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Evaluation of Low Cost Filter Column to Remove Iron from Drinking Water

M A Hossain*
Department of Agricultural Construction and Environmental Engineering,

F Ishaque
Department of Agricultural Construction and Environmental Engineering, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

M A R Sarker
Department of Agricultural Construction and Environmental Engineering, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

S P Ritu
Department of Irrigation and Water Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

S Rashid
Department of Agricultural Construction and Environmental Engineering, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness and performance of different low-cost filter media in the removal for iron from drinking water. Three water samples were collected from Tilagor area. The iron concentrations of the collected samples were 2.5 mg l^-1 , 3 mg l^-1 and 3.86 mg l^-1 respectively. The iron concentrations of the samples exceeded the Bangladesh standard in drinking water which is 0.3-1.0 mg l^-1 . So, the water sample was needed to be treated to lower the iron concentration to a safe level. To prepare the filter media a several numbers of low-cost materials were collected. They were Sand (0.5 to 1.0 mm) and gravel (less than 12 mm), Neem leaves ash (0.5 to 0.6 mm), Banana leaves ash (0.5 to 0.6 mm), Wood charcoal (less than 10mm) and Rice husk (0.5 to 0.6 mm). Single measurement for each of the material was obtained to measure the effectiveness of these materials for removal of iron. The efficiency of Sand and gravel, Neem leaves ash, Banana leaves ash, Wood charcoal, and Rice husk mixture were 53%, 58%, 81% and 93% respectively. A final filter column was prepared using the best combination of these media to obtain a better performance. The efficiency of recommended filter column was measured as 98% which was satisfactory indeed.

Keywords: Iron, Drinking water, Low-cost filter media, Safe level, Efficiency.

Location: Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Drinking water

Objectives:

To prepare a low-cost filter column
To analyze the filtration efficiency of different filter media in removal of iron

Methodology:

Filter column development At the beginning, a 0.5 litre PET bottle was taken. Then, the base of the bottle was cut. A cloth was tied at the opening of the bottle. However, the length and internal diameter of the bottle was 15 cm and 6 cm respectively. Cotton was used to keep separate the materials. Secondly, another 0.5 litre bottle was placed at the top of a 5 litre bottle. A portion of 5 litre bottle was cut to place a beaker inside the bottle. Both sides of a 1 litre bottle were cut and places above the bottle containing filter media. After that, the sample water of known concentration was passed through the media. Lastly, filtrate water was collected at the beaker placed inside the 5 litre bottle. The final iron concentration was measured with Iron Checker (HANNA, HI3834). Method used in filtration process The method used for iron removal was adsorption. It is a very well-known and effective method of filtration. It is a process where contaminants break their bond with water molecules and chemically adhere to the filter media. It is a very easy method of filtration.In this study, different adsorption media were used for removal of iron. They were Sand,Neem leaves ash, Wood charcoal, Rice husk and different sizes of Gravel. Experimental set-up Experiment was set-up in two steps: 1. Iron removal capacities of different combinations of media were measured. 2. Final model prepared by using the most efficient combinations. First step of the experiment Plane sand and gravel: Three different combinations (3.5:4, 2: 2 and 3:4) of sand and gravel were used and known concentration of iron solution was passed through it. Iron removal capacity and the rate of filtration for different combinations were measured. Best combination from this set-up was used in rest of the set-up. Neem leaves ash and sand: Different amounts (10 g, 8 g and 6 g) of Neem leaves ash were taken. Ideal combination of sand and gravel were used as the top and bottom layer respectively. Known concentration of iron solution was passed through this set-up. Final iron concentration and rate of filtration was calculated. Banana leaves ash and sand: Different amounts of ash (15 g, 12 g and 10 g) were used with ideal combination of sand and gravel. Known concentration of iron solution was passed through these combinations and final calculation was done. Wood charcoal and rice husk mixture: Wood charcoal and raw Rice Husk mixture (3:2 by weight) were taken with best set-up of sand and gravel. Known concentration of iron solution was passed through the mixture and final measurement was taken. Second step of the experiment Final model development: The final filter column was prepared by using the best combinations of all them aterials. Neem leaves ash was discarded from the final filter column. As the other model, sand and gravel were used as top and bottom layer respectively. The materials were separated by using cotton layer. The known concentration of the iron solution was passed through the filter media. The filtrate was collected in a beaker. The rate of filtration was calculated and the iron concentration was measured by using Iron Checker (HANNA, HI3834). The pH and TDS were measured by digital pH meter (PH-98107) and TDS meter respectively. pH, TDS and their correlation with iron were done.

Source of Information: J. Sylhet Agril. Univ. 3(2):263-270, 2016 ISSN: 2308-1597

Article Link (Online Journal): www.jsau.com.bd

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The study concluded that adsorption is the simplest and cheapest technique for the removal of iron. A limited number of materials were used as adsorption media which is a drawback to the study. The study revealed that a combination of plane sand, banana leaves ash, wood charcoal and rice husk mixture and gravel was effective to remove iron most efficiently up to 98%. However, correlation analysis explores that iron and TDS are positively correlated. So, effective measures should be taken to control the TDS in water samples by proportioning the effective grain in filter column. To endure the efficiency of the filter column a backwashing technique should introduced for better results and better performance. Advantages of such filter column included simplicity, low-cost design and no need for chemical addition. Hence, periodic washing of filter media or replacement of filter media may be the only maintenance required to maintain reasonable flow rate through the system.

Knowledge Management: Journal