Which indicators are commonly used to assess sewage treatment plant performance?

Indicators such as BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), total suspended solids (TSS), and fecal coliform levels are essential for evaluating the performance of sewage treatment plants. BOD measures the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in the water, indicating the level of organic pollution present. Total suspended solids quantify the particles suspended in wastewater, which can affect the treatment process and water quality. Fecal coliform levels serve as a critical measure of microbial contamination, indicating the potential presence of pathogenic organisms. Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive assessment of the efficacy of the treatment process in removing pollutants, ensuring that the effluent meets regulatory standards before being released into the environment. This makes them fundamental metrics for assessing sewage treatment performance.