Advantages	Disadvantages
Simple, reliable, biological process	Additional treatment (nitrates reduction, etc.) may be needed to meet more stringent discharge standards
Suitable in areas where large tracts of land are not available for land-intensive treatment systems	Possible accumulation of excess biomass that cannot retain an aerobic condition and can impair the trickling filter performance
Effective in treating high concentrations of organics depending on the type of medium used	Requires regular operator attention. Skilled personnel required
Appropriate for small- to medium-sized communities	The incidence of clogging is relatively high
Rapidly reduces soluble organic matter	Vector and odour problems (especially standard trickling filter)
Efficient nitrification units	High capital costs
Durable process elements	Constant source of electricity (for feeding pumps) and constant wastewater flow are required
Low power requirements (no requirement for air blower)
Moderate level of skill and technical expertise needed to manage and operate the system

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Trickling Filter System