ECOSTP- A UNIQUE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

Bangalore resident Tharun Kumar invented a zero-power, zero odor and zero chemical sewage treatment technology, a truly biophillic invention that was inspired by nature- cows to be precise. A sustainable solution to waste treatment that is sure to contribute to a greener planet.

He has designed and built 50 sustainable sewage plants with help from the Biomimicry Institute. These plants emulate a cow’s digestive system. Without any moving parts, the system doesn't require any electricity or manpower for its operation.

Conventional waste water and sewage treatment plants (STP) use anaerobic bacteria to treat the sewage to some extent. These bacteria are natural scavengers.  The STPs require air blowers, as the bacteria need air to survive. After research Kumar realized that ‘anaerobic bacteria’ are also found in in ruminants’ stomach (eg. cow). Human stomach has enzyme based digestion but a cow’s stomach that these bacteria that can even digest cellulose that human stomach cannot.

Kumar’s startup improved the conventional septic tank design creating a prototype similar to a cow’s 4 chambered stomach. After due research and testing the improved and improvised the prototype into the final product, that was patented and launched.

The natural digester anaerobic bacteria break down organic fecal content to give treated water. Anaerobic bacteria catalyst seed from a cow dung substrate is added to convert sewage to water, some gas, and very little sludge (digester).

ECOSTP system cleverly employs natural gravitational force instead of electricity to allow the sewage to pass through the four chambers. Water flows through stage 1 Primary Sedimentation chamber where the scum floats on top while the sludge settles down. Then it continues to flows vertically through Stage 2 Upflow battled reactor chambers where the incoming water is forced to pass through active bacteria chambers and slow sand filters and then horizontally through Stage 3 Attached growth Biological filters with high surface area. Where the water is forced to pass through filter mass with plant gravel filters. The stage 4 Plant Bio Filter chamber forces the water to pass through a horizontal wetland with vascular plant and algae colonies that help to remove suspended solids and pathogen though a combination of physical, chemical and biological processes.

Another great aspect is that the ECO STPs are not manufactured at a central location and shipped. Instead, the core technology is sold as a DIY Kit is used by the clients to make the STPs locally at site with local materials and labour, using material and human resources from the surroundings.

Not a surprise that the ECO STP has been recognized by the United Nations, and also selected as a best practice case study. With the company going global, I look forward to see the ECO STPs in many parts of the world.

For More information and diagrams of the chambers, please visit the site below:

http://newsletter.iimbaa.org/change-makers-ecostp-tech-tharun-kumar-amp-2007/

and watch the videos on the following two links

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/science-environment-58017501

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmfgU_3KFNQ