Cleaning up: how artificial reed beds are helping to solve unsavoury sewage side effects

In 1858 the Great Stink wreaked havoc across central London when a combination of hot weather, untreated human waste and industrial effluent combined to cause a stench so pungent it prompted authorities to take action.

For years, sewage had been emptied directly into the River Thames causing the transmission of many contagious diseases and outbreaks of cholera. Infrastructure of London's sewer system had to drastically change. The civil engineer, Joseph Bazalgette, put forward his proposal and became responsible for creating a series of interconnecting sewers and pumping stations that are still in use today.

With commercial and residential building on the rise and the population growing rapidly, these once cutting-edge Victorian designs are coming under immense strain. Failing equipment, and a rise in the use of disposable cloths, is causing a build-up of large solids, hairs and fibres, which in turn is causing a direct impact on the water treatment process.

how artificial reed beds are helping to solve unsavoury sewage side effects

These faulty sewers and treatment systems are resulting in pollution and nasty odours, causing negative effects on the environment, contaminating water sources and harming wildlife. The Environment Agency revealed that in 2017 water companies reported 52 separate serious pollution incidents - the equivalent of one per week. Ten of the most serious (category 1) were associated with waste water.

It's clear that water companies have an obligation to ensure that everything is being done to prevent pollution, and, as construction output in the UK continues to grow, developers and contractors need to be conscientiously adopting methods that will help support these efforts.

Reed bed water treatment systems

One environmentally friendly method of water treatment that has been growing in popularity in recent years is the installation of reed beds. Studies have shown that a reed bed may support over 700 invertebrate species and home mammals such as water shrews.

These aquatic plant based systems work to digest organic matter in effluent. According to the Environment Agency's 'Pollution Prevention Guidelines', reed beds can be used to improve the quality of effluent discharges from septic tanks, a settlement tank or package sewage treatment plants.

Wendi O'Toole works at water management specialist Scott Parnell. She said:

"Reed beds work to enhance the level of treatment before water is discharged or drained elsewhere, such as a watercourse. In some cases, a reed bed is a legal requirement so it is important to ensure that you establish if this is a necessity first. There are certain sites where reed beds will be invaluable, such as those with poor drainage."

Vertical and flow reed beds

There are two types of basic reed bed – vertical flow and horizontal flow – which work to break down pollutants using oxygen. Installing two vertical flows, one functioning and one resting, would enable you to swap one for the other on a regular basis to prevent blockages and aid maintenance. These are usually installed to treat septic tank effluent and are able to handle stronger strength effluent than horizontal flow reed beds.

A horizontal reed bed would follow a vertical one, operating without oxygen. It turns nitrates to nitrogen gas, helping to limit nitrate. Typically they would be used to help aid a package sewage treatment plant and the treatment of discharge.

Wendi continued:

"Reed beds are usually constructed over an impermeable base membrane – such as ProFlex - and the reeds planted in a mix of soil and gravel. Once set up, reed beds are relatively straightforward to maintain."

If well planned, reed beds can not only support biodiversity but help to solve pollution problems and support sewage system performance.

 

Scott Parnell specialises in the supply of groundworks and civil engineering products and services to customers across the UK. Independently owned and run, the company has five offices across the south of England and Wales with a team of highly experienced staff offering expert advice to customers. Scott Parnell prides itself on its innovative and pioneering approach to delivering high quality products from a variety of manufacturers – not just market leaders.

To speak to one of our specialists at Scott Parnell Water Management, please call 01908 310453.

LATEST NEWS

Leeds expansion results in three new job vacancies
Scott Parnell Leeds, which opened its national sales office on Intermezzo Drive in August, has created three new job vacancies as a result of increased business activity.

Scott Parnell Wales hosting free coffee morning for customers
Scott Parnell in Hirwaun will be hosting a free coffee morning for all its customers from 9am on Friday 6th March.

Scott Parnell presents The Sick Children's Trust with £4,100
Following the success of our recent Charity Poker Night, the winner, our Key Account Manager Lee Moore-Williams, recently visited The Sick Children's Trust.

SOCIAL MEDIA

@ScottParnellUK
Do you always get exactly the right product for your #civilengineering job? To ensure you do call 01376 502676 #MK… https://t.co/IKFKqwTZmh

@ScottParnellUK
Need troughing, earthing or trackside drainage? Check our #rail division - a leading supplier in platform products… https://t.co/WZStTswNau

TESTIMONIALS

"I find Scott Parnell refreshingly different from most other suppliers, they're very reactive and always stride to provide me with a keen price and excellent service. I would recommend to anyone to give them a try - you will...
Dan Westlake - Aden Contracting

"I have been using Scott Parnell for over three years and in that time I have constantly found them to be efficient, proactive and able to provide added value support where required. Requests for quotations are turned around..."
Ian Ford - Volkerfitzpatrick Ltd

"We have traded with Scott Parnell for several years now and, as our business has grown, so have our needs. Scott Parnell have been able to manage this along the way without any trouble. Both communication and pricing have..."
Alan O'Grady - J Coffey Construction Ltd

"I'm confident when I place an enquiry and order with Scott Parnell I will be provided with extremely competitive rates, along with alternative options. The products will then be delivered in time and in full."
Kevin McSkimming - AD Bly Construction

"I have known Dave and Steve for a very long time so when they started this business I was more than pleased to support them. I feel having an independent option is invaluable as they bring different options to the table..."
Tim Scrivens - Coinford Ltd

Scott Parnell have consistently delivered a high quality product in a timely fashion for the Gospel Oak to Barking Enabling works over the last year. With some 10 miles of troughing to be upgraded in a mix of concrete and GRP...
J Murphy & Sons

As a supplier Scott Parnell has been second to none. All deliveries are on time and the turnaround time from order to receipt of goods is minimal, even last minute orders.
Principal Rail Contractor

Scott Parnell's GRP palisade fencing is unlike any other I have come across - it's totally free of metal components, which completely minimises the risk compared to other types of GRP palisade.
Ulana Fries - BCM

BRANCHES

Witham Branch (Head Office)
Unit 1, Swanvale Estate, Colchester Road, Witham, Essex, CM8 3DH Tele: 01376 502676
Click here for a map

Aberdare Branch
Unit 10, Hirwaun Industrial Estate, Aberdare, Wales, CF44 9UP Tele: 01685 708970
Click here for a map

Milton Keynes Branch
Colts Holm Road, Wolverton, Milton Keynes, MK12 5QD Tele: 01908 579766
Click here for a map

Romford Civils and Rail Sales Office
Asheton Farm Business Centre, Stapleford Abbotts,Essex, RM4 1JU Tele: 0208 805 5797
Click here for a map

Scott Parnell Leeds office
Intermezzo Drive Off Pontefract Rd, Stourton Leeds LS10 1DF
Click here for a map