Assessing a Low-Cost Multi-Media Filter with Biological Contact Aeration for Greywater Treatment in Domestic Applications

Abstract

Treatment and reuse of greywater for non-potable applications especially in scarce countries is a feasible option. In this study, a simple greywater treatment system consisting of a low-cost simple multi-media filter with biological contact aeration system was developed and installed in a selected household in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Monitoring and measurements were made to investigate the productivity and efficiency of this system in treating the greywater from laundry and shower sources. The greywater from the collected laundry and shower contained 360 mg/L of COD and 28.5 mg/L of BOD. The experimental results showed that the greywater treatment unit achieved more than 99% of turbidity removal, more than 74% of BOD removal, and more than 50% of COD removal. BOD removal was primarily achieved through bacterial degradation whereas COD removal was attributed to the adsorption of organic compounds by activated carbon. The effluent quality of the treated greywater fell within the standard level and can be safely reused for various non-potable applications.