Bulrush and reed ponds : purification of sewage with the aid of ponds with bulrushes or reeds

The sewage from beaches and campsites produced during summer can be purified with the aid of bulrush or reed ponds. Good purification results can be achieved when the retention time of the water is ten days or more. Also the bacteriological quality of the water will improve. M.P.N. reductions over 99% can be achieved. The purification of the sewage is based on a breakdown by microorganisms. The sawmp plants function by providing attachment sites for these organisms and the uptake of nutrients. Both investment and annual costs are for the sewage treatment ponds considerably less than for activated sludge sewage treatment plants of equal size.