Evaluation of the efficiency of a gray water treatment system based on aeration and filtration

Abstract

Gray water is a great resource for replacing fresh water to be used in standardized usages. The use of treated gray water reduces water consumption and the entry of pollutants into the environment. However, if left untreated, it can be dangerous. The present study examines the efficiency of a gray water treatment system consisting of primary filter, aeration, secondary filter and ultraviolet disinfection unit. After examining the characteristics of gray water, the efficiency of this system was analyzed to remove the pH, TSS, BOD, COD, ABS and total coliform parameters. Then, the gray water treated through this system was compared with the environmental standard of Iran. The pH of the treated gray water was 7.5–7.6. The efficiency of this system for removing the BOD and COD parameters was 98–100 and 76–100%, respectively. This system had an efficiency of 96–97% to eliminate the ABS parameter. Also, this system was able to eliminate total coliform with 100% efficiency. Results showed that in the three series of experiments performed on this system, according to the Iranian standard, the treated wastewater is suitable for irrigation and agricultural uses. However, this system could not be licensed for the COD parameter regarding the discharge to surface water and absorbent wells.