Soil-biofilters for elimination of xenobiotics from wastewaters

The presence of xenobiotics in surface waters and ground water is not wanted in general and in detail regulated by a multitude of international and national regulations. However, xenobiotic compounds are emitted with the regular treated waste water into surface waters, as current waste water treatment plants are not designed to eliminate these compounds. Even more of these compounds are discharged by storm waters and combined sewer overflows.It is generally suggested that separating sewers into waste water and rainwater systems might help to improve the situation. However in the last few years it has been demonstrated, that storm waters can be heavily polluted with biocides, lubricants and PAHs. In this study we investigated the possibilities to eliminate lipophilic fragrances, bactericides, UV blockers, lubricants etc, as well as more hydrophilic organophosphate flame retardants, biocides and other components with low cost soil biofilter techniques suited for on-site decentralised treatment of storm waters and combined sewer overflows. On the other hand the same systems and compounds were tested in for polishing treated waste water in respect of further elimination of xenobiotic compounds