Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to greywater treatment. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure is directed towards a system and method for improved greywater treatment for reuse.
BACKGROUND
[0002] With the increasing demand for fresh water and the growing concern over water scarcity, greywater treatment and reuse have emerged as sustainable solutions. Greywater refers to wastewater generated from household activities such as bathing, washing dishes, and laundry, excluding sewage or blackwater. Proper treatment of greywater can significantly reduce freshwater consumption and minimize environmental pollution.
[0003] It is now difficult to treat wastewater at a reasonable cost. Typically, wastewater is directly dumped into rivers, the ocean, and other bodies of water, which contaminates groundwater and has an adverse effect on aquatic life. Wastewater is frequently deposited straight into sizable pits outside of major cities, where it serves as a breeding ground for many organisms that can cause diseases like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, ringworm, etc. Therefore, a better, comprehensive, useful aquatic plants oriented low-cost Improved Constructed Wastewater Technology that removes heavy metals, organic compounds and other pollutants in effluent. This water could be used for industrial and domestic construction work, landscaping, agricultural irrigation and more.
[0004] Greywater treatment is essential for multiple reasons. Firstly, it helps conserve potable water by providing an alternative water source for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and industrial cooling. Secondly, it reduces wastewater discharge into municipal sewage systems, thereby lowering the burden on wastewater treatment plants. Thirdly, it promotes sustainable living by reducing the demand for freshwater resources and decreasing environmental pollution.
[0005] Several treatment methods exist to ensure that greywater is safe for reuse. These methods vary based on the intended reuse application and level of contamination in the greywater. The physical treatment method involves filtration and sedimentation to remove large particles and debris. Coarse filtration using mesh screens or sand filters can effectively eliminate suspended solids. The biological treatment process uses natural biological activity to break down organic matter. Constructed wetlands and biofilters containing microorganisms help degrade pollutants and improve water quality. Further, in the chemical treatment, the use of disinfectants such as chlorine, ozone, or ultraviolet (UV) radiation helps kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, making the greywater safer for reuse. Additionally, in membrane filtration, advanced techniques like ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis remove fine particles and dissolved contaminants, producing high-quality treated water suitable for more sensitive applications.
[0006] Once treated, greywater can be reused in various ways including irrigation, industrial processes, groundwater recharging etc., depending on the level of purification achieved. Despite its advantages, greywater reuse presents challenges. Ensuring proper treatment and maintenance is crucial to prevent microbial contamination and health hazards. Public awareness and regulatory frameworks play a key role in promoting safe greywater reuse practices. Additionally, infrastructure investment is necessary to implement large-scale greywater recycling systems efficiently.
[0007] Various prior art documents have disclosed treatment of greywater. However, such prior art documents include various limitations, which include, but not limited to, high manufacturing cost, high maintenance cost, polluting environment, adsorbent materials, bacterial imbalance in the crop field, etc.
[0008] Thus, there is a requirement for a system and method for greywater treatment for reuse. The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations of detection of oral cancer and pre-cancer conditions as mentioned hereinabove.
SUMMARY
[0009] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0010] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a greywater treatment system. The system comprises a grit screening chamber configured to remove settleable solids from greywater; a primary filtration layer comprising 4 – 5 mm gravels to filter out suspended particles. The system further comprises a sand layer containing aquatic plants, wherein said plants aid in the absorption of contaminants and biological treatment. The system also includes a drainage layer comprising large-size gravels, configured to enhance water percolation and prevent clogging; and an activated charcoal layer configured to remove residual contaminants and disinfect the treated water.
[0011] According to another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for greywater treatment. The method comprises separating settleable solids and screening large particles from greywater in a grit screening chamber upon receiving the greywater in the grit screening chamber through one or more inlets connected to a drainage system. The method includes filtering the screened greywater through a primary layer containing 4 – 5 mm of gravels for establishing oxygenated environment in filter bed; and directing the treated greywater thorugh a layer containing sand of 0.4 mm with aquatic plants with filtration and treatment capability. The method further comprises channelizing the treated water through a drainage layer containing large size gravels for collection of the treated water paced at the bottom of the bed and storing the treated water into an effluent storage tank; and filtering the treated water through an activated charcoal layer for disinfection before releasing to a desired destination.
[0012] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0013] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a greywater treatment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1A illustrates a side view of setup of the greywater treatment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of setup of the greywater treatment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method for greywater treatment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0015] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.
