Efficiency of organic substance removal in a hybrid sand filter with horizontal flow

The paper presents the results of the research about the efficiency of organic substance removal in a hybrid sand filter. The investigations were carried out on a model wastewater treatment plant consisting of a preliminary sedimentation tank and two sand filter with a horizontal flow of wastewater (aerobic and anaerobic beds). The efficiency of BOD5 and COD removal was analysed for different wastewater hydraulic load levels: 0.72; 1.08; 1.44 dm3·d−1. The best efficiency of BOD5 and COD removal was obtained when the hydraulic load level was 1.08 dm3·d−1, respectively 83.8 and 72.3%. The average values of BOD5 and COD in the treated wastewater were significantly higher than the values deemed acceptable by relevant regulations in Poland. Based on the studies in the analyzed case, it was found that, sand filters with horizontal flow, do not guarantee high effluent treatment effect of typical household wastewater. In order to obtain a better efficiency of organic substance removal in a hybrid sand filter wastewater need to be oxygenate before being carried to these systems.