Use of Treated Waste Water as Nutrient Solution in ... of Treated Waste Water as Nutrient Solution...
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Use of Treated Waste Water as Nutrient Solution in Hydroponics
Technique
Aamod S. Joshi1, V. S. Limaye
2, Dr. S. S. Shastri
3 M. G. Saboji
4
1,2,3,4Dept. of Civil Engineering (Environmental Engg.), SCOE
Abstract: Today, the world is suffering with food and water scarcity due to population explosion and
unevenness in the climatic conditions. The world needs food which will satisfy its nutritional need
and will be available at cheaper cost and the food, which one can grow on its own in very small
space; also the techniques which one can implement on its own and without much of an investment.
Hydroponics is such technique. In hydroponics, plants are grown with the use of water and
nutritional solution only. The nutritional solution contains the essential nutrients which are required
for growth of the crops. The crops are artificially supported in the nutrient mixtures and made to
grow using the nutrients provided only.
The water which we treat in our sewage treatment plants is mostly discharged into the
municipal drainages. But, as it contains human excreta, it is rich in the N (Nitrogen), P
(Phosphorous) and K (Potassium). N, P, K are the macro-nutrients which are required for the growth
of the plants. So, such water can be used by hydroponics system to grow the plants in the most
economical manner.
The paper tries to compare conventional as well as various hydroponics techniques to grow
the crops and plants which one uses in day to day life. It is an attempt to give people an option by
which they will not only satisfy their daily needs but also will be a source of earning for them.
In this paper, conventional crop production method and hydroponic methods have analyzed
and a best combination in terms of production and economical affordability is suggested.
Keywords: Hydroponics; Treated sewage; Conventional farming; Nutrient solution; Commercial
Farming
I. INTRODUCTION
Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture and is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient
solutions, in water, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral
solution only, or in an inert medium, such as perlite or gravel. If a plant is given exactly what it
needs, when it needs it, in the amount that it needs, the plant will be as healthy as is genetically
possible. With hydroponics this is an easy task; in soil it is far more difficult.
Study area considered: The study tries to compare conventional crop production technique with different hydroponic
techniques, which uses water (fresh water with nutrients added) and treated waste water and check
the feasibility of the use of treated waste water in hydroponics technique.
The study focuses on use of two inert material and their combinations with each other and compares
its results with the results obtained from conventional cultivation method (i.e.
cultivation in soil). The study tries to float the commercial viability of the combination which proves
most efficient through the study.
However, the study area is limited for small scale production and results for commercial production
are obtained from the observations of small scale study. The study limits itself to the use of two inert
medias, Cocopeat and Perlite, only.
The treated water is of domestic sewage only expecting it to be free from heavy metal
contaminations as it is obtained from a School toilet outlet.
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
The plants were decided to be grown in small pots. The pots having good space for aeration were
finalized. The pots are bifurcated based on inert
them. As coriander is fast growing and has wide applications in the indian cooking, the coriander
was finalized for growing. Seeds of 1 gm were sown in each pot and based on its physical growth,
the conclusion will be placed. The detailed arrangement of pots with material and feeding pattern are
described below: Table 1: Details of experimental setup
No. of Pots
Tray 1 3
3
Tray 2 3
3
Tray 3 3
Tray 4 1 Perlite with coco peat layer at bottom
1 Coco peat with perlite layer at bottom
Tray 5
1 Perlite with coco peat layer at bottom
1 Coco peat with perlite layer at bottom
The images show the combinations mentioned in the table.
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
Volume 02, Issue 06; June - 2016
II. METHODOLOGY
The plants were decided to be grown in small pots. The pots having good space for aeration were
finalized. The pots are bifurcated based on inert material involved and the feeding to be given to
them. As coriander is fast growing and has wide applications in the indian cooking, the coriander
was finalized for growing. Seeds of 1 gm were sown in each pot and based on its physical growth,
on will be placed. The detailed arrangement of pots with material and feeding pattern are
Table 1: Details of experimental setup
Material Feeding
Perlite Treated Waste Water
Coco peat
Perlite Artificial Nutrient Solution
Coco peat
Soil Tap water
Perlite with coco peat layer at bottom Treated Waste Water
Coco peat with perlite layer at bottom
Perlite with coco peat layer at bottom
Artificial Nutritional SolutionCoco peat with perlite layer at bottom
The images show the combinations mentioned in the table.
