CLEAN GANGA
PROJECT
3/18/2015
BY USING ECO-FRIENDLY DRDO BIODIGESTER
TECHNOLOGY
[An initiative to free Holy Ganga from Fecal Matter, Organic Waste &
Domestic Sewage. In the process digestion of Domestic & Industrial
Sewage takes place before contaminating the River Water; it will
generate a huge amount of biogas which can be used to produce
Electricity, Light & Heat Energy]
CLEAN GANGA PROJECT
CLEAN GANGA PROJECT
BY USING ECO-FRIENDLY DRDO BIODIGESTER T ECHNOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
Waste disposal in innocuous form is an ever growing problem leading to aesthetic nuisance, threat of organic
pollution & several infectious diseases in epidemic proportions due to contamination of ground water and
drinking water resources in highly populated and developing countries, Untreated waste is responsible for
several diseases like, dysentery, diarrhoea, amoebiasis, viral hepatitis, cholera, typhoid etc. taking the life of
lakhs of children annually.
ACTION PLAN
In case of Ganga; Ghat areas are polluted due to littering which can only be controlled by Public awareness,
Ghat Management and placing more Dust-bins at the litter prone areas. Currently no chemical plants are
discharging their effluent since the Zero Liquid Discharge Policy is mandated. So Domestic Sewage and
Organic industry Effluents are the biggest water contaminants for which no one take responsibility. Municipal
Corporations are trying but at the level of sub-urban; no drainage Systems are available to collect & treat
the waste. For efficient and economical Cleanliness Campaign we need to understand that solid waste should
be treated separately from the liquid waste because liquid waste is easy to treat. When we mix all the
sewage in one line then actually we adulterate the water. Solid waste should be degraded immediately at
the place of origin itself whether it is domestic or community or industrial. In Modern Countries eg: Germany,
China & Japan; Sewage treatment is done by the modern techniques based upon the Anaerobic Degradation
such as UASB which Generates the Biogas & Electricity along with Sewage Treatment.
WASTE TYPE SOLUTION Remarks
Domestic Solid Organic/fecal DRDO Biodigester(Individual/Common) For bigger
Waste Matter/Plastic with Non-Biodegradable Matter capacity UASB
separator or Screens Reactors can be
used
Domestic Liquid Organic/Detergents Reed Bed/Phytorid technology with
Waste /Chemical PSRT and Bar Screens
Industrial Organic/Inorganic Dedicated Effluent Treatment Plants
Solid/Liquid Waste
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CLEAN GANGA PROJECT
SCHEME OF WASTE TREATMENT
SOLID WASTE TREATMENT THROUGH ‘DRDO Bio-Digester Technology’
DRDO has perfected an eco-friendly biodegradation technology for solid waste disposal to prevent
contamination of the rivers and other water sources. DRDO developed Biodigester technology is environmental
friendly, maintenance free and efficient without depending on conventional energy sources. The effluent is
odorless and gets rid-off most of the pathogens. Hundreds of such biodigesters have been installed at various
locations in J&K, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The biodigester technology has two components: anaerobic
microbial consortium and specially designed fermentation tank. The microbial consortium has been made by
acclimatization, enrichment and bioaugmentation with the cold-active bacteria collected from Antarctica and
low temperature areas. It is composed of four clusters of bacteria belonging to hydrolytic, acidogenic,
acetogenic and methenogenic groups with high efficiency of biodegradation. Fermentation tank has the
provision of immobilizing the bacteria in large numbers.
Special Features of DRDO Bio-Digester Technology
Anaerobic microbial inoculum
Temperature tolerant microbial consortium
Required one time inoculum charging
Immobilization matrix for retaining higher microbial mass
for survival in adverse conditions
Specially designed tank for efficient biodegradation
Suitable for mobile and stationary platforms
Permits use of Detergents & toilet cleansing agents
Advantages
Tailor made in respect to number of users, materials
situation and condition Eco-friendly & cost-effective
Wide applicability under different climatic conditions
Customized & easily adaptable
Maintenance free
Minimizes water consumption
Recycling of effluent water
Reduction in organic waste by more than 90%
More than 99% pathogens reduction
Generation of odourless and inflammable biogas
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ADVANTAGE – ANAEROBIC BIODEGRADATION
Anaerobic sewage treatment plants do not necessarily need agitation and can treat high strength waste with
generation of methane. The amount of sludge (Biomass) production is less as much of carbon is lost through
Biogas. Effluent generated is largely free of pathogens and is stabilized. The process is intensified by bio-
augmentation, use of activated sludge and immobilization matrices. Besides, the settled effluents have good
content of nitrogen and phosphorus and can be used as safe fertilizer in the fields. Amount of H2S produced
in such plants is much lower than the septic tanks because of the most favourable conditions for methanogens
which out compete the sulphate reducing bacteria during fermentation.
