Authors : Ali Muhammad Kole; Umar Jiddum Jidda; Abdulsalam Muhammad Shuwa; Saala Yakubu Saala; Abba Jato Ibrahim; Ishaq Iliyas Ishaq; Aliyu Hassan Muhammad; Ibrahim Umar Asheikh

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/cf3sp3j8

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4ck6wmxv

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25nov1555

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Abstract : This study designed, fabricated, and evaluated a low-cost, gravity-fed mini water treatment system using four sequential 20-L buckets filled with locally available materials—gravel, sand, sawdust, and rice husk—to treat raw river water from the Alau River in Borno State, Nigeria, for irrigation purposes. Raw and treated water samples were analyzed for turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), volatile suspended solids (VSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), colour, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), nutrients, and heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd) using standard laboratory procedures. The results showed that the untreated river water had elevated turbidity, suspended solids, colour, and organic load, indicating significant pollution. After treatment, notable improvements were recorded, including average reductions of 56% in turbidity (16.13 → 7.11 NTU), 54% in TSS (39.08 → 17.86 mg/L), approximately 60% in VSS, 50–60% in BOD5, and 56% in colour (141.33 → 62 Pt-Co). pH, TDS, and nutrient levels remained within acceptable limits for irrigation. Heavy metals were partially removed—such as Pb from 2.28 to 0.19 mg/L—but concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr still exceeded irrigation standards in some samples. The system proved simple, effective, and sustainable, significantly improving water clarity and reducing organic pollutants and clogging risk in irrigation systems using only low-cost, locally sourced materials. However, supplementary adsorption media such as activated carbon, biochar, or modified clay are recommended to achieve complete heavy-metal removal. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of affordable natural filtration materials for decentralized water treatment in resource-constrained agricultural communities.

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