Investigation of the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Mixed Absorbent for the Treatment of Sewage and Surface Water

Abstract

An agricultural by-product waste: Orange peels mixed with Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) called "Mixed Absorbent" (MA) were used for the treatment of surface water (Stream Water) and Wastewater (Sewage). The research investigates the effectiveness and efficiency of orange peels for the treatment of wastewater and surface water. The experiment was conducted to test for seven parameters pH, Total Suspended Solid (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), E-coli MPN, Coliform MPN, Temperature, and Nitrate. The experimental test was done at Stratech environment laboratory located at 35 Zik's Avenue, Uwani Enugu State, Nigeria. The results after been interpreted and analyzed using the Standard Method for water and wastewater analysis showed in 96hours tested (SW/WW), the pH was 9.2/6.2, Total Suspended Solid (TSS) 165mg/1/660mg/l, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) 35mg/1/380mg/l). E-coli MPN <3×10³/<3×10³ MPN, Coliform MPN <3×10³/ <39×10³, Temperature 26.5 ⁰C/28.5 ⁰C, and Nitrate 9.11 mg/1/49mg/l. Comparing the results, the surface water has low pollutants and the grams of absorbent used are efficacy in its treatment considering the quality per liter of both waters. Higher pollutants that are found in the sewage exhibit little inhibition to the treatment. Thus, more grams of absorbent will be needed to improve its efficacy. "The Absorbent" (MA) used for the treatment reduces the microbes found in both water: This research recommends that the use of orange peels mixed with NaOH as absorbent should be commercialized for the treatment of stream and sewerage water to reduce environmental pollution. Promoting this low-cost and affordable treatment would reduce the volume of solid waste and minimize blockages of drainages and waterways in our urban centers. It would also create a source of income for some of the actors along with fruits and vegetable value chains