Granular aerobic systems: Viable technology for wastewater treatment and its reuse for chilean condominium

Abstract

An alternative of decentralized in-situ treatment for wastewater from condominiums based on aerobic granular biomass is proposed in this research to promote water reuse. It was demonstrated at a laboratory scale that it is possible to achieve granular biomass with this kind of wastewater. The granulation process was completed after 14 days of operation, achieving COD removal percentages of 75-90%. A compact design of a pilot plant was made to treat wastewater from a condominium of 200 people. The needed implantation area was 25.5 m2. Finally, two different alternatives of business models were studied: selling the treated water to the municipal organism or infiltrate it into groundwater. Between both options, selling the treated water allows a higher income and makes it a better alternative.