Science and Technology
In News: The Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has tied up with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-B) for in-situ treatment of sewage in nullahs in the city.
- This pilot project will prevent coastal pollution due to sewage from 25 nullahs from flowing untreated into the sea or creeks.
What is N-Treat technology?
- N-Treat is a seven-stage process for waste treatment that uses screens, gates, silt traps, curtains of coconut fibres for filtration, and disinfection using sodium hypochlorite.
- According to the detailed project report for N-Treat, it is a natural and environment friendly way for sewage treatment.
- It’s set up takes place within the nullah channels that is through the in-situ or on-site method of treatment, and does not require additional space.
What does the process involve?
- The first stage involves screening to prevent the entry of floating objects such as plastic cups, paper dishes, polythene bags, sanitary napkins, or wood.
- The second stage has proposed construction of a silt trap, which creates an inclination and ‘parking spot’ on the bed of the nullah for sedimentation.
- The next three stages are installation of ‘bio zones’ in the form of coconut fibre curtains that will act as filters and promote growth of biofilm to help in decomposition of organic matter.
- Next Stage (as proposed by IIT-B) is use of florafts. It involves suspending floating rafts vertically, called florafts.
- According to its proposal, Their hanging roots would provide a large surface area for passive filtration as well as development of microbial consortium.
- The final stage for sewage treatment will include disinfection using sodium hypochlorite, to kill the bacteria in the water.
Significance
- The N-Treat method suggested to the civic body is cost effective, as it does not require manual pumping, and saves electricity, and does not require extensive man-power for maintenance.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Q.1) “Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations? (2022)
- Restoration of damaged coral reefs
- Development of building materials using plant residues
- Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
- Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas
