Living in an era where technology seems to be developing on a monthly basis – okay, maybe not quite monthly, but it’s certainly developing fast! – it comes as quite a surprise that recent improvements in wastewater treatment in India have taken a step back, going back to basics using natural processes to turn toxic waste water into clean water that can be used for the irrigation of crops.
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute
Scientists at The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) took sewage water that would normally run from Krishi Kunji Colony through into Najafgarh drain and the Yamuna, and instead filtered it through wetland plant species. This filtration process is known as ‘Engineered Wetland Technology’ and has proved to be hugely successful, removing between 81 and 99% of impurities.
The process solely depends on the existence of three wetland species; Phragmites Karka, Acorous Calamus and Typha Latifolia. The waste water is spread over these cells and left there for a few hours. Leaving them for this length of time allows the plants to absorb most of the impurities through their roots. The roots of the plants contain microbes that work to break down the compounds found in the pollutants, releasing oxygen in the process. Once the metals have been completely broken down they are integrated within the plant, leaving the sewage water free from any metal impurities.
Ravinder Kaur, Project Director of IARI explains the breakdown of the metals in further detail, revealing how this process cleans waste water by 99% with specific details for how much each metal has broken down by:
Biological oxygen demand by 87%
Nitrates by 95%
Sulphates by 90%
Heavy metals such as iron by 99%
Chromium by 85%
Lead by 81%
What makes this system better than current ones?
This system is completely natural and requires a mere 1% of energy to operate whereas conventional treatments use huge amounts of energy and in the process create a harmful sludge.
The ‘Engineered Wetland Technology’ system requires no chemical application and therefore costs a lot less and doesn’t require any skilled manpower either, making it an all-round more efficient and economically friendly option, compared to current wastewater processes.
Wildon (UK) Ltd
Whether it’s a business or home property, wastewater treatment plays a crucial part in making sure the water we flush down our toilets and sinks is not completely going to waste, but is instead free from any impurities and safe to be used again.
Here at Wildon UK, we are compliant with all EU regulations in order to provide efficient and reliable waste water treatments, meeting the needs of those throughout the UK.
So, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any queries regarding wastewater treatment or any of our other drainage services.
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