Integration of septic tank and constructed wetland for the treatment of wastewater in Egypt

Integration of septic tank and constructed wetland systems as simple and low cost techniques is the main objective of this study. The area of the study is located at east of Sharquiya Governorate, Egypt. Three-chamber septic tank of the volume of 56 m3 was constructed followed by 200 m2 subsurface flow constructed wetland. The calculated hydraulic residence time for septic tank and constructed wetland was about 5, 6, and 7 day, respectively. The characteristics of raw wastewater, septic tank, and wetland effluents were studied in terms of physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters. The obtained results revealed that the level of organic load represented by COD and BOD were reduced by 87 and 89%, respectively, while the fecal coliform count was reduced by about 5 log units. The quality of the treated wastewater was found to be within the permissible Egyptian standards for irrigating. No problems with odor or insects exist.