TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Composition: The organic matrix comprises 15% Sphagnum moss, 15% bark chip, 60-70% cocopeat, and 5% bokashi. Preferred Microorganism: The microorganisms are effective microorganisms (EM) chosen from lactic acid bacteria e.g. Lactobacillus, Actinomyces sp., Bacillus globigii, B.subtilis, yeast e.g. Saccharomyces sp., and fungi chosen from Trichoderma reesei, other Trichoderma sp., Penicillium sp., A.terreus, other Aspergillus sp., and saprophytic fungi. Preferred Macroorganism: The one or more types of macroorganisms are chosen from Arthropods, worms, flatworms, slugs, and nematodes. The Arthropods are chosen from beetles, weevils, mites, millipedes, centipedes, flies and springtails. The tank is seeded with one or more worm species chosen from Perionyx excavatus, Eisenia fetida, E.andrei, E.hortensis, Eudrilus eugeniae, Amynthas gracilis, P.sansibaricus, Lumbricus terrestris, and E.eugeniae. The beetles are Scarabaeidae. The Scarabaeidae are chosen from Copris lunaris, Copris hispanus, Bubas bison, B.bubalus, Geotrupes spiniger, Onthophagus, Digitonthophagus gazella, Onitis alexis, O.binodis, O.taurus, and O.vacca. The mites are Tetranychus urticae.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred System: The first intermediate layer includes vertically extending core of porous structures adapted to facilitate the movement of liquids thus aerobic conditions are maintained in the first intermediate layer. The core of porous structures is surrounded by vertically extending alternating portions of organic matrix and porous structures. The core of porous structures is surrounded by vertically extending alternating concentric rings of organic matrix and porous structures. The organic matrix in the first intermediate layer is enclosed in mesh bags and has a minimum C:N ratio of 70:1. The materials comprising the second intermediate layer are bark nuggets contained in one or more mesh bags. The porous mat is located between the inlet and the first zone, and extends over substantially the whole cross-section of the tank. The system includes one or more air pipes at or adjacent to the bottom of the first zone for supplying air to aerate the first zone. The unit for extracting liquids and solids from the settlement pond include a first pipe for extracting liquid from the pond and at least one second pipe for extracting sludge from the pond. The tank includes an access point at or adjacent the top of the tank.