Feasibility study of ecological wastewater treatment system for decentralized rural community in South Korea

Abstract

The natural and ecological wastewater treatment system (NEWS) was developed to target organic pollutants and nutrients for decentralized rural communities. The system was installed in Sangwang-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea, and operated for about nine months. It consisted of three parts: the anaerobic septic tank, the absorbent-biofilter system (ABS), and the up- and down-flow constructed wetland. The respective nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and chemical oxygen demand removal rates of the NEWS were 45.94, 48.65, and 98.47% in the growing season and 27.93, 23.78, and 86.45% in the winter season. The significantly low N and P removal rates could have been caused by microorganism vitality in the ABS, as most of the nutrients occurred in an organic form. Average water temperature of the ABS was 18.13°C in the growing season and 8.289°C in the winter season, which might have influenced the low overall removal rate during the winter season. Performance of the NEWS was efficient, independent of the influent concentration within the study period, except a short term clogging. Considering its high performance, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness, the NEWS is an effective, feasible alternative for sewage treatment in decentralized communities in South Korea.

Keywords:

• Absorbent-biofilter
• Constructed wetland
• Decentralized wastewater treatment system
• Pollutant removal
• Water quality

Acknowledgment

This study was supported by a research fund from “International Cooperation Program for Environmental Technologies (Global Partnership Programs)” of Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI).