use of treated waste water as nutrient solution in ... of treated waste water as nutrient solution...

@IJRTER-2016, All Rights Reserved 507

Use of Treated Waste Water as Nutrient Solution in Hydroponics

Technique

Aamod S. Joshi1, V. S. Limaye

2, Dr. S. S. Shastri

3 M. G. Saboji

4

1,2,3,4Dept. of Civil Engineering (Environmental Engg.), SCOE

Abstract: Today, the world is suffering with food and water scarcity due to population explosion and

unevenness in the climatic conditions. The world needs food which will satisfy its nutritional need

and will be available at cheaper cost and the food, which one can grow on its own in very small

space; also the techniques which one can implement on its own and without much of an investment.

Hydroponics is such technique. In hydroponics, plants are grown with the use of water and

nutritional solution only. The nutritional solution contains the essential nutrients which are required

for growth of the crops. The crops are artificially supported in the nutrient mixtures and made to

grow using the nutrients provided only.

The water which we treat in our sewage treatment plants is mostly discharged into the

municipal drainages. But, as it contains human excreta, it is rich in the N (Nitrogen), P

(Phosphorous) and K (Potassium). N, P, K are the macro-nutrients which are required for the growth

of the plants. So, such water can be used by hydroponics system to grow the plants in the most

economical manner.

The paper tries to compare conventional as well as various hydroponics techniques to grow

the crops and plants which one uses in day to day life. It is an attempt to give people an option by

which they will not only satisfy their daily needs but also will be a source of earning for them.

In this paper, conventional crop production method and hydroponic methods have analyzed

and a best combination in terms of production and economical affordability is suggested.

Keywords: Hydroponics; Treated sewage; Conventional farming; Nutrient solution; Commercial

Farming

I. INTRODUCTION

Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture and is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient

solutions, in water, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral

solution only, or in an inert medium, such as perlite or gravel. If a plant is given exactly what it

needs, when it needs it, in the amount that it needs, the plant will be as healthy as is genetically

possible. With hydroponics this is an easy task; in soil it is far more difficult.

Study area considered: The study tries to compare conventional crop production technique with different hydroponic

techniques, which uses water (fresh water with nutrients added) and treated waste water and check

the feasibility of the use of treated waste water in hydroponics technique.

The study focuses on use of two inert material and their combinations with each other and compares

its results with the results obtained from conventional cultivation method (i.e.

cultivation in soil). The study tries to float the commercial viability of the combination which proves

most efficient through the study.

However, the study area is limited for small scale production and results for commercial production

are obtained from the observations of small scale study. The study limits itself to the use of two inert

medias, Cocopeat and Perlite, only.

The treated water is of domestic sewage only expecting it to be free from heavy metal

contaminations as it is obtained from a School toilet outlet.

International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)

The plants were decided to be grown in small pots. The pots having good space for aeration were

finalized. The pots are bifurcated based on inert

them. As coriander is fast growing and has wide applications in the indian cooking, the coriander

was finalized for growing. Seeds of 1 gm were sown in each pot and based on its physical growth,

the conclusion will be placed. The detailed arrangement of pots with material and feeding pattern are

described below: Table 1: Details of experimental setup

No. of Pots

Tray 1 3

3

Tray 2 3

3

Tray 3 3

Tray 4 1 Perlite with coco peat layer at bottom

1 Coco peat with perlite layer at bottom

Tray 5

1 Perlite with coco peat layer at bottom

1 Coco peat with perlite layer at bottom

The images show the combinations mentioned in the table.


Volume 02, Issue 06; June - 2016

II. METHODOLOGY


finalized. The pots are bifurcated based on inert material involved and the feeding to be given to



on will be placed. The detailed arrangement of pots with material and feeding pattern are

Table 1: Details of experimental setup

Material Feeding

Perlite Treated Waste Water

Coco peat

Perlite Artificial Nutrient Solution

Coco peat

Soil Tap water

Perlite with coco peat layer at bottom Treated Waste Water

Coco peat with perlite layer at bottom

Perlite with coco peat layer at bottom

Artificial Nutritional SolutionCoco peat with perlite layer at bottom

The images show the combinations mentioned in the table.


2016 [ISSN: 2455-1457]


material involved and the feeding to be given to



on will be placed. The detailed arrangement of pots with material and feeding pattern are

Treated Waste Water

Artificial Nutrient Solution

Tap water

Treated Waste Water

Artificial Nutritional Solution


The treated waste water was acquired from Father Agnell’s Vidyankur School, Situated in Vadgaon

(Sheri). The Treatment plant is a stabilization pond having 5 chambered zigzag flow havi

detention time of one day per chamber. The plant is designed by Dr. Mhapuskar under his

DOSIWAM approach. The outlet of the sample is collected and feeded to the plants.

III. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS

The treated waste water was tested in laboratory for

chemical properties of treated waste water: Table 2: Results of Treated Waste Water Sample

Sr. No. Parameters

1. Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/lit)

2. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/lit) (3days @

3. Total Dissolved Solids (mg/lit)

4. Total Hardness (as CaCO

5. Total Nitrogen as N (mg/lit)

6. Total Phosphorous as P (mg/lit)

7. Total Potassium as K (mg/lit)

8. Total coli form (No. per 100)

9.