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
2016 [ISSN: 2455-1457]
The plants were decided to be grown in small pots. The pots having good space for aeration were
material involved and the feeding to be given to
them. As coriander is fast growing and has wide applications in the indian cooking, the coriander
was finalized for growing. Seeds of 1 gm were sown in each pot and based on its physical growth,
on will be placed. The detailed arrangement of pots with material and feeding pattern are
Treated Waste Water
Artificial Nutrient Solution
Tap water
Treated Waste Water
Artificial Nutritional Solution
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
The treated waste water was acquired from Father Agnell’s Vidyankur School, Situated in Vadgaon
(Sheri). The Treatment plant is a stabilization pond having 5 chambered zigzag flow havi
detention time of one day per chamber. The plant is designed by Dr. Mhapuskar under his
DOSIWAM approach. The outlet of the sample is collected and feeded to the plants.
III. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS
The treated waste water was tested in laboratory for
chemical properties of treated waste water: Table 2: Results of Treated Waste Water Sample
Sr. No. Parameters
1. Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/lit)
2. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/lit) (3days @
3. Total Dissolved Solids (mg/lit)
4. Total Hardness (as CaCO
5. Total Nitrogen as N (mg/lit)
6. Total Phosphorous as P (mg/lit)
7. Total Potassium as K (mg/lit)
8. Total coli form (No. per 100)
9.
The permissible limits are as per General standards for discharge in land for irrigation issued by
CPCB under The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.
The treated waste water did not contain sufficient N, P and K contents. Hence, additional fertilizers
were used in supplement to Treated Waste Water. The chemical nutrient solution were prepared by
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
Volume 02, Issue 06; June - 2016
Figure 1: Experimental Setup
The treated waste water was acquired from Father Agnell’s Vidyankur School, Situated in Vadgaon
(Sheri). The Treatment plant is a stabilization pond having 5 chambered zigzag flow havi
detention time of one day per chamber. The plant is designed by Dr. Mhapuskar under his
DOSIWAM approach. The outlet of the sample is collected and feeded to the plants.
OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS
The treated waste water was tested in laboratory for its chemical characteristics. The table shows the
chemical properties of treated waste water: Table 2: Results of Treated Waste Water Sample
Parameters Range Permissible Limit
Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/lit) 65-110 --
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/lit) (3days @
27°C) 18-20 100
Total Dissolved Solids (mg/lit) 650 2100
Total Hardness (as CaCO3) (mg/lit) 90-120 300
Total Nitrogen as N (mg/lit) 7-10 --
Total Phosphorous as P (mg/lit) 0.8-1.2 --
Total Potassium as K (mg/lit) 0.14-0.28 --
Total coli form (No. per 100) 100 1000
E-coli Absent Absent
The permissible limits are as per General standards for discharge in land for irrigation issued by
CPCB under The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.
The treated waste water did not contain sufficient N, P and K contents. Hence, additional fertilizers
were used in supplement to Treated Waste Water. The chemical nutrient solution were prepared by
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
2016 [ISSN: 2455-1457]
The treated waste water was acquired from Father Agnell’s Vidyankur School, Situated in Vadgaon
(Sheri). The Treatment plant is a stabilization pond having 5 chambered zigzag flow having
detention time of one day per chamber. The plant is designed by Dr. Mhapuskar under his
DOSIWAM approach. The outlet of the sample is collected and feeded to the plants.
its chemical characteristics. The table shows the
Permissible Limit
--
100
2100
300
--
--
--
1000
Absent
The permissible limits are as per General standards for discharge in land for irrigation issued by
The treated waste water did not contain sufficient N, P and K contents. Hence, additional fertilizers
were used in supplement to Treated Waste Water. The chemical nutrient solution were prepared by
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
Volume 02, Issue 06; June - 2016 [ISSN: 2455-1457]
@IJRTER-2016, All Rights Reserved 510
using water soluble chemical fertilizers. The feeding for the plants is given as per need. If the layer
of the material (like soil, Cocopeat, Perlite etc) felt dry, then only the plants were feeded. The details
of water cycle observed are as follows: Table 3: Details of feeding cycle
Volume
provided
(litters)
Total no. of
pots
Avg. volume per pot
(ml) Frequency
Cocopeat 1.5 6 250 Alternate
day
Perlite 1.8 6 300 Every 3
rd
day
Soil 0.9 3 300 Every 3
rd
day
Perlite with coco peat at
bottom 0.6 2 300
Every 4th
day
Cocopeat with perlite at
bottom 0.9 2 450
Alternate
day
After 40 days from sowing, the plants were analyzed for final growth. The table below shows the
details of growth of coriander leaves.
