The Waterloo Biofilter is a successful on-site wastewater treatment method for large systems such as golf clubhouses, trailer parks, restaurants, subdivisions, villages, and landfill leachate. Alum addition for phosphorus removal in addition to UV disinfection allows for surface water discharge and for re-use in irrigation ponds. Even without disinfection, the quality of Biofilter effluent, as shown in Table 1, demonstrates that it may be re-used for lower level uses, such as toilet flushing or garden use. A Waterloo Biofilter treatment train consists of a septic tank to pre-treat raw sewage, a septic tank effluent filter to screen out large particles, the Biofilter as the main treatment unit, and a small disposal bed. The medium is loaded at much higher rates than sand or soil filters because the physical properties of the filter medium are optimized for bacterial growth and hydraulic retention.
Beneficial microbes grow inside the pores of the filter medium.
The microbes degrade and oxidize organic pollutants, coliform bacteria, ammonium, and other contaminants. Air circulates through the biofilter by natural convection or by a small fan. Forced ventilation improves removal of BOD and solids and greatly improves nitrification. Above Ground Configuration Click HERE to view. Below Ground Configuration Click HERE to view. and clear effluent from the Biofilter.