Algae in Treatment Pod

Overview

Scenario: The problem arises from wastewater treatment plants' nutrient-rich conditions, which encourage the growth of cyanobacteria. Because they adhere to filtration surfaces and trap organic debris, these algae can lessen the effectiveness of treatment. Toxic cyanobacteria, which create dangerous toxins like microcystin, proliferate due to the local climate and high temperatures in the Tampakan, Philippines, wastewater treatment plant. The requirement for a filtering system that can keep an eye on and manage these harmful blooms while guaranteeing sustainability, efficiency, and safety is directly addressed by our proposal.

In Project Two we were given the scenario displayed above. The problem of algal development and buildup in wastewater treatment ponds—more especially, the negative effects of cyanobacteria blooms—is addressed. The difficulty lies in creating a durable and effective filtration system that can reduce the spread of harmful cyanobacteria, which endanger human health and wildlife. In order to ensure durability, environmental safety, and cost-effectiveness, our team was given a task to create a filtration system that can efficiently manage enormous amounts of wastewater while eliminating cyanobacteria. Additionally, the design lowers carbon footprints and takes into account the requirement for recyclable materials.

                             Time line of project (Jan 6th 2025 - Feb 7th 2024) 

Summary

In order to remove hazardous cyanobacteria from wastewater treatment ponds, our team has created a wastewater filtering system with an emphasis on cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Following thorough research and evaluation of several filtering techniques, the group suggested a multi-layered filtration strategy that makes use of materials such as ceramic foam, polypropylene fiber, and coir fiber. The filtration system has to be long-lasting, reasonably priced, and able to reduce its negative effects on the environment. After testing a number of materials, our team decided that coir fiber was the best choice because of its availability, low carbon footprint, and recyclability. The most sustainable and environmentally friendly option for the filtering system was determined to be coir fiber after an eco-audit and life cycle inventory were conducted to evaluate the materials' effects on the environment.

Skills

🤝 Collaboration

📆 Time Management

🤔 Critical Thinking

Design Process

1. Identifying the Problem: Creating a precise problem statement and determining the primary issue—cyanobacteria development in wastewater ponds was the first step in the design process
2. Idea Generation and Exploration: Taking sustainability, efficacy, and sustainability into consideration, everyone then came up with a number of filtration process options
3. Material Selection Criteria: Cost, availability, durability, and environmental impact were among the factors that went into selecting the materials for further consideration
4. Material Testing and Evaluation: Coir fiber was chosen after testing and assessing various materials as to its minimal environmental impact, capacity to be recycled, and filtration efficiency
5. Decision Matrix for Material Selection: Following that, the group produced a final decision matrix that reinforced the selection of coir fiber as the ideal material
6. Testing and Final Evaluation: To make sure the selected solution was both efficient and ecologically conscious, our team then carried out a number of tests during the process, such as life cycle inventory and eco-audits

Team’s Contributions

• To keep the project on pace, we made the first Gantt plan, oversaw the porosity calculations, provided justification for the chosen content in the final report and presentation, and kept track of the minutes from weekly meetings.
• Developed the logbook for extra team meetings, led conversations on sustainability and legislation, participated in all design studio sessions, and conducted research for the final life cycle graphic that was included in the report.
• Created the final Gantt chart, conducted the eco-audit analysis, engaged in the discussion on the sustainability of the chosen material, attended all design studio meetings, and contributed to discussions.