A combined bio-fixed film and aquatic plant (CBFFAP) system was investigated for treatment of diluted swine waste and anaerobically digested effluent under tropical-climate and land-limited conditions. It was found that the CBFFAP process could remove more than 90% of total chemical oxygen demand (COD), 95% of total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and 99% of total suspended solids (TSS) under 0.1 COD liter(-1) d(-1) loading rate. Because it is simple in design and operation, and low in maintenance, the process can be very beneficial for application in tropical areas with moderately limited land. Also, the almost zero energy input for the operation of the system has very important implications for energy conservation Based on a 1000-pig operation the land requirement is about 0.077 ha. If is considered as moderately land-saving compared to the facultative pond and aquatic treatment systems.