PROJECT DETAILS

Brief Description

 

In many rural villages, the absence of proper wastewater treatment systems poses a significant environmental and health challenge. Greywater, which includes wastewater from household activities, is often directly discharged into water streams, resulting in the pollution of water bodies, damage to aquatic life, and the degradation of the environment. In some instances, villagers even use this contaminated water for drinking, putting them at risk of waterborne diseases. The main barriers to adopting wastewater treatment systems in these small hamlets and clusters of houses are the high cost of such systems and the unreliability of the energy supply at the point of discharge.

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To address this pressing issue, a solution has been proposed, leveraging solar energy to power a greywater treatment system. The primary goal is to significantly reduce the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of the wastewater, bringing it down from 2500 to a much safer 200 level. The system operates using solar energy, ensuring air bubbling during daylight hours, which typically extends for 6-7 hours. Importantly, there are no electricity costs or battery replacement expenses, as the system operates directly on solar power during the day.

The technology being employed combines reed bed systems with external air bubbling devices. The reed bed system involves circulating water through a bio-bed populated with plants like water hyacinth, canna Indica, taro leaves, and duckweed. These plants aid in the removal of pollutants such as phosphates, nitrates, heavy metals, and dissolved solids, thereby reducing the COD levels. Air bubbling is also introduced to prevent anaerobic activity and minimize unpleasant odors. This approach integrates natural water cleaning methods with human intervention to achieve effective greywater treatment.

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The innovation further extends to the development of a solar-powered air bubbling system, which is especially crucial in remote locations where electricity availability and affordability are challenges. The objectives of the project include the installation of solar-powered greywater recycling systems developed by Vigyan Ashram, the incorporation of solar-powered air bubbling systems in wastewater discharge wells, and the testing of the treated water quality before handing over the system to the villagers. The treated water can be used for various purposes, such as agricultural or plantation irrigation.

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The estimated benefits of this initiative are substantial. It directly benefits a population of 1500, with the potential to treat 25,000 liters of water per day, thereby mitigating water pollution. This approach not only improves water quality but also leads to health benefits, as it reduces mosquito breeding and the risk of waterborne diseases. Furthermore, the project serves as an awareness-building initiative for neighboring villages, demonstrating the effectiveness of solar-powered greywater treatment systems and encouraging their adoption to address similar challenges. In essence, this project offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to enhance water quality, protect the environment, and improve the health and well-being of rural communities.