| dc.description.abstract | Advancements in technology used by manufacturers and processing industries leads to the generation of industrial waste channeled into water bodies and a high output of agricultural waste. The poor disposal of these wastes can be catastrophic if they are not considered for recycling. The aim of this project was to investigate the feasibility of using high density polyethylene plastic and rice husks. The raw materials were collected from Kawanda research centre and plastic processing industries. The plastic was cut into small pieces of either a square or rectangular shape to allow them melt faster when subjected to high temperatures. The rice husks were as well burnt to form a biochar through a process called pyrosis. The outcomes from the above processes were combined while referring to three different ratios to form solid compounds. These solid compounds were further machined to create provision for the filtration of water, collected from Kinawataka swamp in Kireka. The water collected from the swamp was tested for different parameters like metal composition, pH, apparent color, turbidity, electro conductivity and temperature. After filtration, the metal concentration, turbidity, pH and apparent color were found to decrease, the electro-conductivity and temperature remained constant. Among the metal concentrations found in the water which include: aluminum, copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and lead, one filter was able to eliminate lead completely to 0%. This is a good result because the elimination of lead from water that is consumed by humans prohibits the enhancement of cancer cells in human bodies. This project therefore further shows its efficient to utilize agricultural waste to prevent their poor disposal that could lead to air pollution and recommends column filters with additional mediums should be developed to improve the filtration of water that is consumed by disadvantaged communities. | en_US |