It is observed that the Perlite with Cocopeat layer at bottom shows better water holding capacity and
provides better aeration to the roots.The coriander is procured after 40 days. The results after final
procurement are noted down for its average height (in cm.) and weight after procurement.
The leaves of the coriander are usually attacked by the ‘Bacterial Leaf Spot’ disease. The bacteria
affects the plant if the seeds are infected or the water being fed is infected with it. In such case, it
forms water soaked spots on leaves. Such spots slowly turns into dark brown and then black. The
stem will have elongated dark streaks. It looks like:
Table 4: Details of physical growth of plants
No. of Pots Avg. height (cm.) Weight (gm)
Treated
waste
water
Nutritional
solution
Treated
waste
water
Nutritional
solution
Treated
waste
water
Nutritional
solution
Cocopeat 3 3 13 12.5 5 4
Perlite 3 3 16.5 13 6 5
Cocopeat
with
perlite at bottom
1 1 12.5 10 2 2
Perlite with coco
peat at bottom 1 1 14.5 14 3 3
soil 3 11 3
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
Volume 02, Issue 06; June - 2016 [ISSN: 2455-1457]
@IJRTER-2016, All Rights Reserved 511
Figure 2: Coriander affected by Bacterial Leaf Spot
Figure 3: The grown coriander shows no symptoms of Bacterial Leaf Spot
The observation shows that the coriander is free from ‘Bacterial Leaf Spot’ and hence, no bacteria
has entered in the crop due to use of Treated waste water. The treated waste water, when used, was
tested for presence of E-coli. The test was absent. Hence, the coriander is expected to be free from
bacterial infection.
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
Figure 4: Comparison between Coriander obtained from
In the above photograph, the coriander in the left is obtained from market and on the right is obtained
hydroponically grown coriander. It’s the same coriander which is grown in the pots using treat
waste water. The observation shows that there is not a considerable difference in appearance and
texture of both the corianders. This shows that the hydroponics practice using treated waste water is
completely normal and safe.
Cost Analysis:
Cost for 1 kg of Cocopeat: Rs. 18/-
Cost for 1 kg of Perlite: Rs. 125/-
As per observations during the project, the quantity of 2 kg of Cocopeat and 0.5 kg of Perlite is
sufficient to satisfy the conditions. The pot having perlite with Cocopeat layer at bottom p
the ratio of the material used by weight. As the cultivation is not practically and economically viable
in the pots, the material analysis is made for the crates used in the project.
The crates measure 47 cm x 29 cm x 19 cm (inner dimensions). Th
1363 cm2 x 19 cm. (Area x Height). Keeping in view of further implementation, area can vary
keeping the depth for root development as 19 cm.
The ratio for the combination of Cocopeat to perlite comes as to 4:1 (i.e. 2 kg o
of Perlite), from the practical workings and observations. Cost for 2 kg of Cocopeat and 1 kg of
Perlite: Rs. 103.5/-
Now, considering the farm size of 1000 ft
production considered, the cost of material for 19 cm depth will be,
.
So, the costing will be Rs. 70546/- for application of the combination to 1000 sq. ft. area.
Payback Period:
The average production of coriander will be 50 kg/guntha.
Cost of coriander per kg: 260/-
Cycle for coriander production (leaf): 60 days
So, coriander can be cultivated 6 times in a year.
Returns from selling of produce obtained in single cultivation: 260 x 50 = 13000/
Returns from one year of cultivation: 13000 x 6 = 78000/
Payback period: = 0.90 year
0.9 year is equivalent to 10.5 months.
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
Volume 02, Issue 06; June - 2016
Figure 4: Comparison between Coriander obtained from market (Left) and hydroponically grown
Coriander (Right)
In the above photograph, the coriander in the left is obtained from market and on the right is obtained
hydroponically grown coriander. It’s the same coriander which is grown in the pots using treat
waste water. The observation shows that there is not a considerable difference in appearance and
texture of both the corianders. This shows that the hydroponics practice using treated waste water is
As per observations during the project, the quantity of 2 kg of Cocopeat and 0.5 kg of Perlite is
sufficient to satisfy the conditions. The pot having perlite with Cocopeat layer at bottom p
the ratio of the material used by weight. As the cultivation is not practically and economically viable
in the pots, the material analysis is made for the crates used in the project.
The crates measure 47 cm x 29 cm x 19 cm (inner dimensions). This approximately comes out to be
x 19 cm. (Area x Height). Keeping in view of further implementation, area can vary
keeping the depth for root development as 19 cm.
