Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR) - SSWM PDF

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Compiled by:
Wastewater Treatment
Reuse and Recharge
Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic

Science and Technology), Dorothee Spuhler
(seecon international gmbh)
Adapted from: TILLEY, E.; ULRICH, L.; LUETHI, C.; REYMOND, P.; ZURBRUEGG, C. (2014)
Executive Summary
An anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) is an improved Septic Tank with a series
of baffles under which the grey-, black- or the industrial wastewater is forced
to flow under and offer the baffles from the inlet to the outlet. The increased
contact time with the active biomass (sludge) results in improved treatment.
ABRs are robust and can treat a wide range of wastewater, but both
remaining sludge and effluents still need further treatment in order to be
Sustainable Sanitation
Grasp the interlinkages of
water, sanitation and climate
change:
Sustainable Sanitation
Climate Change
Background
Background information on
health and hygiene issues and
the importance of sound
institutional, legal and
political frameworks for
water and sanitation.
Health and Hygiene Issues
Framework Issues
reused or discharged properly.

In
Out
Blackwater, Greywater, Brownwater, (Faecal

Fertigation Water, Biogas, Compost/Biosolids
Sludge)
Decentralisation
Understand in which
situations decentralisation
could be an adequate measure
in the water and sanitation
sector.
Decentralisation (WWT)
Introduction
Anaerobic baffled reactors (ABR) are septic tanks that have been upgraded with a series of
baffles along the treatment chamber. The upflow chambers provide enhanced removal and
digestion of organic matter. As septic tanks, ABRs are based on a physical treatment (settling)
and a biological treatment (anaerobic digestion).
Biogas producing Treatments

There are other treatment
technologies that use
anaerobic digestion and
produce biogas:
Anaerobic Digestion (General)
Biogas Settler
Anaerobic Filters
Anaerobic Digestion (Organic
Waste)
Anaerobic Digestion (Largescale)
Direct Use of Biogas
Biogas Electricity (Small-scale)
Biogas Electricity (Largescale)
DEWATS
Anaerobic filters are often
used in decentralised
wastewater treatment
systems (DEWATS) in
combination with:
Schematic of the Anaerobic Baffled Reactor. Source: TILLEY et al. (2014).
An ABR consists of a tank and alternating hanging and standing baffles that compartmentalise
the reactors and force liquid to flow up and down from one compartment to the next, enabling
an enhanced contact between the fresh wastewater entering the reactor and the residual
sludge, containing the microorganisms responsible for anaerobic digestion of the organic
pollutants. The compartmentalised design separates the solids retention time from the
hydraulic retention time, making it possible to anaerobically treat wastewater at short
retention times of only some hours (EPA 2006). Solids high treatment rates are high, while the
overall sludge production is characteristically low (FOXON et al. 2004). They are simple to
build and simple to operate, as well as very robust to hydraulic and organic shock loading
(SASSE 1998). Yet, both sludge and effluent still need further treatment.
ABRs are suitable for a wide
range of wastewater,
including high-strength
industrial wastewater, but
its efficiency increases with
higher organic load.
Therefore, ABRs are
particularly suited for
influents with a high
percentage of non-settleable
suspended solids and a
narrow COD/BOD ratio
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Biogas Settler
Anaerobic Filters
Horizontal Flow CW
Vertical Flow CW
Precedent steps
Anaerobic baffled typically
collect effluent from:
Pour-Flush Toilet
Flush Toilet
Urine Diversion Flush Toilet
Low-flush Toilet
Vacuum Toilet
Reuse and Recharge
Effluents may infiltrated
on-site, collected and brought
to a secondary treatment, or
reused for fertigation if not
heavily polluted:
Soak Pits
Solids-free Sewers
Simplified Sewers
Free-Surface CW
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Vertical Flow CW
Fertigation
Aquaculture (Plants)
Aquaculture (Animals)
typically applied in DEWATS,

