Contribution of non-conventional technologies for sewage treatment to improve the quality of bathing waters (ICREW project)

Most of the treatment plants monitored present a BOD5 and COD removal values higher than those established in the Directive 91/271/EC. The pathogen removal rates varied from one technology to another, fluctuating between 1.0 and 3.5 log units. The higher E. coli (more than 2 log units) and intestinal Enterococci (more than 3 log units) were achieved for Constructed Wetland, Stabilization Ponds and Rotating Biological Contactors with Sand Filters or Peat Filters. An entitled guide “Guideline of urban wastewater treatments for small communities” has been produced. The aim of this guide is to support the decision-making process in public or private organizations when selecting sewage treatment technology to obtain the final effluent quality required.