Transforming Blackwater Into Clean Water - Is It Possible?
Lies Kurniawati Wulandari

National Institute of Technology

Abstract

The sustainability of the environment is constantly facing the threat from domestic pollutants, especially blackwater. Throughout the time, the management of waste removal is getting more advanced but the amount of pollution contaminating the river is also getting more concerning. As one of the worst types of domestic waste, blackwater requires serious and thorough treatment so that it does not harm the environment, and of course human health. The common method of blackwater treatment in Indonesia is by containing the waste inside septic tanks. Studies reported that blackwater is manageable to be transformed into raw water for agricultural needs, or at least, qualified to be discharged into the river without any potential to disrupt the ecosystem. However, following the increasing volume of blackwater production, that idea needs to be developed further to broaden the reusability of the output of blackwater treatment. This study shares a replicable method to transform blackwater into clean water- a simple method performed by utilizing local resources that work effectively and efficiently. A green technology -the combination of physical approach and phytoremediation- can produce the output (clean water) that is not only safe to be discharged into the river, but also can be used for freshwater aquaculture and water the plants with critical requirements.

Keywords: Blackwater, clean water, green technology, pollution, water treatment

Topic: Civil Engineering