Novel Hybrid Filter for the Treatment of Septic Tank Effluent

Abstract

Intermittent sand filtration is a common and effective method for treating septic tank effluent. However, if the loading rate is too high, clogging and ponding of the sand filter surface layer can occur due to the accumulation of excessive biomass and the deposition of suspended solids. This ponding limits the practicality of sand filtration as it makes it necessary to take the filter out of service for maintenance. The objective of this study was to develop and test, on-site, a new hybrid filter system that would reduce the risk of clogging at an organic loading rate substantially greater than the maximum recommended loading rate for intermittent sand filters. The system comprised a