BioFiltro is an international wastewater treatment company with a patented filtration system that naturally removes up to 99% of contaminants in 4 hours. And guess what? They do it with worms!
BioFiltro’s mission is to provide worm powered regenerative solutions that enable companies and communities to filter water, build soil health, and offset their carbon footprint.
A wastewater system that is regenerative
Led by Matias Sjögren, CEO, BioFiltro’s patented Biodynamic Aerobic (BIDA) System catalyses the digestive power of worms and microbes to remove up to 99% of wastewater contaminants within four hours.
In doing so, the company produces high quality water which can be immediately reused for agricultural irrigation, discharged to the city at reduced fees, or disposed of over fewer acres to meet if not exceed nutrient management goals. BioFiltro also generates worm castings which is a nutritious and valuable soil amendment utilised to improve crop yield, soil health, and carbon sequestration. According to Biofiltro, studies have shown this process cuts GHG emissions by 91 per cent. 
BioFiltro strives to receive and process wastewater as it is generated to reduce potential for odours and methane generation. Water flows from the source point and, if necessary, through a solid separator before arriving to an equalisation tank. Here, BioFiltro’s telemetry system monitors the water’s characteristics, adjusts pH if necessary, and triggers the intermittent irrigation batch process. The irrigation system evenly disperses.
BioFiltro’s star employee, the Eisenia Fetida
“Without the work of this humble creature, who knows nothing of the benefits he confers upon mankind, agriculture, as we know it, would be very difficult, if not wholly impossible” – Charles Darwin
As the Eisenia Fetida (the Earthworm or manure) worms burrow through the wood shavings, they create channels which ensure even distribution of air and water throughout the BIDA system.
Worms are simultaneously hermaphroditic and can lay 150 to 200 coccons every year, which is about 400 to 600 future employees. The average worm lifespan is 6 years so that means BioFiltro can retain a lot of employees every year.
The gut is rich in microbes which helps BioFiltro propagate and maintain the biofilm while also assisting the nitrification denitrification process. Each worm can produce 10 pounds of castings (waste) per year which maintains microbial activity within the BIDA system. Furthermore, when harvested, castings can be utilised by farmers, gardeners and processors to increase crop yield, soil health and water retention.
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