Zero Water Discharge Concept Model Using Root Zone Wastewater Treatment Systems

Abstract

One of the intense problems that the planet is facing Environment pollution. In India, increasing population, industrialization and urbanization are prime contributors to the present. Collecting, treating and disposing of domestic and industrial wastewater is a serious problem that needs to be addressed to prevent environmental damage. Untreated sewage discharge is the  most important cause  of surface and groundwater pollution in India. In India, there is a big gap  between household wastewater generation and treatment.

The world faces the problems of wastewater treatment and disposal due to the lack of cost-effective treatment methods. Also, for providing treatment facilities and disposal of the treated effluents, huge capital investment is required. Due to the high treatment costs, wastewater is discharged directly  into  rivers and nearby water bodies, contaminating the water sources available to society. This problem is profound for developing countries like ours.

When using plant species to treat wastewater, & RZTS; is used of promising properties of wastewater treatment. In India, the Auroville global community firstly implemented this project with the help of  Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA Auroville is now a pioneer in the RZTS enabling many such plants across India. Another example to refer is that of the Aravind Eye Hospital, Pondicherry developed by Ascenso Management & Consulting Services.

Through this paper a model has been attempted for “Zero water discharge” wherein domestic wastewater is treated using RZTS and effluent water is reused/recycled in a manner to consume total wastewater within boundary of the building. Also, an assessment has been done with respect to contribution of the proposed model in achievement of Points as per GRIHA 2019 and IGBC v 3.0.