The Features of Irrigation Systems in Decentralized Wastewater Systems - Assignment Example

Title: Reflection Name: Institution: Tutor’s name: Date of submission: 1. What was your understanding of the subject objectives before you enrolled & taken part in learning in this subject? One of the objectives of the subject was to provide knowledge in the compositions of water in terms of water contents in various parts of the world. The study was also aimed at finding the trends in use of water such as the amount of water consumed per person per day and the uses to which domestic water is put. The subject was also aimed at equipping me with various technologies of water treatment such as ion exchange and rapid sand filtration processes, the knowledge of water appliances that are used in homes so that efficiency in water use is maximized, evaluation of the performance of the systems designs based on Australian Standards. It was also aimed at understanding of various types of rain water tanks, the components to be included in rain water tanks during design and the procedures for rain water harvesting. It was also aimed at understanding maintenance practices required for rain water tanks. In addition, it aimed at explaining the treatment procedures to be followed during treatment of rain water. Another objective was to equip myself with knowledge of low cost toilet designs which ensure efficiency in water usage and ease in disposal of waste materials from the closet. This objective also aimed at equipping learners with the knowledge of procedures involved in disposal of waste water from domestic use. Another objective was to equip myself with the knowledge in the design of advanced waste treatment systems with the focus on septic tanks and Aerated waste water Treatment systems (AWST) and the suspended growth systems. The final objective was to equip myself with treatment procedures for the reed bed and the impacts of reed bed in ensuring a reduction of BOD, TSS and Faecal coliforms. In this section, the aim was to understand the procedures involved in pollutants removal and the features of irrigation systems in decentralized waste water systems 2. What did you learn about these objectives? How did you learn them?  The compositions of water in various parts of the earth such as atmosphere, rivers, lakes and polar water were understood. Trends in water use per day per individual were determined in developing countries, remote areas, Australia and the USA in liters per day. I also learned that water was used for various domestic duties such as washing and cleaning. I also learned about ion exchange process in hardness removal by understanding its working principle in removal of hardness in water. In terms of domestic appliance, I learned about the use of showers of various shapes to facilitate distribution of water during showering process, the selection of water flow regulated tasks was performed and washing machines were also fitted. I also learned about pressure regulated taps. I got exposure into various types of water tanks with the majority being rain water tanks for harvesting rain water. During tank design, I got exposure into the need to ensure fittings are determined and the site where the tank should be placed should be in a level environment and free from stables, septic tanks or latrines. The main types of tanks I learned about include concrete tanks, metal tanks and roof tanks. I also learned that during collection of water, the main areas of consideration were to be volume of water needed and the roof catchment. In terms of the reticulated water supply, it was expected that the average usage of water per day would be 300-700 L/day. It was also established that the recommended tank sizes for a decentralized water supply system is 750 liters to 50000 liters. I also learned about various roof sizes pertaining to various houses. For instance, for a small house, the roof size is 100-150m2, for a medium house roof size is 150-200m2 and for a large house roof size is 200m2 or greater. This acts as a determining factor on the amount of rain water harvested. The main sources of contamination of rain water that I learned about include mosquitoes, chemicals such as pesticides and fecal materials from birds and lizards. The main maintenance practices for rain water tanks I learned about include inspection of the gutters, roof, inlets to tanks and testing the quality of water as well as desludging on a regular basis. The disinfection practices that I learned about include ultraviolet disinfection, the use of chemical chlorine and ozonation procedures. I also learned about components of waste water such as grey water from the shower, laundry and kitchen; yellow water from urine, brown water from feaces and bio-waste from kitchen scraps, yard wastes and paper. I also learned about various types of latrines such as compost toilets, vacuum toilets and pit latrines. When I compared the advantages of various types of toilets, I observed that the most advantageous type of toilet to use was the vacuum toilets due to its ability to occupy a small space and its ease of maintenance. The main composting procedures I got exposure into include the first septic tank for storing grey water, the sand filter and the disposal point where sub-surface irrigation methods were applicable. I learned that in designing a septic tank, the size of the tank is determined by the amount of water discharged from residential activities and the population in a particular area. The main components of a properly functioning septic tank that I learned about include the sludge point, the secondary treatment point where microbial aerobic digestion take place and the tertiary treatment point where additional solids and organic materials are removed after which the materials move to the reuse point. I learned that it was possible to achieve efficiently operating septic tanks by use of Aerated Wastewater treatment Systems (AWTS). Its function was similar to that of an efficiently operating septic tank. It was also possible to determine the right volume for the septic tank, the aeration chamber volume and setting chamber volumes through application of formulas and substitution of various measures relating to the septic tanks. I learnt that in order to ensure separation of solid components of waste waters from liquid components, intermittent sand filters were used. During the design of the sand filters, the main design characteristics that were observed include hydraulic loading rates, depth of filter bed and organic loading rates. These were determined by applying specific formulas and substituting the values of the tanks with respect to these characteristics into the equation. There was also an introductory study of hybrid systems septic tanks. Finally, various reuse options were learned such as sub-surface irrigation, preliminary car washing and toilet flushing. I learned that in the design of reed beds, the main point of concern is to ensure it has the right amounts of macrophytes which trap solid materials and also contribute to slowing down the movement of materials along the reed bed to allow sedimentation. It was also learnt that the reed bed contributes significantly towards refining of waste water through the reduction of total suspended solids (TSS), Biological oxygen demand (BOD), and faecal coliforms. This results into water that can be treated in a variety of ways such as disinfection so that it can be used for activities such as irrigation. In order to ensure the efficient functioning of the reed bed, various components were added but the most significant was bacteria whose function was to decompose organic components into non-harmful forms. This resulted into effluent water that could be used for other activities such as underground irrigation and toilet flushing. As a result, it ensures water efficiency in the design and construction of decentralized water and waste water systems. 