Removal of particles in organic filters in experimental treatment systems for domestic wastewater and black water

Abstract

This study assesses the total suspended solids (TSS) retention capacity of different organic filter media for two potential applications: (i) a polishing unit for package treatment plants and (ii) a pretreatment for blackwater from low-flushing toilets. The results showed that the peat filter media used can be significantly improved in terms of structural stability and TSS removal capacity by mixing it with sawdust. Most of the TSS accumulated in the upper part of the filter material, and filter thickness exceeding 15 cm had no statistically significant effect (P < 0.1) on the TSS treatment performance. The experimental system reached a TSS reduction of 60-70% for blackwater and 80-90% for simulated effluent peaks from a package treatment plant. The main challenge of a full-scale application of an organic filter is the issue of clogging, especially when treating concentrated blackwater. However, this work indicates that a clogged filter media can be regenerated by mixing the uppermost filter layer without significant loss of filter performance regarding TSS. More research is needed to develop an appropriate mechanical unit for automatic filter media regeneration.

An investigation into the role of treatment performance and soil characteristics of soil-based wastewater treatment systems

“…These results have provided the wastewater standards discharge values (e-Legislation no: 7221). Similar results have been reported elsewhere (Todt et al 2014;Karpuzcu et al 2020). Chun et al (2008) found that the influent water SS concentration was 184 mg/L, while the effluent water SS concentration was 6-17 mg/L.…”

Technologies for pollutant removal and resource recovery from blackwater: a review

“…In a filtration process, not only could suspended solids (SS) be removed to decrease the subsequent treatment loads and avoid system blockage, but attachment of pathogens or shedding of disinfectants could also be disturbed (Pype et al, 2016). Filters that have been reported include peat and sawdust (Todt et al, 2014), sand and nonwoven textile (Tao et al, 2011), activated carbon (Sahondo et al, 2020) and more commonly, membranes (van Voorthuizen et al, 2005;van Voorthuizen et al, 2008;Kamranvand et al, 2020). The application of organic percolation filters is limited due to the severe clogging .…”

“…The application of organic percolation filters is limited due to the severe clogging . A novel mechanical filter device combining traditional screening with a new type of counterflow filter using an organic media was therefore developed by Todt et al (2014) and applied in mountain cabins. They reported the employment of a mixing filter composed of peat and sawdust to the treatment of settled BW, and a TSS reduction of 60%-75% was achieved.…”

Effect of Slanted Soil Design and Filter Media Distribution on the Removal of Fecal Bacteria and Organic Matter from Greywater

“…By comparing the effect of filter height on SS removal, Todt et al, (2014) indicated that most of the filtration process took place in the uppermost part of the filter (15 cm). Considering the configuration of the SSTS used in our study, greywater can easily flow through the entire filter length so that, an increase in filter length will enhance the organic matter removal performance.…”