Biochar Based Novel Approach for the Environmental Remediation of CKDu Endemic Areas in Sri Lanka

“Reverse Osmosis” (RO) is a widely uses water purification technology that is used to remove a large majority of contaminants (dissolved inorganic solids) present in the water. It is a process by which a solvent passes through a porous membrane in the direction opposite to that for natural osmosis when subjected to a hydrostatic pressure greater than the osmotic pressure. In Sri Lanka, more than 75 RO plants are operated in the CKDu (Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown aetiology) endemic areas in order to produce potable water. However after supplying the filtered water to the general public, the remaining concentrates which riches in soluble salts are discarded to nearby irrigation canal or to the surrounding soil. This is a potential threat to the water resources in these areas since it can increase the salinity of soil & water. In such a case “Biochar” which is a charcoal can be used to treat waste water generated by RO plants.

Dr. Meththika Vithanage from the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) in collaboration with Dr. Bandunee Liyanage from Department of Civil Engineering, The Open University of Sri Lanka has been able to introduce a “Biochar” based novel approach to treat the RO rejected water in the areas where RO plants are under operation. They have demonstrated promising results through a pilot scale project at Medawachchiya area. This constructed wetland operates with biochar and local waste materials. For more information we arranged a discussion with the research team.

As we know many RO-plants are under operation for water purification at CKDu endemic areas in Sri Lanka. How does RO-plants involve in water purification & production of potable water in these areas?

cium, magnesium, nitrates, phosphate, fluoride, agrochemical and petrochemical contaminants, and pharmaceutical contaminants in a one-step procedure. Therefore, the RO technology serves as an important solution for generating safe potable water in the North Central Province and elsewhere in Sri Lanka.

RO not only removes harmful contaminants present in water, but it may also remove many of the desirable miner als from the water. How could this affect human health of CKDu affected areas while drinking de-mineralized water?