General Review of Russian Pulp & Paper Effluent Treatment Technology, 1994 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Ray Kenny, Mark Yampolsky, O. Volsky, A. Naumov

Until recently, knowledge of Russian effluent treatment practices has been limited. A commonly held notion was of an industry characterized by lack of regulation and concern about responsible environmental practice. The Russians have strict environmental standards, with enforcement subject to various national and local pressures. There are mills requiring significant environmental improvement, but there are others, such as the mills surrounding Lake Baikal, which have exemplary waste water treatment plants.

Most medium and large mills have primary and secondary treatment, and a number have tertiary treatment. The predominant form of treatment is air-activated sludge. Aerated lagoons exist; however, they are currently being phased out in favour of activated sludge.

The general design of activated sludge plants, including primary and secondary treatment, is reviewed in this paper. The operating practices, treatment plant operational parameters, as well as plant performance, is also examined.