A growing trend in treating wastewater is reducing energy needs and recycling treated wastewater for industrial cooling towers, toilet flushing, irrigation, and replenishing groundwater.
One of the key stages in water treatment is the utilization of living microorganisms to remove organics. Biofilter media provides the surface area for microbial growth to do this job. More filter surface area equals larger biological communities for efficient organic removal. A variety of filter media is utilized and selected according to system needs.
Rotary kiln expanded shale, clay and slate (ESCS) aggregates are specified for bio-filter media in many wastewater treatment systems operating today. Regionally produced, and therefore available, these aggregates possess physical and chemical properties that are ideal for biofiltration. ESCS aggregates are porous, and that converts to 45% more surface area for microorganisms to colonize.
ESCS aggregates are structurally sound and angular in shape, which prevents hydraulic loss due to compaction and extends the life cycle of the filter. During the manufacturing process, the aggregates are heated to high temperatures creating a product that is sterile and chemically inert. The aggregate pores store moisture creating a layer within the biofilter between the surface and the anoxic zone where plant roots (if the system is vegetated), and certain microbes that require moist, aerated conditions thrive. Systems that use ESCS and vegetation significantly increase pollutant removal.
Whether the system is designed for water recycling or release, is vegetated or not, system operators who maintain ESCS lightweight aggregate biofilters observe reliable performance, and reduced maintenance needs.
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