Characterization of Wastewater and Evaluation of Recycling Technologies Using Analytical Hierarchical Process for a University Community

Abstract

Characterization and treatment of greywater are major environmental issues in most nations of the world. The research aims to characterize and evaluate recycling technologies using an analytical hierarchical process for Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) community. A survey was conducted around ABUAD to determine the number of functioning boreholes and active water systems in the area, the total population of students was derived from the total head count of each room and student in each hostel, and a population projection for the next 3 years was conducted to determine the rate at which the student body will grow in terms of future water demands, and daily water volume and questionnaires were used to collect data. Before developing the small-scale model of the greywater filter system (consisting of activated carbon, shaft sand, pebbles, cotton fiber, and gravel), water grey samples were gathered from several ABUAD locations to evaluate the pollution level of each greywater source. A total of 88 students (43 males and 45 females) replied to the survey, revealing their high need for clean water and their dissatisfaction with the water supply in their respective hostels. The water quality tests conducted in the various locations of ABUAD reveal high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) and turbidity, particularly in the girl’s hostels, and the water was discovered to be predominantly alkaline. After passing a sample of greywater through the small-scale greywater filtering device, it was determined to be effective, since it produced clear, reusable water and a greywater filtration system in ABUAD will yield favorable outcomes.