[0016] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, or process that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or process. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[0017] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration-specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0018] Domestic wastewater, agricultural wastewater, coal drainage wastewater, petroleum refinery wastewater, compost and landfill leachates, fish pond discharges, industrial wastewater from pulp and paper mills, textile mills, seafood processing, etc. are all treated both primary and secondary using artificial wetlands. If properly planned, run, and maintained, artificial wetland is an inexpensive and efficient treatment unit. In metropolitan areas, a man-made wetland can also be created for recreational purposes. A sustainable treatment technique that poses the least amount of risk to the water bodies downstream is constructed wetlands. First created in 1968 in Hungary, free water surface engineered wetlands are capable of treating a variety of wastewater types, including municipal and residential wastewater. A subsurface flow reed bed system with a sloping bottom and gravel as the bed medium was constructed in Great Britain. This technique gives the bed a hydraulic gradient. The artificial wetland performs well over an extended period of time and stays stable for many years. Plant absorption reduces a small fraction of metals and metalloids. Agricultural wastewater industrial dairy wastewater; industrial tannery wastewater; industrial textile wastewater; pulp and paper industry wastewater; acid mine drainage wastewater etc. can all be treated in a constructed wetland. Wetland plant species that may accumulate these persistent pollutants can safely address the issue of persistent organic pollutants and fertilizer in agricultural wastewater that enter the food chain and pose a major threat to public health.
[0019] Physical, chemical, and biological processes are all part of the built wetland's pollutant removal mechanism. Pollutants are removed from wastewater by a physical process that involves the sedimentation of suspended particles. Sedimentation will increase with wastewater retention time. Particles that are subject to gravity settle during the sedimentation process and end up at the bottom of the tank. In addition to reducing organic debris, the sedimentation process gets rid of coliform bacteria. Due to its high adsorption capacity, adsorption is a crucial procedure for the removal of phosphorus, which is abundant in iron-rich cupola slag. The adsorption technique also removes heavy metals. Because of their efficient adsorption, zeolite media have a high phosphorus removal rate.
[0020] The buildup of organic matter, phosphorus, sulphate, arsenate, and the elimination of pathogens are all aided by constructed wetland media. A variety of media, including sugar bagasse, marble chips, iron powder, Sylhet sand, soil, rice husk biochar, coco-peat, cupola slag, recycled bricks, stones, lightweight expanded clay aggregate, gravels, sand, sawdust, coal, zero-valent iron, etc., can be used to improve the functioning of artificial wetland.
[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system for greywater treatment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 comprises a grit screening chamber (102), a primary layer (104), a sand layer (106), a drainage layer (108), and an activated charcoal layer (110).
[0023] According to an embodiment, the grit screening chamber (102), upon receiving the greywater from one or more sources of greywater, configured to separate settleable solids and screen large particles from the greywater. At an initial stage of greywater treatment, the grit screening chamber (102) removes settleable solids and screens large particles from the greywater to prevent clogging and inefficiencies in downstream processes. Upon receiving greywater from the sources, the grit screening chamber (102) is designed to slow down the flow, allowing heavier particles such as sand, silt, and small gravel to settle at bottom of the grit screening chamber (102) due to gravity. Simultaneously, a series of screens or mesh filters trap larger debris, such as hair, food particles, plastics, and other floating solids, preventing them from entering into subsequent chambers. As shown in Figure 1 of the present disclosure, grits are collected from the grit screening chamber (102) for clearing from the greywater. According to another embodiment, the grit screening chamber (102) may be equipped with mechanical scrapers or automated rakes to periodically remove the accumulated grit and screened waste, ensuring smooth operation.
[0024] A critical aspect of effective greywater filtration is the creation of an oxygenated environment within the filter bed. This can be achieved by passing the screened greywater through a primary layer (104) containing 4–5 mm gravels. The primary layer (104) facilitates aeration, enhances microbial degradation of organic matter, and improves the overall efficiency of the filtration system. Gravel serves as an essential medium in greywater filtration systems due to its physical, chemical, and biological properties. The use of a primary layer (104) containing 4–5 mm gravels offers the benefits of physical filtration, enhanced aeration, microbial support, and improved percolation and drainage. The gravel layer acts as a coarse filter that removes larger suspended solids and particulate matter, reducing turbidity and preventing clogging in subsequent filtration layers. The gaps between the gravel particles allow air to circulate, creating an oxygen-rich environment essential for aerobic microbial activity. Such configuration helps in the breakdown of organic matter, reducing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels in the greywater. The gravel surface provides an ideal habitat for beneficial microorganisms to colonize and form biofilms. These microbial communities play a vital role in biodegrading organic contaminants and improving water quality. The permeability of gravel prevents waterlogging and ensures even distribution of greywater throughout the filter bed. This enhances the efficiency of subsequent filtration stages, such as sand and activated carbon layers.
