waste to wealth final.compressed

1 Dr. A.Abdul Rahman

Waste to WealthDr. A. Abdul Rahman

Tamil Alai

2Waste to Wealth

Waste to Wealth Dr. A. Abdul Rahman First EditionDecember - 2012

ContactMobile : +91 94433 39369E.mail : [email protected]

Published byTamil Alai80/24B Parthasarathypet StreetTeynampet, Chennai - 600 086Cell - 97862 18777eMail - [email protected]

Pages: 96Price : Rs.150


Dedicated to

Thiru. T.S. Srinivasamurthy, I.F.S

4Waste to Wealth

Foreword

The decades of experience in academic, industrial and field research is worth documenting.

Professionally a scientist, as a citizen I feel obligatory to publish the technical know-how on waste management. It is a pleasure to let the public know about the technologies that have been implemented on solid waste management, waste water treatment and bio gas production. This will be an initiative to practice the eco friendly and cost effective technology. I shall continue presenting technologies specific to industries in solar salt works, tannery, textile, distillery and sewage. I feel honoured to have taken up this and to receive encouragement from various sources.

The readers comments and constructive criticisms are solicited for the betterment of this initiative.

Prof. Dr. Abdul RahmanSri Sairam Advanced Centre for Research

West Tambaram Chennai-600 044.E.mail:[email protected]

+919443339369


S.no CONTENTS Page

1. Waste Management 7 Introduction Stepping into a greener word

2. Chapter - 1 Solid Waste Management 9 Biocompost

3. Chapter - 2 Bio Gas Plant 28 Introduction Design of the biogas plant Advantages Process Biogas plant civil construction Tackling problems of bio gas plant

4. Chapter - 3 Waste water management 60 Introduction Composition of grey water

5. Chapter - 4 Grey water treatment by Root Zone bed Technology 71

6. Chapter - 5 Human Urine Treatment 80 Fabrication of urine treatment reactor

7. Chapter - 6 Mosquito Control and Water Treatment Using Ecobioballs 91

6Waste to Wealth

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Words are inadequate to express my hearty gratitude and sincerethanks to our beloved and respected chairman Thiru. Mjf. Ln. Leo Muthu,

Thiru. J.Sai Prakash, CEO / Managing Trustee, Dr. T. Suriya Kumar, Registrar, Sairam Group of Institutions.

Prof.V.R.Rajamanickam, Director Dr.C.V.Jayakumar, Principal,

Prof.Dr.A.Rajendra Prasad, Dean (R&D) Sri Sairam Engineering College

& Prof.Dr.G.Victor Rajamanickam, Director (R& D)

Sairam Advanced Centre for Research, West Tambaram, Chennai for their guidance and encouragement.

I have special thanks to offer for the personalities as they helped me in accomplishing my endeavours through my participation in academic

activities, workshops and training camps. Dr. G. Natarajan, FCA, Chairman, Gojan Educational Institutions. Chennai

Dr.Sethu Kumanan,Chairman, Soka Ikeda College of Arts & Science for women, Madhanangkuppam Chennai

Thiru.B.Haribabu,Chairman,Sri Venkateswara College of Technology,Vadakkal Village, Sriperumbadur, Chennai

Er.S.Selvamani,Chairman,E.S Engineering College, Villupuram Dr. H. Malleshappa, IFS., Director of Environment & Member Secretary,

EMAT-NGC, Er. S. Arumugam, Executive Engineer, Department of Environment, Tamil Nadu Government, Chennai

Er. R. Lakshmi, M.E., District Environment Engineer, Tamil Pollution Control Board, Pudukkottai.

Dr.M.Suresh Gandhi, Coordinator INSPIRE science camp,Department of Geology,Univesity of Madras,

Dr.P. Mariappan, Asistant Engineer, TWAD Board, TrichirapalliI am indebted to Mr. H. Ishaq ,Tamil Alai Media World, Chennai

for his valuable suggestions and for the successful completion of this project.

I thank Ms. Sindhu Sivalingam and Mr. R. Venugopal for their assistance in accomplishing the book by sparing their valuable time.

I believe the valuable support from the above personalities will continue to be forthcoming in the future also enabling me to make my endeavours

enduring while establishing a humane relationship.

Prof. A. Abdul Rahman


INTRODUCTION

A journey towards excellence is both exhilarating as well as daunting a concept realized by vision to action oriented plan of developing and implementing technologies from the wastes as residual utilization to wealth, useful for healthy living to mankind. This technology is cost effective, eco-friendly and is every mans need at doorstep. This initiative heads to prevent the menace that could arise out of improper waste management that we generate. Without knowing ways of safe disposal, burning of solid waste is also practiced in several places which produces highly toxic gases.

It is indeed possible to safely manage waste both of solid and liquid nature that is generated in every household and community dwellings like students hostel etc., Implementation of these technologies can prevent the problems due to flies, microbes, waste water stagnation, unpleasant smell, and breeding of mosquitoes. This reality once practiced will ensure a hygienic environment that guarantees a physically, mentally and socially healthy living family. The prime cost that is required is your time and effort. Time that will make the place you live better in every aspect, time that will make every home realize the zero waste concept.

STEPPING INTO A GREENER WORLD

Each household produces solid varying quantities of and liquid wastes depending upon the size of the family. However, generally

WASTE MANAGEMENT

8Waste to Wealth

about 200-250 gms of solid waste/ per individual is generated. In addition, 50-100L of liquid waste such as grey water (Household use water/bathroom water) and 1- 1.5 L yellow water (urine) are also produced as effluent waste. In addition, there is solid and liquid waste generated in our kitchens. As we know cooking also produces a lot of heat. All the waste can be managed with a little effort from our side.

Did you know that every household could contribute towards reducing the effect of global warming by taking some creative measures? Planting bamboo saplings near our kitchens will reduce CO2 emission to a great extent since bamboos have the capacity to absorb Carbon dioxide. You may find several such interesting concepts and technologies in this booklet.

The first step we ought to take will be the 3 R concept:

1. Reduce Simply carry a cloth bag wherever you go, so that the polythene bags usage can be avoided

2. Reuse - Grey water after treatment can be reused for toilet flushing

3. Recycle For example, the water that we use /per day namely 150 L can be reduced by recycling the grey water for gardening purpose

4. There is yet another new concept, Up cycle that you can practice graciously! Simply. identifying unused materials at home and giving them away to the people who may need it could not only reduce the stress of keeping the waste in the household but would be a generous gesture. The 3R concept when consciously practised would translate to 3 H (head (Awareness Instinct ),heart (Passion- Intelligent ) and hand (Converting into practice-Input) to 3 I s . as we become emotionally intellingent.


Chapter - 1

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Solid waste comprise all the waste arising from human and animal activities that are normally solid and that are wasted or unwanted.

It is estimated that solid waste generated in small, medium and large cities and towns in India is about 0.1 kg, 0.3 0.4 kg and 0.5 kg per capita per day respectively. Studies carried out by NEERI indicated that the per capita generation rate increases with the size of the city and varies between 0.3 to 0.6 kg/day. The estimated annual increase in per capita waste quantity is about 1.33% per year. As per a recent survey (CPCB, 1999), the quantities of municipal solid waste generation in metro cities are as follows.

