Use of Layered Geotextiles to Provide a Substrate for Biomass Development in Treatment of Septic Tank Effluent Prior to Ground Infiltration
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 131, Issue 12
Abstract
The use of layered geotextile filters for biological treatment of septic tank effluent prior to ground infiltration was investigated. The goal was to provide secondary treatment and prevent soil clogging by fostering biomass growth in the internal porosity of commercially available geotextiles. The study used primary effluent from a water pollution control facility that serves a combined sewer area. To identify sustainable operating conditions, the hydraulic loading rate (HLR) and other parameters were varied in tests with columns packed with multiple geotextile and granular layers. At continuous high hydraulic loading rate application, over 90% of total suspended solids and biochemical oxygen demand was removed, but the three layer filters eventually clogged. When a HLR was applied in dose and drain cycles to two filter layers, not only was there little loss in permeability, but ammonia and nitrate concentrations in the effluent were reduced to below 5 and , respectively. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the biomass morphology was not a continuous biofilm as was expected, but a discontinuous floc trapped within the geotextile pore structure. This provided intimate contact between substrate, oxygen, and biomass to produce the desired effluent quality and limited loss in filter permeability.
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Acknowledgments
This research was funded by Drexel University and Turkish Higher Education Council. Wastewater samples and laboratory analysis were graciously provided by Philadelphia Water Department.
References
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© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 27, 2004
Accepted: Mar 10, 2005
Published online: Dec 1, 2005
Published in print: Dec 2005
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