Multimedia Filter Research Articles

Innovative Multimedia Filtration for Effective Microplastic Removal in Mangrove Ecosystems: A Sustainable Approach to Environmental Health

Microplastic contamination posed a significant threat to mangrove ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and water quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a multimedia filtration system using silica sand, zeolite, activated carbon, blood clam shells, and gravel in reducing microplastic levels in mangrove waters. Water samples were collected from the Wonorejo Mangrove Ecotourism in Surabaya, Indonesia, and were treated using two filtration reactors: Reactor 1 with sand media and Reactor 2 with clamshell media. The downward-flow filtration system demonstrated promising results, with Reactor 1 achieving a 54-60% microplastic removal efficiency and Reactor 2 showing superior performance with a 61-65% efficiency. Fiber-type microplastics were most effectively removed, with Reactor 2 achieving a 67% reduction. The findings highlighted the potential of clamshell media in enhancing filtration efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability. While the system offered a viable solution for mitigating microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, challenges such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term maintenance required further research. Future studies should focus on optimizing filtration media and assessing real-world applicability for broader environmental conservation efforts.

Job Safety Analysis of Repair Multi-Media Filter (Confined Space) in Agribusiness and Industry Sector

Working in confined spaces is inherently more dangerous than in other environments due to the various unexpected components and factors that must be assessed when identifying hazards. Job Safety Analysis (JSA) effectively identifies risks in non-routine operations and prevents accidents. This study aims to analyze and minimize the risks associated with repair work on the Multi-Media Filter (MMF) confined space tank in the Agribusiness and Industry Sector. The method employed is a descriptive observational Job Safety Analysis, with data collected on work stages, potential hazards, control methods, and hazard ratings for each job. The MMF tank repair work in confined spaces involves eight activities, with 27 identified hazards and risks. Of these, two jobs (15%) fall into the low-risk category, while six jobs (85%) are classified as medium risk; no high-risk jobs were found. The MMF tank repair work presents medium and low risks for each job. Workers can safely carry out the repair work, as no high-potential hazards were identified, ensuring their safety. It is recommended that the JSA be periodically updated, involving workers in the evaluation process to ensure continuity and relevance.

Inisiasi Pengolahan Air Embung dengan Teknologi Multimedia Filter (MMF) sebagai Solusi Air Bersih di Kabupaten Bojonegoro

Clean water and proper sanitation are fundamental human needs. Nganti Village, located in Ngraho Subdistrict, Bojonegoro Regency, faces significant drought and clean water shortages, particularly during the dry season. The water quality remains subpar despite the presence of springs and water reservoirs. Consequently, processing raw water from the village's reservoir can offer a viable solution. This service activity aims to harness water reservoirs as a clean water source through multimedia filter (MMF) technology. The activities, conducted from 2022 to the end of 2023, encompass four stages: socializing the program plans, constructing multimedia filters (MMF), installing the water treatment unit on-site, and evaluating water quality, followed by necessary follow-ups. The primary activities involve installing water treatment units with MMF technology in collaboration with village officials and the community. The treated water is then tested for quality at the IPB University laboratory. Test results indicate that MMF technology significantly improves water quality, reducing parameters such as Magnesium, Manganese, Calcium, Iron, and Phosphate by 25.8‒97.8%, thus meeting quality standards. However, some parameters, such as TSS, COD, and Zinc, still exceed quality standards, necessitating further processing. This advanced water treatment requires involvement from the local government, particularly in funding through community empowerment programs, to install advanced treatment units and provide operational support for these units.

The removal of pathogenic bacteria and dissolved organic matter from freshwater using microporous membranes: insights into biofilm formation and fouling reversibility

Pathogenic bacteria in drinking-water pose a health risk to consumers, as they compromise the quality of portable water. Chemical disinfection of water containing dissolved organic matter (DOM) causes harmful disinfection by-products. In this work, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) blended polyethersulfone membranes were fabricated and characterised using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The membranes were evaluated for the removal of bacteria and DOM from synthetic and environmental water. Permeate flux increased from 287.30 to 374.60 l m−2 h−1 at 3 bars when 4-HBA increased from 0 to 1.5 wt.%, suggesting that 4-HBA influenced the membrane’s affinity for water. Furthermore, 4-HBA demonstrated antimicrobial properties by inhibiting bacterial growth. The membrane with 1 wt.% 4-HBA recorded 99.4 and 100% bacteria removal in synthetic and environmental water, respectively. Additionally, DOM removal of 55–73% was achieved. A flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 94.6% was obtained when a mixture of bacteria and humic acid was filtered, implying better fouling layer reversibility during cleaning. Furthermore, 100% FRR was achieved when a multimedia granular filtration step was installed prior to membrane filtration. The results illustrated that the membranes had a high permeate flux with low irreversible fouling. This indicated the potential of the membranes in treating complex feed streams using simple cleaning protocols.

Assessing Permeate Water Quality in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Using Nanofiltration Membrane Technology and Various Pre-Treatment Configurations

The nanofiltration (NF) membrane technology used in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) encounters fouling issues. Fouling can be mitigated by incorporating pre-treatment units such as multimedia filters (MMF) and activated carbon filters (CF). This research aims to optimize the RAS configuration using MMF, CF, and NF90-4040 membranes to identify the most effective treatment system for reducing organic contaminants in aquaculture water. The performance of RAS was monitored and evaluated by the decrease in membrane flux and the efficiency of each configuration in reducing concentrations of ammonia, nitrite, and total suspended solids (TSS). The combination of MMF, CF, and NF (V1) demonstrated the highest overall efficiency, reducing ammonia concentration by 97.5% and nitrite by 100%. The MMF unit in V1 reduced ammonia and nitrite levels by 36.25% and 35.48%, respectively, while the CF unit further reduced ammonia and nitrite levels by 86.27% and 10%, respectively. The NF unit reduced ammonia by 71.43% and nitrite by 100%. Moreover, V1 exhibited a smaller decrease in flux value compared to the combination of MMF and NF (V2) and CF and NF (V3). The optimized RAS reactor in V1 achieved a 100% reduction in nitrate and TSS, highlighting its superior performance in treating aquaculture water effectively.

Microbial denitrification characteristics of typical decentralized wastewater treatment processes based on 16S rRNA sequencing.

Despite the widespread application of decentralized wastewater treatment (WWT) facilities in China, relatively few research has used the multi-media biological filter (MMBF) facilities to investigate the microorganism characteristics. This study utilizes 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology to examine the microbial biodiversity of a representative wastewater treatment (WWT) system in an expressway service area. The pathways of nitrogen removal along the treatment route were analyzed in conjunction with water quality monitoring. The distribution and composition of microbial flora in the samples were examined, and the dominant flora were identified using LEfSe analysis. The FAPROTAX methodology was employed to investigate the relative abundance of genes associated with the nitrogen cycle and to discern the presence of functional genes involved in nitrogen metabolism. On average, the method has a high level of efficiency in removing COD, TN, NH3-N, and TP from the effluent. The analysis of the microbial community identified a total of 40 phyla, 111 classes, 143 orders, 263 families, and 419 genera. The phyla that were predominantly observed include Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, Nitrospirae, Bacteroidetes. The results show that the system has achieved high performance in nitrogen removal, the abundance of nitrification genes is significantly higher than that of other nitrogen cycle genes such as denitrification, and there are six nitrogen metabolism pathways, primarily nitrification, among which Nitrospirae and Nitrospira are the core differentiated flora that can adapt to low temperature conditions and participate in nitrification, and are the dominant nitrogen removal flora in cold regions. This work aims to comprehensively investigate the diversity and functional properties of the bacterial community in decentralized WWT processes.

Pilot Study on the Deep Treatment of Sulfuric-Acid–Titanium-Dioxide Wastewater Using an Ultrafiltration/Reverse Osmosis Process

The production of titanium dioxide via the sulfuric acid process generates large amounts of acidic wastewater. Investigating the possibility of reusing this wastewater after deep treatment can reduce pollutant discharge and conserve water resources. In a pilot study, a dual-membrane method of ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) was employed to perform deep treatments of sulfuric-acid–titanium-dioxide wastewater. The findings showed that the multimedia and precision filters reduced the turbidity of water from an external drainage to as low as 0.18 NTU, with a turbidity removal rate of approximately 50%, reaching a maximum of 68%. When the UF effluent had a membrane flux of 70–100 L/m2 h and a water production rate of 85–90%, the SDI15 was <5.0 and the turbidity was <1.0, meeting RO water supply requirements. Additionally, RO achieved a TDS removal rate of >95%, a CODCr removal rate of 85%, and a desalination rate of >98.5%. At a smooth operation system water recovery rate of 50%, the highest system recovery rate obtained was 64%. The water produced via RO adhered to reuse water standards. UF/RO deep treatment of sulfuric-acid–titanium-dioxide production wastewater and its reuse can realize comprehensive wastewater use and conserve water resources.

Application of UF and RO for power plant's wastewater treatment and recycling for environmental sustainability

Abstract Global indicators have warned of freshwater scarcity in Asia. However, the utilization of freshwater resources has skyrocketed for commercial and industrial purposes without any strategy for recycling and reuse. The power plant's wastewater/reject mainly consisted of cooling tower blowdown water and reverse osmosis (RO) plant reject water. Due to the high turbid nature of reject water, pretreatment was carried out to achieve SDI15 <3 by employing multimedia filters (MMF), activated carbon filters (ACF) and ultrafiltration (UF). Operational parameters of RO membranes were optimized (11.5 bar, 29 °C) to achieve maximum water recovery along with higher rejection rates of critical scale forming species such as 81% total dissolved solids (TDS), 73% calcium hardness and 72% silica (Si). After accounting for backwash water and other concentrate rejections, the membrane treatment plant has achieved an appreciable recovery rate of more than 44%. The RO membrane-treated water was then incorporated in the cooling tower and a 16% reduction in freshwater makeup was achieved. Reduction of microbial growth rate as well as corrosion and scaling in the cooling tower was observed due to the reuse of treated water. This is to confirm here that brackish water RO membranes can act as a strong contender for reject water reclamation and effective utilization.

Forecasting and Optimizing Dual Media Filter Performance via Machine Learning

Four different machine learning algorithms, including Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Multivariable Linear Regression (MLR), Support Vector Regressions (SVR), and Gaussian Process Regressions (GPR), were applied to predict the performance of a multi-media filter operating as a function of raw water quality and plant operating variables. The models were trained using data collected over a seven year period covering water quality and operating variables, including true colour, turbidity, plant flow, and chemical dose for chlorine, KMnO4, FeCl3, and Cationic Polymer (PolyDADMAC). The machine learning algorithms have shown that the best prediction is at a 1-day time lag between input variables and unit filter run volume (UFRV). Furthermore, the RF algorithm with grid search using the input metrics mentioned above with a 1-day time lag has provided the highest reliability in predicting UFRV with a RMSE and R2 of 31.58 and 0.98, respectively. Similarly, RF with grid search has shown the shortest training time, prediction accuracy, and forecasting events using a ROC-AUC curve analysis (AUC over 0.8) in extreme wet weather events. Therefore, Random Forest with grid search and a 1-day time lag is an effective and robust machine learning algorithm that can predict the filter performance to aid water treatment operators in their decision makings by providing real-time warning of the potential turbidity breakthrough from the filters.

Application of anaerobic and aerobic bioreactors in detergent wastewater treatment: A review

The laundry business sector is expanding quickly nowadays. However, the laundry industry is still dealing with the issue of processing detergent wastewater. Anaerobic and aerobic bioreactors may efficiently solve this problem. This narrative review aims to assess the feasibility of using anaerobic and aerobic bioreactors for detergent wastewater treatment. Its advantages and disadvantages and the idea of combining multi-media filtration and UV light in detergent wastewater treatment using an aerobic and aerobic bioreactor. The anaerobic bioreactor can reduce chemical and biological oxygen demand to 89.8 % and 94.0 %, respectively. At the same time, aerobic bioreactors can reduce chemical and biological oxygen demand to 99.1% and 71%, respectively. However, some challenges still need to be addressed to make anaerobic ad aerobic bioreactors can be implemented. Suspended solid production, dissolved methane, and temperature-dependent effectiveness are challenges that must be solved. Multi-media filtration can reduce suspended solids and provide ion exchange, while UV light kills excess microorganisms from the bioreactor.

Tainted Wastewater Remediation through Inverted Multimedia Biofilter

The growth of industry leads to the contamination of surface as well as groundwater. Improper industrial wastewater disposal causes a serious problem of metal accumulation in the soil and freshwater. To tackle this issue there is a need of recycling and reuse wastewater using low-cost sustainable treatment. The main objective of this research is to check the feasibility of multimedia vermifilter for the efficiency removal of physicochemical parameter and fluoride metal ions of fluoride-tented used water (wastewater). For the treatment, we used fluoride contaminated used water (wastewater) from the fluoride contaminated site. In this study multimedia vermifilter integrated with moringa seed extract, activated charcoal powder, and earthworm Eisenia fetida were used as bio-media to treat contaminated used wastewater, In this experimental analysis, we checked the removal efficiency on different HLR in m3/day/m2. The result showed that percentage removal efficiency for BOD, COD, TDS and Fluoride using inverted multimedia filter was observed for the optimized hydraulic loading rate at 0.933m3/day/m2 was found to be BOD (81.64%), COD (51.47%), TDS (82.17%), Fluoride (35.81%) respectively. The earthworm, moringa seed extract, and activated charcoal play a vital role in the removal of Bioconversion of organic matter. Furthermore Treated effluent waste-water is then used for gardening and irrigation purposes.

Particle-scale modelling of rapid granular filtration in a dual-media filter

Particle-scale modelling of rapid granular filtration in a dual-media filter

Multi-media filtration for pollutant removal in mud crab hatchery wastewater

Aquaculture wastewater consists of uneaten fish feed, faeces other excrement and chemical waste. Discharge of aquaculture wastewater directly into the water stream without treatment can harm the ecosystem. Thus, this study aimed to develop a low-cost filtration system for the treatment of mud crab hatchery wastewater. Sponge was used to pre-treat the wastewater mainly to remove larger particles and suspended solids. Sand and zeolite (with and without heat treatment) were used as filter media for the treatment process. FTIR and SEM analysis determined the morphology and surface chemistry of zeolite which acted as an adsorbent in this process. The physical (temperature, TSS and turbidity) and chemical characteristics (pH, ammonia, TDS and DO) of raw wastewater were determined. The removal efficiency of pollutant for each media used in the filtration system was assessed. From observation, it showed that filter media with heat treatment induced better pollutant removal compared to untreated media. It successfully removed TSS, ammonia and turbidity of wastewater around 18.8%, 90.7% and 100% respectively. It was concluded that the filtration media with heat treament is needed for better pollutant removal in the mud crab hatchery wastewater.

PEMANFAATAN FILTRASI MULTIMEDIA DALAM MENGOLAH AIR PAYAU DI DESA GOSONG TELAGA BARAT KABUPATEN ACEH SINGKIL

Water is a basic human need. The use of water is very complex, among others, for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, agriculture, fisheries, and so on. Coastal areas are often faced with the problem of limited water resources. In terms of quantity, coastal areas generally have abundant water, but it is often difficult to obtain water for various uses, due to inadequate quality. Limited water resources in coastal areas are related to the scarcity of fresh water that can be used as clean water. This study aims to desalinate brackish water into fresh water that can be used as clean water for sanitation hygiene needs. The process of desalinating brackish water into clean water uses the multimedia filtration method. Filtration is a process of separating solids from fluids (liquids or gases) that carry them using a porous medium or other porous material to remove as much of the suspended and colloidal fine solids as possible. The filtration media used in this study were activated carbon, silica sand, zeolite and gravel. These media are effective in reducing salinity and turbidity in brackish water.

Experimental Study on the Influence of Flexible Control on Key Parameters in Reverse Osmosis Desalination

Variable-frequency drive (VFD) has been widely used in reverse osmosis desalination. Our purpose is to study how the VFD and pressure regulating valve affect the key parameters of reverse osmosis desalination and their action principle through experiments. Firstly, the power frequency is controlled by VFD, and the operating pressure is controlled by pressure regulating valve (needle valve) in the experiment. The feed water passes through the multimedia filter, precision filter and permeable membrane channel in turn, and permeate water and brine enter the fresh water tank and the brine tank respectively. Secondly, through experiments on seawater and brackish water respectively, the water flow rate, product water quality, energy consumption and recovery rate under different operating pressures are obtained when the power frequency is 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 respectively. Finally, combined with the working principle and mathematical model of VFD and high-pressure pump motor, the reason for the experimental results caused by the operation change is explained theoretically. The experimental results verify that for a certain recovery rate, the specific energy consumption required for water production decreases with decreasing power frequency. This provides desalination energy savings but at the expense of permeate production speed.

