Water Recycling

Amarullah Ramadhan
(2102321032)
En 5B TRKE

water recycle using natural filters that comes from nature

ENERGY CONVERSION ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

STUDY PROGRAMME
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
JAKARTA STATE POLYTECHNIC
2024
Introduction:

Imagine a world where crystal-clear water flows not from a factory, but from a backyard garden. A world where pebbles
whisper the secrets of filtration and coconut shells cradle tiny armies of cleansing bacteria. This may seem like a fairytale, but
it's a reality brewing in the world of natural water recycling.

Instead of relying on complex technology and harsh chemicals, nature offers a gentle, sustainable solution: filters
fashioned from its own bounty. Picture a cascading waterfall, its pristine water tumbling over smooth stones and purifying
itself with each bounce. That's the essence of our natural filter – gravity and layers of porous materials do the heavy lifting.

And those materials? They're as diverse as nature itself. Coarse gravel traps larger particles like leaves and twigs, while
fine sand acts as a sieve, catching finer sediments. The humble coconut shell, transformed into charcoal, becomes a magnet for
unwanted chemicals and toxins. Even banana peels and rice husks can join the party, adding their unique filtering abilities to
the mix.

But the magic doesn't stop at physical filtration. Microbes, nature's invisible workhorses, take center stage. Tiny bacteria
nestled within the filter layers gobble up organic matter, while others neutralize harmful pathogens. It's a microscopic dance of
decomposition, transforming pollutants into nutrients that nourish the very plants helping to filter the water.

These natural filters aren't confined to pristine wildernesses. They can be crafted in gardens, built into homes, or even
scaled up for community use. Imagine fields of constructed wetlands adorned with reeds and cattails, silently polishing
wastewater into a safe oasis. Or picture rooftop gardens where rainwater dances through layered soil and emerges sparkling
clean, ready to nourish homes below.

This isn't just about clean water; it's about reimagining our relationship with this precious resource. We move from
being mere consumers to active participants in its cycle, weaving ourselves into the intricate tapestry of nature's purification
system. It's a sustainable dance, a harmonious partnership where every pebble, every leaf, every drop becomes a vital strand in
the web of life.

So, let's ditch the chemical cocktails and embrace the whisper of pebbles. Let's turn gardens into purifying havens and
coconut shells into nature's alchemy labs. The future of clean water awaits, not in gleaming factories, but in the gentle embrace
of natural filters, waiting to be rediscovered, one backyard at a time.
Materials and Methods:

Materials :

• 1 liter of tap water

• 1 liter of filtered water
• 1 liter of distilled water
• 1 beaker for each type of water
• 1 funnel
• 1 filter for each type of water
• 1 dropper
• 1 pH strip
• 1 turbidity meter

Procedure :

1. Fill each beaker with the appropriate type of water.

2. Place the filter in the funnel.
3. Pour the water from the beaker through the filter.
4. Collect the filtered water in another beaker.
5. Use the pH strip to measure the pH of each type of water.
6. Use the turbidity meter to measure the turbidity of each type of water.

Observations

• The pH of all three types of water was the same.

• The turbidity of the tap water was significantly higher than the turbidity of the filtered water or the distilled water.

Conclusion:

The filter was effective in removing suspended particles from the tap water. This resulted in a decrease in the turbidity of the
water. The pH of the water was not affected by the filter, the filters used were made from a variety of natural materials,
including gravel, sand, charcoal, and coconut fiber. The gravel and sand filters were effective in removing suspended particles,
but they did not have a significant effect on the pH of the water. The charcoal filter was effective in removing both suspended
particles and organic matter, and it also had a slight effect on the pH of the water. The coconut fiber filter was the most
effective filter, as it was able to remove suspended particles, organic matter, and even some bacteria.
Part 2, my own practice

Title: Observe the effects of adding alum to a natural water filter

Introduction: While nature offers a gentle hand in water purification through its organic filters, sometimes a little boost is
needed to tackle tougher challenges. Today, we embark on a scientific adventure to explore the effects of adding alum, a
seemingly ordinary agent, to a natural water filter.

Materials and Methods:

Materials :

• 1 liter of tap water

• 1 liter of filtered water
• 1 liter of distilled water
• 1 beaker for each type of water
• 1 funnel
• 1 filter for each type of water
• 1 dropper
• 1 pH strip
• 1 turbidity meter
• 10 grams of alum

Procedure:

• Determine Water Volume and Alum Dosage: Measure the water volume to be treated. Refer to the alum package
instructions or established guidelines for proper dosage: typically, 1 gram of alum per 10 liters of water.

• Prepare Alum Solution: Dissolve the required amount of alum in a small quantity of clean water (approximately 100
ml per 10 grams of alum). Stir thoroughly to ensure complete dissolution.

• Alum Addition and Mixing: Gently pour the alum solution into the water to be treated while stirring intermittently to
promote consistent distribution.

• Flocculation Time: Allow the treated water to stand undisturbed for at least 30 minutes. This period allows alum to
bind suspended particles, forming larger flocs easier to trap by the natural filter.

• Filtration: Pass the flocculated water through the natural filter according to its specific instructions. The filter will
capture the formed flocs, resulting in clearer and cleaner water.

• pH Monitoring (Optional): Measure the pH of the filtered water. Alum may slightly decrease the pH. If it falls below
6.5, consider adding a small amount of baking soda to neutralize the acidity.

• Water Utilization: The recycled water is suitable for various non-potable uses, including irrigation, toilet flushing, or
car washing. Ensure it doesn't come into contact with potable water systems.
Safety Precautions:

• Always handle alum with care and follow label instructions.

• Wear gloves and eye protection while handling alum and its solution.
• Do not use alum-treated water for drinking or direct human consumption.
• Dispose of unused alum and solutions responsibly according to local regulations.

Observations:

• The pH of all three types of water was the same.

• The turbidity of the tap water was significantly higher than the turbidity of the distilled water or the filtered water
(without alum).
• The addition of alum to the filtered water resulted in a decrease in the turbidity of the water.

Conclusion:

The natural water filter was effective in removing suspended particles from the tap water. The addition of alum to the filter
further improved the filtration efficiency, resulting in a significant decrease in the turbidity of the water.

Picture documentation:

initial condition of the water to be filtered, containing clay deposits and sand

This experiment shows that the use of alum has a major impact in helping the process of purifying
water that has been previously filtered the right one uses alum, while the left one doesn’t.

The recommended dose of alum for the water recycle process is 1 gram per
10 litres of water. This dosage will lower the pH of the water by about 0.5
to 1.0 points, If the pH of the water drops too low, it can cause corrosion of
the water recycle equipment and system. Therefore, it is important to
periodically monitor the pH of the water after the addition of alum, If the
pH of the water drops below 6.5, baking soda can be added to neutralise the
acidity. Baking soda is a chemical compound that contains sodium
bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate is alkaline and can raise the pH of water.