Ecological Wastewater Treatment System in a School Environment Using a Horizontal Flow Biological Reactor: The Case of Typha

The overarching goal of this study is to offer an effective and sustainable solution to the challenges of sanitation in rural and school settings in the northern region of Senegal. The study explores a wastewater treatment approach based on phytoremediation, with a particular focus on the use of horizontally-flowing reed bed filters. Furthermore, it aims to adapt and optimize these systems for the specific needs of Senegal, focusing on wastewater in school environments. Thus, we constructed a horizontally-flowing reed bed filter, planted with Typha, at the Ndiébène Gandiol school in Senegal. We will investigate the efficiency of wastewater treatment by this horizontally-flowing reed bed filter, emphasizing the role of the plant used: Typha. The filter is described in detail, specifying its dimensions, its composition of flint gravel, and the choice of plants, namely Typha. The experimental protocol is detailed, describing the sampling at the entrance and exit of the filter to evaluate water quality. The parameters analyzed include Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand over 5 days (BOD5), suspended solids, ammonium, nitrates, phosphates, pH, conductivity, and fecal coliforms. The results indicate a significant improvement in water quality after treatment. COD, BOD5, suspended solids, and fecal coliforms are greatly reduced, thus demonstrating the efficacy of the Typha filter. However, nitrate concentrations remain relatively stable, suggesting room for improvement in their elimination. A perspective of reuse of the treated water is considered, showing that the effluents from the planted filter meet Senegalese and international standards for irrigation. The findings suggest that these waters could be used for a variety of crops, thereby reducing the pressure on freshwater resources. In conclusion, the Typha-based filtration system shows promising results for improving water quality in this region of Senegal. However, adjustments are necessary for more effective nitrate removal. This study paves the way for sustainable use of treated wastewater for irrigation, thus contributing to food security and the preservation of water resources.

Numerical Modeling of Mass Transfer in the Interaction between River Biofilm and a Turbulent Boundary Layer

In this article dedicated to the modeling of vertical mass transfers between the biofilm and the bulk flow, we have, in the first instance, presented the methodology used, followed by the presentation of various results obtained through analyses conducted on velocity fields, different fluxes, and overall transfer coefficients. Due to numerical constraints (resolution of relevant spatial scales), we have restricted the analysis to low Schmidt numbers (Sc=0.1, Sc=1, and Sc=10) and a single roughness Reynolds number (Re*=150). The analysis of instantaneous concentration fields from various simulations revealed logarithmic concentration profiles above the canopy. In this zone, the concentration is relatively homogeneous for longer times. The analysis of results also showed that the contribution of molecular diffusion to the total flux depends on the Schmidt number. This contribution is negligible for Schmidt numbers Sc≥0.1, but nearly balances the turbulent flux for Sc=0.1. In the canopy, the local Sherwood number, given by the ratio of the total flux (within or above the canopy) to the molecular diffusion flux at the wall, also depends on the Schmidt number and varies significantly between the canopy and the region above. The exchange velocity, a purely hydrodynamic parameter, is independent of the Schmidt number and is on the order of 10% of in the present case. This study also reveals that nutrient absorption by organisms near the wall depends on the Schmidt number. Such absorption is facilitated by lower Schmidt numbers.