Composition of Municipal Solid Waste Descripion Quantity%

Vegetable, leaves 40.15

Grass 3.80

Paper 0.81

Plastic 0.62

Glass/ceramics 0.44

Metal 0.64

Stones/ashes 41.81

Miscellaneous 11.73

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The following data indicates the composition of solid wastes in Tamil Nadu state.

Description%

Plastics 7.04

Green wastes 32.25

Inerts 34.65

Paper 6.45

Timber & wood 6.99

Food wastes 8.0

Rubber & Leather 1.45

Rags & Textiles 3.14

Metals 0.03

It is also stated that 60 % waste is generated from residential

buildings of urban local bodies in Tamil Nadu state.

Environmental Concerns due to waste handling:-

Greenhouse gases from solid waste activities Landfills are top source of methane GHG; refuse fleets are significant sources of Co2 and N2O. Wasted recyclable materials have lost inherent energy production activities (i.e., Co2 and N2O).

Volatilized heavy metals (e.g., mercury and lead), dioxins and furans from open burning dumpsites are low-standard incinerators.

Leachate from unlined and uncovered, dumpsites contaminates ground and surface waters become breeding ground for animals and mosquitoes.


Health concern :

Short terms 1. Water Pollution

a. Eutrophication

b. Heavy metals

Long terms 2. Air Pollution

a. Green house effect

b. Ozone depletion

c. Acid rain

3. Soil Pollution a. Heavy metals

Health Concerns due to waste handling :

Infection contact with human fecal matter particularly fecal bacteria E.coli, blood, and diseased tissue; contact with diseased dead decaying organic matter and manure particularly cow dung could cause Tetanus.

Animal diseases foraging of animals/birds at open dumps; recycling of slaughter waste into animal feed. (Tanney lime flesh as feed to chickens).

Respiratory disease particulates and bio aerosols reduce pulmonary function.

Cancer volatilized refractory organics from landfill gases; heavy metals, dioxins and furans from poorly controlled burning.

Headaches lack of oxygen and excessive CO from dumpsite decomposition and half burning.

Injury wounds from sharps, traffic accidents.

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Management of municipal solid waste involves:

1. Development of an insight into the impact of waste generation, collection, transportation and disposal methods adopted by a society on the environment.

2. Adoption of new methods to reduce this impact.

Reasons for inadequacy and inefficiency in MSW

Apathy of Municipal Authorities

Absence of Community Participation

DRAWBACKS IN PRESENT SWM SERVICES (Inadequate, lacking or absent )

No Storage of Waste at Source.

No System of Primary Collection from the Doorstep.

Irregular Street Sweeping.

Waste Storage Depots.

Transportation of Waste.

Disposal of Waste

TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE FOR PROCESSING, TREATMENT, AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE

1. A. Composting

B. Vermi composting

C. Anaerobic Digestion and bio methanation

2. Waste to Energy

A. Production of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) or Pelletization

B. Incineration


C. Pyrolysis/Gasification, Plasma Pyrolysis Vitrification (PPV)/Plasma Arc Process.

D. Sanitary Landfills and Landfill Gas Recovery.

A.1.Composting

Composting is the decomposition of organic matter by microorganism in warm, moist, aerobic and anaerobic environment. Farmers have been using compost made out of cow dung and other agro-waste.

The compost made out of urban heterogeneous waste is found to be of higher nutrient value as compared to the compost made out of cow dung and agro-waste.

Composting is suitable for organic biodegradable fraction of MSW, yard (or garden) waste/waste containing high proportion of lignocelluloses materials, which do not readily degrade under anaerobic conditions, waste from slaughterhouse and dairy waste.

This method, however, is not very suitable for wastes that may be too wet and during heavy rains open compost plants have to be stopped.Leaves have to be dried before composting.

Any organic waste gets 12 hours to get biodegraded aerobically.Hence remove it from the site before it produces odour problem.

2. Vermicomposting

Vermi-compost is the natural organic manure produced from the excreta of earthworms fed on scientifically semi-decomposed organic waste.

This process has been successfully used in a limited scale up to 80 metric ton per day in Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai etc. but there is no large-scale centralized plant experiences in India.

14Waste to Wealth

3. Anaerobic Digestion and Biomethanation

Biomethanation is a comparatively well-established technology for disinfections, deodorization and stabilization of sewage sludge, farmyard manures, animal slurries, and industrial sludge.

It leads to bio-gas/power generation in addition to production of compost (residual sludge as resourse)

This method is suitable for kitchen wastes and, other putrescible wastes, which may be too wet and lacking in structure for aerobic composting. It is a net energy-producing process (100150 kwh per tonnes of waste input).

This method is suitable for only the organic biodegradable fraction of MSW; it does not degrade any complex organics or oils, grease, or ligno-cellulosic materials such as yard waste.

B. Waste to Energy

Waste - to-energy plants can be constructed closer to the source.

Waste-to-energy plants can handle upto 25 to 100 Tons/day.

The waste producer takes responsibility and fore see an immediate benefit in power generated.

Such plants are small, simple and inexpensive to manufacture, install and operate.

It comes with an advantage of low gas emissions and hence is easy to comply with regulations.

Public - Private Partnership mode could be used for such projects.

4.Production of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) or Pelletization

It is basically a processing method for mixed MSW, which can


be very effective in preparing an enriched fuel feed for thermal processes like incineration or industrial furnaces. This fuel is produced by shredding or steam treating MSW.

As Pelletization involves significant MSW sorting operations, it provides a greater opportunity to remove environmentally harmful materials from the incoming waste prior to combustion.

Pellets are derived by compressing organic components of MSW(plastics and biodegradables) into hollow bricks, logs or cubes.

RDF Plants in India:

Such plants are in the initial stage of development in India. The viability and sustainability of the technology process and projects underway, are still being examined.

5.Incineration

Specially instakked incenerators are recommended for safe disposal of sanitary napkins.Conventionally practiced method is either harmful or poses problems such as choking of sewage pipelines due to flushing of napkins.

This method, commonly used in developed countries is most suitable for high calorific value waste with a large component of paper, plastic, packaging material, pathological wastes etc.

It can reduce waste volumes by over 90 per cent and convert waste to innocuous material, with energy recovery.

6. Arc Process

Pyrolysis/Gasification, Plasma Pyrolysis Vitrification (PPV)/Plasma

Plasma gasification is a non-incineration thermal process, which uses extremely high temperatures in an oxygen-starved environment to

16Waste to Wealth

completely decompose input waste (MSW, biomass) material into very simple molecules. The extreme heat and lack of oxygen results in pyrolysis of the input waste material.

Pyrolysis gasification processes are established for homogenous organic matter like wood, pulp, etc., while plasma pyrolysis vitrification is a relatively new technology for disposal of particularly hazardous wastes, radioactive wastes, etc.

