Treatment and Effective Utilization of Greywater: A Preliminary Case Study

Abstract

Greywater has been identified as a valuable alternative water source over recent years. Few practices (i.e., recycling and reuse) of greywater have attracted global attention in meeting the future water demand. However, essential parameters should be analyzed for reliable reuse and treatment. The present study addresses the possibilities of the alternative source with the treated greywater. Gravity—governed flow methods through a column containing gravel, sand, and activated carbon was applied. The quality of treated greywater from the university campus, which included physical, chemical, and biological parameters, was assessed to check non-potable reuse suitability. The reduction percentage of organics in biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand was 64% and 42%, respectively. Similarly, the reduction percentage was obtained at 74% and 66% for turbidity and electrical conductivity. The removal efficiency was 57%, 77%, 48%, and 44% for total dissolved solids, alkalinity, chlorides, and total hardness. The pH of treated water samples was found in the neutral range suggesting its suitability for reuse. Hence, the proposed greywater treatment method is a cost-effective and straightforward approach to reuse greywater for irrigation, watering the lawns, and car washing. The greywater collected can be disinfected immediately and reused with minimal possibility of regrowth of microorganisms.

Ensuring Sustainability via Application of Root Zone Technology in a Rubber Product Industry: A Circular Economy Approach

“…Increasing environmental pollution is a threat to all living organisms, including humans [1][2][3]. Despite the successful field applications of effluent treatment technologies, the management of industrial effluents is still a challenging task for scientists and researchers worldwide.…”

“…The circular economy (CE) describes the concept through which products and raw materials stay in the economy as long as possible, and where waste is treated as a secondary raw material that can be recycled and used again. Water management is an integral part of the economy because many industries rely on water for their basic requirements [3]. Production and profits will be limited if the water supply cannot meet demand.…”