Application of Ceramic Filter for Improvement of Pond Sand Filter’s Water Quality

Abstract

Paying attention to the use of surface water a household type filter unit adding with existing Pond Sand Filter (PSF) is introduced as an alternative water supply option where groundwater is contaminated with arsenic/iron or excessive saline and freshwater aquifers are not available. The performances of existing PSFs are not satisfactory due to poor operation and maintenance, shorter filter run and poor treated water quality. In this study a simple and low cost ceramic filter unit consists of clay pot (10L-capacity), ceramic filter core, storage tank and wooden stand, were applied. The combined action of PSF with ceramic filter unit, the average total coliform and fecal coliform removal efficiencies were found to be 99.73% and 99.97% respectively. Moreover, the reduction efficiencies of turbidity, and color were also achieved to be 96.89% and 99.90% respectively. The average discharge rate of the filter was observed to be 3.0 lit/hr. In combination with PSF, this kind of ceramic filter would be a reliable and sustainable treatment option particularly appropriate for problematic area in Bangladesh.