Combined Compact Anaerobic Reactors and Lamella Settlers for Decentralized Sewage Treatment

What is it about?

This work presents a compact plant’s development and performance evaluation for the decentralized treatment of domestic sewage. The plant was conceived and installed in a house with four residents in Vicente Pires, Federal District, Brazil. Its purpose was to remove organic matter and solids using a low-cost biological treatment process that was simple to operate. The plant was essentially anaerobic, composed of an up-flow anaerobic reactor and an anaerobic filter, both associated with lamella settlers. It was operated under real conditions and monitored for nineteen months, with removal efficiencies (calculated over the medians) of 81% for COD, 83% for BOD, 51% for Total Solids, 55% for Total Volatile Solids, 87% for Total Suspended Solids, and 100% for Settleable Solids. The plant performed adequately, with no clogging between the plates of the lamella settlers or no offensive odors, and limited amounts of sludge and scum.

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Why is it important?

This work showed the following important aspects: A compact sewage treatment plant was installed and monitored in a family house. Data from nineteen months of monitoring are presented. The work showed that anaerobic reactors can be combined with lamella settlers. Lamella settlers can be used to advantage to treat domestic sewage. Corrugated conduit chips can be used in anaerobic filters treating domestic sewage from a family house.

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