Development of a Wastewater Filtration System Using Indigenous Materials

Abstract

The Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) funded a study by the Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Canaman (Cam. Sur) Inc. (MPCF-CCS) from July 1, 2019, to September 30, 2020. The project aimed to enhance coastal marine environmental sustainability by establishing wastewater filtration systems using indigenous materials like crushed “takal” shell (Anadara antiquata) and cocopeat in barangays Dinaga, Naga City, and Sibobo, Calabanga, Camarines Sur. The study's primary goal was to develop a filtration system to clean waterways and promote discipline in wastewater and solid waste management, along with fostering sustainable fish habitats. Initial tests identified effective combinations of takal shells and cocopeat. Following this, pilot tests evaluated pollutant removal efficiency from drainage wastewater in Dinaga and Sibobo. Batch tests identified T4 and T1 as the best treatments for Dinaga and Sibobo, achieving pollutant removal efficiencies of 33% and 50%, respectively, during column tests. Pilot testing showed even higher removal rates: 50% in Dinaga using T4 and 67% in Sibobo using T1. Kruskal-Wallis H tests indicated significant differences in several parameters (BOD, pH, Nitrates, Phosphates) between treatments with p-values below 0.05, supporting the efficacy of the treatments. Recommendations include: A) Disseminating mature technology for river and coastal sustainability; B) Advancing research and development on indigenous materials; C) Innovating filtration designs; D) Utilizing crushed "takal" shells for pollutant absorption and potential livelihoods; E) Supporting policy planning based on community seminar feedback.