Biodegradation of Human Fecal Matter by Microorganisms in Absence of Oxygen
SOLID WASTE METHANE + CO2+ WATER
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Parameter Raw Water Septic Tank Biodigester/ Biotank Biotank + Reed bed treatment
(WHO)
pH 5.5-9.0 6.7-7.5 7.0-7.2 7.0-7.5
Turbidity (NTU) 1000 500-800 70-90 2-5
Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) - 150-300 90-120 50-80
TDS(mg/L) 1500 500-850 350-450 100-300
VS (mg/100mI) - 50-60 20-30 5-12
COD (mg/L) 10 1200-2000 250-300 15-25
BOD (mg/L) 6 350-500 70-120 2-4
Coliforms (MPN/ml) 5000 >3000 300-350 0-12
UASB Units
UASB type units are one in which no special media have to be used since the sludge granules themselves act
as the 'media' and stay in suspension. UASB system is not patented. A typical arrangement of a UASB type
treatment plant for municipal sewage would be as follows:
1. Initial pumping
2. Screening and degritting
3. Main UASB reactor
4. Gas collection and conversion or conveyance
5. Sludge drying bed
Post treatment facility
In the UASB process, the whole waste is passed through the anaerobic reactor in an upflow mode, with a
hydraulic retention time (HRT) of only about 8-10 hours at average flow. No prior sedimentation is required.
The anaerobic unit does not need to be filled with stones or any other media; the upflowing sewage itself
forms millions of small "granules" or particles of sludge which are held in suspension and provide a large
surface area on which organic matter can attach and undergo biodegradation. A high solid retention time
(SRT) of 30-50 or more days occurs within the unit. No mixers or aerators are required. The gas produced can
be collected and used if desired. Anaerobic systems function satisfactorily when temperatures inside the
reactor are above 18-20°C.
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Excess sludge is removed from time to time through a separate pipe and sent to a simple Digester or sand
bed for drying.
LIQUID WASTE TREATMENT
Phytorid Technology is a self-sustainable technology developed by National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute (NEERI), CSIR that works on the principles of natural wetland. It has been developed and
patented by CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI). The patient awarded is
European Patent Office (EPO) Pub. No.: WO2004087584, Pub. Date: 14.10.2004, Australian Patent Office
(APO) Pub. No.: AU2003223110, Pub. Date: 25.10.2004 and Indian Patent Office (IPO) 0010NF2003/IN
Pub. No.: 241523, Pub. Date: 09/07/2010.
PSRT is an innovative technology of IIT Bombay for the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. The
technology works on the principle of all four types of settling such as, Discrete settling, Flocculent settling,
Hindered zone settling, and Compression settling. The removal efficiency of PSRT exceeds by 30 to 40
percent than the conventional sedimentation tank. It requires even lesser land cover to handle similar flow and
gives better performance than the conventional sedimentation tank. The PSRT unit is well capable of removing
the BOD level by 30 percent.
Phytorid Technology is a complex ecosystem, and components of the ecosystem collectively act upon the
pollutants present in the wastewater and remove it to that extent which can be used for irrigation, toilet
flushing, municipal gardens, fountains etc. The technology is designed to treat wastewater from small houses,
residential societies, hotels, commercial complexes and municipal sewage and pre-treated industrial effluent.
The technology is based on sub-surface flow, which consists of a basin or a channel with barriers called
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baffles and contains a suitable depth of porous media. A primary treatment facility would also be constructed
along with basic for effective removal of solids and thus reduces the marginal BOD. The porous media also
supports the root structure of emergent vegetation. The design of the Phytorid system assumes that the water
level in the cells will remain just beneath the surface of the filter media. The components of the Phytorid system
are
1. Screen Chamber: The screen chamber allows removal of all the coarse solids.
2. Oil and Grease Trap: The unit removes oil and grease floating over the surface of water to facilitate
treatment efficiency of other units installed next to it.
3. Collection cum Sedimentation Tank (PSRT): The PSRT system specific design allows suspended solids to
settle down in the tank and simultaneous removal of BOD by thirty percent.
4. Pre-phytorid Treatment Unit: The pre-phytorid bed works on the principle of anaerobic digestion of
organic components of wastewater. This section is composed of media without plants.
