Land-based wastewater treatment methods have been in use for several years in Australia. There are varying kinds of treatment methods being used. This article offers a brief overview of the varying kinds of land-based methods of treatment and how each works. The varying treatment methods could be identified either according to their rate of infiltration of wastewater through the soil, or how they are applied over the ground or land.
1. Overland flow method
A slopping land that’s overgrown with grass is utilised in this land-based method of treating wastewater. The wastewater is poured at the top of a slope via pipes or sprinklers. It then flows down the slope, over the grass, and in a thin film enters into collection pipes that are located at the end and bottom of the slope. The downward flowing water goes through physical, biological, as well as chemical reactions as components of the treatment.
2. Subsurface infiltration method
In this method, drain fields or soil absorption fields that are lying beneath the soil’s surface layer are employed. As wastewater is released onto the drain field, the natural matrix of the soil acts on it. The treated water then goes on to permeate down to the natural water table. Soak pits are excellent examples of this treatment method.
3. Slow rate method
In this land-based method of treating wastewater, the water is applied onto a land surface that features vegetation at a very slow rate. It is among the foremost land-based methods of wastewater treatment in Australia. The slow rate at which the water is applied helps to prevent water runoff. The water that is applied to the land gets treated by both microorganisms and plants that are present in the soil. Some of the water gets released into the atmosphere via plant transpiration, while the remainder is treated as it percolates down the soil. It ultimately submerges down into groundwater. This method is quite popular too. It is used mostly in residential areas as it allows the treated water to be returned into groundwater.
4. Rapid infiltration method
Here, a very large volume of the wastewater to be treated is applied to the soil which features the characteristic of permitting high percolation or infiltration through the soil. The surface of the soil that is used in this method is devoid or barren of any kind of vegetation. The natural matrix of the soil, through which the water is allowed to percolate, is what acts on the percolating water, thus getting it treated in the process. Finally, the treated wastewater is then able to be submerged into the water table. This method is also famous particularly with large treatment plants and industrial facilities. The popularity is because it is fast and can be used in treating very large volumes of water.
These are the foremost land-based wastewater treatment methods that are used around the whole worldincluding Australia. Which method will be most suitable for your needs and requirements depends on a wide variety of different factors. You can always contact experts if you do not know which option to use. They are always ready to offer recommendations and suggestions as to the method that’s best for you.
