Application of vermifiltration for sustainable management of septage

Abstract

The current article presents an innovative technical solution for sustainable management of septage, via a vermifiltration system, in the Republic of Moldova. A technical description of the main components of a demonstration model that was implemented at a household level is presented. The results from the model show an 98.85% reduction of ammonia content, 49,21 % CODMn (an indicator of degradation of easily degradable organic substances) and 85,28% of CODCr (showing degradation of hardly degradable organic substances). Considering the fact that the concentration of ammonium in the effluent was considerable reduced, while that of nitrate nitrogen remained rather low, it was assumed that the activity of earthworms was rather limited, probable the microorganisms, interacting symbiotically and synergistically with earthworms not being well developed in the vermifilter bed. The study suggests that the vermifiltration technology can provide a sustainable wastewater management solution and its application can be promoted in certain settings such as schools and kindergartens in Moldova. However, good insulation should be considered to avoid the freezing problems during winter while the odor nuisance in the septic tank can be reduced by adding lactic acid bacteria can also be applied.