Natural Waste Treatment Systems
Ecological Engineering (M.S., Ph.D.)

Natural Waste Treatment Systems utilize natural energies and processes such as sunlight, passive air pumping, microbial foodchains, and rain to reach waste treatment or management goals. Because these systems rely on minimal fossil fuel energy and fewer mechanical processes they are often cost-effective, compared to conventional wastewater treatment systems. Our faculty have constructed and studied natural treatment systems, such as constructed wetlands, biofilters, and living machines, in the northern U.S., Canada, and Honduras. 

Natural treatment systems are engineered ecosystems. In addition to investigating their applications, we explore the physical, chemical and biological processes, and develop models for analysis and design purposes.

Representative publications in this area by our faculty:

• Diemont, S.A.W. 2006. Mosquito larvae density and pollutant removal in tropical wetland treatment systems in Honduras. Environment International 32: 332-341.
  
• Tao, W., K. Hall, and W. Ramey. 2007. Effects of influent strength on microorganisms in surface flow mesocosm wetlands. Water Research, 41(19): 4557-4565.
  
• Tao, W., K.J. Hall, and S.J.B. Duff. 2007. Microbial biomass and heterotrophic production of surface flow mesocosm wetlands treating woodwaste leachate: responses to hydraulic and organic loading and relations with mass reduction. Ecological Engineering, 31(2): 132-139.

Contact Wendong Tao, wtao@esf.edu or Stewart Diemont, sdiemont@esf.edu for more information about this graduate studies area.