ABSTRACT
This study presents a comprehensive assessment of various water parameters in rainwater collected from an aluminum roof and treated with a built-in filtration system. The primary objective was to assess the system's performance and its influence on water quality. To achieve this, a prototype of the rainwater harvesting system was meticulously constructed and subjected to rigorous laboratory testing. The results unveiled a notable average filtration rate of approximately 1.097 cubic meters per hour (m³/hr), underscoring the system's efficiency in rainwater collection.
Moreover, the analysis of water quality parameters before and after treatment showcased significant enhancements in several critical factors. The pH level was successfully fine-tuned, transitioning from an initial 8.4 to a more neutral 8.0, aligning with recommended drinking water standards. The system effectively eliminated coloration, plummeting the color value from an initial 21 Pt-Co to an impressive 0 Pt-Co. Furthermore, noteworthy reductions were observed in total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, sulfate, zinc, iron, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total coliform bacteria. These improvements substantially augmented the visual clarity and safety of the collected rainwater, rendering it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Additionally, this study furnishes an estimated cost analysis for the actual installation of the real-time rainwater harvesting system. This analysis takes into account materials such as silicon, gauges, pipes, and storage tanks, resulting in a total estimated cost of ₦146,700.
In summary, this research underscores the promise of real-time rainwater harvesting systems integrated with filtration chambers as a sustainable and enhanced water source. The laboratory analysis unequivocally affirms the filtration system's efficacy in elevating water quality, positioning rainwater as a versatile resource for diverse applications.
