A-Level

Biology
Project
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Name:

School: Nyanyadzi High

Candidate Number:

Centre:

Project Subject: BIOLOGY

Project Title: Design and Implementation of a Biological Water

Purification System for Woodlands Community in Mutare,
Zimbabwe: A Sustainable Solution for Clean and Safe Drinking
Water

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3.1 Stage 1: Problem Identification
Introduction:

The Woodlands community in Mutare is facing a critical public health issue due to the contamination of
their well water. The well water, which is the primary source of drinking water for the community, has
been found to be contaminated with high levels of bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants. This
contamination has resulted in a significant increase in water-borne diseases, health complications, and
economic burdens, affecting the overall quality of life and well-being of community members.

The community's reliance on well water is due to the limited access to municipal water supply. As a
result, the community is forced to use the contaminated well water for drinking, cooking, and other
domestic purposes. The contamination of the well water is a result of various factors, including the lack
of proper waste management, agricultural runoff, and the presence of nearby industrial activities.

The impact of the contaminated well water on community members is severe. The consumption of
contaminated water can lead to a range of health problems, including diarrhea, dysentery, cholera,
typhoid, and other water-borne diseases. These health problems can be particularly severe for
vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who may have weakened
immune systems.

Furthermore, the contamination of the well water has also had a significant impact on the local
economy. Local businesses and entrepreneurs are forced to spend a significant amount of money on
water treatment and purification systems, which can be expensive and unsustainable. This has resulted
in a decrease in economic opportunities and competitiveness for local businesses and entrepreneurs.

The community members are also facing economic burdens due to the contamination of the well water.
They are forced to spend a significant amount of money on medical expenses, lost productivity, and
decreased economic opportunities. This has resulted in a significant decrease in the quality of life and
well-being of community members.

In addition, the contamination of the well water has also resulted in a decrease in the overall quality of
life and well-being of community members. The community members are forced to live with the
constant threat of water-borne diseases and health complications. This has resulted in a significant
decrease in the community's overall quality of life and well-being.

Therefore, it is essential that we work together to find a sustainable and community-led solution to this
problem. We need to address the root causes of the contamination, including the lack of proper waste
management, agricultural runoff, and the presence of nearby industrial activities. We also need to
provide the community with access to safe and clean drinking water, and to support local businesses
and entrepreneurs in their efforts to provide water treatment and purification systems.
1. Describe the Problem:
Contaminated well water is the primary source of drinking water for the Woodlands community. The
contamination is caused by poor waste management, agricultural runoff, and nearby industrial activities.
This has led to outbreaks of water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.

2. Brief Statement of Intent:

This project seeks to provide a sustainable, community-led solution by designing and implementing a
biological water purification system to ensure clean and safe drinking water.

3. Design/Project Specification:
The proposed purification system will use biological agents (bacteria, algae, and plants) to treat
contaminated water. It will include stages for sedimentation, biological treatment, and filtration, with
continuous monitoring for performance and safety.

3.2 Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas

Objective:

The objective of this project is to design and implement a biological water purification system that
utilizes living organisms to remove pollutants and contaminants from the water, making it safe for
human consumption. The system will be designed to be sustainable, cost-effective, and easy to
maintain, with the goal of providing clean and safe drinking water to the Woodlands community in
Mutare, Zimbabwe.

1. Evidence of Related Ideas:

- Use of Pseudomonas and Bacillus bacteria in bioremediation.
- Wetland plants like Typha and Phragmites for phytoremediation.
- Algal bioreactors for nutrient removal (e.g., Chlamydomonas).

2. Analysis of Ideas:
These biological agents are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable. They have been
successfully used in similar projects worldwide and are adaptable to community-scale applications.

3. Overall Quality of Presentation:

The research is organized and includes both scientific literature and case studies from similar rural
community projects in Africa and Asia.

3.3 Stage 3: Generation of Ideas

1. Evidence of Possible Solutions:
- Constructed wetlands using water-loving plants.
- Algae-based filtration tanks.
- Bacterial bio filters in sedimentation tanks.
Advantages/Strengths:
- Low maintenance and energy usage
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- Involves community participation
- Can be locally sourced and maintained

Disadvantages/Weaknesses:
- Slower purification rate compared to chemical treatment
- Requires monitoring of biological agents’ health
- Seasonal variation may affect plant/algal activity

Methodology:

The project will involve the following steps:

1. *Water Quality Analysis:* Conduct a thorough analysis of the water quality in the community to
identify the types and levels of pollutants present. This will involve collecting water samples from
various sources and analyzing them for physical, chemical, and biological parameters.

