Modified Septic Tank: Innovative Onsite Wastewater Treatment System

Bassim Abbassi,Christopher Kinsley,Raihan Abuharb,Naser Almanaseer,Bashaar Ammary

doi:10.3390/w10050578

Bassim Abbassi, Christopher Kinsley + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/w10050578

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Abstract

This research documents two innovative designs of septic tanks used for onsite wastewater treatment. The designs were implemented and tested as part of a research project focused on innovative decentralized wastewater treatment solutions. The modified septic tanks were tested at different hydraulic loading rates for sufficient periods to effectively evaluate their performance. The two systems were designed with successive anaerobic and aerobic chambers and were differentiated between attached and suspended growth. The systems were operated at detention times of 4.3, 3.2, and 2.6 days. High removal of organic load was achieved under all loading criteria in both systems. Effluent BOD5 concentration at lower and higher loading rates were found to be less than 15 and 25 mg/L, respectively, representing a removal rate of more than 95%. Nitrogen was also removed but at a lower rate. The highest TN removal was achieved (59%) in the attached growth system at the lowest loading rate. Although two logs of E. coli removal (99%) were achieved in all systems, E. coli numbers were high enough to necessitate further tertiary treatment. The modified septic tanks proved to be a cost-effective technology with low energy and O&M requirements.

Highlights

There is a growing need for the development of sustainable and cost-effective technologies to treat wastewater [1,2]
Effluent electrical conductivity (EC) values showed no reduction during treatment but consistently remained below the Jordanian Standards No JS893/2006, for reclaimed domestic wastewater; indicating acceptable salt content in the wastewater for reuse purposes (EC < 3000 μS/cm) [25]
Two innovative modified septic tank systems were designed as stand-alone technologies to treat domestic wastewater

Summary

Introduction

There is a growing need for the development of sustainable and cost-effective technologies to treat wastewater [1,2]. Within the context of adaptive water resources management, centralized wastewater treatment is an appropriate approach for large communities [3]. In small communities centralized wastewater collection and treatment systems are not feasible because of the relatively high cost of capital investment and intensive operation and maintenance requirements [4,5,6]. Decentralized solutions in wastewater management are recognized as cost-effective alternatives to centralized systems, which could be effectively integrated into rural as well as urban settings. This can significantly support future water resources management plans [7,8,9]. Decentralized wastewater treatment has been recognized as an effective solution allowing the sanitation requirements to be met [10,11,12]

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