Sustainable Solution for Domestic Wastewater with Rock Filter and Constructed Wetland Systems

Decentralized wastewater treatment systems offer a compelling solution for under develop regions like Nepal, characterized by simplicity in construction, ease of operation, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Among these, the rock filter integrated with a constructed wetland stands out for its utilization of natural physic-chemical and microbial processes, making it an attractive choice. This study focuses on the design and operational cost assessment of a pilot-scale treatment plant employing rock filter and constructed wetland technology to treat domestic wastewater, encompassing both black and grey water. With a treatment capacity of 5 m3/day, the designed system demonstrates efficient removal of organic contaminants from the wastewater stream. Compared to alternatives such as the anaerobic baffled reactor, the rock filter with constructed wetland offers comparable efficiency at a lower cost, making it particularly suitable for adoption in developing countries. This research aims to promote the use of this technology by government bodies, professionals, and engineers to better manage household wastewater in the country.