Toxic materials get encapsulated in vitreous mass, which is relatively much safer to handle than incinerator/gasifier ash.

This process produces fuel gas/fuel oil, which replace fossil fuels and compared to incineration, atmospheric pollution can be controlled at the plant level. NO and SO gas emissions do not occur in normal operations due to the lack of oxygen in the system.

7. Sanitary Landfills and Landfill Gas Recovery.

Sanitary landfills are the ultimate means of disposal of all types of residual, residential, commercial and institutional waste as well as unutilized municipal solid waste from waste processing facilities and other types of inorganic waste and inert that cannot be reused or recycled in the foreseeable future.

Its main advantage is that it is the least cost option for waste disposal and has the potential for the recovery of landfill gas as a source of energy, with net environmental gains if organic wastes are land filled.

In India, organic waste is not to be put in landfills, hence there does not exist the potential for this.


BIOCOMPOST

Process: Simply put, the process of converting food waste to organic manure involves aerobic bacteria-mediated chemical transformations.

Food waste is collected from the hotels,hostels and mega dining facility and is treated with bacteria in bins with sufficient aeration in the plant. The process takes about 36 days when provided with regular aeration and moisture. If organic waste contains more moisture, worms will emerge resulting anaerobic condition.Hence the lumps have to be broken by constant stirring allowing enough aeration.

Process illustrating conversion of organic waste to manure

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The biocompost plant was constructed at Goa.

A VIEW OF KITCHEN FOOD WASTES

20Waste to Wealth

Bacterial solution being added to the collected food waste.

It is better to use Effective Microorganisms initially as bacterial media to convert

the waste into manure. While doing this, one could use plastic media in the form of rings, an inert material

which will help to immobilise bacteria. After the formation of the compost, the media with bacteria could be seperated and used for fresh wastes in

order to avoid cost.


Food waste mixed with bacterial solution being added to biocompost chamber.

The biocompost chamber containing food wastes are in the process of composting.

22Waste to Wealth

The mixing and removal of compost.

Collected compost material for segregation.


The total compost material is seived. Fine compost collected in bin. The coarse compost material is separated and recycled.

Coarse compost being seived.

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The author training the staff to carry

out composting and collection of

manure.

Finished product - manure.


Odourless manure.

(R-L) Mr. Samir Khanna GM, Er.K.S.Sahadevan Chief Engineer. The author with manure at Vivanta by Taj at Bekal, Kerala.

26Waste to Wealth

Compost being added to the plants as manure.

28Waste to Wealth

Introduction:

There is a single simple solution to answer two major problems we face - combating high cost of energy and accumulated biodegradable wastes; solution being Biogas plants.Incorporating biogas plant in the construction phase of the apartments or community houses does not only save cost on constructing separate septic tank for toilet but also converts your waste to energy.

An anaerobic biogas reactor is an anaerobic treatment technology that produces a mix of methane, CO2 and traces of other gases that can be easily converted to electricity, light and heat. Since the bio gas plant is under ground construction it also minimises land use.

Design of the biogas plant:

The biogas plant is designed for 15m3 capacity and can handle biodegradable wastes upto 300 to 400 kg per day. Construction: The plant is constructed below the ground at 4m depth takes about 18-20 days with four skilled workers for completion.However the author has constructed different Biogas plants of 15 m3 ,40 m3, 90 m3 capacities.Although the

Chapter - 2

BIOGAS PLANT


technical process is the same, the method of construction varies depending upon the terrain.

Advantages

Generation of a renewable valuable energy source is the key of biogas plant. low capital cost; low operating cost; long life span. Ecofriendly, zero maintenance, no sludge, no odour and no risk in handling biogas.

Raw materials such as kitchen wastes food wastes and toilet wastes are used to generate green energy include biodegradable material. Egg shells may be avoided as it contains calcium salts. There is no need to construct separate septic tank for black water disposal. The energy generated is directly used as energy for kitchen. The waste water produced is utilised for garden,after passing into sand filter.

Toilet linked biogas plant need to have separate treatment facility as the chemicals used for cleaning the toilet will kill the bacterial load in the digestion chamber and biogas emission will be poor. However, solid wastes from the toilet septic tank could be charged into the chamber separating the liquid wastes.

Construction of Digester comprises:

1. Circular vertical wall to withstand load due to waste materials

2. Brick and RCC semicircular dome for Gas storage

3. Rectangular shaped inlet tank for waste feeding

4. Rectangular shaped digested slurry overflow tank

5. Valves, Bends, Fittings etc. as required

6.Plant Lighting

7.Piping line and supports are to be provided for the inlet of the waste feeding tank and from the slurry overflow tank and Methane gas line to burner

30Waste to Wealth

All consumables like power, water, chemicals and lubricants required for the initial start-up and normal operating of the plant are to be kept.

Testing facility

Testing facility for testing the waste and overflow are required for proper maintenance of the plant.

Commissioning the plant requires stepwise execution and monitoring.

The work consisting of the followings:

1. Site clearing

2. Excavation for pit

3. Bottom packing

4. Bottom Reinforced Cement Concrete

5. Vertical wall

6. Dome brick work

7. Dome RCC

8. Dome plastering

9. Vertical wall plastering

10. Bottom plastering

11. In let chamber

12. Out let chamber

13. In let and out let plastering

14. Out let slab

15. Gas pipe line (High Density Polyethelene)

16. Bio gas burner (corrosion free)


Process:

Methane gas is produced through anaerobic digestion (fermentation) of decaying plants, animal matter, and food waste. It is the naturally occurring emission of bacteria that thrive without oxygen. Production of methane occurs in three stages of digestion. The biogas produced in anaerobic digester is burned to generate clean renewable energy.

Stages of digestion:

It refers to various reactions and interactions between methanogens(methane producing bacteria), non-methanogens and substrates fed into the digester as inputs. This is a complex physio-chemical and biological process involving different factors in its simple form.

The break down of inputs that are complex organic material is achieved through three stages as described below:

Stage 1:

Hydrolysis: The waste material consists of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and inorganic materialsin the presence of water. Large molecular complex substances are solubilised into simpler ones with the help of excreta cellular enzymes released by the bacteria. This stage is also known as polymer breakdown stage. For example, the cellulose consisting of polymerised glucose is broken down to dimeric,and then to monomeric sugar molecules (glucose) by cellulolytic bacteria.

Stage 2:

Acidification: The monomer such as glucose which is produced in Stage 1 is fermented under anaerobic condition into various acids with the help of enzymes produced by the acid forming bacteria. At this stage, the acid forming bacteria break down molecules of six atoms of carbon (glucose) into molecules of less atoms of carbon (acids) which are in a more reduced state than glucose. The principal acids produced in this process are acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and ethanol.

32Waste to Wealth

Stage 3:

Methanization :The principle acids produced in Stage 2 are produced by methanogenic bacteria to produce methane. The reaction that takes place in the process of methane production is called methanization and is expressed by the following equations. (Karki and Dixit,1984).

