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Master's Thesis from the year 2018 in the subject Geography / Earth Science - Physical Geography, Geomorphology, Environmental Studies, grade: 1,0, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna (Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control), language: English, abstract: Water scarcity and pollution represent key challenges which life on earth will have to face, considering the rapid population growth, and our water intensive societies, and global economy. On-site greywater treatment and reuse constitute ecologically and economically worthwhile solutions to counteract water scarcity and intelligently manage water resources. Several modular living green wall prototypes were developed, which aim to remove man-made water pollution through a biotechnological approach similar to constructed wetlands. These designs however require far less valuable land by using a vertical, facade integrated design instead. The treatment units differed in terms of substrate and plant species compositions, as well as in their designated water-flow paths: i) vertical channels ii) cascading with 1° declining slope iii) cascading with 5° ascent angle. Artificial greywater was introduced into these systems and effluents were analyzed regarding standard water quality parameters and nutrient contents. For all parameters except PO43-, no significant differences between the individual planted units were observed (p=0.05). Maximum removal rates were 28%, 28%, 29%, 40%, 88%, 37%, 51%, and 57% for BOD5, COD, DOC, NH4-N, PO43-, TOC, TSS, and turbidity, respectively. An in groups comparison of the channelized and cascading units revealed a significant difference in treatment performance in favor of the channelized units for the parameters BOD5 and PO43-. Shoot supporting structures, which were applied to the channelized systems, seemed to be the decisive structural element, as they promoted plant health and rhizosphere development. Further investigations aimed to explore, if regulatory EU wastewater effluent quality standards can be met with a series of consecutive treatment units. With 19 mg/L and 93 mg/L, the effluent TSS and COD concentrations after five runs were below the thresholds.

Keep your lawn and garden lush without wasting resources by capturing and recycling the greywater that drains from your sink, shower, and washing machine. This accessible and detailed guide walks you through each step of planning for and installing a variety of greywater systems, including laundry-to-landscape and branched drain gravity-fed systems. After identifying greywater sources in your home and estimating flow rate, you'll learn to pinpoint where to redirect the wastewater for the greatest benefit. No matter which system you decide to build, you'll have the information to construct it yourself or move forward with confidence to hire a professional.

Flush it and forget it is the plumbing mantra of the industrialized world. Most people just want sewage to go away, preferably without having to see, smell, or worse yet, touch it. But crap has a bad rap. Human waste is a valuable resource we can use to support food production. Blackwater, greywater, and solids are actually rich in organic matter, and alternative means of handling these'wastes'can conserve enormous quantities of fresh water for other uses.The Scoop on Poop presents a wide range of ways to answer the call of nature, and in so doing to maximize the benefits of existing waste water. This book explores proven alternatives to Western sanitation. Whether you're interested in composting toilets, outdoor grey- or blackwater planters, constructed wetlands, or other innovative solutions, author Dan Chiras will walk you through: System pros and cons Design, construction, and maintenance advice Costs, permitting issues, and the safe treatment of composted wasteAll system plans are relatively simple and straightforward enough for the average homeowner to build and install. Intended for readers who live in cities, towns and rural environments, this is a practical guide to safe, ingenious ways to capture the nutrients from waste and recycle them back into your soil to grow fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers—all without running afoul of the'ick'factor. Dan Chiras is the author of over thirty books on residential renewable energy and green building, and is the director of the Evergreen Institute's Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building.