Reed Bed Sewage Treatment

The Reed Bed System is a natural wastewater treatment approach that utilizes the common reed
(Phragmites australis) to treat sewage and wastewater. The principle behind this system is relatively
straightforward: the reeds help transfer oxygen from their leaves through the stems and into the root
zone within the gravel bed. This process creates an aerobic environment that encourages the growth of
microorganisms capable of breaking down pollutants present in the sewage.

Types of Reed Bed Systems:

Horizontal Flow Reed-Beds:

 Horizontal flow reed-beds work well with low-strength effluents and can effectively reduce
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solids (SS) levels.
 They are not suitable for treating septic tank effluent, as it is too strong for this type of system.
 Typically, horizontal flow reed-beds are used for tertiary treatment after a primary sewage
treatment plant, where the discharge fails to meet specific permit standards for BOD and
suspended solids.

Vertical Flow Reed-Beds:

 Vertical flow systems are more efficient than horizontal flow reed-beds and can handle stronger
strength effluents, including septic tank effluent.
 These systems can reduce ammonia levels along with BOD and SS levels.
 Usually, two reed beds are installed consecutively down the slope of the site to enhance
treatment efficiency.

Down-Flow Reed-Beds:

 Down-flow systems are multi-stage reed-bed systems with two stages of vertical flow.
 They operate on a 'fill and drain' system, where one bed fills while the other one drains, and vice
versa, every 12 hours.
 Down-flow reed-beds are generally used for treating septic tank effluent.

Advantages and Challenges of Reed Bed Systems:

Advantages:

 Reed beds offer a natural and environmentally friendly approach to sewage treatment, utilizing
the natural abilities of reeds and microorganisms.
 They are relatively simple to construct and have low operating costs, relying on natural processes
and gravity flow.
 Reed beds can effectively reduce BOD, SS, and nutrient levels in wastewater, contributing to
improved water quality.

Challenges:

 Reed beds require regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning, which involves managing
reed growth, removing dead reeds, disrupting preferential pathways, and dealing with potential
clogging issues.
 The system is susceptible to freezing during extremely cold weather, which may necessitate
alternative arrangements for sewage drainage and sanitation during such periods.
 Reed beds have a limited lifespan, typically lasting up to 7 to 10 years, and may require complete
refurbishment, including the replacement of the reeds and gravel bed, after this period.
 Contact with sewage and potential pathogens poses health risks to those maintaining the reed
bed system, requiring regular vaccinations and precautions.

Conclusion:

While the Reed Bed System offers an eco-friendly approach to sewage treatment and water quality
improvement, its success heavily depends on proper design, regular maintenance, and appropriate
consideration of climatic conditions. Challenges such as freezing in colder regions and health risks for
those involved in maintenance should be carefully assessed before adopting this system. For regions
with suitable climates and willing caretakers, the Reed Bed System can be a viable option for sustainable
sewage treatment and wastewater management. However, it is essential to recognize its limitations and
explore alternative solutions when necessary.

Mound System
The mound system is a type of on-site wastewater treatment system used to treat sewage from
individual households or small communities. It is commonly employed in areas where the soil conditions
are not suitable for traditional septic systems, such as sites with high water tables, shallow soils, or poor
drainage.

Principles of the Mound System:

Elevated Treatment Bed: The key principle of the mound system is its elevation above the natural
ground level. The effluent is pumped from the septic tank to the elevated sand and gravel bed. By
raising the treatment bed, the mound system creates a larger unsaturated zone of soil, which
enhances the treatment process and minimizes the risk of direct contact with the groundwater.

Distribution and Percolation: The effluent is evenly distributed over the sand and gravel bed
through a network of perforated distribution lines. This even distribution allows for uniform
percolation of the wastewater through the bed, maximizing contact with the treatment media. As
the effluent moves through the sand and gravel, it undergoes physical straining, and some pollutants
are adsorbed onto the media particles.

Biological Treatment: The sand and gravel bed in the mound system provides a habitat for
beneficial microorganisms that carry out biological treatment. These microorganisms help break
down organic matter and further reduce pollutants present in the effluent. The aerobic conditions
created in the unsaturated soil layer are conducive to microbial activity, enhancing treatment
efficiency.

Plant Uptake: As the treated effluent percolates through the soil layer above the sand and gravel
bed, it reaches the root zone of the vegetation planted on the mound. The plants, typically grasses,
reeds, or other vegetation, take up nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which further improves
the quality of the treated effluent.

Applications of the Mound System:

The Mound System is applied in various situations where conventional septic systems are not suitable
due to challenging soil conditions or regulatory requirements. Some common applications include:

 Residential Properties: The mound system is widely used for individual homes, especially in
areas with high water tables or shallow soils. It provides an effective on-site wastewater
treatment solution for homeowners who cannot connect to a centralized sewer system.

 Small Communities: In rural or remote areas, small communities without access to municipal
sewage treatment facilities can utilize the mound system to treat wastewater collectively.

 Commercial and Recreational Facilities: The mound system can be employed to treat wastewater
from commercial establishments, recreational facilities, parks, and camping grounds.
  Seasonal Dwellings: For seasonal residences or vacation homes where year-round occupancy is
limited, the mound system can be a suitable option for wastewater treatment.

Advantages and Challenges of the Mound System:

Advantages of the Mound System:

 Suitable for Challenging Soils: The mound system is designed to work in areas with high water
tables, shallow soils, or other soil limitations, providing a viable solution where conventional
septic systems might fail.

 Enhanced Treatment: The elevated design and unsaturated soil layer enhance the treatment
process, providing more effective removal of pollutants and reducing the risk of groundwater
contamination.

 Versatility: The system can be adapted to various site conditions and can be designed to meet
specific regulatory requirements for on-site wastewater treatment.

 Potential for Reuse: In some cases, the treated effluent from the mound system can be suitable
for non-potable reuse, such as irrigation of non-edible crops.

Challenges and Considerations:

 Regular Maintenance: The mound system requires regular maintenance, including pump checks,
pipe inspections, and monitoring vegetation growth to ensure proper functioning.

 Land Area Requirements: Due to its elevated design, the mound system typically requires a
larger land area compared to conventional septic systems.

 Energy Use: The system relies on an effluent pump to deliver wastewater to the elevated mound,
which requires electricity to operate.

In conclusion, the mound system is a soil-based natural treatment approach that effectively treats
domestic wastewater in areas with challenging soil conditions. By utilizing elevation and unsaturated soil,
the mound system offers an environmentally friendly and adaptable solution for on-site wastewater
treatment, contributing to the protection of groundwater and environmental conservation.
Reference:
On-site sewage facilities (OSSF). OnSite Sewage Facilities OSSF. (n.d.).
https://ossf.tamu.edu/mound-system/#:~:text=A%20mound%20system%20for
%20wastewater,air%20within%20the%20pore%20space.

Reed beds. Reed Bed Sewage Systems, Reed Bed Filtration, Waste Water Treatment. (n.d.).
https://www.wte-ltd.co.uk/reed_bed_sewage_treatment.html