Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala — The Environmental Technology Division at the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) is spearheading an innovative research project to develop effective methods for treating black water—wastewater from toilets containing pathogens and high concentrations of organic material. This study is driven by the need to minimize environmental pollution and maximize water recycling.
Black water treatment is increasingly vital as communities worldwide seek sustainable water management solutions. Untreated black water poses significant health and environmental risks, including groundwater contamination and pollution of natural water bodies. By treating black water, CSIR-NIIST aims to reduce the harmful impacts of wastewater, reclaim water for safe use, and generate useful byproducts like biogas, thus supporting a circular economy in waste management.
In September 2024, Green Connect, a company renowned for its contributions to biogas and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, supplied two essential components for this research: a blower and a biogas balloon. The blower is a key element in the aerobic digestion process, facilitating oxygen flow for bacteria to break down organic material efficiently. The biogas balloon, on the other hand, plays a critical role in anaerobic digestion, collecting biogas generated by bacteria as they break down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment.
Steps in the Black Water Purification Process:
Collection: Fresh black water is collected directly into a specialized reactor for treatment.
Anaerobic Digestion: In an oxygen-free environment, anaerobic bacteria break down organic material in the black water, producing biogas. This biogas is collected in a biogas balloon supplied by Green Connect, making it available for energy use.
Aerobic Digestion: After anaerobic treatment, the water undergoes aerobic digestion, where oxygen is introduced using Green Connect’s blower. This allows aerobic bacteria to further break down organic matter, reducing the biological load in the water.
Composting: The solid byproducts from anaerobic and aerobic digestion are separated and stabilized through composting. This process reduces pathogens and converts the organic waste into nutrient-rich compost suitable for agricultural use.
Dewatering: The semi-solid sludge produced during the treatment process is then dewatered to separate the liquid and solid components, producing a concentrated sludge with a lower water content.
Membrane Filtration: The treated water is passed through membrane filters, which remove remaining suspended solids, fine particles, and any lingering impurities.
Disinfection: The filtered water undergoes a disinfection stage, removing harmful pathogens to ensure it is safe for reuse or environmental discharge.
Pasteurization: As an additional safety measure, the water is pasteurized, heating it to eliminate any remaining pathogens, ensuring complete sterilization.
Green Connect is proud to support CSIR-NIIST’s black water purification project by supplying key equipment. This collaboration highlights Green Connect’s commitment to advancing sustainable water treatment and environmental technology for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