5. Phytorid Treatment Unit: The phytorid bed works on the principle of aerobic treatment. In this unit the
bed is filled with gravels and green plants such as Colocasia esculenta, canna indica, Cyperus
alternifolius etc are planted.
6. ACF/PSF: Activated Carbon Filter or Pressure Sand Filter is optional if the treated water is going to
be utilised for human use.
7. Treated water collection Tank: It is the collection tank for water coming from the phytorid unit after
treatment.
PSRT based system is knowhow of IIT Bombay:
PSRT system has been developed by IIT Bombay which along with phytorid technology, comes out as an
excellent combination for wastewater treatment. It is one of the popular technologies in terms of decentralised
wastewater treatment.
TECHNOLOGY KNOWHOW
The technology works in combination with physical, biological and chemical processes.
The green plants directly accumulate some amount of nutrients into their tissues, providing the matrix for
the growth of biofilm and pump oxygen into the bed.
The flow of water takes place via gravity along the treatment unit.
Based on natural treatment process, pumping of air is not required, hence negligible consumption of
electric power.
The technology is simple in design and operation, skilled man power in its operation and maintenance not
required.
The system has an aesthetic aura because of plants (ornamental as well as flowering) and subsurface flow
of water.
It is a low cost technology since no pumping of air or electricity is involved in its treatment process.
The production of sludge is negligible with no odour issues.
The phytorid bed are custom designed as per the land availability.
Chemicals are not needed for treatment process.
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OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the proposed project for wastewater treatment is to provide a simple, feasible, eco-
friendly and cost-effective technology, which can treat the wastewater applying the concept of decentralised
wastewater treatment system.
TREATMENT EFFICIENCIES
The reduction on the treated effluent for the Total suspended solids (TSS) varies from 70% to 80% &, BOD
from 78% to 84%, Nitrogen from 70% to 75%, Phosphorus from 52% to 64% and faecal coliform from 90%
to 97%.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
This technology is based on the natural wetland system; as a result, operation is mostly passive and requires
little operator intervention. The technology requires periodic minimal maintenance which is negligible if
compared with the conventional wastewater treatment systems. Maintaining uniform flow across the system
through inlet and outlet adjustment is extremely important to achieve the expected treatment performance.
FLOW QUANTIFICATION
The flow quantification is based upon the data provided by the Senior Divisional Engineer, East Coast
Railway, Sambhalpur, Orissa. The wastewater generated from the unit is 250m3/day.
The design of wastewater treatment system shall be based upon the above flow quantification and the
availability of space allotted for this purpose.
SCHEMATIC OVERVIEW
The schematic overview of said treatment unit is as follows
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Figure – 1 Scheme of the treatment unit
The wastewater from the generating unit shall follow the screen chamber in order to remove any coarse solids
accompanying the water. Then the water is allowed to pass through the oil and grease trap, to remove the oil
washed away with the detergents. The wastewater coming from oil and grease trap shall enter into the
collection cum sedimentation tank (PSRT), where sedimentation of solids take place with subsequent removal of
BOD and COD, followed by phytorid treatment unit where final treatment of wastewater shall take place.
The sand filtration and activated carbon units are optional, if the treated water has to be utilised for human
contact. Finally a treated water tank is to store the treated water for final use.
FINANCIAL ESTIMATES
TECHNO-ECONOMIC COMPARISON OF PHYTORID WITH OTHER TECHNOLOGIES
PREAMBLE
Waste water treatment has become a major issue across the country especially in places where power
supply and trained manpower is not available. Also, the traditional treatment systems of sewage and
other waste water have used conventional technologies which are prone to high wear and tear of the
system leading to substantially high O&M costs. Normally, the system must consider various criteria such
as treatment efficiency and reuse, capital cost, power consumption, land requirement, operation and
maintenance cost, sludge disposal, manpower requirement and most important environmental impact.
The ‘Phytorid’ developed is one of the technology marvels which are being used increasingly for various
types of wastewater across India. It is a combination of the physical, chemical and biological processes
which results into ultimate treatment for the waste water. This particular technology works without
electricity, minimum maintenance, less manpower and importantly self-sustainable.
‘Phytorid’ is a knowhow technology of CSIR-NEERI. It is very effective in water pollution control as it
functions as “pollutant” sink for sediment, nutrients, and metals. There are different mechanisms which
plays an important role in treating waste water in the wetland, principal measures are sedimentation,
bacterial action, filtration, decomposition, nutrient uptake and vegetative system.
