Aeration and slow sand filtration in small systems

Abstract

Abstract Treatment technologies for small systems should have lower construction and operation cost, lower maintenance and labor requirements as well. The quality of groundwater in the Fezzan area of Libya for drinking purposes is not acceptable when compared to the quality of standards given by WHO. Hence, the groundwater has to be treated before being used for drinking purposes. In the Sahara Desert there is a tremendous amount of sand which is suitable for slow sand filtration and rapid sand filtration within the water treatment objectives. In this study, the selected treatment system of the groundwater contains aeration and slow sand filtration units. This small system was constructed as a pilot plant at the campus of Higher Institute of Technology Brack‐Libya. This system which was installed and succesfully operated has been proved to be an effective and appropriate treatment technology. After these results, it has been shown that drinking water for the residential areas in the Al Shati region or any other region in the Fezzen area can be provided with the help of local material.