Author(s): Sarah Andrew; Shea Patten-Wise; Gregory De Costa
Linked Author(s): Gregory De Costa
Keywords: Biosand filter; Turbidity; pH; Water quality; Limestone
Abstract: Biosand filtration (BSF) is a commonly used method to treat water in developing rural communities and is predominantly used at a household level. The Biosand filter is designed to meet the following criteria: low cost construction, potable water quality, neutralize pH levels, reduction in turbidity, low maintenance, color removal and a sufficient amount of water produced for a family (3–6 people average). The purpose of this research was to design a reliable water treatment system to purify water in rural areas off the grid and don’t have access to the public water supply or other sources of clean water. Design parameters include: 0.6 m upper fine sand layer, 0.25 m lower coarse sand layer, 0.25 m Chip 10 and 0.5 m gravel in a 0.850 m × 0.380 m plastic container. Filter cloths between sand layers are used to reduce turbidity. Crushed limestone in the lower sand layer aids in the reduction of high pH levels. Two main sources of water are tested; pond water and spring water. Testing showed the crushed limestone to be problematic for potability initially, with the systems performance recovering as it functioned over time. Other parameters tested were consistent with the literature and showed encouraging performance relationships indicating the potential with further development for the Biosand filter to be deployed into developing rural communities in need of a potable water supply.
Year: 2018