Pilot scale demonstration of an underground biological aerated filter for rural wastewater treatment in a protected area

The availability of land is one of the advantages of rural wastewater treatment. However, this advantage may be absent in protected areas. The objective of this study is to showcase pilot-scale wastewater treatment approaches specifically tailored to address challenges presented by these unique circumstances. The demonstration case presented here involves a rural campsite where ground works are restricted. A pilot-scale decentralized system that includes a rainwater recycling system for potable water production (2 -3 m 3 /d) and an underground biological aerated filter for wastewater treatment was installed. The biological aerated filter was built under a parking area (a so-called Phytoparking (R) system) and did as such not use additional ground surface. The Phytoparking with an area of 44 m 2 was operated for 7 months and a total of 220 m 3 grey water and 127 m 3 black water was treated. Good pollutants removal efficiency was achieved for total suspended solids (93 %), COD (93 %), NH 4 + -N (93 %), TP (99 %), E. coli (log reduction 4.3) and total coliforms (log reduction 2.4). The potential wastewater reuse is not only about technological concern but also social acceptable concern. Therefore, the campsite customers' acceptance level of this system and the reused water were surveyed by a questionnaire. Based on the results of the study's pollutant removal efficiency and questionnaire responses, it can be concluded that local and/or decentralized water treatment and reuse systems were perceived positively.