05-09-2012, 10:36 AM
Purificat ion of Waste Water with Effective Microorganisms and its
Utilization in Agriculture
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Abstract.
The potential of using Effective Microorganisms (EM) to purify waste water, including that of
a sewage system, for recycling purposes was evaluated. The studies were extended to examine
the potential of using treated sewage sludge as a fertilizer in crop production.
Long term application of EM reduced the adverse characteristics of waste water. The quality
of the treated water was high, which indicated its potential use for reuse without health
hazards. It also enhanced crop growth as measured by its effects on cucumber. Application of
EM products to tap water also eliminated the ill effects generally found in chlorinated water.
The treated city water was more effective in promoting plant growth.
Application of EM to sewage sludge enhanced its value as a fertilizer. Plant growth was
enhanced in contrast to application of untreated sludge, which had toxic effects. The value of
EM in sanitation programs and the potential of recycling wastes after treatment for nature
farming at a low cost is presented on the basis of these studies.
Introduction
Urbanization in global terms is a concept that cannot be ignored. The lack of employment
opportunities in the rural economies, greater attraction of the cities, the dreams and aspirations
of rural youth and all contributing to the migration of people into cities. This creates many
problems, economically, socially and environmentally.
While the economic and social problems need policies at the highest levels of decision
making, the environmental problems are faced by the local authorities. Furthermore, the
problems created by mass influxes of people into cities are more visible to the people. The
collection of garbage, foul smell and the out flow of city sewage are all problems that need
immediate solutions to make cities habitable for humankind, and preserve at least a
moderately clean and disease free environment.
Materials and Methods
The program of research carried out at the University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan from
August 1995 -January, 1997 consisted of three experiments. The waste water and sewage was
obtained from the waste disposal facility at the Gushikawa City library, which caters for
approximately 500 people every week day and over 100 people on weekends. The facility
maintained at this library uses the active sludge method and has the capacity of collecting the
wastes of 160 humans. Its system contains a primary tank, second tank and a third, which
collects water filtered from the second tank.
EM had been used for treating waste water in this library from 1992. The treatments that had
been used were as follows :
February 1992 -The addition of 10 liters of EM1 and 2 liters from EM2 and EM 3 to the
second tank of the sewage system. Thereafter, 2 liters of EM1 and .0.5 liters of EM 2 and 3
has been added to the same tank every three months.
This practice is being continued at present.