In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers from Trinity College Dublin's School of Engineering Environmental Engineering group, within the Department of Civil Engineering, have embarked on a mission to transform wastewater treatment in rural Ireland. Utilising the natural prowess of willow trees, these pioneering scientists are revolutionising traditional methods, offering hope for homeowners in areas with poor draining soils that are plagued by inadequate wastewater management.

 

During the recent Reading Week/half term break, teams descended upon counties Wexford and Leitrim to implement a novel approach to wastewater treatment. The method involved coppicing and planting willow trees on innovative systems specifically designed to treat effluent from septic tanks. This nature-based solution addresses a critical issue prevalent in regions where soil percolation capacity is insufficient to accommodate septic tank effluent, resulting in pollution of rivers and groundwater.

Photo of researchers from EVAPOTREAT willow tree field coppicing

Drawing inspiration from successful trials in Scandinavia, where similar systems have been proven effective, Trinity's Environmental Engineering group spearheads the EVAPOTREAT research project. Funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Leitrim County Council, this endeavour is led by Professors Laurence Gill and John Gallagher, leading figures in the field of environmental engineering.

 

At the forefront of this initiative is Aaron Coyle, the principal PhD researcher, whose dedication and expertise is driving the project forward. Collaborating closely with the Trinity team is Arne Backlund, an esteemed ecosanitation consultant from Denmark, whose invaluable insights enrich the project's methodology and implementation strategies.

Photo of Aaron Coyle installing EVAPOTREAT

The concept underlying the EVAPOTREAT project is elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful. By harnessing the natural ability of willow trees to evapotranspire water a high rates, the system effectively reduces effluent discharge to the soil to insignificant levels. Within this process, contaminants are naturally broken down, mitigating the environmental impact associated with conventional wastewater treatment methods.

Photo of willow tree field

The significance of this research extends beyond scientific innovation; it embodies a sustainable solution to a pressing environmental challenge. By integrating nature-based approaches into wastewater treatment, communities previously burdened by inadequate infrastructure can now envision a future of clean water and preserved ecosystems.

 

As the EVAPOTREAT project progresses, rigorous monitoring and evaluation will provide invaluable insights into its performance and scalability. Over the coming years, stakeholders will eagerly await the outcomes, anticipating a paradigm shift in wastewater management practices across Ireland and beyond.

 

In essence, Trinity's Environmental Engineering group is at the vanguard of transformative change, championing sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through their pioneering research and collaborative efforts, they pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future, where nature and technology converge to address the most pressing challenges of our time.