[0025] The sand layer (106) acts as a physical and biological barrier that removes suspended solids, organic matter, and some pathogens. The 0.4 mm sand particles provide an optimal balance between permeability and filtration efficiency. As greywater percolates through this layer, larger particles are trapped, and finer particles undergo sedimentation. Additionally, microbial colonies that develop on the sand grains help degrade organic contaminants, further improving water quality. The aquatic plants play a crucial role in the treatment of greywater by acting as biofilters. Their root systems absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are commonly present in greywater due to detergents and soaps. Additionally, plant roots provide a habitat for beneficial microorganisms that further break down organic pollutants. The presence of plants enhances aeration and prevents clogging, ensuring long-term efficiency. In one embodiment, aquatic plants such as Elephant grass (Pennisetumpurpurem), Cattails (Typha sp.), Reeds (Phragmitessp.), Cannas pp. and Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudocorus), normally found in natural wetlands with filtration and treatment capability. Some ornamental as well as flowering plants species such as Golden Dhuranda, Bamboo, Nerium, Colosia, etc. can also be used for treatment as well as landscaping purposes.
[0026] The drainage layer (108), consisting of large-size gravels, is placed at the bottom of the treatment bed to facilitate the movement of treated water. In one embodiment, the large size gravels is of 40mm. The gravels provide efficient water percolation, prevention of blockages, structural stability. The large void spaces between the gravels allow easy flow of water. Gravel prevents clogging by acting as a pre-filter for suspended particles. The drainage layer (108) supports the overlying filtration media and maintains uniform water movement. The gravel bed ensures even distribution of flow and prevents localized stagnation. Channelized flow improves efficiency by reducing retention time and preventing contamination.
[0027] The activated charcoal layer (110) adsorbs organic compounds, chlorine, pesticides, and even some microbial pathogens by trapping them in its porous structure. Certain chemical reactions occur on the surface of activated charcoal, which can help neutralize harmful substances, such as chlorine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In some cases, biofilms may form on the charcoal surface, which further aids in breaking down contaminants through microbial action. Activated charcoal effectively removes residual organic compounds, bad odors, and tastes from treated water, enhancing its overall quality. It adsorbs chlorine, chloramines, and other harmful chemicals that may be present even after primary treatment. While activated charcoal is not a direct disinfectant like chlorine or UV radiation, it can remove certain bacteria, viruses, and protozoa by adsorption. Compared to chemical disinfectants, activated charcoal is a more sustainable option with fewer byproducts and lower maintenance costs.
[0028] Figure 1A and Figure 2 illustrate a side view and a top view of the proposed greywater treatment system.
[0029] Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method for microbial based greywater treatment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted in Figure 3, the method (300) includes a series of steps (302) through (310) for greywater treatment. The details of the method (300) have been explained below in forthcoming paragraphs. The order in which the method steps are described below is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method steps can be combined in any appropriate order to execute the method or an alternative method. The method (300) begins from a start block and starts execution of operations at step (302), as shown in Figure 3.
[0030] At step (302), the method (300) comprises separating settleable solids and screening large particles from greywater in the grit screening chamber (102) upon receiving the greywater in the grit screening chamber (102). In this process step, the grit screening chamber (102) is configured to separate settleable solids and screen large particles from the greywater. The flow of the method (300) now proceeds to step (304).
[0031] At step (304), the method (300) comprises filtering the screened greywater through a primary layer containing gravels. In one embodiment, the screened greywater is filtered through the primary layer containing gravels of 4 – 5 mm for establishing oxygenated environment in filter bed. The flow of the method (300) now proceeds to step (308).
