Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
This study investigates the suitability of periwinkle shells as filter material. The study was carried out to investigate the possibility of local household using periwinkle shells which are available locally for water filtration and in commercial scale at water treatment plants. The availability of local materials for water filtration will help in alleviating the problem of water-borne diseases common in the rural areas. The study involves the evaluation of the physical and chemical properties of the periwinkle shells. The properties evaluated include the particle size distribution, specific gravity, permeability, solubility, water absorption and shape factor. Also, raw water samples from the well (ground water) and stream (surface water) were tested and analysed. The last stage involves a filtration test, in which the raw water samples were filtered through a bed of gravel and periwinkle shells. The filter water samples were tested and analysed. The results showed that the shells have specific gravity of 2.64, permeability of 5.07 � 10-3cm/sec, shape factor of 0.66 and water absorption of 4.79%. These show that the shells can be used as filter medium. Lastly, analysis of the water samples filtered through the filter bed of gravel and periwinkle shells showed increase in the pH, hardness, calcium and magnesium content while there was slight reduction in the values of turbidity, coliform and E.coli counts. The increase in the calcium and magnesium content in both the ground water and surface water can be beneficial in the treatment of rickets in children caused by deficiencies of calcium and magnesium.

Keywords: filtration, periwinkle shells, ground water, stream water, filter bed

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