Slow Sand Filtration: A Cost-Effective and Straightforward Approach to Water Purification

Abstract

Slow Sand Filter (SSF) is an economical and manageable technique for water purification. Consumption of untreated water gave rise to major health issues and infection. In underdeveloped countries, clean and consumable water is the biggest problem. SSF system is one of those techniques used in several countries for water treatment to improve its quality and make it safe for drinking. In this study, tap water was treated via SSF and then tested for efficacy of the filtration system. Naturally existing materials like gravel, pebbles, and sand were used in the design. SSF can filter pollutants, bacterial contamination, and fecal contamination. In its assembly, the first layer was made up of gravel with a median size of 6.3 cm. The second layer was made using pebbles with a median size of 0.32 cm. The third and fourth layers were made from fine sand particles having a median size of 0.2 mm. After the construction of the sand filter, the quality of filtered water (i.e. the water obtained from the filtration) was assessed in comparison with unfiltered water by physicochemical parameters i.e. TDS, TSS, and hardness of water as well as microbiological methods. The sand-filtered water showed promising results, thereby indicating the efficiency of the Slow Sand Filter system.