OPTIMIZING LOW-COST BIOFILTER-BASED WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS FOR SMALL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Small communities often face serious challenges in managing domestic wastewater because conventional treatment systems are costly, energy-intensive, and difficult to maintain. This study examines the effectiveness of low-cost biofilter-based wastewater treatment systems as a practical solution for decentralized sanitation in small communities. The paper focuses on the treatment performance, operational stability, cost efficiency, and environmental suitability of biofilters using locally available filter media such as gravel, sand, biochar, coconut coir, and activated carbon. The results indicate that biofilter systems can significantly reduce biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, nutrients, and microbial contamination when properly designed and maintained. The findings also show that biofilter performance improves after microbial biofilm development, with stable pollutant removal achieved during continuous operation. Compared with conventional mechanical treatment systems, biofilters require lower energy input, reduced operational costs, and simpler maintenance, making them suitable for rural and semi-urban settlements. The study concludes that optimized biofilter systems provide a sustainable, affordable, and scalable wastewater treatment option for small communities, especially where financial and technical resources are limited.