3. What methods of learning helped you? Give specific examples and explain in detail. The main methods of learning that were helpful to me included demonstrations by professionals in the designs of water tanks, septic tank and reed beds who provided explanation of the design considerations in the design of these components as well as their functioning and maintenance practices. In addition, these professionals explained the right materials to be selected during the construction of water tanks, the capacity determination procedures and maintenance practices when the water tanks are operational. As a result of competence of the plumbers and tank designers, I was able to get quality information which provided the skills and competence to apply in involvement in a similar activity during the design and operation of water supply and waste water management systems. In addition, I was able to understand various concepts regarding a decentralized water and sewerage systems from various published books which contained information for the activities to be done during the design activities. For instance, the article published by Ackah, Agyemang, Anim, et al. (2011) provided strategies to be followed in the design of the reed bed and testing methods for suitability of water from the reed bed for irrigation purposes. The book by Delpla, Jung AV, Baures et al. (2009) provided me with the information about the design processes for concrete water tanks, chlorination tanks and the design of septic tanks. This article suggested the nature of materials to be used in designing the tank and maintenance procedures to be followed after the construction of the tank. 4. What methods of learning did not help you? Give specific examples and explain in detail.  An example of learning method that did not help me is the observation of activities done by professionals such as the process involved in selecting the materials for use in the construction of the water tanks and the septic tanks. This is because, through observation, there are the possibilities that certain significant information was neglected and it was not possible to get confidence in the design and construction of these components of water supply and waste water management systems. In addition, the learning method of introduction to various types of toilets to be used in the residential areas was not helpful to me because my area of focus was the design of the supply of clean water to the residential areas and the management of waste water from the residential areas such as wastes from toilets and not the design of toilets. Thus, time was lost that would have resulted into achievement of the objectives of the study within a short time. Another learning method that was not helpful to me is the illustration for the operating procedure of the water tank and chlorination tanks which were explained by the plumber. This is because; my area of interest was on the design of methods in which water supply should be ensured safe to the residential and not precautions to be taken when the water and sewerage system is already in operation. This resulted into ambiguity in the learning process. 5. What aspects of the subject objectives you are confident about? How do you know this? Give some examples. An example of an aspect of the objectives that I am confident about is the design procedures and considerations for the tank and the septic tank. For the tank, I am conversant with the capacity requirements to be considered during its construction such as determining the number of users and designing the tank so that it meets the requirements of the people expected to use its water. In a similar manner, I was able to understand the design considerations of the septic tank such as constructing the tank underground so that waste liquids from the residential areas can flow into it by gravity. For example, I have the confidence that I can construct a drawing that represents the design of the tank or septic tank to be constructed so that the construction process puts into account all the design requirements. Another aspect that I am confident about is the design considerations for the reed bed. This is because I am now aware of the right depth that the reed bed should have and the manner in which it operates. I am also aware of the location in which the reed bed needs to be placed as was learned that it has to be connected to the septic tank so that waste from the septic tank flows into it by gravity. I am also aware of various compositions of the reed bed that need to be introduced to enhance its operation such as macrophytes and microorganisms. For example, I have the knowledge of the microorganisms that need to be introduced into the reed bed so that decomposition of organic matter that flows into the reed bed can take place as a result of the activities of the microorganisms. 6. What aspects of the subject objectives you are not confident about? Why? What could you have done differently to gain more understanding? I am not confident with the aspect of the purification processes involved in ensuring large quantities of water is purified to be used by a large number of residents. This is because; I was not able to understand the form in which soda ash is added to the incoming water as the water enters the hardness removal point. I was also unable to understand the quantities of soda ash that needed to be added per liter of water that passes through the hardness removal point or the duration that water needs to take at the purification point so that all sediments are removed. The process of understanding this concept could have been improved if the ideas of specialists in water purification were sought so that the design operates at a high efficiency and low cost of inputs in the purification points. It could also be understood better by creating a schedule of activities involved in its design and construction so that all activities involved in the design and construction are carried out. The use of designs such as dimensions of the reed could also be used to enable a better understanding of the size of the reed bed required. 7. Which of the ‘graduate attributes’ you believe you have achieved as a result of completing this subject? Please give examples. As a result of completing this subject, I have achieved graduate attributes in the design, construction and maintenance of a decentralized clean, safe water supply system and waste water management system that meets the domestic needs of a particular population. For example, I have gained the competence in processes involved in pumping water from the source and subjecting it to a number of treatment processes before it is kept in a storage tank after which it is distributed. I have also gained a number of skills such as design considerations that need to be accounted for as a graduate in the design and construction of a decentralized water supply and sewerage management system. Another graduate attribute that gives me the competence in the design of supply of clean water and waste water management is the skills gained in the design of septic tanks and the reed bed. I can apply these skills in providing an advice to companies involved in construction of clean water supply and waste water management systems so that effectiveness of the system is achieved. References Ackah M, Agyemang O, Anim AK, et al. 2011. Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation: the case study of Teiman-Oyarifa Community, Ga East Municipality, Ghana. Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 1(3- 4): 186-194 Barati AH, Maleki A, Alasvand M. 2010. Multitrace elements level in drinking water and the prevalence of multi-chronic arsenical poisoning in residents in the west area of Iran. Science of the Total Environment, 408(7): 1523-1529 Delpla I, Jung AV, Baures E, et al. 2009. Impacts of climate change on surface water quality in relation to drinking water production. Environmental International, 35: 225-1233. Sayyed MRG, Wagh GS. 2011. An assessment of groundwater quality for agricultural use: a case study from solid waste disposal site SE of Pune, India. Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 1(3-4): 195-201. Tiwari RN. 2011. Assessment of groundwater quality and pollution potential of Jawa Block Rewa District, Madhya Pradesh, India. Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 1(3-4): 202-212. Read More

