Human waste management is a crucial issue for our environment today. Without proper waste disposal, the environment can be contaminated by harmful substances through wastewater. Both septic tanks and bio-septic tanks are installed in many homes to address this issue. However, there are significant differences between septic tanks and bio-septic tanks.
According to Re-leaf, both types of tanks can be made of concrete, plastic, steel, or fiberglass. These tanks are designed to prevent harmful wastewater from entering the environment.
One of the biggest differences between traditional septic tanks and bio-septic tanks is that the latter is an environmentally friendly option. Additionally, bio-septic tanks can help recycle water and produce biogas.
For example, Re-leaf manufactures durable bio-septic tanks that aid in waste recycling.
With the growing global population, waste production is increasing rapidly. Toxic pollutants, plastics, medical waste, and other hazardous elements can be found in the wastewater generated by many households. In such cases, better waste treatment is essential to protect our ecosystem.
Differences Between Conventional Septic Tanks and Bio-Septic Tanks
Traditional Septic Tank
1. How Does a Traditional Septic Tank Work?
A septic tank has an inlet and outlet for wastewater. As waste enters the tank, it is held for a while until the solid and liquid waste separate. The bottom layer of the tank consists of sludge or solid waste, while oils float to the top, forming a scum layer. The remaining wastewater lies between these two layers.
Septic tanks are strategically built with a T-shaped design. This design ensures that oil and sludge remain in the tank, allowing only the water to exit through the outlet pipe. This sludge-free and oil-free water is safer for the soil or drainage systems.
However, there are some drawbacks to this system. The sludge settling at the bottom of the tank needs to be cleaned periodically. Additionally, there is no facility for recycling water within the tank.
Read More BIOTECH Septic Tanks
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Septic Tanks
One of the biggest advantages of septic tanks is that they prevent harmful wastewater from entering the environment and contaminating our ecosystem. This allows wastewater with fewer particles to exit the tank and enter drainage systems.
Although septic tanks are necessary for wastewater treatment, they have some disadvantages. Traditional septic tanks require expensive routine maintenance. Manual cleaning is also a serious social issue and disadvantage. There is no way to recycle wastewater, leading to water wastage. Moreover, these tanks emit a strong odor, making cleaning more difficult.
3. Maintenance Requirements
Traditional tanks require regular maintenance, including inspections and leak checks. To prevent clogs, you may need to install waste filters, which incur additional costs. Maintenance costs are a significant issue for traditional tanks.
4. Decomposition System
Regarding the decomposition system, conventional septic tanks rely on traditional waste treatment methods. Consequently, the effluent produced is less environmentally friendly.
5. Lifespan of Traditional Septic Tanks
Conventional septic tanks have a shorter lifespan when adhering to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) regulations on sanitation, which recommend pumping the tank at least every two years and no more than every five years.
6. Material of Conventional Septic Tanks
Conventional septic tanks, a long-used waste treatment medium, are typically made from bricks plastered with cement. A common issue with these tanks is their susceptibility to cracks or leaks, which can lead to environmental contamination.
Bio-Septic Tank
1. How Does a Bio-Septic Tank Work?
Bio-septic tanks are environmentally friendly waste treatment systems. They use bacteria and anaerobic digestion in an oxygen-free tank to treat wastewater. Additionally, these tanks produce useful byproducts such as biogas and recycled water, improving the cost efficiency of this waste treatment system.
The stages of septic and bio-septic treatment are similar with some variations. When wastewater enters the bio tank, solid and liquid waste is separated into different chambers. Solid waste sinks to the bottom layer and is broken down by natural bacteria in the tank. These bacteria digest the solid waste, leaving water that flows into another chamber.
The remaining wastewater is recycled with the help of aerobic bacterial reactions, producing byproducts such as treated water, carbon dioxide, and methane gas. This reaction ensures the elimination of oxygen, resulting in the absence of foul odors. The recycled water in the chamber can easily be used for gardening, while biogas can be used for cooking.
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Bio-Septic Tanks
Although installing a bio tank may seem troublesome initially, it results in cost efficiency and environmental protection. These tanks help you reuse water twice and provide useful gas for energy production. All these factors increase the cost-effectiveness of your waste disposal system.
You can install a Re-leaf bio-septic tank to upgrade your waste treatment system to a sustainable one while saving money. These tanks are designed to DRDO standards and manufactured in ISO 9001-2015 certified facilities under the guidance of ISO 18436 qualified engineers.
3. Maintenance of Bio-Septic Tanks
No mechanical pumping or manual cleaning is required for bio tank maintenance. Bio tanks come with maintenance-friendly inspection chambers, making tank maintenance easier for a longer period. These tanks are designed with robust materials, ensuring a longer lifespan and reducing environmental damage.
4. Decomposition System of Bio-Septic Tanks
In contrast, bio-septic tanks utilize biotechnology, resulting in a higher concentration of decomposing bacteria compared to conventional septic tanks. This advanced decomposition process makes the effluent produced by bio-septic tanks more eco-friendly.
5. Lifespan of Bio-Septic Tanks
Bio-septic tanks, due to their efficient decomposition system, have a longer usage span. Their superior decomposition process allows for effluent to be directly discharged into drainage systems, minimizing the need for frequent maintenance.
6. Material of Bio-Septic Tanks
In contrast, bio-septic tanks are usually made from polyethylene plastic (PE), which is more durable than bricks plastered with cement. PE bio-septic tanks are lightweight yet strong enough to withstand soil pressure, making them less prone to leakage.
Given these advantages, PE bio-septic tanks have become a popular choice for those looking to switch from conventional septic tanks to bio-septic tanks.
Conclusion
From the points above, it can be concluded that bio-septic tanks are superior to traditional septic tanks for waste treatment. They provide a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to handle waste, producing useful byproducts.
Re-leaf aims to challenge traditional waste treatment systems and revolutionize how we handle waste. Re-leaf has designed superior products that help solve global waste issues while maintaining environmental norms.
Innovative bio-septic tanks come in various models and capacities to eliminate the hassle of dealing with conventional septic tanks.