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Cesspool and Septic Tank Alternative
Tower design integrating Iron Cycling Biofilter installed above-ground without costly ground excavation required for cesspools and septic tanks
About
Inventors at the University of Hawai‘i have developed an iron cycling biofilter (ICB) to replace septic drain fields for individual households. The ICB is designed as an advanced treatment module that can operate stand-alone or coupled with other onsite treatment processes (e.g. septic tanks) to achieve high quality effluent with low-cost and low maintenance requirements. ICB sources local materials to lower cost and improve sustainability. The design has been prototyped and is currently undergoing testing in the laboratory. The project is funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation.
Key Benefits
The Iron Cycling Biofilter is integrated into a tower design installed above-ground without the need for costly ground excavation commonly required for cesspools and septic tanks. The system is composed of anaerobic and micro-aerobic compartments where sequential biofilm-based anaerobic processes and aerobic processes occur to remove nitrogen, microbial pathogens, organics and suspended solids. The coexistence of anaerobic and micro-aerobic zones within one system enhances bacterial diversity, leading to improved pollutant removal compared to standalone aerobic and anaerobic systems. It also generates negligible sludge during operation.
Additional Benefits:
● Low-cost tower design installs above-ground
● Easy operation and low maintenance
● Prevent leakage and wastewater contamination
● High-quality effluent with negligible sludge
Applications
● Replaces septic drain fields for individual households
● Operates stand-alone or together with on-site treatment