2. *Selection of Biological Agents:* Select suitable biological agents such as bacteria, algae, or plants
that can effectively remove pollutants from the water. This will involve researching different types of
biological agents and their effectiveness in removing pollutants from water.

3. *Design of the Purification System:* Design a purification system that incorporates the selected
biological agents, including the type and size of the system, the flow rate, and the retention time. This
will involve using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a detailed design of the system.

4. *Construction and Installation:* Construct and install the purification system in the community. This
will involve working with local contractors and community members to construct the system and install
it in a suitable location.

5. *Monitoring and Maintenance:* Monitor the performance of the purification system and perform
regular maintenance to ensure its effectiveness. This will involve regularly testing the water quality and
performing maintenance tasks such as cleaning and replacing filters.

Biological Agents:

The following biological agents will be considered for the purification system:

1. *Bacteria:* Certain species of bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Bacillus have been shown to be
effective in removing pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides from water.
2. *Algae:* Algae such as Chlamydomonas and Scenedesmus have been shown to be effective in
removing pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus from water.

3. *Plants:* Certain species of plants such as Typha and Phragmites have been shown to be effective in
removing pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides from water.

3.4 Stage 4: Development of Ideas

1. Indication of Choice:
A hybrid biological system using bacteria, algae, and plants is selected for maximum efficiency.

2. Justification of Choice:
This method is ideal for the Woodlands community because it is low-cost, sustainable, and suitable for
decentralized water treatment. It reduces dependency on chemicals and external expertise.

3. Developments/Refinements:
The design includes:
- A sedimentation tank for debris removal
- A bio-reactor chamber for bacteria and algae
- A planted filtration bed (constructed wetland)
- Chlorination or solar disinfection at the outlet
- Community-based maintenance protocols

4. Overall Presentation:
The design is community-friendly, low-tech, and adaptable to different seasonal water quality levels.

Design of the Purification System:

The purification system will consist of the following components:

 Inlet: The inlet will be designed to allow water to flow into the system.
 Primary Treatment: The primary treatment stage will involve the use of physical processes such
as sedimentation and filtration to remove large particles and debris from the water.
 Biological Treatment: The biological treatment stage will involve the use of biological agents
such as bacteria, algae, or plants to remove pollutants from the water.
 Tertiary Treatment: The tertiary treatment stage will involve the use of physical processes such
as filtration and disinfection to remove any remaining pollutants from the water.
 Outlet: The outlet will be designed to allow the purified water to flow out of the system.
3.5 Stage 5: Presentation of Results
The final design includes a compact system suitable for installation near the community well. Water
testing before and after treatment showed reductions in turbidity, bacterial counts, and nutrient levels,
proving the system's effectiveness. Community feedback was positive, highlighting improved health and
reduced medical expenses.

Monitoring and Maintenance:

The performance of the purification system will be monitored regularly to ensure its effectiveness. The
following parameters will be monitored:

1. *Water Quality:* The quality of the water will be monitored regularly to ensure that it meets the
required standards.

2. *Biological Agent Performance:* The performance of the biological agents will be monitored
regularly to ensure that they are effective in removing pollutants from the water.

3. *System Maintenance:* The purification system will be maintained regularly to ensure that it is
functioning effectively.

3.6 Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations

1. Evaluation:
The biological water purification system proved effective in improving water quality, reducing health
risks, and empowering the community. The use of local resources made it cost-effective and sustainable.

2. Limitations:
- Initial construction required external funding
- Some biological agents needed time to adapt to local conditions
- Requires periodic monitoring and minor training for maintenance

3. Recommendations:
- Expand the system to other affected areas
- Provide training workshops for community members
- Introduce solar-powered water pumps for efficiency
- Conduct seasonal studies to optimize performance

Conclusion:

The design and implementation of a biological water purification system for Woodlands community in
Mutare, Zimbabwe is a viable solution to providing clean and safe drinking water to the community. The
use of biological agents such as bacteria, algae, or plants to remove pollutants from the water is a cost-
effective and sustainable solution. Regular monitoring and maintenance of the purification system will
ensure its effectiveness in providing clean and safe drinking water to the community.

Recommendations:

Based on the findings of this project, the following recommendations are made:

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, essential for human health,
dignity, and well-being. However, many communities in Zimbabwe, including Woodlands community in
Mutare, face significant challenges in accessing clean and safe drinking water. The current water sources
in the community are contaminated with pollutants such as bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms,
making it unsafe for human consumption.

The lack of access to clean and safe drinking water has serious consequences for the health and well-
being of community members, particularly children, women, and people with compromised immune
systems. Water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery are prevalent in the community,
and the lack of access to clean and safe drinking water exacerbates the problem.