Review of technological alternatives for wastewater treatment in Brazilian rural areas

Brazil and other Latin American countries face significant challenges in providing adequate sanitation to its rural residents, particularly concerning sewage treatment. The solutions implemented are often based on traditional knowledge, with cesspits and biodigester septic tanks being widely used, which may prove inadequate in many situations. These technologies require enhancement, and exploring additional alternatives, such as systems enabling the separation of toilet water from grey water, is imperative. In this context, the evapotranspiration tank emerges as a viable option due to its ability to prevent direct contact with influent sewage and its non-production of final effluent. While infiltration trenches also present a feasible solution, existing sizing recommendations typically overlook the unique demands of Brazilian rural areas by only considering the combined flow of grey water and toilet effluent. Moreover, the utilization of traditional septic tanks and anaerobic filters poses challenges, particularly concerning sludge management in isolated locations. Promising alternatives like vermifiltration and banana tree circles exist, yet their effective implementation require the establishment of standards for appropriate sizing. Therefore, although technologies are available to alleviate the sewage treatment deficit in rural regions, it is crucial to advocate for their informed selection among rural households and to bolster governmental efforts in implementing national legislation and refining standards and guidelines.