MBBR Technology for Reliable Wastewater Treatment at Hotel Ramonda, Mt. Rtanj

A compact and automated solution for wastewater treatment in a sensitive natural area

As tourism continues to develop in areas of high environmental value, reliable wastewater treatment becomes an essential part of sustainable hotel operations. This is particularly important for hotels located outside conventional sewerage networks, where independent and compact treatment systems are required.

A practical example is Hotel Ramonda, located on Mt. Rtanj in Serbia, a popular tourist destination known for its preserved natural environment. To minimize the impact of the hotel complex on its surroundings, a dedicated wastewater collection and treatment system was installed, based on Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology.

Designed for Significant Variations in Wastewater Loads

Hotel Ramonda comprises 58 accommodation units, including family apartments, as well as wellness and spa facilities, restaurants, bars, a laundry and other supporting services. The wastewater treatment plant was designed for a capacity of 500 PE, with an average design flow of 75 m³/day.

One of the key challenges was the variation in wastewater flows and loads associated with hotel operations. The plant therefore needed to provide reliable treatment performance while accommodating fluctuations in wastewater quantity and quality.

The selected solution was the MWT MBBR 500 PE compact containerized unit, providing both secondary and tertiary treatment in a compact configuration.

 Compact MBBR Technology

The treatment process begins with mechanical screening, followed by grease separation to address fats and oils generated by the hotel’s restaurant facilities. The wastewater then enters a 50 m³ equalization tank, which helps buffer fluctuations in inflow and provides a more uniform feed to the biological treatment stage.

The biological process combines pre-denitrification, MBBR nitrification and extended aeration, followed by clarification. In the MBBR reactor, specially designed biofilm carriers provide a large surface area for microorganisms to grow and treat the wastewater. The process is followed by filtration and UV disinfection, while chemical dosing is used for phosphorus precipitation.

The compact MBBR treatment unit measures only 7.5 × 2.2 × 3.0 m, while a separate container houses the electromechanical and tertiary-treatment equipment. The entire technological process is fully automated through a PLC control system, supporting straightforward operation and monitoring.

 Consistent Treatment Performance

The results recorded during the trial-operation period demonstrated stable treatment performance, with measured treated-effluent values below the applicable emission limits for all key parameters.

Following treatment, the water is discharged into a nearby stream and, during the summer period, can also be reused for irrigation of landscaped areas, providing an opportunity to reduce the hotel’s overall water consumption.

A Relevant Solution for Seasonal Tourism Facilities

The Hotel Ramonda project illustrates how compact MBBR systems can provide an effective solution for hotels and other facilities located outside centralized sewerage networks, particularly where space is limited and high treatment performance is required.

For destinations experiencing significant seasonal variations in occupancy—such as hotels and tourism facilities along the Albanian coast—the combination of compact design, automated operation, secondary and tertiary treatment, and the potential for treated-water reuse offers an approach worth considering when planning decentralized wastewater treatment solutions.

According to Milanović Water Treatment, the experience at Hotel Ramonda demonstrates the suitability of containerized MBBR technology for small and medium-capacity wastewater treatment applications, including sites where environmental protection and efficient use of available space are important considerations.

About Milanović Water Treatment

Milanović Water Treatment is a Serbian company specializing in comprehensive water treatment solutions, covering the entire process from engineering and design to equipment manufacturing, installation and commissioning. The company provides solutions for drinking water, industrial process water and wastewater treatment, including compact, modular and containerized systems. Its expertise encompasses advanced treatment technologies, electro-mechanical equipment and automation, with proven MBBR applications for hotels and other facilities requiring decentralized wastewater treatment.

Note: Milanović Water Treatment is a member of SHUKALB.