usually in combination with
several other treatment
steps. A typical DEWATS could be a five component system of first three anaerobic steps
consisting of a biogas settler; an ABR and an anaerobic filter; followed by an aerobic treatment
unit such as a constructed wetland (Free-Water Surface CV, Horizontal Subsurface Flow CV or
Vertical Flow CV) and a maturation pond (WHO 2009). BOD may be reduced by up to 90%,
which is far superior to its removal in a conventional Septic Tank.
Decentralized Wastewater Management at Adarsh College Badalapur
Maharashtra India. Source:SUSANA 2010
Faecal Sludge
Sludge that has been
pre-settled in septic tanks is
called faecal sludge. It still
contains a lot of pathogens
and needs to be treated
before reuse. See also:
Design Considerations
ABRs are a combination of the principles of septic tanks, moving bed reactors and up-flow
anaerobic sludge blanket reactors. The difference to MBRs and UASBs lies in the fact that it is
not necessary for the sludge blanket to float; and that effluent retention is not necessary since
a part of the active sludge that is washed out from one chamber is trapped in the next (SASSE
1998). The majority of settleable solids are removed in a sedimentation chamber in front of
the actual ABR. Small-scale stand-alone units typically have an integrated settling
compartment, but primary sedimentation can also take place in a separate Settler or another
preceding technology (e.g., existing Septic Tanks). Designs without a settling compartment are
of particular interest for (Semi-) Centralized Treatment plants that combine the ABR with
other technologies, or where prefabricated, modular units are used.
Unplanted Drying Beds

Planted Drying Beds
Unplanted Drying Beds
Settling / Thickening Ponds
(Co-)composting (Large-scale)
Anaerobic Digestion (Largescale)
Typical inflows range from 2 to 200 m3 per day. Critical design parameters include a hydraulic
retention time (HRT) between 48 to 72 hours, upflow velocity of the wastewater below 0.6
m/h and the number of upflow chambers (3 to 6). The connection between the chambers can
be designed either with vertical pipes or baffles. Accessibility to all chambers (through access
ports) is necessary for maintenance. Usually, the biogas produced in an ABR through anaerobic
digestion is not collected because of its insufficient amount. The tank should be vented to
allow for controlled release of odorous and potentially harmful gases.
The reactor always starts with a settling chamber for larger solids and impurities (SASSE 1998)
followed by a series of at least 2 (MOREL & DIENER 2006), sometimes up to 5 (SASSE 1998)
up-flow chambers. The wastewater enters the chambers at the bottom and needs to pass
through the sludge to move up and to the next compartment. Thereby particles settle against
the up-stream (SASSE 1998). As the wastewater passes through the sludge, intensive contact
between the active biomass in the resident sludge and newly incoming wastewater occurs. To
equally distribute the entering liquid in the chambers, they should be designed as relatively
short compartments (< 75 cm of length and < 50% to 60% of the height, SASSE 1998). To retain
any possible scum formed in the up-flow chamber, the outlets of each tank as well as the final
outlet should be placed slightly below the liquid surface (SASSE 1998).
The up-flow velocity is the most crucial parameter for dimensioning, especially with high
hydraulic loading. It should not exceed 2.0 m/h (SASSE 1998; MOREL & DIENER 2006). Based on
a given HRT, the up-flow velocity increases in direct relation to the reactor height. Therefore,
the reactor height cannot serve as a variable parameter to design the reactor for the required
HRT. The limited upstream velocity results in large but shallow tanks. It is for this reason that
the baffled reactor is not economical for larger plants (SASSE 1998). The organic load should
be below 3 kg COD/m3/day. Higher loading-rates are possible with higher temperature and for
easily degradable substrates (SASSE 1998).
During the anaerobic digestion, biogas is produced, which can be recovered and reused in the
kitchen or for driving pumps and other equipment when necessary. Methane concentration
increases steadily from the first compartment to the last (WANG et al. 2004). The methane
producing activity of anaerobic sludge in different compartments depends on the substrate,
which suggests that the proper anaerobic consortium in each separate compartment develops
in accordance to the substrate available and the specific environmental conditions (WANG et
al. 2004). The use of the produced biogas in the kitchen might be the most realistic and easiest
way to reuse the biogas in decentralised systems. If the gas is not recovered, the tanks need to
be vented to prevent the release of the potentially harmful gases (TILLEY et al. 2008).
To increase the treatment efficiency (especially regarding pathogens), the last chamber may
be an anaerobic filter (WSP 2008).
Treatment performance
Treatment performance of
ABRs is in the range of 65% to
aerobic baffled reactor and a final anaerobic filter unit. Source:
90% COD (Chemical Oxygen
BORDA (2009)
Demand) removal,
corresponding to about 70%
to 95% of BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) (SASSE 1998; MOREL & DIENER 2006; BORDA 2008).
This is far superior to that of a conventional septic tank (30 to 50 %, UNEP 2004). The majority
of the settleable solids are removed in the sedimentation chamber at the beginning of the
ABR, which typically represents 50 % of the total volume of TSS (TILLEY et al. 2008). The
special design also allows for an enhanced treatment of non-settleable solids and a Total
Suspended Solids (TSS) removal of up to 90% can be achieved (SINGH 2008). The tanks put in
series also help to digest substances that are difficult to degrade, predominantly in the rear
part, after easily degradable matters have been digested in the front part already (SASSE
1998). Consequently, recycling of effluent would have a slightly negative effect on treatment
quality ABRs can be designed for a daily inflow in a range of some m3/day up to several
Construction of different toilet blocks connected to two
pre-fabricated fibreglass reactor comprising a settling chamber, an
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(HRT) in ABRs is relatively short and varies from only a few hours up to two or three days
(FOXON et al. 2004; MOREL & DIENER 2006; TILLEY et al. 2008).
Health Aspects/Acceptance
Under normal operating conditions, users do not come in contact with the influent or effluent.
Effluent, scum and sludge must be handled with care as they contain high levels of pathogenic
organisms. The effluent contains odorous compounds that may have to be removed in a further
polishing step. Care should be taken to design and locate the facility such that odours do not
bother community members.
In general, the quality of ABR effluents has been shown to consistently meet guidelines for
irrigation regarding the removal of organics (e.g. COD or BOD) for reuse in agriculture, but not
for discharge to surface water (FOXON et al. 204). The effluents do also contain high amounts
of nutrients, ammonia and phosphorus and these nutrients may be regarded as a resource
from an agricultural point of view (FOXON et al. 2004). The problem is though, that pathogen
removal is generally not satisfactory for the reuse in agriculture and when, only very restricted
reuse is recommended.
Costs considerations
Septic tank are generally low cost. However, the costs vary depending on the availability of
materials and economy of scale (EAWAG/SANDEC 2008). In any case, ABRs have a high potential
to be used in DEWATS. As they do not require any electricity and are simple to construct and
operate, they are generally cheaper than more mechanical, centralised technology options.
ABRs can be constructed with locally available material. However, expert design is required.
Operation & Maintenance

