The Waste Research Management and Training centre (WRMTC) of the Scientific Research Council (SRC), has developed a Bio-Digester Septic Tank (BST) designed to reduce pollution of the country’s water resources.

At the unveiling of the system during an open house at the centre recently, project manager, Julia Brown explained that the BST technology consisted of a sealed underground tank that treated wastewater by first ridding it of pollutants. This waste can come from the kitchen, toilet or bath.

As a first step in the process, the waste enters the airtight tank, where it is digested by natural bacteria. The process produces water which can be further cleaned by passing it through a reed-bed, after which the water can be discharged into the environment or used for sub-surface irrigation purposes, watering lawns or washing animal enclosures.

One bi-product of this digestion process is the production of gas, termed biogas, which may be collected and utilised for cooking, lighting, refrigeration or heating.

Brown said advantages of this system included low maintenance costs and savings from use of the bi-products such as biogas and treated water.

“This system, once installed, has very little or low maintenance costs and saves money since the gas produced can be used for activities such as cooking and lighting of homes,” she said, noting that the treated water may be used to irrigate crops or water lawns.

She also noted that the BST has the advantage of being environmentally friendly since waste is not allowed to re-enter the environment, leading to a reduction of ground water pollution. It also helps in protecting the environment by providing water, which may be used to replenish aquifers.

The system, she said, is very practical because it may be used by either single households or large housing complexes.

-JIS