Estimation of Filtration Potential of an Effective Biosand Filter for Removal of Iron, Turbidity from Various Sources of Water

Lopa Sarkar,S K Biswal,Bikash Sarkar,R K Panigrahi

doi:10.12944/cwe.10.2.31

Abstract

A study has been conducted for designing, constructing and evaluating of an effective biosand filter. Different types of charcoal mixture such as bamboo, coconut and wood and carbon mat as an important filter media was used for the modification of biosand filter. The filter had seven layers with gravel, sand, carbon mat and charcoal which were responsible for filtration process. The filtered water analysed in every 20 min interval. The raw ground water pH was 6.12 while it passes through bamboo, coconut and wood mixture filter, the filtered water showed higher pH value. The filter in which mixture of charcoal used as filter media showed better removal efficiency of turbidity compared to control filter without charcoal and mat. The value of turbidity in filtered water of charcoal mixture filter was below 2 NTU which is the permissible limit of drinking water according to World Health Organization but for control it was average 14 NTU. Initially the flow rate was higher and gradually decreases with time. The flow rate of the Biosand filtered water decreases significantly with increase in turbidity. The charcoal based filter showed better removal of iron (II) (95-98%) compared to control (73-76%). The charcoal based filter resulted tastier water by enriching of water with mineral like sodium and potassium.

Highlights

In Many developing and under developing countries are facing water problems due to lack of clean supplied water
Odisha has reported multiple contaminations such as excess iron, manganese, fluoride, turbidity and pathogens and there is no doubt that current water situation in some parts of Khurda district of Odisha will get much worse unless suitable solutions are sought
The efficiency of biosand filter depends on raw water quality and filter design

Summary

Introduction

In Many developing and under developing countries are facing water problems due to lack of clean supplied water. Odisha has reported multiple contaminations such as excess iron, manganese, fluoride, turbidity and pathogens and there is no doubt that current water situation in some parts of Khurda district of Odisha will get much worse unless suitable solutions are sought. Most existing purification methods remove the impurities but drain out the essential minerals as well[3]. They are expensive and require extensive maintenance. There is an obvious need to assess community prepared charcoal (bamboo, coconut and wood) scientifically for its potential to remove dissolved iron, turbidity and pathogenic organisms from drinking water[7].

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Conclusion