An ABR requires a start-up period of several months to reach full treatment capacity since the
slow growing anaerobic biomass first needs to be established in the reactor. To reduce start-up
time, the ABR can be inoculated with anaerobic bacteria, e.g., by adding fresh cow dung or
septic tank sludge. The added stock of active bacteria can then multiply and adapt to the
incoming wastewater. In principle, it is advantageous to start with a quarter of the daily flow
and then slightly increase loading rates over three months, allowing the bacteria enough time
to multiply before suspended solids are washed out (SASSE 1998). As a long start up time is
required for the anaerobic digestion of the sludge, the ABR technology should not be used
when the need for a treatment system is immediate (TILLEY et al. 2008). Because of the
delicate ecology, care should be taken not to discharge harsh chemicals into the ABR.
Scum and sludge levels need to be monitored to ensure that the tank is functioning well.
Process operation in general is not required, and maintenance is limited to the removal of
accumulated sludge and scum every 1 to 3 years (EAWAG/SANDEC 2008). This is best done using
a Motorized Emptying and Transport technology or a Human-powered Emptying and Transport
Technology to avoid that humans get in contact with the sludge and are exposed to health risks
(TILLEY et al. 2008). The desludging frequency depends on the chosen pre-treatment steps, as
well as on the design of the ABR. When emptying the tanks, it is vital that some active sludge
is left in each of the compartments to maintain a stable treatment process (SASSE 1998).
ABR tanks should be checked from time to time to ensure that they are watertight.
At a Glance
ABOUT
Working Principle
Vertical baffles in the tank force the

pre-settled wastewater to flow under and
over the baffles guaranteeing contact
between wastewater and resident sludge and
allowing an enhanced anaerobic digestion of
suspended and dissolved solids; at least 1
sedimentation chamber and 25 up-flow
chambers.
Capacity/Adequacy
Community (and household) level; For

pre-settled domestic or (high-strength)
industrial wastewater of narrow COD/BOD
ration. Typically integrated in DEWATS
systems; Not adapted for areas with high
ground-water table or prone to flooding.
Performance
70- 95% BOD; 80% - 90% TSS; Low pathogen

reduction.
HRT: 1 to 3 days
Costs
Generally low-cost; depending on availability

of materials and economy of scale.
Self-help Compatibility
Requires expert design, but can be

constructed with locally available material.
O&M
Should be checked for water tightness, scum

and sludge levels regularly; Sludge needs to
be dug out and discharged properly (e.g. in
composting or drying bed); needs to be
vented.
Reliability
High resistance to shock loading and

changing temperature, pH or chemical
composition of the influent; requires no
energy.
Main strengths
Strong resistance; built from local material;