CH3COOH CH4 + CO2

Acetic acid Methane Carbon di oxide

2CH3CH2OH + CO2 CH4 + 2CH3COOH

Ethanol carbon di oxide Methane Acetic acid

CO2 + 4H2 CH4 + 2H2O

Carbon di oxide + Hydrogen Methane + Water

The above equations show that many products, by-products and intermediate products are produced in the process of digestion of inputs in an anaerobic condition before the final product (methane) is produced. Obviously, there are many facilitating and inhibiting factors that play their role in the process.

Definition of Anaerobic Digestion

It is the biological degradation of organic volatile solids in the absence of oxygen Products of anaerobic digestion include water, undigested volatile solids, inert materials and biogas.

Digestion rates of various organic materials that take time to biodegrade are :

Cellulose breakdown : Weeks

Hemicellulose, fat and protein : Days

Sugars,fatty acids, alcohols : Hours


Bio Gas plan fabrication for household purpose :

1m3 capacity using two syntex tanks and materials required for fabrication.

BIO-GAS PLANT-MATERIALS LIST

S.No Product Description Qty

1. 3 PVC Thread coupler star 2 Nos2. 3 PVC IT coupler star 1No3. 2 PVC Thread Coupler-star 1 No4. 2 PVC it coupler star 1 No5. 3 6KG PVC Pipes Trubore ISI 2.00 Mtr6. 1 15KG PVC Pipes Trubore ISI 1.00 Mtr7. 1 PVC Ball Valve Prince 1 No8. 4 PVC Redicer Star 1 No9. 3 PVC Tee Med Star 1 No10. 3 PVC End cap Hev Star 1 No11. 2 6 KG PVC pipes trubore ISI 1.00 Mtr12. 1X1/2 PVC Th.coupler star 1No13. 2 OVC Elbow med star 1 No14. Ball valve brass IMP 2Nos15. Cp Tee 1No16. M-Seal 100 G 2Nos17. G.1.Elbow ISI-Heavy 1No18. G1 Nipple ISI -Heavy 2 Nos19. Solution star 100 Ml 1 No20. Tuflontape12MtrKhohinoor 2Nos21. PVC Tank Nipple water Tech 2Nos22. 1000 Ltrs water tank Sintex 1 No23. 750 Ltrs water tank Sintex 1 No24. PVC Pipe 5 Feet25. FTA 1No26. X1/2 FTA 1No27. 1 tank nipple 1No28. MTA 1No29. Hose Clip 10 Nos30. 1/2X1/2 2601-1/2 2 Nos31. 1/2X3/4 H/Call 1No32. PVC 16 tube or Wire breaded hose 10 Mtrs33. Media for immobolising bacteria. 2 Kg

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DESIGN OF BIOGAS PLANT

1.2 Mechanism of biogas fermentation

A) Groups of Biogas microbes-

Sintex Tank Capacity:

S.No Sintex Tank Capacity Gas Holder Gas Burning Time1. Fermenter 500 L 0.5m3 400L 250L 1 Hour2. Fermenter 1000 L 1m3 750 L 700 L 2 Hours3. Fermenter 2500 L 2.5m3 2000 L 1750 L 5 Hours

Decide the capacity of Fermenter and gas holder tanks required from the above. Total costs depending on the size of sintax tanks.However,for 1m3 capacity of biogas plant costs Rs.27,000/-


Only the cow dung is charged into the biogas chamber. After 40th day the gas evolution is checked. While initial checking care should be taken to release the air locked in the chamber .

The smell will indicate the presence of the biogas. Further, a person need to be stationed in the control valve when checking the gas by lightening. If it is confirmed the connection with the gas stove could be given to facilitate use of gas . It is advised to use biological material which is biodegradable alone should be used. If by any chance plastic material is sent in to the chamber it will clog the opening of the pipe the gas will be stopped. HENCE AVOID PUTTING ANY NON- BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL. Particularly egg Shell should be avoided. Charge the material with toilet waste continuously and the kitchen waste water and the solid wastes. Continuous production of gas will be available for domestic use.

There is no sludge generated into the plant. There will not be smell in the gas. The waste water will be produced which will be discharged through the pipe lines provided for the purpose. It may contain colour can also be removed by having sand filter . However, it can be directly used to irrigate the plants. Biogas is non-hazardous, eco-friendly and much efficient than the LPG .

36Waste to Wealth

PVC pipes of 60mm, 90mm size and other materials used for fabricating biogas plant

Sintex tank of 1000 litre capacity.

Bio Gas Plant 1m3 fabrication


Tank being drilled to cut the top portion.

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Two pipes have been inserted ,one in bottom (To remove sludge) and other in top to remove excess slurry.

The pipes are connected together to provide inlet.

The 1.5m inlet pipe has a diameter of 90mm.


The top outlet pipe indicates excess medium to out flow. The figure shows fixing of pipe to remove sludge.

Fixing the 12.5mm dia pipe with required holes inside the gas holding tank of 750 litre capacity.

40Waste to Wealth

The cow dung slurry is poured into the inlet pipe as the author watches the process.

The cow dung slurry is the starting material added into the digester of 1000 litre capacity.


The base for biogas plant

Lifting the digester tank 1000 litre capacity and to position on the base.

42Waste to Wealth

The digestor 1000 litre capacity with inlet pipe

extending upto the height of the digester

Positioning the biogas plant of 1000 litre capacity.


Media are put into the tank for immobikising bacteria.

The student watches the cowdung slurry made dust free and in proper thickness being poured into the digester.

44Waste to Wealth

The gas holder is lifted and positioned on top of the digester.

Note the gas tap on the top of the gas holder 750 litre capacity in an inverterd position.


The gas holder is now positioned into the digester which has been filled with cowdung slurry.

The author with Dr. Sethu Kumaran, Chairman, Soka Ikeda College of Arts and Science for women Madanakuppam at Chennai with staff.

46Waste to Wealth

Dr. Akash Ouchi, Coordinator in South Asia and Middle East, Soka Gakkai International, India inspecting the biogas plant

Er. A. Dhanalakshmi, Mechanical Engineering Department, Sri Sairam Engineering College collects the biogas for analysis. Er. A. Sujaatha (Civil

Engineering Department) and Mrs. S. Usha (Chemistry) observe the process.


(L-R) Mr.Karthick, Mr.Arunachalam GM, Malar Paper mills Pvt. Ltd. Mr. S. Radhakrishnan GM, Sugar mills, E.I.D. - Parry (India) Ltd.

Mr.Balu, Director, Malar paper mills, with the author.

Er. V. Subramanian, Executive Engineer,

STP, Perungudi, Chennai Metropolitan

water supply and Sewerage Board,

with the author at the biogas plant site.

48Waste to Wealth

The biogas is used as a fuel in the Kitchen, Er. H. Srinivasan, Vice - Chairman, Mr. M. Srinivasan Director, Dr.K.Mohamed Ghouse, Principal, Sri Venkateswaraa College of Technology, Vadakal village,

Sriperumbudur with the author and students.

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BIOGAS PLANT - CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

T40m3 capacity Sairam bio gas plant. construction initiated.

4 metre depth of the base bio gas plant.

