3.8 Adequacy in the context of emergency

A Trickling Filter poses a viable option when a long-term solution is required for the stabilisation and recovery phase in emergencies.

The use of trickling filter systems is particularly advantageous in areas with limited and expensive land.

Consistent maintenance is crucial to control odour and insects. A buffer distance of at least 125m from settlements is recommended to avoid potential risks.

Substantial rainfall events can disrupt the functionality of the tickling filter, making it essential to consider, particularly in regions characterised by high average precipitation or marked rainy seasons. Under these circumstances, installing a protective roof over the trickling filter is advisable.

Depending on the context, for smaller filter systems where there is the availability of a labour force, it is possible to use organic materials such as Luffa Cylindrica or coconut husk as filter media. However, this would increase the workload as the filter media would need to be replaced periodically. Additionally, the replaced filter medium must be treated by composting before disposal or application in agriculture.

There is experience in deploying the trickling filters in the context of refugee camps, i.e. in Bangladesh.