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02-26-08 Slow Sand Filters
02-26-08 Slow Sand Filters
02-26-08 Slow Sand Filters
"Under suitable circumstances, slow sand filtration may be not only the cheapest and simplest but also the most efficient method of water treatment."
Overall Efficiency
More than 90% of fecal coliform 100% of protozoa and helminths 50-90% of organic and inorganic toxicants 95-99% of zinc, copper, cadmium and lead < 67% of iron and manganese <47% of arsenic all suspended sediments
http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/ndwc/pdf/OT/TB/TB14_slowsand.pdf
Pretreatment
Basic: metal or plastic diffuser plate
Evenly distributes water, less turbidity keep in stock in village?
Cloth filtration
Folded sari or cotton, frequently washed
Schmutzdecke (biofilm)
German/Yiddish work for dirty blanket Sticky, reddish-brown film consisting of organic matter (algae, bacteria, protozoa, microbes) and waterborne elements (iron, manganese and silica) Rotifers, crustacea and insect larvae feed on algae and pathogens too Most filtering activity takes place on upper 2mm Acts as fine filter to remove undesirable particles from raw water
those that would be detrimental help once trapped
Biological Mechanisms
Predation bacteria and pathogen grazing by protozoa and other microorganisms Scavenging lower layers house aquatic worms and organisms that scavenge detritus Natural death and inactivation due to hostile environment via increased competition
Keep 5mm of water above layer (or at least moist) at all times Works best in warm weather (no problem)
May experience sweating through concrete, cools water (good)
Lower levels do not have enough food or heat for stomach irritants, so they are gradually filtered out Can add nonbiological elements to increase efficiency
Iron nails or shavings decrease some pathogens, arsenic levels
http://www.biosandfilter.org/biosandfilter/index.php/item/315 http://wedc.lboro.ac.uk/publications/pdfs/24/muhammad.pdf
More explicit biological information can be found here: http://tede.ibict.br/tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=205 Thesis continues from 205 to 209 Also see http://www.biosandfilter.org/biosandfilter/index.php/item/320
Maintenance
LOW TURBIDITY Clean biofilm every one to three months or when excessive flow loss is noticed Harrowing
Add extra mms of water above biofilm Stir and comb through gently Plug effluent and drain off from above Remove about 2cm biofilm Less downtime and sand loss than raw scraping
http://www.biosandfilter.org/biosandfilter/index.php/item/299
Education
Communicate that BSF makes drinking water Will taste better than well water (less metal concentration) and looks clearer Good bugs eat the bad bugs Direct impact on health, decreases diarrhea Use clean containers to catch water at the end!!
Locally available materials Best if concrete molds are already established (large-bore pipes?) Hold seminars on construction, maintenance, use
Promote spread of knowledge to other communities
Each home needs its own stake if they pay a little for it, will be more inclined to take better care of it?
Study concluded that 5% income was appropriate
Other Projects
Avoided working with groups, but specifically targeted individuals
Self-gain is easiest aspect to target Once it catches on, can introduce new area of livelihood for villagers http://www.biosandfilter.org/biosandfilter/files/webfiles/BioSandFilter_Article_ Waterlines_July_01.pdf
Other Websites
For concrete molding:
http://www.biosandfilter.org/biosandfilter/index.php/item/269