For a number of years, bauxite residue from alumina refining has been used in Ecomax septic systems. Ecomax is an onsite treatment system used in areas that are prone to environmental issues, which result from nutrients entering waterways. The Ecomax treatment system was conceived in Western Australia in 1989 by testing pilot scale cells at the Kwinana wastewater treatment plant using primary effluent feed. This trial had support from Alcoa World Alumina Australia and the Water Authority of Western Australia.
The Ecomax treatment system proved successful in removing phosphorous, nitrogen, faecal coliforms, and reducing biological oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solids (SS). Trials proved high performance and led to licensing by regulatory bodies, and commencement of sales and installations of Ecomax treatment systems in 1992. The Ecomax system consists of various functional elements and requires no power. The "amended soil" treatment medium contains a porous prepared soil containing a combination of bauxite residue (Alcoa by-product) and sand. The bauxite residue is the principal active ingredient due to its strong phosphorus adsorption capacity (bauxite residue is high in iron and aluminium sesquioxides).
| Industry Sector | Specific Industry |
| water utility sector |
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| mining and minerals sector |
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Kwinana Industrial Area, Kwinana, Western Australia
| Economic |
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| Environmental |
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For more info on the Ecomax water treatment system, please visit www.ecomax.com.au
20 July 2010