(L-R) The Author, Prof. V.R. Rajamanickam, Dr. A. Rajendra Prasad Sri Sairam Engineering college at the site.


Base is lined with stones The Stones are plastered with cement.

A view of the construction of the digester of bio gas plant.The double wall construction is provided to protect the plant.

52Waste to Wealth

The plant is constructed with brick lining.

The opening indicates to discharge waste water in to the collection tank.

The doom construction is completed to accommodate

bio gas


The rectangulare tank is constructed to collect the waste water and to be

discharge to garden

Completion of construction of bio gas plant.

waste water collection with RCC roofing.

54Waste to Wealth

A view of the bio gas plant with pipe line and control valve.

The Hostel staff with the author enjoying the bio gas flame from the bio gas reactor in the kitchen.


BIO GAS PLANT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

DOS AND DONTS

Dos:

- Cover the top of the inlet and outlet opening, especially of the Chinese type plants, firmly to avoid accidental falling of calves, children, etc.

- Mix recommended quantity of dung free from earth and gravel with water in 4:5 proportion and feed the mixtures daily into the inlet chamber. Specific gravity of the slurry should be 1.045-1.90.

- Mix dung and water till there are no lamps which may otherwise cause reduced gas production.

- Purge air from all delivery lines by allowing gas to flow for an interval prior to first use.

- Stir the slurry several times a day to enhance gas production.

- Use good - quality and efficient burner and other gas appliances.

- Clean the burner fortnightly.

- Light the match first before opening the gas cork.

- Remove the condensed water from the pipeline periodically.

- Remove floating solid material found it any between the digester wall and the gas holder.

- Install a safety pressure gauge in the kitchen near the window.

- Repair the plant in case of major gas leakages being observed.

- Paint gas holder annually preferably with black enamel paint.

- Use the digested slurry as such for manuring of crops or for hastening the process of composting.

- Keep patience for production of gas during initial filling of the plant with slurry.

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Donts:

- While mixing the slurry do not put:

- Any earth in the mixing-pit of the gobar. It will fill up the bottom of the digester pit and cause problems.

- Any straw or grass, etc., in the mixing pit. If any does get in remove it before letting the slurry into the digester pit.

- Do not let any oil, soap or detergent into the plant as these substances kill the bacteria and stop all gas production.

- Do not put any animal bedding (sawdust used in chicken houses) in the gas plant.

- Never pour acid in the digester as this will increase production of hydrogen sulphide (H2S).

- Never allow any person to enter the gas plant when it is full of dung slurry.

- Never inhale the gobar gas to avoid any health hazard.

- Never use more than 40% urine to avoid increase ammonia which will give less gas and poorer quality and in course of time may stop gas production.

- No smoking, no candles, no fires, no matches, no lamps or other open inflame to be used in case of small of unburnt gas.


TACKLING PROBLEMS OF BIOGAS PLANT:

PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTIONS.NO

1

2

BURSTING OF THE DIGESTER WITH EXCESSIVE GAS PRESSURE.

CORROSION OF THE GAS HOLDER

a) Gas holder at the top become jammed in the digester due to drying of the scum in between the gas holder and digester and restricting movement of the holder.b) Guide frame gets loosened from its support and the holder cannot move freely.

methane and Gas holders, commonly made of mild steel, remain in contact with digester slurry and with the gas containing other gases, including H

2S

Which is highly corrosive

a) Scum should not be allowed to dry and should be forced down with a rod twice or thrice a week.Guide pipe should be rewelded and riveted and guide frame, etc..., should be checked before installing it in the digester.

Painting of the gas holder with black paint or even coal tar each year. Alternative materials like PVC, Ferro cement, galvanized iron,fiberglass,etc.may be used to manufacture the holder

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3

4

5

CLOGGING OF THE INLET/OUTLET PIPES.

BREAKDOWN OF CENTRAL GUIDE-PIPE.

REDUCTION IN PRODUCTION OF GAS IN WINTER (REDUCTION IN PRODUCTION BY 50% SUMMER).

Accumulation of feed or scum.

Rusting

Methanogenic bacteria are mesophillic and reduction in temperature adversely affects gas production. The fall in gas production starts when temperature falls below 20c.

Pipes should be washedorflushedregularly with clean water or should be cleaned with a pole moving up and down.

Replacement (as it is mostly beyond repair)

a) Insulation: The whole plant including the gas holder may be insulated with material such as straw.b) Glass house effect: A plastic airtight tent may be built over the gas plant. Care must be taken to avoid on explosion in case any gas gets collected in the tent.c)Enzymes, too, have been found to increase gas production but the method is extremely expensive.d)Water hyacinth added to cattle dung enhances gas production. Water


6

7

SHOW RATE OF GAS PRODUCTION OR NO GAS PRODUCTION.

NO GAS AT STOVE.

a) increase in toxicity with retention time.b) Increase in solid content.c) pH too acidic or too alkaline.d) Low temperature.e)Digesterfilledwith exhausted dung heaps.f)Digesterfilledup with raw dung followed by water to make the slurry. a) Main gas valve closed.b) Condensate completely blocking main gas pipe.c) Gas jet in stove blocked

containing algae when added gives a significantincreasein gas production, especially in plants using pig manure.

a) Dilution or low loading makes ammonia toxicity less critical.b) Stirring, dilution or low loading reduces viscosity.c) Do not change the slurry mixture of a working digester.d) Do not use exhausted dung heaps.Make the slurry as recommended.

a) Valve should be opened.b) Condensate should be removed.

60Waste to Wealth

Wastewater reuse and recycle- Demand, concepts and Principles

Wastewater generation ranges from 15,000 to 18,000 litres/day 0.3 to 0.4 metric tonne /day. As per the survey conducted in few houses the waste water generated from the toilet- 3 litres,Kitchen- 5-10 litres, Washing 20-30 litres,and animals- 10-15 litres.

The Conventional constituents are the total suspended solids,colloidal solids,biochemical oxygen demand,total organic carbon,ammonia,nitrate,nitrite,total nitrogen,phosphorus and microorganisms like bacteria,protozoan cysts and oocysts and viruses.

The non Conventional constituents t have to be removed or reduced by advanced treatment techniques emerging, Pose health hazards when reused emerging prescription and nonprescription drugs home care products veterinary and human antibiotics industrial and household products sex and steroidal hormones other endocrine disrupters pathogen microorganism. One of most critical issues for wastewater reuse is to protect the public from infectious diseases that may be in reclaimed wastewater. Microorganisms causing diseases can be classified into three groups: (1) bacteria, (2) parasite (protozoa and helminthes) and (3) viruses.

Chapter - 3

WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT


Advantages

This technology reduces the demands on potable sources of freshwater.

It may reduce the need for large wastewater treatment systems, if significant portions of the waste stream are reused or recycled.

The technology may diminish the volume of wastewater discharged, resulting in a beneficial impact on the aquatic environment.

Capital costs are low to medium, for most systems, and are recoverable in a very short time; this excludes systems designed for direct reuse of sewage water.

