Leon Du Casse, managing director of Bio Sewage Systems, used to own a plastic recycling company. His interest in water was piqued when dealing with wastewater created from washing plastic items to remove pollutants. Today, Du Casse is at the helm of Bio Sewage Systems, and is passionate about recycling water.

There is also a security issue, where valuable commodities (like diamonds and gold, depending on the mine) can be smuggled out of the mine in these buckets. Furthermore, managing and replenishing chemicals for the toilets in a remote underground location can be logistically challenging. Workers need to be trained in handling these chemicals safely.

We saw a gap in the market and developed the Bio Loo. This is a cost effective system with flushing toilets and a wastewater treatment plant that collects and then purifies black- and greywater underground.

Why has the Bio Loo been a success?

Absolutely no chemicals are used. Natural processes treat the waste, resulting in water that meets stringent discharge limits suitable for aquatic life. The treated water can be used for non-potable applications such as dust suppression, irrigation, drilling, and toilet flushing. This reduces the need for fresh water and minimises the impact on the environment.

There is no waste generation; everything is treated in a closed-loop system. The Bio Loo is both environmentally friendly and hygienic. Being modular, it is easy to install and compatible with existing infrastructure, making it easy to retrofit. We can also offer urinals, hand basins and even showers as part of the Bio Loo configuration, depending on our client’s needs. In addition to mining operations, the Bio Loo can be used in rural schools, building sites, informal settlements, and as temporary installations. The only prerequisite is that we need water to flush.

What about maintenance?

The Bio Loo can last indefinitely provided maintenance is carried out. It is extremely robust and all the sanitaryware is manufactured from stainless steel. However, one must remember that the Bio Loo cannot treat inorganic materials like cigarettes and sanitary pads, so we educate everyone who uses the Bio Loo and train an operator. That operator is taught how to look after the system and make any basic repairs if needed. We do not sell a product and then walk away. We want our products to live up to expectations and often enter into service level agreements with our customers.

Are there any barriers regarding the uptake of this technology?

We are already selling the Bio Loo system and there is a growing interest. Although the SANS 30500 standard exists, none of this non-sewered sanitation (NSS) technology can be certified yet. This creates a situation where potential customers have difficulty in comparing products. I would advise clients to buy an NSS system from a company with a track record, references, and water test reports conducted in accredited laboratories.

What other products and services does Bio Sewage Systems offer?

Our name can be misleading, as we offer various water treatment solutions. Most recently, we have been treating borehole water to potable standards without reverse osmosis through our own potable water plants. We also treat water that is used on mines for reuse (showers, washing of clothes).

These systems either use very few chemicals or no chemicals at all. Is this deliberate?

Definitely. We have a phrase: “The way nature does it”. As most of our clients are in remote areas, the supply and transport of chemicals will always be a problem. The fewer chemicals used, the more environmentally friendly the process. Furthermore, there are always safety concerns when handling the chemicals.

Any concluding remarks?

Currently, municipalities do not have the capacity to treat all of the wastewater they receive; this is where Bio Sewage Systems can add real value. Our wastewater treatment plants can treat wastewater onsite on a smaller scale, without the huge expense and time taken to build sewage pipelines, pump stations, and stationary treatment plants. Bio Sewage Systems has grown exponentially over the past few years and will continue to innovate as new water technologies are developed. Personally, I am addicted to water. The water and wastewater treatment sector is dynamic and interesting, and I am constantly searching for better solutions to treat and conserve this precious commodity.