The Effectiveness of the Sizerebotif Multimedia Filter Method in Improving the Quality of Dug Well Water to be Clean Water for Communities in Sinjai Regency

BACKGROUND: Based on the results of laboratory examinations, initial samples taken from one of the clean water sources (dug wells) in Biringere Village, North Sinjai District, results showed that the water sample contained high enough metal ions such as Fe, Mn, hardness, and organic substances which did not meet the requirements as clean water because it still contained levels of Manganese (Mn) 1.68 mg/l. Meanwhile, for organic substances (KMnO4), it is 9876 mg/l. AIM: The purpose of the research was to determine the effectiveness of multimedia filters in improving quality of clean water from the parameters of Mn and KMnO4 in clean water sources (dug wells).. METHODS: The type of research conducted is quasi-experimental by made a filtering processing method with a “Up Flow” flow system, using media consisting of silica sand, zeolite, resin (pine resin), and active carbon in PVC tubes. The population in this study were all dug wells in North Sinjai district. The samples were dug wells located on Biringere Village, North Sinjai District. The samples examined in Center for Environmental Health and disease control of Makassar. RESULTS: The results obtained were that there was a significant change in manganese (Mn) levels of 0.49 mg/l (80.37%). Meanwhile, organic substances (MnO4) amounted to 17.38 mg/l (70.02%). CONCLUSION: Decreasing levels of manganese (Mn) in well water after going through the multimedia filter process above show that the manganese content has met the standard requirements of the Minister of Health Regulation No. 32 of 2017.

Managing microbes

Managing microbes

Water treatment of polluted rivers in cities based on biological filter technology

Water treatment of polluted rivers in cities based on biological filter technology

The Efficiency of Multi-Media Filtration in Drinking Water Treatment Plants for the Removal of Natural Organic Matter

Background: Filtration is a processing unit in a Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) that is used to remove particles from the water. This study is the result of pilot-scale research on Gravity Rapid Sand Filter (GRSF). The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the performance of the Triple Media Filter (TMF) (Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) + anthracite + garnet) and Dual-Media Filter (DMF) (anthracite + sand) in the removal of Natural Organic Matter (NOM) as a precursor of Trihalomethanes (THMs) and chlorination Disinfection by-Products (DBPs). Methods: Filtration rate was performed at conventional (120 m/d) and a high rate (240 m/d) and compared with full-sized Single Media Filter (SMF) with a sand media. The removal efficiency of turbidity, color, and UV absorption at a wavelength of 254 nm (UV254) and Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) parameters were investigated. Besides, the Specific Ultraviolet Absorbance (SUVA) was calculated from the ratio of UV254 to DOC. Results: The results showed that the Multimedia Filter (MMF) at 120 and 240 m/d filtration rate had higher removal efficiency compared with a control SMF in removing measured parameters (p<0.05). Also, similar filters have shown the same efficiency relative to each other in different loading rates and there was an insignificant difference. Conclusion: MMF can significantly remove organic pollutants and control the formation of DBPs during water treatment. The study suggests that SMF should be replaced with MMF to improve water quality.

Changes in microbial communities during seawater pre-treatment within a desalination plant

We analysed prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities across the seawater pre-treatment system of Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island, South Australia) desalination plant, using 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing. The richness of operational taxonomic units increased downstream of the pre-treatment system (reverse osmosis feedwater) compared to raw seawater for Archaea, while it decreased for bacteria and protists. Overall, the reverse osmosis feedwater was found to be enriched in ammonia-oxidising bacteria and Archaea compared to raw seawater, and also contained greater proportions of taxa typically observed in aquatic biofilms and/or within other water treatment systems. Although the microbial load was reduced by the pre-treatment system, the increase in proportion of biofilm-associated microbes suggests the presence of active microbial communities within multimedia filters and other parts of the pre-treatment system that might increase biofouling risks.