Abstract: A compact, relatively small unit for treatment of wastewater for discharge into maritime waters is disclosed. The wastewater is received in a surge or retention tank and is delivered by gravity flow or pumped to a macerator for comminution of the solids content of the wastewater. Prior to entering the macerator, salt water on a controlled flow basis is added to the wastewater in sufficient amounts to insure a high enough salt content for use as the electrolyte in an electrocatalytic cell. From the macerator the wastewater to be treated is directed into a vertically oriented, elongated, electrocatalytic cell having a plurality of parallel, closely spaced electrodes therein positioned parallel to the flow of wastewater therethrough. The wastewater is directed through the electrocatalytic unit. The end electrodes of the spaced electrode plates are connected to a source of direct current sufficient to generate chlorine, oxygen and other treating chemicals in situ.

Abstract: A continuous system for disinfecting waste water streams, such as sewage and streams containing organic matter and removing suspended solids therefrom is disclosed. A waste water stream is passed into an electrolytic cell open to the atmosphere and between a series of electrically charged parallel electrode plates. A controlled amount of electrolyte such as sodium chloride is added to the waste water stream before it passes through the electrolytic cell. During passage between the electrode plates a foam is generated which entrains suspended selected nutrient solids contained in the waste water stream, the foam removed by skimming and/or suction means. The treated water discharged from the electrolytic cell is filtered to remove additional non-nutrient suspended solids not entrained with the foam. A portion of the treated water from the electrolytic cell is recycled and reinjected into the influent stream.