Assessing the efficiency of an innovative method for onsite greywater treatment: Drawer compacted sand filter – A case study in Jordan

This study evaluated the performance of a new treatment method for greywater called the Drawer Compacted Sand Filter (DCSF). This is a modified sand filter design in which the sand filter is broken down into several layers approximately 10 cm high, each of which is placed in a movable drawer that is stacked vertically, with each drawer separated by 10 cm of space. This treatment unit is seeking to overcome the problems commonly found in traditional sand filter designs, such as clogging, emission of bad odours and need for a large land area to house the filter. Nine pilot DCSF units were operated at different locations in Jordan during the period of 2011–2013. Composite water samples from the inlet and outlets of the DCSF over a period of 18 months were taken periodically and tested for BOD5, COD, TSS, pH, EC and E.coli. A socio-economic study was conducted to evaluate the validity and feasibility of the DCSF. The results showed that DCSF removed 78–96% of BOD5 and COD and 69–98% of TSS. E.coli removal was various across the DCSF units, ranging from 1 log to 6 logs. The focus group discussion and the analysis of economic benefits showed that DCSF unit was acceptable and feasible treatment method for greywater with minimal maintenance requirements.