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‘Phytorid’ can treat the wastewaters naturally without the addition of chemicals. It has been accomplished
with the use of aquatic or semi aquatic plants along with their associated biota. It is an improved wetland
ecosystem for treatment of wastewater. It involves proper utilization of biological treatment capacity with
optimized engineering parameters.
W HY PHYTORID?
Phytorid is a smart alternative for communities considering new systems or modifying, replacing, or
expanding existing treatment systems. The benefits for the system are:
A. Cost-effective and economical
Avoiding large capital costs
Reducing operation and maintenance costs
B. Green and sustainable
Benefiting water quality and availability
Energy intensive
Responding to growth while preserving green space
C. Safe in protecting the environment, public health, and water quality
Protecting the community’s health
Reducing conventional pollutants, nutrients, and emerging contaminants
Mitigating contamination and health risks associated with wastewater
P ERFORMANCE P ARAMETERS OF TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
The overall performance for treatment of various technologies is discussed in Table 1. From the table it
seems that phytorid is adequate as compared to the other treatment technologies in terms of high
performance.
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Table 1: Performance Parameters for Treatment Technologies
Item/Parameter ASP UASB FAB BTF OD RBC SBR Phytorid
Overall 12-14 14-18 15-18 13-14 15-20 10-2.5 14-16 10-24
HRT(hrs)
BOD Removal% 85- 95 85-95 80-85 80-90 75-85 90-98 90-95 85-90
COD Removal% 80– 90 80-90 82-85 85-90 60-80 90-95 88-96 90- 95
TSS Removal% 85– 90 85-95 80-80 75-85 75-83 85-92 90-96 90-98
C OST ANALYSIS (MODEL ANALYSIS FOR 50 KLD OF DOMESTIC WASTEWATER)
Wastewater treatment costs are usually dependent upon the type of treatment technology, its efficiency,
and the discharge option used. Table 2 shows the cost comparison of various treatment technologies with
land requirements for 50 m3/d of wastewater treatment system. Table 2: Cost Comparison for 50 m3/d
Capacity Plant
Area Requirement O & M per year (in
Technologies Capital cost(in lakhs)
(m2) lakhs)
Phytorid 80 21 1.5
RBC 75 28 3.1
FAB 150 47.3 2.9
SBR 750 351 12.5
Table 2 shows that RBC requires less area whereas, SBR need more as compared to other technologies
for 50 m3/d flows. Phytorid and FAB area requirement is about 80 and 150 m2 respectively.
From the Table 2, it can be seen that the phytorid requires low capital cost whereas SBR are highest for
50 m3/d flow. Operations and maintenance cost for phytorid is lowest and the highest for SBR.
Unique selling proposition for phytorid is the operation and maintenance cost of the system apart from
capital cost.
A DVANTAGES OF TECHNOLOGY
The waste water treatment with ‘Phytorid is easy, efficient; require less manpower, and totally
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sustainable method to the all conventional methods.
Technology is cost effective and efficient in the removal of faecal coliforms, BOD, COD, nutrient
are up to 95 percent, which is higher than traditional methods.
The area occupied by the treatment system also improves the aesthetic of the surrounding area.
The subsurface flow treatment is totally free of mosquitoes and odour nuisance.
The treated water can be used for gardening and other use.
The treated water achieves the permissible limit for sewage discharge in the fresh and marine
water body.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
The technology is natural treatment system, as the result operation is mostly passive and requires little
operator intervention. Maintaining uniform flow across the treatment cells through inlet and outlet
adjustment is extremely important to achieve optimum treatment performance. Sampling of inlet and
outlet will be carried out for a period of 6 months.
C IVIL COST FOR CONSTRUCTION OF P HYTORID
The approximate cost involved in civil construction will be -----------INR (civil costs may vary with place
and time).
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SCHEME FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION FROM SEWAGE
Wastewater professionals once accepted the high costs of operating wastewater treatment facilities as a
consequence of meeting their discharge permit requirements. As the cost of energy rises and emphasis on
renewable energy increases, local authorities and municipalities are seeking solutions that save money and
meet renewable requirements. GE’s Jenbacher gas engines provide a renewable energy solution through
cogeneration / combined heat & power (CHP) that results in long-term savings for wastewater treatment
plants.
Benefits of CHP for Sewage Treatment
1. Generation of renewable energy from a waste material through cogeneration / CHP
2. Reduction in carbon emissions especially compared to aerobic sewage treatment
3. Economical onsite electrical power production & reduced transmission losses
4. Production of a low-carbon fertilizer / soil improver
5. Cost effective, proven technology
6. Waste Water Treatment Energy Costs
Waste treatment processes include energy-intensive operations such as aeration and pumping. As a result,
waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) require significant energy consumption. As electrical prices increase,
plant operators are facing higher energy costs in order to meet discharge permit requirements. The second
leading expense to WWTP owners is the cost of energy, behind only personnel. For plants, who employ
anaerobic digestion for bio solids treatment, the process of combusting digester gas to produce electricity and
heat through cogeneration/CHP may provide a solution to rising operational costs.
