastewater. Students manipulate Plexiglas models of treatment processes in a series of experiments that results in data that can be analyzed and evaluated. During the 7-day lab, students realistically simulate wastewater treatment processes:

• primary sedimentation
• biological treatment
• secondary sedimentation
• filtration
• disinfection

• ammonia
• chemical oxygen demand.
• pH
• turbidity

Students learn the importance of each of these parameters to water quality. During the biological treatment phase, activated sludge is added to the aeration tanks. Students are instructed about safe lab techniques so they can view and identify the sludge organisms using microscopes and identification charts.

Throughout the experiment, students observe improvements in the water quality. Turbidity and COD values decrease throughout the week while the ammonia concentration decreases during biological treatment. Depending on wastewater recipe and treatment variables, the final water samples usually appear qualitatively to be "clean" water. At the lab conclusion, students plot their data and compare their results to EPA effluent standards.

The programs have been brought to San Francisco Bay Area high school classrooms (grades 9-12) since February 1998. There has been no fee for any of the schools.  All chemical and equipment costs have been funded by wastewater agencies. The agencies also fund an in-class facilitator to train and assist participating teachers.

The curriculum includes a 40-page student workbook and a teacher guide.

Introduction to Sewer Science
How the Lab Works
Lab Materials
Current Program Participants
Testimonials from Students, Teachers, and Agencies
How to Duplicate This Program
Program Materials