biogas can be recovered.
Main weakness
Long start-up phase.
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Applicability
This technology is easily adaptable and can be applied at the household level, in small
neighbourhoods as DEWATS or even in bigger catchment areas (preferably with a transport
system such as a simplified sewer or a solids-free sewer system in place). It is most appropriate
where a relatively constant amount of blackwater and greywater is generated. A (semi-)
centralized ABR is appropriate when there is a pre-existing Conveyance technology, such as a
Simplified Sewer. ABRs in DEWATS are also suited for industrial wastewaters.
Up to several hundreds of m3/day can be treated. However, a good community organisation is
required to ensure that the ABR is used and maintained properly. The effluent is not fully
treated and must be disposed of properly or sent to secondary treatment (EAWAG/SANDEC
2008).
This technology is suitable for areas where land may be limited since the tank is most
commonly installed underground and requires a small area. However, a vacuum truck should be
able to access the location because the sludge must be regularly removed (particularly from
the settling compartment). Also, it should not be installed in areas with a high groundwater
table or prone to flooding as infiltration will affect the treatment efficiency and contaminate
the groundwater.
BORDA has developed pre-fabricated ABRs made out of fibreglass and including anaerobic
filters as a final step for emergency sanitation (BORDA 2009). Even though start-up of the ABR
takes several months, these pre-fabricated models are rapidly constructed and can consist in a
long-term solution once the start-up phase is completed. Therefore, such pre-fabricated
models might also find more and more application for other than emergency situations.
Fibreglass is available and affordable in nearly all parts of the world and fibreglass
constructions can be built quickly and well in advance of need (BORDA 2009). However, one
should keep in mind, that the start-up of ABR generally requires at least three month.
ABRs can be installed in every type of climate, although the efficiency is lower in colder
climates. They are not efficient at removing nutrients and pathogens. The effluent usually
requires further treatment.
Advantages
Resistant to organic and hydraulic shock loads
No electrical energy is required
Low operating costs
Long service life
High reduction of BOD
Low sludge production; the sludge is stabilized
Moderate area requirement (can be built underground)
Simple to operate
Disadvantages
Long start-up phase
Requires expert design and construction
Low reduction of pathogens and nutrients
Effluent and sludge require further treatment and/or appropriate discharge
Needs strategy for faecal sludge management (effluent quality rapidly deteriorates
if sludge is not removed regularly)
Needs water to flush
Clear design guidelines are not available yet
References
BACHMANN, A.; BEARD, V. L.; MCCARTY, P. L. (1985): Performance Characteristics of the
Anaerobic Baffled Reactor. In: Water Research 19, 99-106. London: IWA Publishing.
BARBER, W.P.; STUCKEY D.C. (1999): The use of the anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) for
wastewater treatment- A review. In: Wat. Res 33, 7.
BORDA (Editor) (2009): EmSan - Emergency Sanitation. An innovative & rapidly installable
solution to improve hygiene and health in emergency situations. (= Concept Note). Bremen:
Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association . URL [Accessed: 26.03.2010]. PDF
EAWAG/SANDEC (Editor) (2008): Sanitation Systems and Technologies. Lecture Notes . (=
Sandec Training Tool 1.0, Module 4). Duebendorf: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science
(EAWAG), Department of Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries (SANDEC). PDF
FOXON, K. M.; BUCKLEY, C. A.; BROUCKAERT, C. J.; DAMA, P.; MTEMBU, Z.; RODDA, N.; SMITH,
M.; PILLAY, S.; ARJUNG, N.; LALBAHADUR, T.; BUX, F. (2006): Evaluation of the Anaerobic
Baffled Reactor for Sanitation in Dense Peri-urban Settlements. (= WRC Report No 1248/01/06).
Pretoria: Water Research Commission. URL [Accessed: 21.08.2014]. PDF
FOXON, K.M.; PILLAY, S.; LALBAHADUR, T.; RODDA, N.; HOLDER, F.; BUCKLEY, C.A. (2004): The
anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR)- An appropriate technology for on-site sanitation. In: Water SA
30, 5. PDF
GUTTERER, B.; SASSE, L.; PANZERBIETER, T.; RECKERZGEL, T.; ULRICH, A. (Editor); REUTER, S.
(Editor); GUTTERER, B. (Editor) (2009): Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS)
and Sanitation in Developing Countries. Loughborough University (UK): Water Engineering and
Deveopment Centre (WEDC). URL [Accessed: 20.03.2014]. PDF
MOREL, A.; DIENER, S. (2006): Greywater Management in Low and Middle-Income Countries,
Review of Different Treatment Systems for Households or Neighbourhoods. (= SANDEC Report
