A “greywater treatment” pilot project using a green wall, carried out by the Tunisian Centre for Water Research and Technology – CERTE under the Nature Based Solutions for Domestic Water Reuse in Mediterranean Countries-NAWAMED project, was presented on Friday in Tunis.
Funded by the Cooperating Across Borders in the Mediterranean (ENI CBC MED) up to 90% with 10% co-financing from the Tunisian government, the NAWAMED project aims to encourage the transition to an integrated approach to water management and the efficient use of non-conventional water resources in Mediterranean countries, said CERTE Researcher Latifa Bousselmi.
The green wall is a system for treating unconventional water resources that is based not only on expertise in civil engineering and hydraulics, but also on close collaboration between experts in water management, agronomy, process engineering, sanitary engineering, architecture, landscape, etc., she further indicated, adding that this multidisciplinary approach helps make a holistic view and develop a sustainable solution, she added.
“This wall, as a plant system, can encourage the creation of an ecosystem and improve biodiversity. It reduces local temperatures and absorbs air pollution. It is also a component of green, sustainable cities, providing adaptation to climate change impacts,” she pointed out.
This pilot experiment, conducted in collaboration with the Tunisian National Institute of Agronomic (INAT) and “Les Jardins d’El Menzah” student dormitory, is based on the use of innovative, sustainable, water-saving and low-cost technologies and measures.
It is a sophisticated treatment reactor in which greywater, plants and substrates interact to eliminate or absorb pollution or nutrients. It is made up of a mixture of substrates chosen for their absorption and filtration capacities, or to play a specific role in the treatment process.
These substrates, together with the various plants that have been selected, allow several bacteria to develop at the roots of the plants, which contribute to the treatment. Once the water has been treated, it is stored and disinfected by UV radiation for use in flushing toilets. This advanced technology helps make the most of unconventional water by using it in a circular way.
Taking the floor, expert in non-conventional water resources managemnt Ahmed Ghouabi pointed to the need to make the most of greywater in order to address climate change and water stress, especially as it can be treated using simple technologies.
Greywater accounts for almost two-thirds of domestic wastewater, he indicated, calling on the State to adapt its water policies to the new challenges and technological developments in the Tunisian context.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse