Effluent Management

Introduction and Learning Goals


This training aims to introduce the basics of effluent management that follows a primary treatment in which the liquid phase, the effluent, is separated from the solid phase. This training offers an overview of practical solutions that can be considered in refugee camps during stabilisation and recovery. It will show the treatment options for effluent that may otherwise be released directly into the environment.

Additionally, if you have any questions and/or comments regarding the course content, please send them to octopus@solidarites.org via email and we will do our best to clarify any queries you may have.

The training is divided into eight modules with the following learning objectives:


1 Introduction to Effluent Management

  • Understand what effluent is and why its treatment and management are important
  • Understand the various types of effluent management and be able to decide which type is suitable given the circumstances and context

2 -5 Overview of Post-Treatment Techniques

  • Gain an insight into the different treatment methods for primary treated effluent and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each method
  • Gain the ability to differentiate between various treatment methods and acknowledge the suitability of each given the circumstances and context
  • Learn how to calculate various sizing parameters of post-treatment techniques, such as required volume and space
  • Recognise the various infectious organisms
  • Understand the disinfection process, its importance, the different methods, and their advantages and disadvantages

6 Advanced Technologies for the Treatment of Effluent 

  • Gain an insight into some of the innovative and advanced treatment technologies, how they function and perform
  • Understand the benefits and limitations of the discussed advanced effluent treatment technologies

7 Safe Handling: Wastewater/Effluent Irrigation

  • Understand the health and environmental risks and the respective mitigation measures associated with improper wastewater/effluent reuse
  • Know what quality of wastewater/effluent is acceptable for irrigation
  • Gain an insight into the various irrigation methods, suitable conditions for their utilisation, and their benefits and limitations
  • Learn how to calculate the amount of effluent or area required for irrigation

8 Safe Handling: Effluent Infiltration

  • Understand the concept of safe infiltration and the conditions required for it
  • Gain an insight into the different methods and the advantages and disadvantages of effluent infiltration
  • Learn how to perform a percolation test to determine soil suitability for infiltration
  • Learn how to calculate the required infiltration area for different classes of soils

Course Content

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