Performance Appraisal of Filter-Based Sanitation System for Onsite Treatment of Domestic Wastewater

Abstract

This chapter deals with the long-term performance of a filter-based sanitation system, under the actual field conditions, to identify its feasibility as a package plant for on-site treatment of domestic wastewater generated by household activities. The study is aimed at designing a more efficient and low-cost sanitation system as a replacement for the conventional septic tank. Two bioreactors, a modified septic tank and an anaerobic bioreactor, are accommodated in a single compact unit in the proposed system. The septic tank is placed first, which is further connected to the anaerobic bioreactor. An attempt has also been made to do wastewater characterization at single-household level. The analysis of the monthly variations in the sludge characteristics and the associated microbial communities has also been done. The system performed substantially well in removing the major pollutants, including pathogens, during its long-term operation. Based on its on-site performance, the present package system with a simple design, easy operability, lesser maintenance and electricity-free functioning has a good potential to replace the conventional septic tank as far as domestic wastewater treatment in the unsewered areas of the developing countries is concerned.