Winery wastewater treatment using the land filter technique

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Agricultural Engineering
• Water Treatment Technology

Background:

• Winery wastewater presents significant treatment challenges due to variable volumes and high organic loads.
• Effective wastewater management is crucial for wineries to meet environmental regulations and minimize ecological impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a land Filtration and Irrigated cropping for Land Treatment and Effluent Reuse (FILTER) system for treating winery wastewater.
• To assess the system's performance in pollutant removal, soil health management, and effluent quality.

Main Methods:

• A land FILTER system was implemented at a winery, involving preliminary screening and settling, followed by land application on pasture.
• The system was operated to manage variable wastewater loads, minimize pollutant discharge, and ensure adequate soil leaching.
• Soil characteristics and subsurface drainage water quality were monitored throughout the study.

Main Results:

• The land FILTER system successfully neutralized wastewater pH and removed nutrient pollutants to meet EPA discharge limits.
• Subsurface drainage water exhibited slightly elevated levels of suspended solids (SS) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) compared to EPA limits.
• Initial soil blockage due to high organic content was resolved by adjusting the hydraulic loading rate, improving drainage.

Conclusions:

• The land FILTER system demonstrates potential for effective winery wastewater treatment, particularly in pH neutralization and nutrient removal.
• Management of SS and BOD requires careful operational control, including hydraulic loading rate adjustments.
• The system effectively managed soil salinity through adequate leaching, preventing salinization risks.