Operation and maintenance are relatively simple except in direct reuse systems, where more extensive technology and quality control are required.

Provision of nutrient-rich wastewaters can increase agricultural production in water-poor areas.

Pollution of seawater, rivers, and groundwaters may be reduced.

Lawn maintenance and golf course irrigation is facilitated in resort areas.

In most cases, the quality of the wastewater, as an irrigation water supply, is superior to that of well water.

Disadvantages

If implemented on a large scale, revenues to water supply and wastewater utilities may fall as the demand for potable water for non-potable uses and the discharge of wastewaters is reduced.

Reuse of wastewater may be seasonal in nature, resulting in the overloading of treatment and disposal facilities during the rainy season; if the wet season is of long duration and/or high intensity, the seasonal discharge of raw wastewaters may occur.

62Waste to Wealth

Health problems, such as water-borne diseases and skin irritations, may occur in people coming into direct contact with reused wastewater.

Gases, such as sulfuric acid, produced during the treatment process can result in chronic health problems.

In some cases, reuse of wastewater is not economically feasible because of the requirement for an additional distribution system.

Application of untreated wastewater as irrigation water or as injected recharge water may result in groundwater contamination.

Introduction

I. HOUSEHOLD WASTE WATER TREATMENT :

What is grey water

Greywater is the term given to all used water discharged from a house, except from toilet water (Black water ). Grey water includes shower, bath, wash basin, kitchen sink, dishwasher, washing machine and laundry tub water. This water is called grey water because it turns grey if stored for a while. It also becomes quite smelly if stored for a day or so.

Grey water is sometimes called sullage. Toilet water is generally called blackwater or sewage. In most literature, both are grouped together as wastewater. This convenient label is misleading because grey water is very different from blackwater, and neither should be wasted water. Both can be re-used for garden irrigation, but require different methods and levels of handling because of their fundamental differences.

Grey water is far easier, safer and cheaper to re-use than black water, Houses with composting toilets have no black water, and should be encouraged.


Greywater contains what is washed down the drain, and so varies from house to house. For most houses it is soap, shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream, food scraps, cooking oils, dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents, hair and lint. Normal use of these products appears to do no harm to garden soils and plants if greywater is used for garden irrigation.

The most significant general pollutant of greywater is powdered laundry detergents. These are often high in salts (check for ingredients with sodium), many still contain phosphorus (which is known to contribute to algal blooms), and are often very alkaline. Continual garden re-use of laundry water containing high salt, phosphorus-containing detergents can lead to salt accumulations in re-use areas, and stunting of plants with low phosphorus tolerance. Regions with regular rainfall may not suffer salt build-ups due to leaching of salts from soil after rain. There are several alternatives to using powdered laundry detergents. which include liquid detergents pure soap flakes High strength cleaners should be avoided in the home, as these are often toxic to both people and the environment. If caustic cleaners are washed down the drain, these are likely to kill beneficial treatment bacteria in septic tanks, sewage treatment plants or soils if greywater is re-used for on-site garden irrigation.

Many green cleaners are effective alternatives to high strength cleaners. An environmentally friendly option to using bleach is to use hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down quickly to hydrogen and water in the environment. Products containing boron should be avoided as this is toxic to plants even in small quantity. Nutrient levels in greywater are generally low (except where phosphorus-bearing laundry detergents are used) and are easily utilised by vegetation in the garden.

Greywater and Blackwater: Key differences

Greywater contains far less nitrogen than blackwater Nine-tenths of the nitrogen contained in combined wastewater derived from toilet wastes (i.e., from the blackwater). Nitrogen is one of the most serious and difficult-to-remove pollutants affecting our potential drinking water supply.Greywater contains far fewer pathogens than blackwater

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Medical and public health professionals view faeces as the most significant source of human pathogens. Keeping toilet wastes out of the wastewater stream dramatically reduces the danger of spreading such organisms via water.Greywater decomposes much faster than blackwater

The implication of the more rapid decomposition of grey water pollutants is the quicker stabilization and therefore enhanced prevention of water pollution

What Can Greywater Be Used For?

With proper treatment greywater can be put to good use. These uses include water for laundry and toilet flushing, and also irrigation of plants. Treated greywater can be used to irrigate both edible and non-edible plants. The nutrients in the greywater (such as phosphorus and nitrogen) provide an excellent nutrient source for these plants.

Composition of grey water

Source: Tooth paste, shampoo, moisturizer, shaving gel, detergents, soaps, hair spray, after shave, lotion, cologne, moisturizer, etc.

Sodium bicarbonate, sodium monofluorophosphate, calcium phosphate, saccharin, washing soda, glycerin, peppermint extract (tooth paste). Cocamide DEA (shampoo, moisturizer), propylene glycol (shaving gel), sodium lauryl sulphate/fluoride (shampoo), benzaldehyde (shampoo, detergent, shaving cream, bar soap), benzyl acetate (hairspray, after shave), benzyl alcohol, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, limonene, alpha pinene, g-terpinene, terpineol (shaving cream, lotion, skin moisturizer, cologne, detergents, etc.), acetone, methylene chloride, -citronellol, -myrcene, -phenyethyl alcohol, p-dichlorobenzene.

What are The Benefits of Greywater Re-use?

Re-using water does not diminish our quality of life, however it can provide benefits on many levels.


Two major Benefits of greywater use are: Reducing the need for fresh water. Saving on fresh water use can

significantly reduce household water bills, but also has a broader community benefit in reducing demands on public water supply.

Reducing the amount of wastewater entering sewers or on-site treatment systems. Again, this can benefit the individual household, but also the broader community

Treatment Technology

Natural method of waste water treatment process

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68Waste to Wealth


Grey water is collected and after settlement and lime treatment over flows in the subsequent tanks.Dr. Mrs. Ranjithakani, Advisor, Soka Ikeda

College of Arts & Science for women observes the methodology of treatment process.

Treated greywater is used to cultivate plants in kitchen garden.

70Waste to Wealth

S.No Characteristics Unit (mg/l)

1. Apperence Clear

2. Colour 25

3 Odour No smell 4. Turbidity 10

5. Total dissolved solids 2000

6. pH 6.5 -8.5

7. Alkalinity as CaCO3 600

8. Total Hardness as CaCO3 600

9. Calcium as Ca 200

10. Magnesium as Mg 100

11. Iron as Fe 1.0

12. Manganese as Mn 0.3

13. Nitrate as NO3 100

14. Chloride as Cl 1000

15. Fluoride as F 1.5

16. Sulphate as SO4 400

17. Aluminium as Al 0.2

18. Arsenic as As 0.05

19. Chromium as Cr 0.05

20. Mercury as Hg 0.001

21. Cadmium as Cd 0.01

22. Selenium as Se 0.01

23. Lead as Pb 0.05

24. Copper as Cu 1.5

25. Zinc as Zn 15

26. Boron as B 5

27. Cyanide as CN 0.05

28. G+r;rpf; nfhy;ypfs; 0.001

29. Microorganisms in Number Nil

30. Residual Chlorine Cl2 as Cl 0.2


Root Zone Beds (Constructed wetlands) are now emerging as a low cost, eco-friendly alternative to conventional treatment systems for tertiary treatment of wastewater. Several studies support the use of wetlands for treating a variety of wastewaters like effluent from paper mill, food processing plant, municipal wastewater, tannery effluent, distillery effluent and domestic wastewater. The results of these studies reveal the potential of the application of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment.

