The design and operation of subsurface wastewater infiltration systems for domestic wastewater

Throughout rural regions, large amounts of domestic wastewater are discharged into natural bodies of water without treatment. A well-designed subsurface wastewater infiltration (SWI) system is an effective wastewater pollution removal strategy for small and remote communities due to its low energy consumption, low operational cost, and good performance. This paper describes the types of structures and purification mechanisms of SWI systems, focusing on the design of substrate materials and the optimization of different operation modes including the hydraulic loading rate, pollutant loading rate, intermittent operation, aeration, and shunting distribution. The challenges and trends in the development of SWI systems are also discussed. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The construction and purification mechanisms of SWI system are described. The design of substrates and the optimization of operation modes are focused. The challenges and the development trends for the system are further introduced.