Next-Generation Greywater Treatment: MBR Technology and its Applications-A Case Study

Abstract

Susmita Pandit, Swachchha Majumder, Somendra Nath Roy* and Sourja Ghosh

Yes, it is possible! Greywater is non-industrial wastewater generated from household works like dishwashing, laundry and bathing. Before decay, it was just an imagination of treating wastewater and reusing it, but in today's scenario, this is happening for treatment of greywater for non-potable or potable purposes. According to the researchers, it is anticipated that one out of every three people would encounter water scarcity by the year 2030 or by the same period, there will be around 2.7 billion people on the planet. Governments and citizens have become more conscious of the issue in recent years. Authorities’ in-charge of water management handles the issue of water security and poses several concerns. Reduced cost measures increased awareness of water usage, as well as the installation of water-saving devices. Rain water collection and greywater treatment systems are viewed as possible alternatives, particularly in developing nations, where water constraint is more prevalent.

The current study was done to reuse the waste (grey) water from the main canteen at Adamas University and use it for drinkable purposes utilizing membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology. Total wastewater generated daily from the university canteen is 12,200 L. This was recorded, and physicochemical characteristics like BOD5 , DO, COD, TDS, oil and grease, MPN, TOC, and others were analyzed. With various sludge doses, a bio-reactor setup was created in which the most organic matter was breaking down. Low-cost clay alumina based 19 channels configuration with TiO2 -coated UF ceramic membranes developed at CSIR-CGCRI was used in this study. Greywater that has been treated had a pH of 7.9. Oil and grease (99%); turbidity (99%); COD (99%); suspended solids (99%); BOD (99%); E. coli, total coliform; the efficacy of removal for all of the factors with the ultrafiltration membrane was as follows. Excellent results have been obtained from the permeate sample, which states that all the values of physicochemical parameters have successfully been reduced and when compared with the raw samples, clearly indicates that the treated water may be used for non- potable purposes and is within WHO-permissible limits. Grey water treatment is adopted in India at many colleges, schools, and residential buildings. So, let's have a look over “Next-Generation Greywater Treatment: MBR Technology and its Applications - a Case Study”.

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