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Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research2025; 92(11); 1551-1566; doi: 10.2166/wst.2025.175

Eco-friendly biodegradation processes for affordable wastewater treatment in agricultural and horse stable environments.

Abstract: The pursuit of sustainable livestock farming and environmentally responsible agricultural practices has spurred the development of innovative and affordable wastewater treatment technologies. This study investigates new biological treatment approaches that integrate the complementary processes of filtration, biosorption, and biodegradation to enhance eco-friendly wastewater management. A novel treatment concept was developed, representing a modern modification of the biosorption method that combines the oxidation of organic pollutants with ammonium reduction by an immobilized biocenosis, achieved through controlled aeration zones within a single bioreactor. An experimental facility was constructed and implemented at Feldman EcoPark (Kharkiv region, Ukraine) to serve the wastewater treatment needs of a contact zoo and animal rehabilitation center. The installation consists of a drainage treatment column with filter materials and a bioreactor - rotating biological contactor (RBC) containing microbial communities immobilized on inert carriers. Operational testing demonstrated high treatment efficiency, achieving up to 97.1% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 85.6% removal of nitrogen compounds. Among the tested methods, biosorption proved particularly advantageous due to its cost-effectiveness, operational simplicity, and adaptability. The study also evaluated recycled polymers, including post-consumer PET, polycarbonate, and LDPE, as sustainable functional materials supporting filtration and microbial growth in wastewater treatment systems.
© 2025 The Author This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licence (CC BY 4.0), which permits copying, adaptation and redistribution, provided the original work is properly cited (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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Publication Date: 2025-12-04 PubMed ID: 41392818DOI: 10.2166/wst.2025.175Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This research focuses on developing a cost-effective, eco-friendly wastewater treatment system tailored for agricultural and horse stable environments.
  • The study introduces an innovative biological treatment method that combines filtration, biosorption, and biodegradation within a single bioreactor for improved wastewater management.

Research Background and Objectives

  • The need for sustainable livestock farming and environmentally responsible agriculture has driven the search for new wastewater treatment technologies that are both affordable and effective.
  • The research aims to create a treatment system that leverages biological processes to remove pollutants from wastewater generated in agricultural and animal-related settings.
  • Focus on integrating multiple pollutant removal techniques—filtration, biosorption, and biodegradation—to achieve enhanced treatment outcomes while minimizing environmental impact.

Innovative Treatment Concept

  • The study developed a novel modification of the traditional biosorption method, improving its efficiency by combining it with organic pollutant oxidation and ammonium reduction.
  • This is achieved by using a single bioreactor designed with controlled aeration zones to foster an immobilized biocenosis (microbial communities).
  • The innovative setup allows simultaneous removal of organic compounds and nitrogenous pollutants, streamlining the treatment process.

Experimental Setup

  • An experimental wastewater treatment facility was built at Feldman EcoPark in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, targeting wastewater from a contact zoo and animal rehabilitation center.
  • The system comprises two main components:
    • A drainage treatment column filled with specialized filter materials to physically and chemically treat incoming wastewater.
    • A rotating biological contactor (RBC) bioreactor, where microbial communities are immobilized on inert carriers to biodegrade pollutants.
  • This design allows for continuous biological treatment with improved microbial activity and pollutant breakdown.

Results and Performance

  • Operational tests demonstrated the system’s high efficiency in pollutant removal:
    • Up to 97.1% reduction in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), indicating significant removal of organic pollutants.
    • Up to 85.6% removal of nitrogen compounds, which is critical for preventing eutrophication and environmental damage.
  • Among the treatment components, biosorption stood out as particularly beneficial due to:
    • Cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for budget-constrained agricultural contexts.
    • Operational simplicity, allowing easier maintenance and application by non-specialists.
    • Flexibility and adaptability for various wastewater compositions and treatment scales.

Use of Sustainable Materials

  • The study explored recycled polymers as functional materials supporting filtration and microbial colonization, addressing sustainability goals.
    • Post-consumer PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
    • Polycarbonate
    • LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
  • These materials serve as inert carriers in the bioreactor, facilitating microbial growth and aiding in the biosorption process.
  • The use of recycled plastics offers an environmentally friendly approach by upcycling waste materials while enhancing treatment efficiency.

Significance and Implications

  • The developed technology provides an affordable and eco-friendly solution for managing wastewater in agricultural and animal facility contexts, which often lack advanced treatment infrastructure.
  • By integrating biological processes and recycled materials, the system promotes sustainable management, reduces environmental contamination, and aligns with circular economy principles.
  • The successful implementation at the Feldman EcoPark demonstrates practical applicability and potential for wider adoption in similar settings globally.

Cite This Article

APA
Tsytlishvili K. (2025). Eco-friendly biodegradation processes for affordable wastewater treatment in agricultural and horse stable environments. Water Sci Technol, 92(11), 1551-1566. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2025.175

Publication

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research
ISSN: 0273-1223
NlmUniqueID: 9879497
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 92
Issue: 11
Pages: 1551-1566

Researcher Affiliations

Tsytlishvili, Kateryna
  • Department of Built Environment, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15200, Aalto, Espoo Fi-00076, Finland E-mail: kateryna.tsytlishvili@aalto.fi.

MeSH Terms

  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Animals
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / economics
  • Wastewater / chemistry
  • Bioreactors
  • Horses
  • Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis
  • Agriculture
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / metabolism
  • Water Purification / methods
  • Filtration

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare there is no conflict.

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