Possible scenarios of environmental transport, occurrence and fate of helminth eggs in light weight aggregate wastewater treatment systems

Abstract

This work discusses the potential routes of transport, possible occurrence and predicted fate of parasite eggs corresponding to human pathogens in on-site wastewater treatment systems with Light Weight Aggregates (LWA) media. The discussion is mainly based on scientific evidences supported by practical outcomes derived from a survey of helminth eggs in the specific LWA materials-typical filter media of constructed wetlands (CWs) treating domestic wastewater in Norway. The scientific evidences showed that the greatest reduction in the egg concentrations occurs in septic tanks. The eggs that could pass through the tank trap can be accumulated and effectively eliminated in the filter media of CWs. The practical outcomes did not show any accumulation and the consequent contamination of the LWA media with helminth eggs. Because the outcomes characterised a survey that was carried out for the first time ever on the above-specified filter media and was not replicated, the absence of parasite eggs in the CW filters cannot be definitely stated. However, it could be theoretically assumed that the possibility of finding human parasite eggs originated from domestic wastewater in the LWA filters should be negligible.

Parasitological Evaluation of the Purifying Performance of Wastewater Treatment Plants in Kirkuk, Iraq

“…Moreover, the prevalence of parasites in the influent of a MWTP s depend on the served community density as well as the percentage of infection among the population, transmission rates, economic status of the society, climatic conditions and geographical location. 59,60 In conclusion, the obtained data in the current study are encouraging. Generally, it does achieve a total parasitic profile removal in accordance with the standards for wastewater discharge which recommended by Iraqi and WHO guidelines.…”

Agricultural Runoff in Norway: The Problem, the Regulations, and the Role of Wetlands

“…The root system that expanded throughout the vegetated filter plays a substantial role in the transport of contaminants, serving pathways for gases and moving particles (Scholz et al 2002). Furthermore, rhizomes of reeds, which are the most common vegetation in CWs, create a natural barrier for the outflow of parasite eggs and thus allowing the antagonistic organisms to destruct the eggs (Paruch 2010). Therefore, CWs have been referred to as very effective in removing parasite eggs, demonstrating a reduction rate of 99.9% (WHO 2006).…”

Effect of Wastewater Treatment on Bacterial Community, Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Endoparasites

“…Helminths are also often considered as the primary constraint for the reuse of wastewater in agriculture because of their low infective dose and prolonged survival rate in the environment [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Developmental stages of endoparasites have been found in raw wastewater [ 20 ].…”