The ratio for the combination of Cocopeat to perlite comes as to 4:1 (i.e. 2 kg of Cocopeat for 0.5 kg
of Perlite), from the practical workings and observations. Cost for 2 kg of Cocopeat and 1 kg of
Now, considering the farm size of 1000 ft2
(1 Guntha) i.e. 929030 cm2 for minimum commercial
the cost of material for 19 cm depth will be,
for application of the combination to 1000 sq. ft. area.
The average production of coriander will be 50 kg/guntha.
Cycle for coriander production (leaf): 60 days
So, coriander can be cultivated 6 times in a year.
Returns from selling of produce obtained in single cultivation: 260 x 50 = 13000/-
Returns from one year of cultivation: 13000 x 6 = 78000/-
0.9 year is equivalent to 10.5 months.
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
2016 [ISSN: 2455-1457]
market (Left) and hydroponically grown
In the above photograph, the coriander in the left is obtained from market and on the right is obtained
hydroponically grown coriander. It’s the same coriander which is grown in the pots using treated
waste water. The observation shows that there is not a considerable difference in appearance and
texture of both the corianders. This shows that the hydroponics practice using treated waste water is
As per observations during the project, the quantity of 2 kg of Cocopeat and 0.5 kg of Perlite is
sufficient to satisfy the conditions. The pot having perlite with Cocopeat layer at bottom possesses
the ratio of the material used by weight. As the cultivation is not practically and economically viable
is approximately comes out to be
x 19 cm. (Area x Height). Keeping in view of further implementation, area can vary
f Cocopeat for 0.5 kg
of Perlite), from the practical workings and observations. Cost for 2 kg of Cocopeat and 1 kg of
for minimum commercial
for application of the combination to 1000 sq. ft. area.
International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER)
Volume 02, Issue 06; June - 2016 [ISSN: 2455-1457]
@IJRTER-2016, All Rights Reserved 513
This will be one time investment for the project. The returns after 10.5 months will give net profit to
the farmer.
The perlite is recyclable and reusable.
Cocopeat is cheap and frequently available.
In case of contamination, the Cocopeat can be easily disposed of as it is biodegradable material. On
the other hand, the perlite is made of volcanic glass. So, it is kind of rock and is nonbiodegradable. It
has to be heated to reuse as the heating will burn all the contaminated material from it and perlite will
be again useful for its use. Perlite won’t create any pollution on heating as it is resistance to heat up
to 1300 °C.
IV. CONCLUSION
• The crops can be successfully grown using hydroponics technique.
• Treated waste water can help to satisfy the need of the plants, but not a sufficient source of
nutrition. An additional organic fertilizer like Compost will be needed to satisfy the nutritional
requirement of the plants.
• Perlite with Cocopeat layer at bottom proves to be efficient combination amongst the other
combination. Cocopeat has a good water holding capacity and perlite provides good aeration to
the roots. Hence, a Cocopeat layer at the bottom hold water. When perlite starts drying, the water
from Cocopeat shows capillary action and moves upward to keep it perfect blend of water and
aeration to the roots. This will reduce the water quantity and crop is grown in optimum quantity.
• The produce obtained from hydroponics technique is not a different one. It does not show any
abnormal characteristics. It can be well sold in the market. As it is organically grown, its value is
increased and can give more price than the conventional produce.
• The hydroponic technique is sensitive to modes through which it is grown. The inert material
should be chosen wisely to give maximum output. Sophisticated farming practices will give
maximum output.
• Inorganic fertilizers should be wisely prepared considering the requirement. As no buffer is
available in the inert medium, the crop will directly dependent upon the provided nutrition.
• Use of organic nutritional solution is useful as organic fertilizers satisfy all the needs in
perspective of macro as well as micro nutrients. �Water soluble nutrients are proven more
effective.
• The cost factor for the material is on the higher side. But, it is just one time investment and is
beneficial in the long term as the results shows that the use of such materials increase the
production.
•
REFERENCES
1. Malachia M., Hermine E. and Shannon S.(2010),A Case Study of Participation in the Bantu Bonke Hydroponics
Project.
2. Ortiz A., Rotatori H., Schreiber L. and Roth G. V.(2009), Hydroponic Farming in Mahasarakham.
3. Joseph A. and Muthuchamy I. (2014), Productivity, Quality and Economics of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum
Mill.) Cultivation in Aggregate Hydroponics – A Case Study from Coimbatore Region of Tamil Nadu.