The permissible limits are as per General standards for discharge in land for irrigation issued by

CPCB under The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.

The treated waste water did not contain sufficient N, P and K contents. Hence, additional fertilizers

were used in supplement to Treated Waste Water. The chemical nutrient solution were prepared by



Figure 1: Experimental Setup


(Sheri). The Treatment plant is a stabilization pond having 5 chambered zigzag flow havi



OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS

The treated waste water was tested in laboratory for its chemical characteristics. The table shows the

chemical properties of treated waste water: Table 2: Results of Treated Waste Water Sample

Parameters Range Permissible Limit

Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/lit) 65-110 --

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/lit) (3days @

27°C) 18-20 100

Total Dissolved Solids (mg/lit) 650 2100

Total Hardness (as CaCO3) (mg/lit) 90-120 300

Total Nitrogen as N (mg/lit) 7-10 --

Total Phosphorous as P (mg/lit) 0.8-1.2 --

Total Potassium as K (mg/lit) 0.14-0.28 --

Total coli form (No. per 100) 100 1000

E-coli Absent Absent


CPCB under The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.




2016 [ISSN: 2455-1457]


(Sheri). The Treatment plant is a stabilization pond having 5 chambered zigzag flow having



its chemical characteristics. The table shows the

Permissible Limit

--

100

2100

300

--

--

--

1000

Absent





Volume 02, Issue 06; June - 2016 [ISSN: 2455-1457]


using water soluble chemical fertilizers. The feeding for the plants is given as per need. If the layer

of the material (like soil, Cocopeat, Perlite etc) felt dry, then only the plants were feeded. The details

of water cycle observed are as follows: Table 3: Details of feeding cycle

Volume

provided

(litters)

Total no. of

pots

Avg. volume per pot

(ml) Frequency

Cocopeat 1.5 6 250 Alternate

day

Perlite 1.8 6 300 Every 3

rd

day

Soil 0.9 3 300 Every 3

rd

day

Perlite with coco peat at

bottom 0.6 2 300

Every 4th

day

Cocopeat with perlite at

bottom 0.9 2 450

Alternate

day

After 40 days from sowing, the plants were analyzed for final growth. The table below shows the

details of growth of coriander leaves.

It is observed that the Perlite with Cocopeat layer at bottom shows better water holding capacity and

provides better aeration to the roots.The coriander is procured after 40 days. The results after final

procurement are noted down for its average height (in cm.) and weight after procurement.

The leaves of the coriander are usually attacked by the ‘Bacterial Leaf Spot’ disease. The bacteria

affects the plant if the seeds are infected or the water being fed is infected with it. In such case, it

forms water soaked spots on leaves. Such spots slowly turns into dark brown and then black. The

stem will have elongated dark streaks. It looks like:

Table 4: Details of physical growth of plants

No. of Pots Avg. height (cm.) Weight (gm)

Treated

waste

water

Nutritional

solution

Treated

waste

water

Nutritional

solution

Treated

waste

water

Nutritional

solution

Cocopeat 3 3 13 12.5 5 4

Perlite 3 3 16.5 13 6 5

Cocopeat

with

perlite at bottom

1 1 12.5 10 2 2

Perlite with coco

peat at bottom 1 1 14.5 14 3 3

soil 3 11 3




Figure 2: Coriander affected by Bacterial Leaf Spot

Figure 3: The grown coriander shows no symptoms of Bacterial Leaf Spot

The observation shows that the coriander is free from ‘Bacterial Leaf Spot’ and hence, no bacteria

has entered in the crop due to use of Treated waste water. The treated waste water, when used, was

tested for presence of E-coli. The test was absent. Hence, the coriander is expected to be free from

bacterial infection.


Figure 4: Comparison between Coriander obtained from

In the above photograph, the coriander in the left is obtained from market and on the right is obtained

hydroponically grown coriander. It’s the same coriander which is grown in the pots using treat

waste water. The observation shows that there is not a considerable difference in appearance and

texture of both the corianders. This shows that the hydroponics practice using treated waste water is

completely normal and safe.

Cost Analysis:

Cost for 1 kg of Cocopeat: Rs. 18/-

Cost for 1 kg of Perlite: Rs. 125/-

As per observations during the project, the quantity of 2 kg of Cocopeat and 0.5 kg of Perlite is

sufficient to satisfy the conditions. The pot having perlite with Cocopeat layer at bottom p

the ratio of the material used by weight. As the cultivation is not practically and economically viable

in the pots, the material analysis is made for the crates used in the project.

The crates measure 47 cm x 29 cm x 19 cm (inner dimensions). Th

1363 cm2 x 19 cm. (Area x Height). Keeping in view of further implementation, area can vary

keeping the depth for root development as 19 cm.

