Developing a testing protocol for Vermifiltration-based onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (VOWTS)

Baumgartner, Rebecca (2013) Developing a testing protocol for Vermifiltration-based onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (VOWTS). Internship Report, Murdoch University.

Abstract

Vermifiltration wastewater treatment can be a low cost and efficient way of treating domestic effluent. These systems have the potential to replace septic tanks and other underperforming wastewater treatment systems and provide higher quality effluents.

It is clear that while there is great potential in these systems there have been problems with some systems such as the Biolytix BF-6. These problems highlight the flaws in the approval process and are the reason the testing protocol was commissioned by the Western Australian Department of Health.

This report focuses on the process of the development of the testing protocol. The literature review gives an overview of vermifiltration, examines the testing requirements in other States and Territories, assesses the environmental conditions required by worms, and highlights key system design features and potential problems.

The case studies and system reviews are used to get a better understanding of how vermifiltration systems function and the differences and similarities between systems.

The testing protocol aims to provide regulators with a clear and efficient means of testing vermifiltration systems. The protocol focuses on how systems should be tested, the parameters of testing and the acceptable ranges for these parameters. These parameters include temperature, moisture, pH and dissolved oxygen.

Item Type:	Internship Report (Bachelor of Engineering)
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Engineering and Information Technology
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/16946

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