Abstract
The removal of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) dosed to two full-scale septic tanks each connected to a single dwelling was monitored weekly over a period of 75 weeks. Nitrilotriacetic acid in the septic tank effluent was detected in samples diluted at least 25 times by a differential pulse polarographic technique. After an initial period of stabilization, concentrations of NTA in the effluent at both sites were always > 10 mg L−1. Mean five-weekly estimated removals of NTA during the last 50 weeks of the study ranged from 33 to 52%. Removal of NTA was probably by solids adsorption only as no acclimatization period or overall increase in removal during the investigation was apparent.
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Stephenson, T., Lester, J.N. & Perry, R. Nitrilotriacetic acid removal in septic tanks: A field study. Water Air Soil Pollut 33, 349–357 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00294203
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00294203