[0032] At step (306), the method (300) comprises directing the treated greywater thorugh a layer containing sand. In one embodiment, the treated greywater is directing thorugh the layer containing sand of 0.4 mm with aquatic plants with filtration and treatment capability. The presence of plants enhances aeration and prevents clogging, ensuring long-term efficiency. In one embodiment, aquatic plants such as Elephant grass (Pennisetumpurpurem), Cattails (Typha sp.), Reeds (Phragmitessp.), Cannas pp. and Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudocorus), normally found in natural wetlands with filtration and treatment capability. Some ornamental as well as flowering plants species such as Golden Dhuranda, Bamboo, Nerium, Colosia, etc. can also be used for treatment as well as landscaping purposes. The flow of the method (300) now proceeds to step (308).
[0033] At step (308), the method (300) comprises channelizing the treated water through a drainage layer. In one embodiment, the treated water is channelized through the drainage layer containing large size gravels (40 mm) for collection of the treated water paced at the bottom of the bed and the treated water is stored into an effluent storage tank. The flow of the method (300) now proceeds to step (310).
[0034] At step (310), the method (300) filtering the treated water through an activated charcoal layer. In one embodiment, the treated water is filtered through the activated charcoal layer for disinfection before releasing to a desired destination.
[0035] While the above-discussed steps in Figure 3 are shown and described in a particular sequence, the steps may occur in variations to the sequence in accordance with various embodiments. Further, a detailed description related to the various steps of Figure 3 is already covered in the description related to Figure 1 and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.
[0036] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[0037] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0038] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiment will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Advantages of the present disclosure:
[0039] The system and method for greywater treatment for reusing offer several advantages over conventional greywater treatment. The advantages are as follows:
• Water Conservation: The proposed system reduces freshwater demand by reusing treated greywater for irrigation, toilet flushing, and other non-potable uses. The system helps in water-scarce regions by maximizing available resources.
• Lower Utility Bills: The proposed system cuts water consumption, leading to reduced water bills, and lessens wastewater disposal costs, especially in areas with high sewage charges.
• Environmental Benefits: The proposed system reduces strain on freshwater sources like rivers, lakes, and groundwater and lowers wastewater discharge, minimizing pollution and protecting ecosystems. The system further decreases energy use in water supply and treatment plants.
• Sustainable Landscaping and Agriculture: The system provides a continuous supply of water for irrigation, especially in drought-prone areas. Nutrient-rich greywater (e.g., from laundry) can enhance soil fertility.
• Energy Efficiency: The system saves energy required for pumping, treating, and transporting freshwater, and can integrate with renewable energy solutions (e.g., solar-powered pumps) for further sustainability.
• Cost-Effective for Households and Businesses: The system provides long-term savings on water expenses, and reduces the need for expensive wastewater treatment infrastructure..
[0040] In the detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. , Claims:We claim:
1) A greywater treatment system (100), comprising:
a grit screening chamber (102) configured to remove settleable solids from greywater;
a primary layer (104) comprising 4 – 5 mm gravels to filter out suspended particles;
a sand layer (106) containing aquatic plants, wherein said plants aid in the absorption of contaminants and biological treatment;
a drainage layer (108) comprising large-size gravels, configured to enhance water percolation and prevent clogging; and
an activated charcoal layer (110) configured to remove residual contaminants and disinfect the treated water.
2) The greywater treatment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grit screening chamber (102) removes coarse debris such as sand, dirt, and other heavy particles before filtration.
3) The greywater treatment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary layer (104) with 4 – 5 mm gravels facilitates the removal of fine particles and organic matter.
4) The greywater treatment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aquatic plants in the sand layer (106) promote biofiltration and nutrient removal.
5) The greywater treatment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drainage layer (108) of large-size gravels prevents clogging and facilitates even water distribution.
6) The greywater treatment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activated charcoal layer (110) neutralizes odor, removes pathogens, and ensures final water purification.
7) A method (300) for greywater treatment, the method (300) comprising:
separating (302) settleable solids and screening large particles from greywater in a grit screening chamber (104) upon receiving the greywater in the grit screening chamber (104) through one or more inlets connected to a drainage system;
filtering (304) the screened greywater through a primary layer containing 4 – 5 mm of gravels for establishing oxygenated environment in filter bed;
directing (306) the treated greywater thorugh a layer containing sand of 0.4 mm with aquatic plants with filtration and treatment capability;
channelizing (308) the treated water through a drainage layer containing large size gravels for collection of the treated water paced at the bottom of the bed and storing the treated water into an effluent storage tank; and
filtering (310) the treated water through an activated charcoal layer for disinfection before releasing to a desired destination.
Dated 29th day of March 2025.