No. 14/06). Duebendorf: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science (EAWAG), Department of
Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries (SANDEC). URL [Accessed: 19.05.2010]. PDF
SANIMAS (Editor) (2005): Informed Choice Catalogue. pdf presentation. BORDA and USAID. PDF
SASSE, L. ; BORDA (Editor) (1998): DEWATS. Decentralised Wastewater Treatment in Developing
Countries. Bremen: Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA). PDF
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SINGH, S.; HABERLA, R.; MOOG, O.; SHRESTA, R.R.; SHRESTA, P.; SHRESTA, R. (2009):
Performance of an Anaerobic Baffled Reactor and Hybrid Constructed Wetland treating
high-strength Wastewater in Nepal- A model for DEWATS . In: Ecological Engineering 35,
654-660.
STUCKEY, D. C.; H. H. P. Fang (Editor) (2010): Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR) for Wastewater
Treatment. In: H. H. P. Fang (Editor) (2010): Environmental Anaerobic Technology. London.
SUSANA (Editor) (2010): Decentralized Wastewater Management at Adarsh College Badalapur,
Maharashtra, India. Factsheet. (= SuSanA - Factsheet). Eschborn: Sustainable Sanitation
Alliance (SuSanA). URL [Accessed: 12.01.2011]. PDF
TILLEY, E.; ULRICH, L.; LUETHI, C.; REYMOND, P.; ZURBRUEGG, C. (2014): Compendium of
Sanitation Systems and Technologies. 2nd Revised Edition. Duebendorf, Switzerland: Swiss
Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag). URL [Accessed: 28.07.2014]. PDF
TILLEY, E.; LUETHI, C.; MOREL, A.; ZURBRUEGG, C.; SCHERTENLEIB, R. (2008): Compendium of
Sanitation Systems and Technologies. Duebendorf, Switzerland: Swiss Federal Institute of
Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG) and Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative
Council (WSSCC). URL [Accessed: 15.02.2010]. PDF
See document in FRENCH
U.S. EPA (Editor) (2006): Emerging Technologies for Biosolids Management. (= EPA 832-R, 5/6).
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wastewater Management. PDF
WANG, J.; HUANG, Y.; ZHAO, X. (2004): Performance and Characteristics of an Anaerobic
Baffled Reactor. In: Bioresource Technology 93, 205208.
WHO (Editor) (2009): Ecosan Expert Training Course for the Introduction of Ecological
Sanitation in Bhutan. (= Training Course Report). Geneva: World Health Organisation. URL
[Accessed: 12.01.2011]. PDF
WSP (Editor) (2008): Technology Options for Urban Sanitation in India. A Guide to DecisionMaking. pdf presentation. New Delhi: Water and Sanitation Program (WSP). URL [Accessed:
26.03.2010]. PDF
Further Readings
BORDA (Editor) (2009): EmSan - Emergency Sanitation. An
innovative & rapidly installable solution to improve hygiene and
health in emergency situations. (= Concept Note). Bremen: Bremen
Overseas Research and Development Association . URL [Accessed:
26.03.2010]. PDF
This source presents the DEWATS emergency sanitation service
package, including options for different types of prefabricated
materials, developed by BORDA.
FOXON, K.M.; BUCKLEY, C.A. (2006): Guidelines For The
Implementation of Anaerobic Baffled Reactors for On-Site Or
Decentralised Saniation. Durban: University of KwaZulu-Natal. URL
This paper provides a framework within which a process engineer
can design an anaerobic baffled reactor for the treatment of a
specific domestic wastewater.
FOXON, K.M.; PILLAY, S.; LALBAHADUR, T.; RODDA, N.; HOLDER, F.;
BUCKLEY, C.A. (2004): The anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR)- An
appropriate technology for on-site sanitation. In: Water SA 30, 5.
PDF
The publication analyses the appropriateness of anaerobic baffled
reactors (ABRs) for on-site primary sanitation in low-income
communities. COD removal in domestic wastewater by a pilot ABR
(3000L) was assessed. Results indicate that COD was sufficiently
reduced for the reuse of the water in agriculture, but not for
directly discharging it into natural surface or groundwater bodies.
KOOTTATEP, T.; SRI-ANANT, W.; ANTOINE, M.; SCHERTENLEIB, R.
(2004): Potential of the Anaerobic Baffled Reactor as decentralized
Wastewater Treatment System in the Tropics. Klong Luang and
Duebendorf: School of Environment, Resources and Development
(SERD)/Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Water and Sanitation
in Developing Countries (SANDEC) at the Swiss Federal Institute for
Environmental Science (EAWAG). URL [Accessed: 03.01.2011]. PDF
The anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) could be a valuable
alternative to conventional septic tanks. In this study, 3 lab-scale
experimental ABR (2 baffles with and without anaerobic filter,
respectively, and 3 baffles) were studied and compared to a
conventional 2 chambers septic tank. The experimental units were
fed with a mixture of septage and sewage in order to imitate the
characteristics of toilet wastewater from households.
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LEMOS CHERNICHARO, C.A. de (2007): Anaerobic Reactors. (=

