AI based automation system of

Water Treatment plant for

Recycling Domestic Wastewater
in Sustainable Urban
Development
NSTC PROJECT PROPOS AL
ARVANIDA
RURY
 Abstract
Urban water scarcity and pollution necessitate innovative solutions for domestic wastewater
reuse. This project presents a lab-scale model of a compact treatment plant that mimics large-
scale processes to recycle household wastewater for non-potable applications such as irrigation.
The system comprises modular acrylic tanks simulating key treatment stages: screening,
sedimentation, biological treatment, and filtration with disinfection. Initially, physical screening
and sedimentation remove larger particulates and suspended solids. Biological treatment
follows, using aeration with biofilm media to decompose organic matter and reduce Biological
Oxygen Demand (BOD). Lastly, filtration through sand and activated carbon combined with UV
or chemical disinfection removes fine impurities and pathogens. Water quality at each stage is
monitored to assess reductions in turbidity, BOD, and microbial content. This lab-scale setup
demonstrates a feasible solution for sustainable water recycling in urban environments,
providing valuable insights into scalable, eco-friendly treatment designs adaptable to various
wastewater compositions. Expected outcomes include high pollutant removal efficiency,
producing water suitable for non-potable reuse and supporting urban water conservation goals.
Keywords: domestic wastewater, water recycling, lab-scale treatment, biological treatment,
urban water conservation
Introduction
Problem Statement: Growing urban populations and climate change intensify
water scarcity. Domestic wastewater, if recycled, could significantly alleviate
demand for freshwater resources.
Research Objective: Investigate methods for effectively treating and reusing
domestic wastewater for non-potable applications, potentially decreasing urban
freshwater consumption and environmental pollution.
Significance of Study: Recycling domestic wastewater not only conserves water
resources but also contributes to sustainable urban ecosystems by reducing
discharge pollutants.
Literature Review
Current Practices: Overview of current wastewater treatment technologies and
challenges in reusing treated domestic water.

Emerging Technologies: Review of advanced treatment methods such as

membrane bioreactors, electrochemical processes, and natural wetland systems.

Global Case Studies: Examples from cities successfully implementing wastewater

recycling programs, providing context and potential best practices for urban
areas.
Research Objectives
To assess the feasibility and efficiency of various wastewater treatment
technologies for domestic water recycling.
To evaluate the quality of treated domestic wastewater for potential
applications such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and industrial cooling.
To analyze the environmental and economic impacts of implementing domestic
wastewater recycling systems on an urban scale.
Project Novelty
1. Compact, Modular Lab-Scale Design:
•Creates a small, efficient model that mirrors full-scale wastewater treatment processes.
•Uses modular acrylic tanks for flexibility and ease of monitoring each stage individually.
2. Real-Time Observation and Analysis:
•Transparent acrylic tanks allow clear visualization of physical, chemical, and biological changes in the water.
•Enables continuous monitoring of water quality at each stage, providing detailed insights into pollutant reduction.
3. Integrated Treatment Process:
•Combines key treatment stages—physical filtration, biological aeration with biofilm, advanced filtration, and disinfection—in
a single setup.
•Facilitates a comprehensive study of how each treatment phase contributes to overall pollutant removal.
4. Scalability and Adaptability:
•Modular setup allows easy scaling for larger applications or adjustments for different wastewater compositions.
•Enables testing of alternative materials and methods (e.g., comparing biofilm substrates or UV vs. chemical disinfection) in a
controlled lab environment.
5. Educational and Research Utility:
•Provides a hands-on tool for studying wastewater treatment principles, ideal for research and educational purposes.
•Supports sustainable urban water reuse studies by providing a platform to test and improve treatment methods for real-
world applications.
Methodology (1/2)
Sample Collection: Collect domestic wastewater samples from residential buildings
within a defined urban area to ensure diverse contaminants are represented.
Treatment Processes:
• Physical Treatment: Initial screening and sedimentation to remove large solids.
• Chemical Treatment: Testing coagulation and flocculation for removing suspended
particles.
• Biological Treatment: Analyzing aerobic and anaerobic biological treatments, including
the use of biofilms or bioreactors, to reduce organic contaminants.
Advanced Treatment:
 Implementing membrane filtration, activated carbon filters, or UV disinfection for final
polishing of the treated water.
Methodology (2/2)
Quality Assessment:
o Use standard water quality parameters (BOD, COD, turbidity, microbial content) to
evaluate the efficacy of each treatment stage.
o Assess treated water against non-potable reuse standards (e.g., for irrigation,
cleaning, or cooling).
o Economic and Environmental Analysis: Conduct a cost-benefit analysis comparing the
setup, operation, and maintenance costs of the recycling system with traditional
water supply costs. Use life cycle assessment (LCA) to estimate the environmental
impact reduction by implementing a domestic wastewater reuse system.
Setup Overview
The lab-scale water treatment plant should have the following key stages:

Tertiary Treatment
Pre-treatment Primary Treatment Secondary Treatment
(Advanced Filtration
(Physical Filtering) (Sedimentation) (Biological)
and Disinfection)

