Treatment of septic tank effluent using sequencing batch reactor along with the incorporation of rice husk and Bael pericarp as a natural adsorbent in reducing BOD and COD

Abstract

Abstract The generation of liquid forms of waste has rapidly shown its hike in the presently expanding world. This quantification hugely includes the day today’s secretion of the human excreta into the septic tanks that are commonly found in every household. Proper treatment and disposal of faecal waste, once the septic tank is full, becomes challenging for every resident and local bodies. The primary contaminants found in the Septic Tank Effluents (STE) include many disease-causing pathogens, faecal coliform bacteria, detergents and toxic gases. The Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) takes its position when treating any waste, which contains a high amount of organic content. In this study, the characteristics, namely COD and BOD of STE samples collected from different locations of the semi-urban area at the outskirt of a town were analyzed. The STE samples treated using SBR mainly to reduce COD and BOD concentration found to be in higher concentration beyond the permissible limit. The same samples subjected to contact with adsorbents such as rice husk and powdered form of dried Bael (Aegle marmelos) outer shell. Results showed a good reaction with the adsorbents and found a significant reduction in COD and BOD concentration.