Biological Wastewater Treatment Series, 4). London: International
Water Association (IWA) Publishing. URL [Accessed: 01.11.2013].
PDF
Anaerobic Reactors is the forth volume in the series Biological
Wastewater Treatment. The fundamentals of anaerobic treatment
are presented in detail, including its applicability, microbiology,
biochemistry and main reactor configurations. Two reactor types
are analysed in more detail, namely anaerobic filters and
especially UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket) reactors.
Particular attention is also devoted to the post-treatment of the
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and informative way the main concepts, working principles,

expected removal efficiencies, design criteria, design examples,
construction aspects and operational guidelines for anaerobic
reactors.
MONVOIS, J.; GABERT, J.; FRENOUX, C.; GUILLAUME, M. (2010): How
to Select Appropriate Technical Solutions for Sanitation. (= Six
Methodological Guides for a Water and Sanitation Services'
Development Strategy, 4). Cotonou and Paris: Partenariat pour le
Dveloppement Municipal (PDM) and Programme Solidarit Eau
(pS-Eau). URL [Accessed: 19.10.2011]. PDF
The purpose of this guide is to assist local contracting authorities
and their partners in identifying those sanitation technologies best
suited to the different contexts that exist within their town. The
first part of the guide contains a planning process and a set of
criteria to be completed; these assist you in characterizing each
area of intervention so that you are then in a position to identify
the most appropriate technical solutions. The second part of the
guide consists of technical factsheets which give a practical
overview of the technical and economic characteristics, the
operating principle and the pros and cons of the 29 sanitation
technology options most commonly used in sub-Saharan Africa.
See document in FRENCH
MOREL, A.; DIENER, S. (2006): Greywater Management in Low and

Middle-Income Countries, Review of Different Treatment Systems
for Households or Neighbourhoods. (= SANDEC Report No. 14/06).
Duebendorf: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science (EAWAG),
Department of Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries
(SANDEC). URL [Accessed: 19.05.2010]. PDF
This report compiles international experience in greywater
management on household and neighbourhood level in low and
middle-income countries. The documented systems, which vary
significantly in terms of complexity, performance and costs, range
from simple systems for single-house applications (e.g. local
infiltration or garden irrigation) to rather complex treatment
trains for neighbourhoods (e.g. series of vertical and
horizontal-flow planted soil filters).
ROBBINS, D.M.; LIGON, G.C. (2014): How to Design Wastewater
Systems for Local Conditions in Developing Countries. London:
International Water Association (IWA). URL [Accessed: 20.01.2015].
This manual provides guidance in the design of wastewater systems
in developing country settings. It promotes a context-specific
approach to technology selection by guiding the user to select the
most suitable technologies for their area. It provides tools and
field guides for source characterization and site evaluation, as well
as technology identification and selection. This manual is primarily
addressed to private and public sector service providers, regulators
and engineers/development specialists in charge of implementing
wastewater systems.
SASSE, L. ; BORDA (Editor) (1998): DEWATS. Decentralised
Wastewater Treatment in Developing Countries. Bremen: Bremen
Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA). PDF
Exhaustive report on technological, operational and economic
aspects of decentralised waste water treatment systems.
Spreadsheet examples support the reader in designing and planning
waste water treatment systems components.
SPERLING, M. von; LEMOS CHERNICHARO, C.A. de (2005): Biological

