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RB Organic Improves Water Treatment System

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During early November 2006, RBO Organic began looking at ways to improve its water treatment system. Historically, the waste water from the vegetable washing process was treated by a mechanical system with relatively high energy usage.

The decision was taken to develop a natural wetland made up of a lagoon settlement area and a series of reed beds. The contract was awarded to ARM Ltd, specialists committed to the development and application of waste water treatment systems using vertical downflow reed beds and wetland technology, ideal for treating high strength waste waters such as agricultural dirty waters.

The first water began flowing through the system in July 2007. All of the waste water that is generated in washing the vegetables at RB Organic is now cleaned naturally. A virtually maintenance free system, the reeds also provide a natural habitat for the Fen wildlife and will be incorporated as part of a landscaping scheme, planted with trees, wildflowers and a picnic area for RB Organic employees and customers to enjoy.

Process:

• Waste water is fed from the factory to the new lagoon
• As the water flows through the lagoon, the solids suspended in the water (soil etc) settle to the base of the lagoon 
• Once water has flowed around the lagoon it then reaches a pumping station and the water is pumped up to the surface of the first set of reed beds
• The water flows horizontally across the first reed bed, into a chamber and then is pumped down across the second reed bed system. The bacteria that live in the roots of the reeds and gravel breaks down the matter that starves the water of oxygen.
• Once it has travelled across the beds it flows into a small pond. Water at this point is sufficiently oxygenated to support fish life. The cleaned water is then released into the natural watercourse.

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Background Information on Reed Beds :

Many centuries ago it was noticed that where waste water flowed into natural wetlands or beds of reeds, much cleaner water flowed out. In the 17th and 18th century some cities were already taking advantage of this and were diverting their waste waters into reed beds and wetlands.
Scientific studies into just how reed beds and wetlands effect waste water treatment began in Germany in the 1960s. Since then there has been considerable and widespread investigation and research.
It has been found that a range of processes are occurring in these environments, including physical, chemical and biological mechanisms. By working in any combination, these processes provide breakdown and removal of a wide range of contaminants from a wide range of waste waters.