The filter system for tertiary treatment of sewage effluent by land application--its performance in a subtropical environment.
FILTER is an innovative, CSIRO developed system for treating effluent using high rate land application and subsequent effluent recapture via a closely spaced, subsurface drainage network. We report on the summer performance of a FILTER system established in a subtropical environment on a relatively impermeable swelling clay soil underlain by a deep regional water table. Using secondary treated sewage effluent, the FILTER system produced effluent of tertiary nutrient standards (< or = 5 mg/L TN; < or = 1 mg/L TP), with salinity levels suitable for subsequent irrigation reuse (EC < or = 2.5 dS/m). Removal of faecal coliforms was considerably less effective. The hydraulic loading rate achieved was about two and a half times large than conventional irrigation demand, but this was associated with high deep percolation losses (c 3 mm/day). Comparisons are made with the original FILTER system developed and tested by Jayawardane et al. in temperate Australia. Suggestions are made for modifications to, and further testing of FILTER in a subtropical environment.
Gardner
E A
EA
University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Queensland, Australia, 4343.
Morton
D
D
Sands
J
J
Matthews
P
P
Cook
F J
FJ
Jayawardane
N S
NS
D001315:Australia; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D005374:Filtration / Q000379:methods*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis; D012492:Salts / Q000032:analysis; D012722:Sewage; D013997:Time Factors; D014329:Tropical Climate; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards
D012492:Salts; D012722:Sewage; D014873:Water Pollutants; D010758:Phosphorus; D009584:Nitrogen