Each stage can be designed using readily available lab materials and
equipment to simulate the larger plant processes.
 Pre-Treatment (Physical Filtering)
Objective: Remove large particles and suspended solids.
Materials:
1. Fine mesh screens or sieves (50-100 microns).
2. Small sand and gravel filters.
Process:
Use a series of mesh screens to filter out larger particles like hair, sand, and
debris.
For further filtration, a small container layered with gravel and sand can act as
a basic physical filter.
Tips: Ensure water flows at a controlled rate to prevent clogging. This stage
reduces the load on later treatment stages.
 Primary Treatment (Sedimentation)
Objective: Allow heavier particles to settle.
Materials:
1. Clear sedimentation tanks (e.g., beakers or transparent containers).
2. Coagulants like alum or ferric chloride (optional).
Process:
Pour pre-filtered water into a sedimentation tank and let it sit for 1-2 hours to
allow particles to settle at the bottom.
For fine particles, add a small amount of coagulant and stir gently to form
larger particles (flocs) that settle more easily.
Tips: Decant or siphon the water from the top of the tank to avoid disturbing the
sediment. Using transparent containers helps observe the settling process.
 Secondary Treatment (Biological)
Objective: Break down organic matter using microbes.
Materials:
1. Aeration tank (e.g., aquarium or glass container).
2. Air pump with an air stone (for oxygenation).
3. Activated sludge or biofilm culture (commercially available or sourced from a sewage treatment plant).
Process:
Transfer the sedimented water to the aeration tank. Add activated sludge or biofilm to introduce microbial
communities.
Use the air pump to continuously aerate the water, providing oxygen for aerobic bacteria that decompose
organic pollutants.
Maintain the setup for 24-48 hours, observing changes in water clarity and odor.
Tips: Regularly monitor dissolved oxygen levels, pH, and temperature. Keep a constant flow of air to prevent
anaerobic conditions from forming.
 Tertiary Treatment (Advanced Filtration and Disinfection)
Objective: Remove remaining contaminants and pathogens for reuse or discharge.
Materials:
1. Activated carbon filter or cartridge.
2. Microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane (0.1 to 1 micrometer pore size).
3. UV lamp (for disinfection) or chemical disinfectant like chlorine solution.
Process:
Pass the biologically treated water through an activated carbon filter to adsorb remaining organic compounds
and reduce odor.
Follow with a microfiltration membrane to further filter out fine particles and bacteria.
For disinfection, expose the water to a UV lamp for a few minutes or add a low dose of chlorine solution to kill
any remaining pathogens.
Tips: Adjust filtration and disinfection according to the desired water quality. For UV disinfection, ensure water
passes slowly and evenly under the lamp for effective treatment.
Connecting the Stages
Tubing and Valves: Use clear acrylic or PVC tubing (1-2 cm diameter) to connect each tank.
Install small valves at each junction to control flow rates between stages.
Flow Control: Use gravity flow or small peristaltic pumps to move water through the system
if needed, ensuring a controlled, steady flow for treatment efficiency.
Additional Monitoring Points
Sampling Ports: Add small sampling ports or valves on each tank to collect water samples at
each treatment stage for quality testing (e.g., pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen).
Observation Windows: Although acrylic is transparent, you may add extra observation slots
with rubber gaskets to monitor specific zones like sedimentation layers or biofilm growth.
Testing and Optimization
Quality Analysis: Test water quality parameters such as Biological Oxygen
Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), turbidity, and microbial counts
at each stage to assess treatment effectiveness.
Troubleshooting: Observe for any issues like clogging in the filtration tank or
insufficient aeration in the biological treatment tank, and adjust flow rates or
replace media as needed.
Final Assembly and Operation
Leak Testing: After assembly, conduct a leak test by filling each tank with water and checking
seals.
Startup and Calibration: Run the plant with synthetic or lightly contaminated water initially to
calibrate flow rates and residence times at each stage.
Regular Maintenance: Clean biofilm media, replace filter materials (sand and activated carbon),
and disinfect tanks regularly to maintain optimal performance.
Expected Outcomes & Result
Feasibility Report: Detailed findings on the technical and economic
viability of recycling domestic wastewater for specific non-potable
applications.
Guidelines for Implementation: Development of guidelines for
municipal authorities on how to safely and effectively reuse domestic
wastewater.
Reduction in Water Demand: Quantitative data predicting
reductions in freshwater consumption by replacing some non-
potable needs with recycled water.
Significance of the Research
Environmental Impact: Reduces the pressure on natural water
resources and minimizes pollution discharge into rivers and oceans.
Economic Benefits: By recycling water, cities may reduce costs
associated with water supply and wastewater treatment.
Sustainable Urban Development: Contributes to building resilient
cities that can sustain growth without depleting natural resources.
Timeline
Phase 1 (Year 0-1)
Phase 2 (Year 1-2)
- Literature review
- Sample collection Phase 3 (Year 2-3)
- Implementation of
- Model validation wastewater Phase 4 (Year 3-end)
treatment - Economic Analysis
- Assessment of - Environmental
- Report Writing
treated water quality Impact Analysis
- Peer Review
- Developing AI
algorithm Finalization
 Conclusion
“This research aims to contribute to sustainable urban water management
by providing actionable insights into recycling domestic wastewater.
Findings from this study could support policy development, potentially
inspiring municipalities to adopt wastewater recycling as a standard
practice in urban infrastructure planning.”
 Further details need to works
1. Funding Nominal
2. Equipment used (Type, Spec, Price)
3. Consumable used (Type, Spec, Price)
4. Publication and Report