On-site wastewater treatment using reactive filter media

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reduce the phosphate concentration in treated wastewater using a small amount of the reactive filter media, Filtralite P. Biologically treated wastewater was passed through a filter with 215 g of Filtralite P. In the laboratory, the phosphate removal efficiency was 51% at a flow speed of 0.87 m/h. Under real conditions, in an experimental stand filled with 0.5 m3 of Filtralite P, the phosphate removal efficiency was 85% and the removal efficiency of total suspended solids was 57% after a 5-month period. The residual phosphate concentration in the filtrate from the experimental stand was 1 mg/L of PO4-P after the 5-month period. The experimental filtration plant was buried in the ground, and it did not freeze and worked well under winter conditions. The results of this study can be useful in the design and development of tertiary wastewater treatment plants in view of their sustainability potential.