Introduction
In areas beyond urban sewer networks, such as rural villages, resorts, and standalone restaurants, wastewater treatment has been a challenge. Untreated sewage, if discharged uncontrolled, can contaminate soil, seep into groundwater, breed bacteria, and create foul odors, negatively impacting residents' quality of life. Fortunately, the Johkasou wastewater treatment system has been widely adopted to address this issue. In this article, AquaSust will share what Johkasou is and how it treats the sewage.
What is a Johkasou?

Aquasust's smart Johkasou is a decentralized wastewater treatment system developed based on the intelligent purification tank and biological strains. It originates from Japan, and is mainly used to treat sewage from households and small businesses, to be discharged or reused. It consists of the following three components:
• Anaerobic treatment unit: In an oxygen-deficient environment, anaerobic microorganisms break down large organic molecules, reducing pollutant concentration.
• Aerobic treatment unit: By supplying oxygen through aeration, aerobic microorganisms further degrade organic matter and remove pollutants such as ammonia nitrogen.
• Sedimentation unit: Separates sludge from clean water to ensure purified effluent.
Working Principle:
The core of Johkasou relies on microorganisms (anaerobic and aerobic bacteria) to break down organic pollutants in wastewater:
• Anaerobic phase: Microorganisms decompose large organic molecules under oxygen-free conditions, producing methane, carbon dioxide, etc. (some systems can collect biogas).
• Aerobic phase: Aeration supplies oxygen, promoting aerobic microbial metabolism to convert remaining organic matter into carbon dioxide, water, and a small amount of sludge, while nitrification removes ammonia nitrogen.

Key Difference Between Johkasou and Septic Tank
|
Comparison Criteria |
Johkasou |
Septic Tank (Traditional) |
|
Treatment Principle |
Anaerobic + Aerobic Bio-treatment (Multi-stage purification) |
Anaerobic digestion only (Simple sedimentation & fermentation) |
|
Treatment Efficiency |
High, produces clearer effluent (Meets discharge standards) |
Basic, only partial decomposition (Requires further treatment) |
|
Pollutant Removal Rate |
High BOD/COD removal (>90%), capable of nitrogen & phosphorus removal |
Low BOD/COD removal (~30-50%), no nitrogen removal |
|
Effluent Usability |
Can be directly discharged or reused (e.g., irrigation) |
Requires additional treatment (e.g., filtration or constructed wetlands) |
|
Sludge Production |
Low (Aerobic microbes decompose thoroughly) |
High (Requires frequent sludge removal) |
|
Odor Control |
Good (Sealed system + aerobic process reduces odor) |
Poor (Prone to methane & hydrogen sulfide odors) |
|
Space Requirement |
Compact (Integrated design) |
Large (Depends on sedimentation capacity) |
|
Maintenance Frequency |
Every 1-2 years (Higher automation) |
Every 6-12 months (Frequent desludging needed) |
|
Cost |
Higher initial investment, lower long-term O&M costs |
Lower initial cost, higher long-term sludge removal costs |
|
Typical Applications |
Japan, eco-buildings, off-grid areas |
Rural areas in developing countries, temporary facilities |
What Makes the Johkasou System Special?

1. High Treatment Efficiency
The Johkasou system effectively reduces the levels of BOD, SS, and nitrogen in wastewater. Even in frozen soil, its patented corrugated surface (to increase surface area and mass transfer efficiency) and microbial carrier composite technology (to immobilize cold-resistant microorganisms) maintain microbial activity, enabling the stable operation.
2. Compact Design:
The Johkasou system is a compact structure designed to be installed completely underground, saving space. This reduces land use and allows it to blend quickly into the surrounding environment.
3. Low Maintenance Costs
The Johkasou system is constructed with corrosion-resistant fiberglass carriers and resin shells, enabling underground operation for over 30 years. Compared to traditional septic tanks, it requires less maintenance.

4. Eco-Friendly
The treatment system employs a combined aerobic-anaerobic process to break down sludge further, reducing sludge production. Additionally, the biogas generated during its anaerobic phase can be recovered, resulting in lower carbon emissions.

5. Remote Control
Equipped with a digital IoT system, it provides real-time data recording and analysis to enhance water treatment efficiency. The system also allows for remote control and centralized monitoring of multiple units simultaneously.
FAQs
Q: What is the maintenance frequency?
A: To ensure the Johkasou operates efficiently, we need to regularly add microbial agents to it. Additionally, professional inspections should be conducted 1-2 times a year, and sludge buildup should be removed every 3-5 years.
Q: Can the treated water be reused?
A: Yes, after disinfection, the treated water from Johkasou systems is ideal for various non-potable reuse applications, including toilet flushing, landscape irrigation, and car washing. This recycled water solution helps conserve freshwater resources while meeting diverse water demand needs.
Q: Is electricity supply required?
A: Standard models require electricity for aeration devices, but non-electric models are also available (with slightly lower treatment efficiency)
Q: Is government approval required for installation?
A: Most regions require approval from environmental protection departments. We will assist customers in completing all necessary procedures.
Conclusion
Johkasou systems not only effectively remove pollutants from domestic and commercial wastewater but also help save space. As a result, they are increasingly being adopted in various remote areas and small-scale communities.
AquaSust - Your Reliable Water Treatment Expert
As a leading water treatment Supplier, AquaSust delivers premium Johkasou systems and custom water treatment solutions for you. This includes everything from initial consultation to after-sales service, helping you to realize regulatory-compliant, sustainable water treatment. Contact us for professional technical support.











