Development of a monitoring system for multiple on-site wastewater treatment units

As an alternative to village-scale on-site wastewater treatment units, an Absorbent Biofilter System (ABS) significantly lowers costs and increases treatment performance for rural areas. However, the dispersed nature of such on-site units has brought about the need for remote monitoring systems and integrated management with the least number of operators in a central location. The objective of this study was to facilitate stabilized on-site wastewater treatment units in rural areas by introducing a computerized monitoring system to allow for the remote evaluation of system performance and the rapid response in case of malfunction. The monitoring parameters considered for operational conditions of the system were oxidation reduction potential (ORP), water level, pump status, and power supply (on/off). The monitoring system included measurement, control, and display devices. A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) was fabricated with microprocessor and actuator control devices. An operating program was developed to perform its function in a stand-alone state. The system was installed on a pilot scale ABS, and its performance was evaluated. Results revealed that the system is capable of monitoring the prescribed process parameters, both on site and from a remote site. Application of the integrated monitoring system will allow centralized control of an array of systems at one panel by a limited number of service providers in large rural areas. © 2006 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.