Work out trickling filter loading instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Trickling filters are assessed on organic loading in kilograms of BOD per cubic metre of media per day and hydraulic loading in cubic metres per square metre per day. Low-rate filters run 0.08-0.4 kg BOD/m3/day with high removal; high-rate filters accept 0.4-1.6 with lower removal and require recirculation.
Loading rates
Organic loading = BOD load / media volume; hydraulic loading = flow / plan area
Removal estimate
Efficiency approximated by the NRC-type relationship with organic loading
It maintains a minimum wetting rate to keep the biofilm active and dilutes strong influent, allowing higher organic loading without ponding. It also improves nitrification on lightly loaded filters.
Excessive biofilm growth blocking the void space, usually from high organic loading with insufficient hydraulic shear. Increasing recirculation or reducing load restores sloughing balance.