Multi-soil-layering (MSL) systems permit higher hydraulic load rates (HLR) and pollutant loads than some conventional soil systems by forming the alternating structures inside to enhance the filtration ability of soil. However, the quantitative evaluations of water movement in MSL are insufficient to be understood. Residence time distribution (RTD) is a tool to characterize the mixing and flow within reactors and is useful for troubleshooting existing reactors. In this study, pulse tracer tests were conducted to determine the RTD to investigate the flow patterns of MSL. Results show that the back-mixing extent of MSLs was moderate dispersion under HLR 200, 400, 800, and 1,600 L/(m² d), and the RTD of them indicate evident flow patterns of CSTR. Residence time shows a significantly negative correlation with the dead zone (p = 0.001). The dead zone ratio of the MSLs were 41.0%, 52.3%, 59.6%, and 38.8% under HLR 200, 400, 800, and 1,600 L/(m² d), respectively.

Lack of access to adequate sanitation facilities has serious health implications for rural dwellers and can degrade the ecosystems. This study offers a systemantic and quantitative overview of historical data on rural domestic waste (RDW) production and past and current management practices in a prototype region in China, where rural areas are undergoing rapid urbanization and are confronted with great environmental challenges associated with poor RDW management practices. The results indicate that RDW is characterized with a large fraction of kitchen waste (42.9%) and high water content (53.4%). The RDW generation (RDWG) per capita between 2012 and 2020 is estimated to increase from 0.68 to 1.01 kg/d-cap. The Hill 1 model is able to adequately simulate/project the population growth in a rural area from 1993 to 2020. The annual RDWG in the region is estimated to double from 6,033,000 tons/year in 2008 to 12,030,000 tons/year by 2020. By comparing three RDW management scenarios based on the life-cycle inventory approach and cost–benefit analysis, it is strongly recommended that the present Scenario 2 (sanitary landfill treatment) be upgraded to Scenario 3 (source separation followed by composting and landfill of RDW) to significantly reduce the ecological footprint and to improve the cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Implications: Rural domestic waste (RDW) is affecting 720 million people in China and more than 3221 million people worldwide. Consequently, handling and disposal of RDW have serious health implications to rural dwellers and the ecosystems. This study offers a systemantic and quantitative overview and analysis of historical data on RDW production and management practices in a prototype region in China, which is confronted with great environmental challenges associated with RDW. Then we predict future production of RDW and propose a sustainable RDW management strategy, which holds the promise of greatly mitigating the mounting environmental pressure associated with RDW and provides science-based guidance for decision makers and practitioners for assuring rapid yet “green” economic development.