Abstract: A method for treating waste water which comprises passing the water through a series of steps including sequentially passing the water through an aeration step, and then a plurality of treatment cells wherein each treatment cell comprises a trickle filter cell. The waste water is subsequently subjected to a denitrification step and to a dephosphorization step. It is then passed through a trickle filter cell and optionally may be treated by passing through a cell wherein the waste water is in contact with peat moss.

Abstract: A media suitable for trickle filters and biological treatment of effluent or sewage wherein the media comprises an elongated member having a center core, a plurality of axially extending ribs and a plurality of fins extending outwardly from each rib, and a plurality of outwardly extending vanes situated at the distal end of each rib. The media element can be used either in a horizontal or vertical orientation and when made of a flexible material can be formed into a twisted configuration.