Phytosanitary Effluents - Cascade Twin and Vitimax Treatment Systems

Cascade Twin and Vitimax are the only two systems recognized by the Ministry of the Environment for the joint treatment of phytosanitary effluents and winery effluents. Their principle is based on the treatment of phytosanitary effluents through the microfauna present in the activated sludge of wastewater treatment plants developed by Agro-Environnement. These systems are designed to treat winery effluents from the operation, with phytosanitary effluents adapting to the process without causing any modifications. This approach allows for economies of scale in terms of operation. Phytosanitary effluents must be stored in a specific tank (which can be integrated into the Vitimax tank) and pre-treated by coagulation/flocculation. Indeed, heavy metals (copper, sulfur, aluminum, zinc, etc.) are not biodegradable, and they could accumulate in the sludge of the treatment plant. Thanks to this preliminary coagulation/flocculation step, they are trapped and separated. This pre-treatment is carried out either once a year when all phytosanitary effluents can be stored, or continuously as phytosanitary effluents are produced using a pre-treatment skid. Cascade Twin Process: The pre-treated phytosanitary effluent is introduced once or multiple times into the Cascade station and subjected to the action of microorganisms developed during the first sequence for 30 days. At the end of the treatment: - The sludge (microorganisms, colloids, debris, etc.) resulting from the biological treatment remains usable for spreading, and in some cases, the installation of reed bed filters allows it to be transformed into compost. - The treated water is discharged into the receiving environment or can be recycled for agricultural needs. Vitimax Process: The pre-treated phytosanitary effluent is introduced into the treatment chamber of the station for 60 days outside the harvest period. At the end of the treatment: - The sludge (microorganisms, colloids, debris, etc.) resulting from the biological treatment remains usable for spreading, and in some cases, the installation of reed bed filters allows it to be transformed into compost. - The treated water is discharged into the receiving environment or can be recycled for agricultural needs. > For more information: www.agroenvironnement.com