Organica Water developed a unique approach to wastewater treatment for urban areas. Organica facilities utilize active biofilms on natural plant roots and/or engineered bio-media, all housed in a fully-enclosed, odorless facility. The result is a solution which offers a significantly reduced physical footprint and lower operational and infrastructure costs when compared to conventional wastewater treatment solutions, all in the form of a pleasant botanical garden-like environment.
Plants on Organica’s Food-Chain Reactor (FCR) has a special purpose of offering roots as a habitat to microorganisms that attach and digest the organics in the wastewater. Majority of species chosen possess extensive root system that are highly suitable for hydroculture. Clay pebbles used as planting media offer plants an inert growing medium to support them, while allowing the roots to develop longer. These Pebbles also removes part of the odor generated on the reactors thus ensuring the entire facility is odourless. FCR facilities are perfect place for hydroculture because of the presence of the nutrient rich wastewater.
Plant stock contour
Plants are chosen for their root density, structure & mass and selection of plants also considers features such as tolerance to wastewater, growth speed and height. Plants roots descend into the water providing excellent surface area and habitat for microorganisms and species. Presence of green plants results in a diverse ecosystem and higher level of organisms, which evolves and thrives in this environment. Plants respire and expire thus forming a symbiotic relationship with the organisms/ biofilms that are attached to the plant roots. Structure of these biofilm are strikingly different from those biofilms formed on engineered bio media or other plastic medias as plants do exude enzymes and they interact with the organisms present in the biofilm and the reactor. Selection of plant species are carefully done by experts of Organica from the local nurseries in the neighbourhood of the location for wastewater facility. Based on 20 years of R&D in this field, Organica has identified hundreds of species that are suitable for this application.
Root cross section with biofilm
By utilizing nature, Organica is able to create an organic, safe and odor free environment. The Organica water solution is a combination of technology, nature and architecture used to revolutionize how wastewater is treated in the industry.
Plant stock with roots
At Organica, our specialists usually select wetland species. Plants are typically chosen with appropriate features like wastewater tolerance, growth speed and height, as specialists like to maintain the plants in the facility for over 20 years. The plants need to have an extensive root system to provide adequate surface area for bacteria to latch onto. The plants form together a combination of species, a population, they are not individuals. Even with the appearance of a botanical garden, Organica Water designs an ecosystem rather than an aesthetically pleasing facility.
Plant stock in the Philippines
