Biomaze Advanced Septic Treatment System
BioMaze Advanced Septic Treatment Systems: Evaluating Nitrogen Reduction Efficacy and Organic Matter Conversion to Mitigate Harmful Algal Blooms
Background
Studies in southern Florida show that septic systems, also known as onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS), contribute nutrients to groundwater, fueling harmful algal blooms in adjacent surface water bodies. In response, Florida passed House Bill 1379 (2023-169), requiring septic systems in impaired water body regions under a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) or Alternative Restoration Plan to upgrade to enhanced nitrogen-reducing systems (ENR-OSTDS) or connect to centralized sewer by 2030.
However, both options are costly and often lack financial support. BioMaze® offers a low-cost alternative, easily installed in existing tanks and powered by a low-voltage pump. It promotes microbial activity that reduces nitrogen through nitrification, denitrification, and organic matter breakdown. If testing confirms a 65% nitrogen reduction per Florida standards (Rule 62-6.025(11)(e)), BioMaze® could be a viable solution for homeowners needing system upgrades.
Project Description
Stetson University’s Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience (IWER) received an Innovative Technology Grant (INV54) from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to independently evaluate treatment effectiveness of three BioMaze® configurations for nitrogen reduction. Three configurations will be tested:
- Installed in a single-compartment tank or first tank of a two-compartment system,
- Installed in the second tank with recirculation to the first,
- Installed in both tanks with full recirculation.
A 12-month field test will involve 40 septic tank systems in the Volusia Blue Spring BMAP area. We anticipate field work will begin in early 2026. Tanks will be pumped, inspected, and assigned to control (8 systems) or treatment groups (32 systems) per the DEP-approved Quality Assurance Plan. Effluent sampling will occur twice monthly; groundwater below the drainfield will be sampled monthly via shallow monitoring wells (piezometers). All samples will be analyzed by a DoH NELAP-certified lab.
Participant Eligibility and Recruitment
We are seeking 40 households to participate in this study at no cost to homeowners. If you live in Volusia County, West of DeLand near Lake Beresford and in the neighborhoods along Hontoon Road (C.R. 4125) or if you live south of State Road 44, west of Spring Garden Ave S, north of McGregor Rd., and east of Lake Beresford and the railroad tracks, you may be eligible to participate.
If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, send us your contact information by scanning this QR code and completing the online application form.
You can also reach us through email: [email protected].
We will reach out to you to answer your questions.