Two-stage efficient wastewater treatment system for rural pig farms

Overview

The proposed two-stage wastewater treatment system is designed specifically for rural pig farms, addressing the high levels of ammonium and pollutants found in pig wastewater. This innovative system leverages constructed wetlands and microbial fuel cells (MFC) to significantly reduce toxic ammonium concentrations and emerging pollutants like antibiotics and hormones. The treated effluent is then suitable for subsequent microalgae biomass production in a photobioreactor, without the need for dilution.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Constructed wetlands (CW) with vertical flow efficiently reduce high concentrations of ammonium.
• Integration of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) enhances the removal of ammonium and emerging pollutants.
• The CW+MFC system uses a graphite plate anode placed in an anaerobic zone and a cathode in an aerobic zone, separated by a gravel layer.
• The system is optimized for hydraulic parameters such as inlet and outlet rates, hydraulic retention time, and pollutant load rate.
• The final effluent supports the growth of microalgae in a photobioreactor (PBR) for biomass production.

Technology readiness level

This wastewater treatment system has reached Technology Readiness Level 6, indicating that it has been demonstrated in a relevant environment. Further validation involves optimizing system parameters and characterizing the biomass produced, paving the way for commercial deployment in rural pig farming operations.