Wastewater Treatment in Warm Climate Regions Volume 1. London:
International Water Association (IWA) Publishing. URL [Accessed:
01.11.2013]. PDF
Biological Wastewater Treatment in Warm Climate Regions gives a
state-of-the-art presentation of the science and technology of
biological wastewater treatment, particularly domestic sewage.
The book covers the main treatment processes used worldwide
with wastewater treatment in warm climate regions given a
particular emphasis where simple, affordable and sustainable
solutions are required. The 55 chapters are divided into 7 parts
over two volumes: Volume One: (1) Introduction to wastewater
characteristics, treatment and disposal; (2) Basic principles of
wastewater treatment; (3) Stabilisation ponds; (4) Anaerobic
reactors; Volume Two (also available in the SSWM library): (5)
Activated sludge; (6) Aerobic biofilm reactors; (7) Sludge
treatment and disposal.
SRI-ANANT, W. (2003): Upgrading conventional Septic Tanks by
integrating in tank Baffles. Klong Luang: School of Environment,
Resources and Development (SERD)/Asian Institute of Technology
(AIT) . URL [Accessed: 03.01.2011]. PDF
The objective of this research study was to compare the treatment
performance of the conventional septic tank system with upgraded
septic tank systems, and to try to define the optimal operation
conditions.
WSP (Editor) (2007): Philippines Sanitation Source Book and Decision
Aid. pdf presentation. Washington: Water and Sanitation Program.
PDF
This Sanitation Sourcebook distils some of the core concepts of
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practical reference to sanitation professionals and investment

decision-makers, particularly the local governments. The annexe
contains a practical collection of factsheets on selected sanitation
system options.
WSP (Editor) (2008): Technology Options for Urban Sanitation in

India. A Guide to Decision-Making. pdf presentation. New Delhi:
Water and Sanitation Program (WSP). URL [Accessed: 26.03.2010].
PDF
These guidance notes are designed to provide state governments
and urban local bodies with additional information on available
technologies on sanitation. The notes also aid in making an
informed choice and explain the suitability of approaches.
Case Studies
BORDA (Editor) (2007): Community Based Sanitation SANIMAS.
Islamic Centre An Nawawi, Purworejo, Central. (= Technical Data
Sheet, No.: ID-JTa-L 75). DEWATS Indonesia and Bremen Overseas
Research and Development Association (BORDA). PDF
Case study of the construction a DEWATS system for 190 of students
and teachers comprising a sedimentation step, an anaerobic baffle
reactor (ABR) and an expansion chamber, which consisting of 7
compartments. The effluent is discharged into river/waterbody.
BORDA (Editor) (2008): Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System
- DEWATS. Animal Products Development Centre, Bureau of Animal
Industry (APDC-BAI). (= Sustainable Sanitation Project Data Sheet).
Bremen: Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association
(BORDA). PDF
The Animal Products Development Centre, Bureau of Animal
Industry (APDC-BAI) together with Bremen Overseas Research and
Development Association (BORDA) developed together this DEWATS
system in the view of a resources-saving and environmental
friendly management of slaughterhouses and meat processing
wastes in the Philippines. The system comprises a closed
small-scale sewer system, an anaerobic digester, an anaerobic
baffled reactor (ABR), an anaerobic filter (AF) and an aerobic
planted filter as a final step to reduce odours.
BORDA (Editor) (2008): Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System
- DEWATS. Manjuyod Public Market. (= Sustainable Sanitation
Project Data Sheet). Bremen: Bremen Overseas Research and
Development Association (BORDA) . URL [Accessed: 26.03.2010].
PDF
The wastewater from Manjuyods public market is treated in a
decentralized system (DEWATS) composed of four different
components: a settling tank; a anaerobic baffled reactor which
reduces the BOD/COD content from 20% to 85%; a planted gravel
filter; and finally a polishing pond.
MOREL A.; DIENER S. (2006): Ecosan Greywater Demonstration
Project. Case study from Kuching, Malaysia. In: MOREL, A.; DIENER,
S. (2006): Greywater Management in Low and Middle-Income
Countries, Review of Different Treatment Systems for Households or
Neighbourhoods. Duebendorf, 76-79.
The city of Kuching is currently lacking a wastewater treatment
plant, and the local subsurface conditions make a conventional
centralised wastewater system expensive to implement. Most
buildings are equipped with two separate wastewater outlets, one
outlet for blackwater and one for greywater. The proposed system
treats greywater from nine households, and consists of a baffled
septic tank, followed by a dosing chamber from where the
greywater flows into four vertical down-flow, single-pass aerobic
biofilters before reaching a subsurface horizontal-flow planted
filter. Finally, the treated greywater is discharged into a
stormwater drain.
NASR, F.A.; DOMA, H.S.; NASSAR, H.F. (2008): Treatment of
domestic wastewater using an anaerobic baffled reactor followed
by a duckweed pond for agricultural purposes . pdf presentation. (=
Environmentalist, 270/29). Egypt: Water Pollution Control
Department. URL [Accessed: 26.03.2010]. PDF
In this study, an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) was fed
continuously with domestic wastewater at four HRTs ranging from 8
to 24 h and corresponds to organic loading rates ranging from 0.67
to 2.1 kg COD/m3/day. The ABR effluent was fed to a DWP
operating at 10 and 15 days. The performance of the ABR at the
four HRTs gave satisfactory results.
ROBBINS, D.; STRANDE, L.; DOCZI, J. (2012): Opportunities in Fecal
Sludge Management for Cities in Developing Countries: Experiences
from the Philippines. North Carolina: RTI International . URL
In July 2012, a team from RTI International deployed to the
Philippines to evaluate four FSM programs with the goal of
reporting on best practices and lessons learned. The four cases
Dumaguete City San Fernando City Maynilad Water for the west
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metro Manilawere chosen to highlight their different approaches