Root zone bed is a constructed wetland of relatively shallow depth 0.30 - 0.60m that supports the growth of emergent plants such as cattails (Typha sp) reeds and sedges. The vegetation provides surfaces for attachment of bacterial films, aids in filtration and adsorption of wastewater constituents, transfer oxygen from atmosphere into the water and controls the growth of algae by restricting the penetration of sunlight.

Chapter - 4

GREy WATER TREATMENT By ROOT ZONE BED TEChNOLOGy

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Wetlands are of two types, natural and constructed, and both types are used in the treatment of wastewater. In the sub surface flow system, the waster water level is maintained below the top of the soil matrix. The depth of the soil matrix is usually 0.3 m to 0.60m and the soil is made impervious at the bottom to prevent seepage

ROOT ZONE BED

RZT is a natural maintenance free system where wastewater is purified by roots of certain plants like reeds Phragmites australis. It functions according to the laws of nature, to effective purify the domestic waste water. The root zone encompasses the life interactions of various species of bacteria, the roots of reed plant Phragmites australis, soil ,air, solar energy and water itself. The reed plant conduct oxygen through their stem into root system, optimal condition for the growth of bacteria are ensured, in turn and the bacteria biodegrade the dissolved organic matter by aerobic decomposition. Since the process takes place below the soil, aerobic and anaerobic conditions exist changes including the changes in the physico chemical factors in the soil and water inter phase and then balances the growth of bacteria.

A special type to bed is formed for the root zone. However, for developing system special type of clay such as bentonite is used which formed an impregnable barrier between root zone and the surrounding ground water.

Compared to free water surface systems, a horizontal subsurface flow wetland provides greater efficiency in terms of BOD and TSS and decreased risk of nuisance from odour and flies.

Root Zone techniques almost require no maintenances


Kitchen waste water is organic and therefore biodegradable and serves as good nutrient resource and has good bacterial load having fruity smell. Bath room water has inorganic chemicals (details given separately) and when it is released kills all good bacteria and produces odour. Hence need to be separated and treated for reuse.

Sign board at Krishna Hostel

74Waste to Wealth

Grey water discharge by pipeline to Sedimentation tank

Collection of grey water in tanks. Lime treatment, Sedimentation, overflowing water tank serve as collection tank.


The entry of grey water by gravity flow into tanks. The entire area is protected by iron mesh thus preventing entry by animals.

Construction of bed for treatment of grey water by Root zone bed .

76Waste to Wealth

View of the Root zone bed

Reed plants Phragmites australis.


Root zone Treatment. Reed plants and the treated water collection tanks at each reed bed.

Thiru.T.S. Srinivasamurthy, IFS Dr. P. Nammalwar Rajan, Prof. M.S.Ananth, (then) Director IIT(M), with the author in the

background.

78Waste to Wealth

Prof.R.Damodharan, (IIT-M) with the author and guest at the grey water treatment site.

Prof.Dr. A.Rajendra Prasad, Dean with Thiru. Sai Prakash Leo Muthu, CEO Sri Sairam Group of Institutions at Root zone

Treatment site at IIT - M


MERITS OF THE ROOT ZONE METHOD

1. There is no algal growth.

2. The organic material is broken down in the sewage waste water and hence, it satisfies norms of the pollution control board.

3. There is no energy cost in the treatment process.

4. It is safe cost effective and time consuming.

5. Least maintenance cost yet simple in operation.

6. Only special kind of reed will perform the treatment process.

7. The area requirement varies depending upon the volume of waste water.

8. More retention time is required for nutrient and pathogenic organisms removal.

9. Primary treatment helps for quick absorption and fermentation of effluent into the constructed root zone system.

Comparison between conventional treatment and root zone method of treatment.

While conventional system the civil construction, mechanics & supplies, chemicals sample analysis on the maintenance cost and overall power cost are high when compared to the root zone treatment method.

The cost benefit analysis indicates that there will be saving for a flow of sewage when root zone system is installed.

80Waste to Wealth

As repelling as it may sound, human urine is a valuable resource. The objective of human urine treatment is to utilize the human urine that goes as a waste in the drainage. This contains more nutrients in the form of struvite which is considered as slow releasing fertilizer. 1 liter of human urine consists of 4.6 gms of Nitrogen, 0.6 gms of Phosphorous (P2O3), 2.2 gms of Potash (K2O). Therefore, the total population of 135 Crore human beings expel as urine about 6200 tons of Nitrogen, 800 tons of Phosphorous (P203) and 2917 tons of Potash. If rightly utilized, more than 500 Crores worth of fertilizer can be recovered.

It is totally possible to use human urine as a fertilizer instead of industrial fertilizer, says Heinonen-Tanski, whose research group has also used urine to cultivate cucumbers, cabbage and tomatoes. Recycling urine as fertilizer could not only make agriculture and wastewater treatment more sustainable in industrialized countries, the researchers say, but also boost food production and improve sanitation.

About 94% of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in toilet waste water emanates from the urine together with abundant micronutrients in balanced concentration. During 24 hour period 1 to 2 lt. of volume of urine is formed. It is estimated that human urine consists of about 54 metabolites ranging from few micro gram to 1200 mg. The amino acid total 500 to 1000 mg is excreted. 20 amino acids have been found out in the human urine. Apart from that enzyme vitamins and hormones are also excreted in the urine. Salts such as calcium chloride and sodium, sulphates, urea, uric acid are also excreted. The pH of the normal urine is 5.0 to 8.0. The normal urine colour is pale to deep amber. It is transparent with no sediment and odour characteristic and faintly aromatic odour. The specific gravity is 1.008 to 1.030.

Chapter - 5hUMAN URINE TREATMENT


In normal urine, the following metabolites such as Albumine, Sugar, Ketone bodies, Bile pigments, Bile salt, Urobilinogen, pus cells, RBCs, Casts and micro organisms are absent. Some times crystal may or may not be present.

The present work aims for eco-cycling of nutrients from waste water based on urine separation, in order to maximize the recovery and recycling of nutrients and to reduce eutrophication (enrichment of nutrients) in fresh water and costal ecosystem. Hence, capturing the nutrients in human urine by transformation as solid mineral form as urine powder. Direct use of human urine as agricultural fertilizer is problematic and controvertial with regard to hygiene, storage,transport and spreading.

Advantages:

1. Urine separation system has many advantages related to emission of odour and nutrient recovery.

2. Energy (energy efficiency) analyses of sewage treatment system show that phosphorous and nitrogen recycling efficiency is highest if urine separation is used.

3. Urine separation system also show that the storage, transport and spreading large amounts of urine prevents serious obstacles to system efficiency.

