To test and commercialize an innovative biofilter medium harvested from crushed coconut shells. Cocopeat, the dust that remains after the coir (fibers) are removed, is proving to be an effective medium for treating wastewater.
We recently launched the first of several demonstration units for our cocopeat wastewater bioreactor technology project. For this component of the study, schools were chosen as the wastewater source for demonstrating the suitability of the technology for difficult applications. Schools represent a bigger challenge than many other sources for wastewater treatment technologies due to their highly variable flows. Systems must be able to function under peak flow conditions common during special events, as well as low flows during weekends and summer vacations. However, the opportunities are equally great as schools represent an ideal entry point into a community interested in scaling up sanitation through wastewater treatment. As students learn about the technology and benefits of treating wastewater, they can teach their parents, which helps raise awareness and demand for services.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation East Asia & Pacific Global Latin America & Caribbean Peri-urban Product design and engineering Schools Treatment of wastewater or greywater
RTI International
Research Triangle Park
United States
Uploaded by:
Trevor Surridge (tmsinnovation)
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