A Combined Vermifiltration-Hydroponic System for Swine Wastewater Treatment

Intensive swine farming causes strong local environmental impacts by generating effluents rich in solids, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and pathogenic bacteria. Insufficient treatment of hog farm has been reported for common technologies, vermifiltration is considered a promising alternative that, however, requires additional processes to remove nitrate phosphorus. This work aimed study the use with downstream hydroponic culture treat effluents. A system comprising vermifilter deep-water unit was built. The treated effluent reused dilute raw wastewater. Electrical conductivity, pH, changes BOD5, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, coliform bacteria were assessed. Plants monitored throughout experiment. conductivity increased due vermifiltration; pH stayed within neutral mild alkaline range. Vermifiltration removed 83% 99% ammonia 11%. Hydroponic BOD5 (63%), (100%), nitrite (66%), (27%), phosphorus (47% total 44% dissolved) from vermifiltered water. Coliforms reduced but recovered unit. showed ability grow on wastewater, although requiring nutrient supplementation. combined hydroponics optimization will be needed sustainable real-scale implementation.