4. Large volumes of urine are needed to fertilize farmland, leading to transportation costs.

5. Another problem of urine separation system is the loss of nitrogen by ammonia evaporation during storage and spreading.

What is the remedy?

1. Urine separation could be met by transforming the nutrients in the urine into solid minerals.

2. Handling and storage could be improved

82Waste to Wealth

3. Volume could be reduced.

4. Loss of nitrogen into atmosphere would be eliminated.

5. High level of hygiene could be maintained.

What is the product?

Struvite precipitation methodology can be applied to remove phosphate. In fresh urine ammonium (NH4+) is formed from the decomposition of urea. This offers possibility of nitrogen recovery by ammonium uptake to specific adsorbents such as zeolites.

Nutrient recovery from human urine is simple effective easy manageable and economically viable eco-technology. The recovery of nutrient from separate urine could play role in rural sanitary system and largely in urban area in future.

The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium required for agriculture is largely provided by artificial fertilizer. Urine based fertilizer could be used as substitute. The earlier study show that urine based products are as effective as artificial fertilizer. However, the urine based fertilizer contains micro pollutants which are undesirable. These substances will be removed from the urine by certain treatment process. Separate treatment of urine would be beneficial for water pollution control since it reduces the ecotoxicological hazard potential cost by pharmaceutical in wastewater by estimated 50%. Energy saving cloud be realized in fertilizer production with energy efficient processing of nitrogen and phosphorus for the agriculture sector. In view of the deteriorating quality of artificial phosphate fertilizer remaining mineral resources of phosphorus have high heavy metal content it would be worth while to recycle relatively pure phosphorus from urine. The local authorities could make considerable savings if urine is separately collected and treated and used as fertilizer.


Fabrication of urine treatment reactor with dimensions.

84Waste to Wealth

The views of the reactor.


200 litre capacity of reactor with stirrer and

filter bag. Manually operated system.

86Waste to Wealth

Human urine collection in Sintex tank through yellow coloured pipeline

(L-R) Mr.M. Subburaman, (Director - SCOPE) The author, Guests and students.

Human urine treatment facility


Demo by the author.Human Urine untreated and treated (L-R)

Human urine treatment plantMr.V.Ganapathi, The Hindu Representative guest from The Netherlands,

the author and Mr. M. Subburaman, (L-R)

88Waste to Wealth

Human urine Treatment plant the author with Mr.Mahajan.The capacity of the plant is

100 litres, a conical structure with filter bag to collect the precipate as urine powder

and waste water is collected in the collection tank used for

irrigation.

Human urine powder- a fertilizer known as Struvite


Human urine powder is used as fertilizer to the field.

Mr.Bastin(UN Habitat), the author (L-R) Mr.Mahajan and his family members.

90Waste to Wealth

CONCLUSION

It proved possible to capture the majority of nutrients contained in urine in the form of solid minerals. By adding small amounts of Magnesium Oxide(MgO), struvite was obtained and identified as a main component in the precipitated crystalline mixture

Natural zeolites, showed excellent ammonium adsorbent qualities in contact with human urine.

The human urine treatment facility is simple, effective, easily manageable and economically viable

Eco-technology is much in demand all over the world.

Recovery of nutrients from separated urine reported here could play a role in the rural as well urban sanitary systems of the future, which will almost certainly be much more diverse than it is today, with many different technologies at different places.

In combination with struvite crystallization, most of the phosphorous and potassium and 65-80% of the nitrogen could be recovered.

The mixture of struvite and natural mineral adsorbent has good nutrient qualities and can be used as soil conditioner.

Human urine after treatment could be used by hydroponic system to cultivate plants using golden bamboo Bambusa bambusoidis where the intersepta are absent


The eco bio-ball is used dependent upon the volume of water. Three bio balls per square meter is recommended.

The effective microorganisms and fungi start reacting as soon as the eco bio-ball is reached at the bottom of the water body. The clay gets dissolved. The chemical present in the eco bio-ball zeolite is a dissolved and reduces the turbidity of the bottom water. The microbes present in the ecobio-ball degrades the dissolved organic material present in the form of slime and sludge. The solar radiation penetrates the polluted water. The micro algae and other microscopic animals such as zooplanktons emerge because of the dissolved nutrients. Thus polluted water is treated biologically into good water.

One could also use hay filled jute material in the form of bag. The hay is immersed in the polluted water which will in turn produce micro organisms. These will consume the organic wastes and convert into clean water resource.

The advantages could be benefitted by this simple technology even can be applied to water stagnant bodies

Chapter - 6

MOSQUITO CONTROL AND WATER TREATMENT USING ECOBIOBALLS

92Waste to Wealth

Total dissolved organic materials are reduced and dissolved oxygen content increases. It also eliminates odour and increases transparency of water column and by allowing solar radiation to penetrate till the bottom. Such treatment will hold to rear Gambusa fishes in order to consume mosquito larvae as live feed.

WHAT IS A NANOBIOBALL?

The Nanobioballs are designed with the clay materials, zeolite, bacteria and silver nanoparticles.

The clay helps the nanobioballs to sink and dissolves in the pond.

Zeolite dissolves in bottom water column and helps to reduce the turbidity of water and make the water transparent helps in penetration of solar radiation

Bacteria help in the fermentation of the organic material present in the pond thus preventing foul odour.

The silver nanoparticles acts on the bacteria present in the pond water and controls their multiplication.

Biological Synthesis of Silver nanoparticles

MATERIALS REQUIRED

Silver nitrate (AgNO3)

Pencillium chrysogenum

Azadiracta indica (neem)

Potato dextrose agar

Millipore distilled water

Whatman filter paper


Eco bio balls prepared for pilot project.

Picture showing a single eco bioball with fungi formation

94Waste to Wealth

Picture of conical flasks containing the filtrate of the Pencillium chrysogenum biomass in aqueous solution of 10-3 M AgNO3 at the

beginning of the reaction (flask 1) and after 2 days of reaction (flask 2).

CHANGE IN COLOUR

Introduction of Ecobioballs into cooum water samples

indicating reduction in turbidity


OBSERVATION

It was observed that after introduction of nanobioball in to the cooum river sample there is reduction in the number of bacterial colonies.

And an single even colony of bacteria was observed.

Thus using these nanobioballs control on the multiplication of undesired bacteria was clearly observed. Water samples were further tested for other parameters.

CONCLUSION

Due to the reduction in the foul odour the mosquito getting attracted to pond was controlled.

This has been observed in lily ponds of TAJ CONNEMARA Chennai which faced a serious mosquito menace before

Total organic matter reduction was observed which discouraged the mosquito to lay the eggs.

WITHOUT ECOBIOBALL WITH ECOBIOBALL ( More Organic Matter Untreated) ( Less Organic Matter Treated)

CULTURES OF COOUM SAMPLES

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The substratum of the lily pond was treated with Ecobioballs showing improvement in water quality.

waste to wealth final.compressed

Documents

waste water treatment

waste water management

solid waste management

grey water treatment

abdul rahmanwaste

director dr

research west tambaram

s engineering college