posted on 2018-02-12, 15:09authored byGodfrey Mwiinga, Boikanyo Setlhare, C. Swartz
Slow sand filtration (SSF) is an effective physical and biological technology that employs fine sand beds and low filtration
rates to treat polluted and contaminated raw water. Its effectiveness lies in the capabilities of the Schmutzdecke (a thin
dirty layer formed at the top of the sand bed) to trap suspended solids as water flows through, and to support organisms
that kill pathogens. SSF is simple in design and construction and it usually uses locally available labour and materials.
The operation and maintenance are simpler than that for high-rate filtration plants. However, in practice SSF do not
benefit for the potential advantages. The aim of this paper is to discuss the practical application of experiences of SSF in
South Africa. It is based on findings from visits to some SSF plants. These are compared to the theoretical expectations
to draw out some learning points.
History
School
Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Research Unit
Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC)
Published in
WEDC Conference
Citation
MWIINGA, G. ... et al, 2004. Practical experiences at 5 slow sand filtration plants in South Africa. IN: Godfrey, S. (ed). People-centred approaches to water and environmental sanitation: Proceedings of the 30th WEDC International Conference, Vientiane, Laos, 25-29 October 2004, pp. 598-601.
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