Association of septic tank and sand filter for wastewater treatment: full-scale feasibility for decentralized sanitation

Author(s)

de Oliveira Cruz, Luana Mattos ^[1] ; Tonetti, Adriano Luiz ^[1] ; Lento Araujo Gomes, Bianca Graziella ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] UNICAMP State Univ Campinas, Sch Civil Engn Architecture & Urbanism FEC, Ave Albert Einstein 951, POB 6021, BR-13083852 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE FOR DEVELOPMENT; v. 8, n. 2, p. 268-277, JUN 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Worldwide, 70% of the individuals who do not have access to sanitation facilities live in rural areas. A solution for these areas is the use of decentralized systems for wastewater treatment. However, most of the studies about this topic are performed in a laboratory or in pilot scale. This work investigated a full-scale decentralized system. The association of septic tank and sand filter was installed in a rural area in Brazil. Its feasibility, maintenance, and operational conditions were appraised. The septic tank was built with precast concrete rings (inner diameter: 1.90 m; total depth: 2.34 m; useful volume: 4.30 m(3)). The sand filter was also constructed with precast concrete rings (internal diameter: 1.90 m; surface area: 2.84 m(2)) and effluent application was intermittent. The hydraulic loading rate of the sand filter was 253 Lm(-2)day(-1). The quality of the effluent met the legal aspects and the system proved to be effective for decentralized sanitation. The final effluent may be reused in agricultural activities; however, the frequency of maintenance of this system should be taken into account. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/07490-4 - Nitrogen removal in anaerobic reactors
• Grantee: Adriano Luiz Tonetti
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants