Suspended solids (SS) content of wastewater discharged from Australian Antarctic Stations

This is treated in the waste treatment plants. DESIGN AND STRATEGY FOR INDICATOR MONITORING PROGRAM Spatial scale: Australian Antarctic continental stations and Macquarie Island station. Frequency: Samples are collected, analysed, interpreted and reported monthly.

Measurement technique: Samples are tested using standard methods used for analysing suspended solids in wastewater, as published in 'Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater', 18th edition, 1992. Publishers: American Public Health Association and Water Environment Federation. Station doctors do the testing and are trained in its application before departure for Antarctica.

The Laboratory Manager, Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston, interprets results. Waste at Casey is also UV treated before being discharged into the environment. The data given for Casey station are readings after UV treatment.

RESEARCH ISSUES The following would increase knowledge of the potential impacts of the discharge of the wastewater: Winter and summer values will also be compared, to detect any effects resulting from smaller winter populations, and higher summer populations. Chemical analysis of effluent for phosphate and other nutrients. This would indicate the extent of enrichment which may occur in the adjacent oceans, and allow feedback for example on the types of washing detergent supplied at stations and its effect on adjacent ecosystems.

LINKS TO OTHER INDICATORS SOE Indicator 48 - Station and ship person days SOE Indicator 50 - Volume of wastewater discharged from Australian Antarctic Stations SOE Indicator 51 - Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of wastewater discharged from Australian Antarctic Stations