Volcanic gravel is the most popular medium to use for media bed units and is
recommended where available (Figure 4.53). The three best qualities of volcanic gravel
are that it has a very high surface area to volume ratio, it can be cheap and easy to
obtain, and it is almost chemically inert. Volcanic gravel has a surface area to volume
ratio of about 300 m2
/m3
, depending on the
particle size, which provides ample space for
bacteria to colonize. Volcanic gravel is abundant
in many locations around the world. Once
washed of dust and dirt, volcanic gravel is
almost completely chemically inert, except for
small releases of microelements such as iron and
magnesium and the absorption of phosphate
and potassium ions within the first few months
of starting a unit. The recommended size of
volcanic gravel is 8–20 mm in diameter. Smaller
gravel is likely to clog with solid waste and
larger gravel does not offer the surface area or
plant support as required.