Paper Title
VERMIFILTRATION AS AN EFFICIENT, DECENTRALIZED APPROACH FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Abstract
This study presents vermifiltration as a promising decentralized solution for wastewater treatment, particularly suited to rural areas, remote locations, and low-income countries where conventional wastewater treatment systems are often economically and logistically unfeasible. Vermifiltration employs earthworms and filter media to remove pollutants, relying on natural biological processes to degrade organic contaminants and reduce pathogen loads. This technology requires minimal resources and maintenance, making it an accessible, cost-effective option for areas with limited infrastructure. In this investigation, we conducted a lab-scale assessment of five vermifiltration reactors operated in parallel, each with different hydraulic and organic loading rates, to evaluate their efficiency across varied operational conditions. The five reactors, inoculated with Eisenia fetida earthworms and packed with a standard mix of filter media, were evaluated over a six month period for their capacity to remove key wastewater contaminants, including chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N). The performance metrics were assessed under different loading rates to identify optimal operational parameters and to understand how variations in load affect removal efficiency and treatment stability. Parameters such as removal rates, earthworm survival, andmicrobial activity, were measured to provide a comprehensive comparative assessment. Results demonstrated that all reactors achieved high removal efficiencies for COD and BOD, with average reductions of 75-90% across loading rates, while the highest efficiencies were observed at moderate loading levels. Ammonia nitrogen conversion to nitrate showed a significant improvement over time, with efficiencies reaching up to 99% in reactors with optimal loading rates.The comparative analysis revealed that moderate loading rates yielded the best overall performance, while higher loading rates resulted in reduced efficacy due to overloading effects.This study highlights the scalability of vermifiltration for decentralized applications, demonstrating its adaptability across different loading scenarios. The results underscore vermifiltration’s potential as a robust, low-cost wastewater treatment option, suitable for rural and resource-limited settings, with further optimization recommended to enhance nitrogen removal. By identifying the operational parameters that maximize treatment efficiency, this study contributes valuable insights for designing and implementing vermifiltration systems tailored to the specific demands of decentralized wastewater management. In conclusion, vermifiltration emerges as an efficient, sustainable alternative for decentralized wastewater treatment in underserved areas, supporting water reuse, environmental conservation, and public health improvements. Keywords - Vermifiltration, Wastewater Treatment, Decentralized Systems