Membrane-based filtration: Solution to contaminated water

NEW DELHI: To end the shortage of potable water, the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata (CGCRI) has developed ceramic membranebased filtration technology for removal of arsenic and iron from contaminated ground- water. The technology, which has been developed keeping in view addressing the peoplecentric issues, is being adopted by West Bengal government and Border Security Force (BSF) to provide safe and clean drinking water to people.

According to CSIR-CGCRI’S director K Muraleedharan, the technology helps in removing the hazardous ingredients in water such as arsenic and iron, which are posing a serious life threat to humankind. “We have identified seven districts of the state, which are badly under the influence of arsenic and iron contamination, to establish the water treatment plant on community service basis.”

“At initial stage, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of West Bengal has started establishing the treatment plants at 100 locations on a pilot project basis. After the success of the same, it would be established in every village facing contaminated potable water issue,” Muraleedharan said.

Adding further, he said, “We have installed some 62 water purification plants, mostly in the capacity of 5,000 litre per day, in several parts of state, including some base camps of the BSF operational in the state.”

Claiming about the success of filtration plant, he said, “It has come to my notice that BSF soldiers used to get patches on their body after drinking untreated water, but soon after they started getting treated water, the complaints of rashes also vanished.”

There are 43 border outposts having considerable amount of arsenic and iron where on an average 50 BSF personnel in each outpost are stationed. The 43 sites are located in arsenic affected blocks of Chapra, Hanskhali, Karimpur, Krishnagunj, Tehatta –I and Tehatta –II. Some of the posts, where water contamination is more, are Harsakhal, Fitkriqate, Pakhiura, Chhotipur, Bhitarpara , Sahapur , Bistuganj, Lalbazar, Halder Para, etc.

“At present, 33 plants have already been installed. All plants are under operation and jawans are getting quality water for drinking. In many places, the local villagers also collect their drinking water from these plants,” the official said, adding that installation of 51 such plants in 51 border outposts in North 24 Parganas district would also commence within 3 months.

“Our scientists are also approaching other states facing the problem of arsenic and iron contaminated water such as Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, North eastern states, etc. Apart from providing clean water, the plants also generates employment as about 180 people have been employed till date,” he said, adding that capacity of filtration plant ranges from 3,000 litre per day to 80,000 litre.