Updated on August 16, 2024

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Created on September 1, 2021

Anaerobic Baffled Reactor

Open-source

An Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR) is an upgraded version of a septic tank and consists of a series of baffles designed to treat wastewater.

Developed By Unknown
Tested By
  • EAWAG
  • Environment & Public Health Organization (ENPHO)
  • University of Kwazulu-Natal
Content Partners
Unknown

Product Description

Anaerobic baffled reactors (ABR) are a sanitation technology designed to treat wastewater and fecal sludge through both physical and biological treatments. ABRs are improved versions of septic tanks where the addition of baffles in series increases contact time of wastewater and active biomass (sludge), which results in improved treatment. The process starts with settling. Before reaching the ABR, the wastewater passes through a settling tank, which removes most of the solid particles that can settle at the bottom. The biological treatment involves anaerobic digestion, which works better in warmer conditions. As the wastewater moves through the baffles, the alternating up-and-down flows increase the time the wastewater spends with the sludge, which contains microorganisms that break down the organic pollutants without oxygen.

ABRs are relatively simple to operate and are resistant to hydraulic and organic shock loads, require no energy, have low operating costs, result in high reduction of BOD, and produce low amounts of sludge. The wastewater effluent and sludge from the ABR still require additional treatment. Therefore, ABRs are best used in combination with other treatment technologies and can be incorporated into decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS).

The price will depend on costs for local labor, local materials, and expert design.

The technology is open-source, with comprehensive design instructions for installation available through the following resources:

Target SDGs

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Numerous organizations work on designing and implementing ABRs, some of which include: the Sustainable Sanitation and Water Management (SSWM), seecon, Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA), and the Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO).

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