I got exposure into various types of water tanks with the majority being rain water tanks for harvesting rain water. During tank design, I got exposure into the need to ensure fittings are determined and the site where the tank should be placed should be in a level environment and free from stables, septic tanks or latrines. The main types of tanks I learned about include concrete tanks, metal tanks and roof tanks. I also learned that during collection of water, the main areas of consideration were to be volume of water needed and the roof catchment.

In terms of the reticulated water supply, it was expected that the average usage of water per day would be 300-700 L/day. It was also established that the recommended tank sizes for a decentralized water supply system is 750 liters to 50000 liters. I also learned about various roof sizes pertaining to various houses. For instance, for a small house, the roof size is 100-150m2, for a medium house roof size is 150-200m2 and for a large house roof size is 200m2 or greater. This acts as a determining factor on the amount of rain water harvested.

The main sources of contamination of rain water that I learned about include mosquitoes, chemicals such as pesticides and fecal materials from birds and lizards. The main maintenance practices for rain water tanks I learned about include inspection of the gutters, roof, inlets to tanks and testing the quality of water as well as desludging on a regular basis. The disinfection practices that I learned about include ultraviolet disinfection, the use of chemical chlorine and ozonation procedures.

I also learned about components of waste water such as grey water from the shower, laundry and kitchen; yellow water from urine, brown water from feaces and bio-waste from kitchen scraps, yard wastes and paper. I also learned about various types of latrines such as compost toilets, vacuum toilets and pit latrines. When I compared the advantages of various types of toilets, I observed that the most advantageous type of toilet to use was the vacuum toilets due to its ability to occupy a small space and its ease of maintenance.

The main composting procedures I got exposure into include the first septic tank for storing grey water, the sand filter and the disposal point where sub-surface irrigation methods were applicable. I learned that in designing a septic tank, the size of the tank is determined by the amount of water discharged from residential activities and the population in a particular area. The main components of a properly functioning septic tank that I learned about include the sludge point, the secondary treatment point where microbial aerobic digestion take place and the tertiary treatment point where additional solids and organic materials are removed after which the materials move to the reuse point.

I learned that it was possible to achieve efficiently operating septic tanks by use of Aerated Wastewater treatment Systems (AWTS). Its function was similar to that of an efficiently operating septic tank. It was also possible to determine the right volume for the septic tank, the aeration chamber volume and setting chamber volumes through application of formulas and substitution of various measures relating to the septic tanks. I learnt that in order to ensure separation of solid components of waste waters from liquid components, intermittent sand filters were used.

During the design of the sand filters, the main design characteristics that were observed include hydraulic loading rates, depth of filter bed and organic loading rates. These were determined by applying specific formulas and substituting the values of the tanks with respect to these characteristics into the equation. There was also an introductory study of hybrid systems septic tanks. Finally, various reuse options were learned such as sub-surface irrigation, preliminary car washing and toilet flushing.

I learned that in the design of reed beds, the main point of concern is to ensure it has the right amounts of macrophytes which trap solid materials and also contribute to slowing down the movement of materials along the reed bed to allow sedimentation.

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