Overview
Sustainable Biosolutions Pvt Ltd. (SUSBIO) has partnered with BITS Pilani Goa campus to install and operate a 1 MLD (Million Litres per Day) Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) sewage treatment plant. This facility serves the 3,500-strong residential college population, producing high-quality recycled water used entirely for toilet flushing and landscaping, thereby conserving millions of litres of water daily.
Problem
The BITS Pilani Goa campus previously relied on an outdated Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) sewage treatment plant. Despite its intended purpose, the MBBR STP consistently underperformed, resulting in subpar water treatment and numerous operational issues. The need for a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly solution became increasingly apparent, prompting the campus administration to seek a more viable alternative.
Solution
SUSBIO emerged as the ideal candidate to address these challenges, given their extensive expertise in wastewater treatment solutions. The company proposed the installation of a 1 MLD SBR sewage treatment plant, which promised superior performance and reliability compared to the existing MBBR system.
Key Features of the SBR STP
- Advanced Treatment Technology: The SBR process operates in batch mode, allowing for precise control over the treatment phases, including filling, aeration, settling, and decanting. This results in highly efficient removal of contaminants and production of high-quality effluent.
- Water Reuse: The treated water from the SBR STP is of such high quality that it is entirely reused for toilet flushing and landscaping within the campus, drastically reducing the dependency on fresh water sources.
- Operational Efficiency: The treated water from the SBR STP is of such high quality that it is entirely reused for toilet flushing and landscaping within the campus, drastically reducing the dependency on fresh water sources.
Implementation
SUSBIO’s implementation process was marked by meticulous planning and professional execution. Key steps included:
- Assessment and Planning: Detailed assessment of the existing MBBR STP and thorough planning to ensure a smooth transition to the new SBR system.
- Installation and Commissioning: Expert installation of the SBR plant, followed by rigorous testing and commissioning to ensure optimal performance from day one.
- Ongoing Management: SUSBIO has maintained the plant for the past ten years, ensuring continuous compliance with environmental standards and operational efficiency. Regular monitoring and maintenance have been pivotal in sustaining the plant’s performance.
Result and Conclusion
The SBR STP system installed by SUSBIO offers several significant advantages:
- Water Conservation: By reusing treated water for non-potable purposes, the system conserves millions of litres of fresh water daily, aligning with sustainable water management practices.
- Enhanced Treatment Efficiency: The SBR technology ensures superior removal of organic matter, nutrients, and pathogens, resulting in high-quality effluent suitable for reuse.
- Cost Savings: Reduced dependency on fresh water and lower maintenance requirements translate to substantial cost savings for the campus.
- Environmental Benefits: The efficient treatment and reuse of wastewater contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing water wastage and minimizing the ecological footprint of the campus.