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Treatment of Dilute Piggery Effluent with Vertical Flow Reed Beds

Resource Engineering Dep., Scottish Agricultural College, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland.

^* Corresponding author (martin.parkes{at}ed.ac.uk).

ABSTRACT

Washwater from pig pens was led from a lagoon and treated in a series of vertical flow reed beds over 2 yr. A recirculation component was added in the second yr. Five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium-N (NH₄-N), and nitrate-N (NO₃-N) were measured during the late winter/early spring periods for the 2 yr. Values of K_BoD, to describe performance of horizontal flow reed beds, were determined for the vertical flow beds and compared with values derived from the literature. Maximum BOD₅ removal was 96%, but averaged 65 and 61% over the first and second year periods, respectively. Performance of each stage, as indicated by percent removal of BOD₅, was best described by an inverse logarithmic function of hydraulic load. Ponding was a problem, indicating a need for control of organic loading. Efficient nitrification was not achieved so that the treatment did not result in waste suitable for direct discharge to surface water.