The Biological Sand Filtration System
The biological sand filtration system is a simple, cost-effective solution used to improve the quality of winery wastewater for reuse (e.g., for beneficial irrigation). The system can operate entirely off-grid using solar panels and gravity for energy. Microbial communities within the system degrade the organic fraction of the winery wastewater, and solubilisation of minerals in the sand reduces the potential sodicity of the wastewater.
The pH of the influent wastewater can vary, typically ranging between highly acidic (pH 3 to 4) or alkaline. The system has been shown to neutralise the pH of the wastewater to a range of between 6.5 and 7.5 through both biotic and abiotic mechanisms. The system does not remove dissolved salts, but the intention is to utilise saline-tolerant plants downstream to remove salts.
Many wineries dispose of effluent directly to land via irrigation, but there is growing pressure for them to implement treatment systems. Biological sand filters treat winery wastewater through the natural interaction between sand and microorganisms. After several years of research, the technology has proven to be a viable solution for the remediation of winery wastewater at small to medium-sized wineries in South Africa. With the increasing need to be more water-savvy and environmentally friendly, this system is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and the treated water is safe for irrigation.
Benefits:
- Easily installed and adapted to work with existing infrastructure.
- Modular approach allows for the addition or subtraction of modules to suit the required treatment capacity.
- Requires minimal maintenance and skilled labour to operate.
- Reduces the organic load, neutralises, and decreases the sodium absorption ratio of generally acidic winery effluent.
Offering:
CPUT is seeking an investor who would like to invest in a new spin-off company or a licensee who would like to license and commercialise the product.