The oxygen transfer coefficient was not significantly affected by either flow pattern, initial bubble size or the wastes present in the water studied. Surface active substances in the water did however influence the transition from bubble to slug flow. Airlift with length to diameter ratios less than 50 suffered from considerable losses in efficiency. When properly designed, airlift pumping efficiencies were comparable to those of conventional centrifugal pumps and the oxygen transfer efficiency were as high as or higher than those of diffused aeration systems.