A large proportion of the world’s sewage systems do not recover value from the sewage in the form of
electricity and heat. But, the renewable energy fuel source derived from sewage gas can be converted using
reciprocating gas engines, to electricity and heat, offsetting as much as two-thirds of a plant’s electricity
demand and eliminating the need to purchase fossil fuels for plant heating processes.
Conversion Steps from Sewage Gas to Renewable Power
The process of biogas generation is divided into for steps:
1. Preparation of the input material including removal of physical contaminants
2. Digestion (fermentation), consisting of hydrolysis, acetogenesis, acidogenesis and methanogenesis
3. Conversion of the biogas to renewable electricity and useful heat through cogeneration / CHP
4. Post-treatment of the digestate
Sewage is collected in municipal sewage systems and sent to the waste water treatment plant. From here it is
prepared and sent to the sewage digesters. In the digestion tanks a series of biological processes are
harnessed in order to produce biogas. Hydrolysis is the process where the organic material is solubilised into
the digestion liquid. It then undergoes the intermediate steps of acidogenesis and acetogenesis which create
the precursor molecules for methanogenesis. Methanogens feed off these precursors and produce methane as
a cellular waste product.
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The biogas containing this biologically-derived methane is contained and captured in a gas storage tank
which is typically located separately to the main digester. The gas storage tank acts as a buffer in order to
balance fluctuations in the production of gas in the digesters. Where gas production levels are low or highly
variable, dual fuel mixing can be used to supplement the sewage gas with natural gas from the mains
distribution network.
Advantages of Sewage Gas CHP
1. Seamless dual fuel mixing Maximises renewable energy output and smoothens gas production
fluctuations by supplementing with natural gas as required.
2. High electrical efficiencies Generate more electricity per unit of sewage gas used. Electrical
efficiencies of up to 43% based upon the lower heating value of the gas
3. LEANOX controls with turbocharger bypass Ensure the correct air-to-gas ratio under all operating
conditions to minimise exhaust gas emissions while maintaining stable operation.
4. Longer overhaul schedule Minimise maintenance costs with 60,000 operating hour overhaul intervals.
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CONCLUSION
India’s new elected government’s agenda on sanitation and waste treatment is intent towards rising the socio-
economic spheres of our times. monetary schemes from the central government to make waste treatment
plants, river cleanup programmes and providing clean sanitation facility for all are indicators of enterprising
solutions that are embarked by the Narendra Modi led government.
Sanitation and renewable energy generation
A comprehensive methodology at the micro level sanitation & sewer can contribute towards a solid and
hygienic culture alongside minimizing our power hardships.
At group levels, a unified collection and waste treatment from toilets answers legitimate sanitation as well as
if treated experimentally, yields renewable vitality too. Receiving bio-methanation the waste can be
successfully treated and the biogas along these lines delivered can either be utilized as a cooking gas or can
control a biogas motor for producing power.
At numerous open toilets crosswise over India the biogas-to-power idea is getting executed. There are
examples of overcoming adversity scripted for producing power from the waste produced at open toilets.
Numerous nations are embracing the idea as well. A legislature's order for vitality era from open toilets might
be prominent towards addressing our needs and contributing for supportability; as waste treatment and
renewable vitality generation.
the quick urbanization and expanding populace of Indian urban areas, it gets to be vital to treat the waste
created. The Indian Government's declaration to create sewage treatment plant through venture financing
should guarantee keeping monetary difficulties under control. The Government's most optimized plan of attack
execution of creating sewer systems and joining with a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) (or wastewater
treatment plants (WWTP)) at group levels or at a focal area should guarantee the usage of demonstrated
methods for sewage accumulation and transfer. Additionally, reception of most recent waste treatment
innovation could be possible which serves multi-reason thought processes.
One such approach to treat sewage by attaining to multi-prong advantage is anaerobic assimilation . The
innovation changes sewage treatment into an income era choice. Whilst viably treating the sewage, anaerobic
processing produces a high review of vaporous fuel – sewage gas. The methane delivered can be used for
creating power – renewable vitality – through a biogas motor accordingly making the sewage treatment
plant meet its power necessities. Additionally, surplus force created can be supplied to the grid.
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