Using cocopeat for treating septic tank effluent - Various documents on results from research grant

Content - Summary

This library entry contains background documents for a grant that David Robbins is leading and which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Further information and a discussion is available on the SuSanA discussion Forum, see link below.

Short description of the project: Commercialize the cocopeat biofiltration technology for rapid scale up through prototyping, testing in controlled and operational environments, and then launching the products through a market-based sales and distribution model.

Goal(s): The goal of this project is to test and commercialize next generation low cost and sustainable wastewater treatment systems using 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. The project team is testing the cocopeat biofilters on septic tank effluent, the effluent from community biodigesters, and greywater from residential and commercial sources. Simplified construction and installation techniques are also being explored and documented for the eventual commercialization and scaling up of the technology.

Objectives:
a) To introduce cocopeat biofiltration technology as a viable wastewater management choice that may be lower in cost, require less area, quicker set up time and simpler operation and maintenance than other secondary wastewater systems, such as constructed wetlands or sand and gravel filters.
b) to provide business opportunities to local service providers that wish to expand their services to include this low cost technology
c) to help spur economic development and job creation in coconut producing areas by introducing a new product and new paradigm of low cost sanitation improvement.

Research or implementation partners:
o Muntinlupa City, Municipal Government, Philippines
o Can Tho University, Vietnam
o Instut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia
o Duke University, North Carolina USA
o Eram Scientific, India
o Quanics, Inc., USA
o Innovative Waste Consulting Services, USA

Further authors:
Robbins, D., Strande, L., Doczi, J.

Project website: http://watsanexp.ning.com/

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Documents available for download below (the first two documents are only indirectly related to the cocopeat research project):

1 - Lessons Learned in Fecal Sludge Management: Experiences from the Philippines (Paper at FSM2 Conference in Durban, South Africa, Oct. 2012)

2 - Lessons Learned in Fecal Sludge Management: Experiences from the Philippines (Presentation at FSM2 Conference in Durban, South Africa, Oct. 2012)

3 - Cocopeat full paper for Nagpur DEWATS conference: Utilizing Cocopeat as a Medium for Wastewater Treatment Biofiltration for Residential and Institutional Applications (Nov. 2012)

Bibliographic information

Robbins, D. (2013). Using cocopeat for treating septic tank effluent - Various documents on results from research grant. RTI International, North Carolina, USA

Filter tags

East Asia & Pacific English Fundamental research and engineering

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