Evaluation of an aerobic submerged filter packed with volcanic scoria

An aerobic submerged filter (ASF) using volcanic scoria stones as packing media was evaluated. The wastewater used was a mixture of sewage with sugar to obtain organic matter concentrations between 28 and 3230 mg CODt/L, hydraulic rates up to 2.88 m3/m2 d and organic loading rates between 0.45 and 9.4 kg CODt/m3 d. The system removed 80% of CODt as average for organic loading rates between 0.45 and 3 kg CODt/m3 d and 54% at the higher rate (9.4 kg CODt/m3 d). It was not necessary to backwash the filters, a negligible pressure drop and a good biomass attachment in the volcanic scoria stones was observed. Nitrification and organic matter biodegradation were carried out simultaneously with a nitrate production of 90% up to 1.7 kg CODt/m3 d. Tracer studies revealed a completed mixed hydraulic pattern which was not affected by the presence of biomass.