Performance Analysis of a Filter System Using Sustainable Treated Coconut Coir and Activated Charcoal

Abstract

As much as the issue of water scarcity, availability of right quality of water is also a growing concern. In the current scenario of water stress, it is essential for efficient use of available water. Rainwater harvesting offers one such solution for better water resources management. An essential part of rainwater harvesting is the filter system adapted. The current research focuses on developing a sustainable filter system using natural and abundantly locally available Coconut coir along with Charcoal to filter rainwater for domestic use. Charcoal was activated with CaCl₂ solution and crushed to different size gradations. Coconut coir was treated with Aqueous solution of Sodium Hydroxide pellets.

Filter system was developed with a layer of Coir and two layers of Activated Charcoal as per the grain size requirement. Physio-Chemical analysis including tests for Total Solids, Alkalinity and Acidity was carried out on the untreated and treated water sample. Results have suggested a promising, sustainable treatment process with easily available filter material.