The ratio for the combination of Cocopeat to perlite comes as to 4:1 (i.e. 2 kg o

of Perlite), from the practical workings and observations. Cost for 2 kg of Cocopeat and 1 kg of

Perlite: Rs. 103.5/-

Now, considering the farm size of 1000 ft

production considered, the cost of material for 19 cm depth will be,

.

So, the costing will be Rs. 70546/- for application of the combination to 1000 sq. ft. area.

Payback Period:

The average production of coriander will be 50 kg/guntha.

Cost of coriander per kg: 260/-

Cycle for coriander production (leaf): 60 days

So, coriander can be cultivated 6 times in a year.

Returns from selling of produce obtained in single cultivation: 260 x 50 = 13000/

Returns from one year of cultivation: 13000 x 6 = 78000/

Payback period: = 0.90 year

0.9 year is equivalent to 10.5 months.



Figure 4: Comparison between Coriander obtained from market (Left) and hydroponically grown

Coriander (Right)


hydroponically grown coriander. It’s the same coriander which is grown in the pots using treat




sufficient to satisfy the conditions. The pot having perlite with Cocopeat layer at bottom p


in the pots, the material analysis is made for the crates used in the project.

The crates measure 47 cm x 29 cm x 19 cm (inner dimensions). This approximately comes out to be

x 19 cm. (Area x Height). Keeping in view of further implementation, area can vary

keeping the depth for root development as 19 cm.

The ratio for the combination of Cocopeat to perlite comes as to 4:1 (i.e. 2 kg of Cocopeat for 0.5 kg


Now, considering the farm size of 1000 ft2

(1 Guntha) i.e. 929030 cm2 for minimum commercial

the cost of material for 19 cm depth will be,

for application of the combination to 1000 sq. ft. area.

The average production of coriander will be 50 kg/guntha.

Cycle for coriander production (leaf): 60 days

So, coriander can be cultivated 6 times in a year.

Returns from selling of produce obtained in single cultivation: 260 x 50 = 13000/-

Returns from one year of cultivation: 13000 x 6 = 78000/-

0.9 year is equivalent to 10.5 months.


2016 [ISSN: 2455-1457]

market (Left) and hydroponically grown


hydroponically grown coriander. It’s the same coriander which is grown in the pots using treated




sufficient to satisfy the conditions. The pot having perlite with Cocopeat layer at bottom possesses


is approximately comes out to be

x 19 cm. (Area x Height). Keeping in view of further implementation, area can vary

f Cocopeat for 0.5 kg


for minimum commercial

for application of the combination to 1000 sq. ft. area.




This will be one time investment for the project. The returns after 10.5 months will give net profit to

the farmer.

The perlite is recyclable and reusable.

Cocopeat is cheap and frequently available.

In case of contamination, the Cocopeat can be easily disposed of as it is biodegradable material. On

the other hand, the perlite is made of volcanic glass. So, it is kind of rock and is nonbiodegradable. It

has to be heated to reuse as the heating will burn all the contaminated material from it and perlite will

be again useful for its use. Perlite won’t create any pollution on heating as it is resistance to heat up

to 1300 °C.

IV. CONCLUSION

• The crops can be successfully grown using hydroponics technique.

• Treated waste water can help to satisfy the need of the plants, but not a sufficient source of

nutrition. An additional organic fertilizer like Compost will be needed to satisfy the nutritional

requirement of the plants.

• Perlite with Cocopeat layer at bottom proves to be efficient combination amongst the other

combination. Cocopeat has a good water holding capacity and perlite provides good aeration to

the roots. Hence, a Cocopeat layer at the bottom hold water. When perlite starts drying, the water

from Cocopeat shows capillary action and moves upward to keep it perfect blend of water and

aeration to the roots. This will reduce the water quantity and crop is grown in optimum quantity.

• The produce obtained from hydroponics technique is not a different one. It does not show any

abnormal characteristics. It can be well sold in the market. As it is organically grown, its value is

increased and can give more price than the conventional produce.

• The hydroponic technique is sensitive to modes through which it is grown. The inert material

should be chosen wisely to give maximum output. Sophisticated farming practices will give

maximum output.

• Inorganic fertilizers should be wisely prepared considering the requirement. As no buffer is

available in the inert medium, the crop will directly dependent upon the provided nutrition.

• Use of organic nutritional solution is useful as organic fertilizers satisfy all the needs in

perspective of macro as well as micro nutrients. �Water soluble nutrients are proven more

effective.

• The cost factor for the material is on the higher side. But, it is just one time investment and is

beneficial in the long term as the results shows that the use of such materials increase the

production.

•

REFERENCES

1. Malachia M., Hermine E. and Shannon S.(2010),A Case Study of Participation in the Bantu Bonke Hydroponics

Project.

2. Ortiz A., Rotatori H., Schreiber L. and Roth G. V.(2009), Hydroponic Farming in Mahasarakham.

3. Joseph A. and Muthuchamy I. (2014), Productivity, Quality and Economics of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum

Mill.) Cultivation in Aggregate Hydroponics – A Case Study from Coimbatore Region of Tamil Nadu.

use of treated waste water as nutrient solution in ... of treated waste water as nutrient solution...

Documents