Researchers from Trinity College Dublin's School of Engineering, Environmental Engineering group, are pioneering a new approach to wastewater treatment in rural Ireland using the natural capabilities of willow trees. This innovative solution offers hope for homeowners in regions with poor draining soils and inadequate wastewater management systems.

During Reading Week, research teams worked in counties Wexford and Leitrim, implementing a system that involves planting and coppicing willow trees to treat septic tank effluent. These systems address a critical issue in areas where soils cannot properly absorb septic waste, often leading to water pollution. The project, named EVAPOTREAT, draws inspiration from Scandinavian successes with similar systems.

Led by Professors Laurence Gill and John Gallagher, and funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Leitrim County Council, EVAPOTREAT aims to reduce effluent discharge by taking advantage of willows' high evapotranspiration rates. Willow trees naturally filter and break down contaminants, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional wastewater treatment.

PhD researcher Aaron Coyle is driving this research, working with Danish ecosanitation consultant Arne Backlund to refine the system’s methods and implementation. The system is currently undergoing trials and rigorous monitoring, with the potential to revolutionize rural wastewater management across Ireland.

As this nature-based solution continues to develop, it provides a promising sustainable alternative, reducing environmental damage while offering clean water and healthier ecosystems. Trinity’s Environmental Engineering group is leading the way in environmental innovation, merging technology and nature to tackle urgent global challenges.