BioGill technology keeps Fiji island beaches and ocean pristine

Mantaray Island Resort opened its doors to travellers as an eco-resort in 2004. Claimed to have one of the best house reefs in Fiji, protecting the environment and marine reserve has always been a key priority for resort manager Ryan Irvine. Now, with Australian-invented BioGill technology, the island is effectively treating wastewater on-site, recycling the water for garden re-use and protecting the local reefs and waterways.

“Guests really appreciate the fact that you can see huge fish on our reef and that the clam bed is only about 45 metres from their bed. The majestic manta rays visit our waters for six months of the year, so it makes good business and environmental sense to protect our natural assets,” explained Irvine.

Mantaray installed BioGill units two years ago to treat 14,000 L of wastewater each day from the showers, laundry, kitchen and composting toilets. Before the BioGills, the island used septic tanks to treat the greywater, which, according to Irvine, failed dismally.

“Since installing the BioGills there’s been no smell and we are treating and recycling our wastewater on the island with no discharge into the sea. The gardens, too, have literally gone crazy, and we now have a beautiful, lush jungle,” said Irvine.

BioGills are above-ground wastewater bioreactors that offer a suitable habitat for microorganisms to thrive in. Wastewater is gravity-fed down the surface of patented nano-ceramic membranes known as ‘gills’. These gills provide the oxygen-rich conditions for bacteria and fungi to rapidly grow and multiply with the microorganisms, effectively ‘eating’ the nutrients out of the wastewater. The result is accelerated wastewater treatment at low cost and low energy.

Independent testing from The National Water Quality Laboratory Suva has shown a reduction of up to 96% in biochemical oxygen demand - a widely used indication of the organic quality of the water.

Later this year, Irvine plans to build new bures and will be installing additional BioGills to treat the extra wastewater and sewage.

“Being so far from the mainland means we need systems that deliver results and are easy to install and maintain. A single BioGill can handle a number of bures, which makes them very economical. Plus we get to use the treated water on the gardens. By using BioGills, I believe we have the most environmentally friendly resort in Fiji,” stated Irvine.