CG-OES: VIDA Greywater Treatment System

Abstract

Sponsored by the CG-OES Prevention Community, this multiyear research initiative supports the development of testing protocols for shipboard graywater treatment systems under the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA). During AY 2023-2024, a capstone team of Mechanical and Civil Engineers designed, constructed, and conducted preliminary testing of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) to treat shipboard graywater; however, membrane failure limited treatment effectiveness. In Spring 2025, a Directed Studies team refined the simulated graywater recipe to better reflect large cruise-ship wastewater characteristics, identified a new membrane filter, and improved the system used to simulate shipboard motion. Building on this foundation, the 2025-2026 capstone team redesigned and enhanced the MBR system. Efforts include integrating the new membrane, developing an improved reactor cover to optimize oxygen transfer and pressure control, implementing an automated control system, simulating shipboard motion more realistically, and conducting treatment testing using simulated graywater.