An Investigation into the Efficacy of Septic Tank Systems in Removing Organics in a Subtropical Climate

Abstract

An estimated 38 million individuals, out of a total population of around 126 million, reside in urban areas of Bangladesh. The surge in urbanization and water consumption has led to a significant rise in waterborne sanitation systems within the country. One cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment is the utilization of septic tanks, which operate as anaerobic reactors, with their efficiency being closely tied to temperature conditions. This research focuses on evaluating the organic removal capabilities of a septic tank located on the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) campus. The results show that a septic tank's ability to remove organic matter depends on the temperature, with higher temperatures making the removal process more effective. Additionally, the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) levels were observed within a range of 110–280 mg/L, 200–1030 mg/L, 160–880 mg/L, and 190–220 mg/L for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd chambers, respectively. The maximum recorded pH values were 7.14, 7.13, and 7.11, while the minimum pH values were 7.06, 7.05, and 7.04, corresponding to the same chambers. Furthermore, the organic removal efficiency concerning dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate (NO3-N), and pH levels remained within acceptable limits. These results suggest that a simple treatment unit like a septic tank can effectively render previously unacceptable and unhygienic water suitable for safe disposal and potential reuse, ultimately improving the management of septic tank wastewater.