Evaluating Performance Testing for Fabricated Wastewater Treatment Plant in Indonesia

The push towards achieving 100% access to wastewater services in Indonesia necessitates the development of cost-effective non-sewer systems. Decentralized wastewater treatment systems, such as septic tanks, are prevalent but often fail to meet effluent quality standards. This study aims to evaluate the performance of various Fabricated Wastewater Treatment Plants (F-WWTP) with test methods adopted from Japanese test methods and adapted to conditions in Indonesia to determine processing unit standards to meet domestic waste quality standards set by the Ministry of the Environment and Forestry. The study was conducted in two stages: opinion polls through stakeholder meetings and performance testing of three small-scale F-WWTPs in Bandung, Indonesia. Stakeholders included various governmental and research institutions. The F-WWTP tested included configurations of anaerobic, anaerobic-aerobic, and anaerobic-anoxic biofilter systems. The performance evaluation was based on physical, chemical, and biological parameters, such as COD, BOD, TSS, and ammonia concentrations, monitored over 12 weeks. Effluent quality varied among the F-WWTPs, with COD concentrations ranging from 25.70 to 215.0 mg/L, BOD from 7.02 to 133.3 mg/L, TSS from 2.98 to 38.70 mg/L, and ammonia from 1.76 to 52.80 mg/L. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA showed no significant difference in pollutant removal efficiency among the F-WWTPs. The average BOD/COD ratio indicated moderate biodegradability, aligning with findings from other studies. When properly configured and maintained, decentralized wastewater treatment systems can achieve the effluent standards Indonesian regulations require. This study highlights the necessity for reliable performance testing and certification to ensure the quality of decentralized systems, preventing market entry of substandard products. Future research should focus on long-term field performance and developing more efficient treatment configurations.