to implementing FSM.
SINGH, S.; HABERLA, R.; MOOG, O.; SHRESTA, R.R.; SHRESTA, P.;
SHRESTA, R. (2009): Performance of an Anaerobic Baffled Reactor
and Hybrid Constructed Wetland treating high-strength Wastewater
in Nepal- A model for DEWATS . In: Ecological Engineering 35,
654-660.
SUSANA (Editor) (2010): Decentralized Wastewater Management at

Adarsh College Badalapur, Maharashtra, India. Factsheet. (= SuSanA
- Factsheet). Eschborn: Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA).
URL [Accessed: 12.01.2011]. PDF
Training Material
EAWAG/SANDEC (Editor) (2008): Sanitation Systems and
Technologies. Lecture Notes . (= Sandec Training Tool 1.0, Module
4). Duebendorf: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science (EAWAG),
Department of Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries
(SANDEC). PDF
Lecture notes on technical and non-technical aspects of sanitation
systems in developing countries.

Technologies. Exercise: Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR). (= Sandec
Training Tool 1.0, Exercises). Duebendorf: Swiss Federal Institute of
Aquatic Science (EAWAG), Department of Water and Sanitation in
Developing Countries (SANDEC). PDF
Exercise on the dimensioning of am anaerobic baffled reactor.

Technologies. Exercise: Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR). (= Sandec
Training Tool 1.0, Exercises). Duebendorf: Swiss Federal Institute of
Aquatic Science (EAWAG), Department of Water and Sanitation in
Developing Countries (SANDEC). PDF
Exercise on the dimensioning of am anaerobic baffled reactor.
MANG, H.-P.; LI, Z. (2010): Technology Review of Biogas Sanitation.

(= Technology Review ). Eschborn: Deutsche Gesellschaft fr
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. URL [Accessed:
17.06.2013]. PDF
This document provides an overview and introduction on biogas
sanitation (anaerobic digestion) for blackwater or for brown water,
or excreta treatment for reuse in developing countries. The main
technologies discussed are biogas settlers (BSs), biogas septic
tanks, anaerobic baffled reactor (ABRs), anaerobic filter (AFs) and
upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors (UASBs).
Important Weblinks
http://watsanexp.ning.com [Accessed: 21.08.2014]
This site is dedicated to individuals, groups, or institutions interested in improving the quality
of life and health of their communities through wastewater treatment. The tools and
information contained here are provided to help with planning, building and operating low
cost wastewater systems.
http://youtu.be/n9EzBNuR0cM [Accessed: 21.08.2014]
This film is on sanitation post tsunami. It's a case study about East Devdhanam in Trichy (Tamil
Nadu), where Community Based Sanitation-DEWATS has been quite successful.
http://youtu.be/Ow2scqvsoLo [Accessed: 21.08.2014]
The video shows DEWATS-engineers and community facilitators during a whole process of
implementation of a DEWATS approach at Khoualuang Primary School in Vientiane Capital, Lao
P.D.R.
http://youtu.be/zTqE-8j9Unw [Accessed: 21.08.2014]
This video shows how the Decentralised Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS) works in
Aravind Eye Hospital in Tamil Nadu.
http://www.gpa.unep.org [Accessed: 23.02.2010]
The Train-Sea-Coast GPA is an active inter-agency collaboration between the UNESCO-IHE
Institute for Water Education, the EU ACP Water Facility, the UN DOALOS, UNDP, GEF and
UNEP/GPA. It aims to train experts and local, regional and international instructors in coastal
populations. The compendium of technologies offers a description of several technologies for
wastewater treatment suitable for typical physical conditions in Small Islands Developing
States (SIDS) and low income coastal countries.
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