Abstract
This paper presents a literature review of the quality of greywater generated in different, especially developing, countries, constituents found in greywater, some treatment systems, natural materials for treatment, some reuse strategies and public perception regarding greywater reuse. The review shows that generation rates are mostly influenced by lifestyle, types of fixtures used and climatic conditions. Contaminants found in greywater are largely associated with the type of detergent used and influenced by other household practices. Many of the treatment systems reviewed were unable to provide total treatment as each system has its unique strength in removing a group of targeted pollutants. The review revealed that some naturally occurring materials such as Moringa oleifera, sawdust, can be used to remove targeted pollutants in greywater. The study further showed that user perceptions towards greywater treatment and reuse were only favourable towards non-potable purposes, mostly due to perceived contamination or lack of trust in the level of treatment offered by the treatment system.
Highlights
The total volume of freshwater on Earth far outweighs the human demands
This study reviewed greywater characteristics, treatment systems, reuse strategies and perception of greywater reuse among users
It shows that there is a wide variation in greywater characteristics and volume generation rates which is largely dependent on the water use, lifestyle patterns and type of settlement
Summary
The total volume of freshwater on Earth far outweighs the human demands. Out of the overall water resources on Earth, about 97% can be found in the oceans while the remaining 3% remains available for direct exploitation; out of this 3%, the quantity of water that is available for use by humans is estimated at onehundredth (Eakin and Sharman 2010; Gleick 1993). Greywater is defined as wastewater without any contributions from toilet water (Casanova et al 2001; Ledin et al 2001; Ottoson and Stenstrom 2003) It is considered high volume, low strength wastewater with high potential for reuse and application. Reuse of greywater has been an old practice, and it is still being done in areas that are water stressed This practice if given the needed attention can help reduce the overreliance on freshwater resources and reduce the pollution caused by discharge of untreated greywater into freshwater resources. It can be a supplementary source to existing water sources in areas where there is acute water crisis or in arid climatic regions.
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