Design of a sustainable biofilter to remove pollutants from well water using chitosan, date pits, zeolite and orange peels

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of a low-cost bio-based water filter composed of natural materials (chitosan, zeolite, date seed powder, and orange peel powder) in improving the quality of groundwater from wells in the Nineveh Plain to meet the national drinking water standards. Physical and chemical analyses were conducted before and after filtration, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, major ions, heavy metals, and chemical oxygen demand (COD).The results showed a significant reduction in contaminant levels after treatment, with removal efficiencies ranging from 35% to 83% depending on the parameter. The highest removals were observed for heavy metals such as copper (83%), zinc (81%), and iron (83%), along with a COD reduction of up to 82%. Total dissolved solids and turbidity were also notably decreased, and most final values complied with the permissible limits.These findings demonstrate that the proposed bio-based water filter is an effective, sustainable, and affordable solution for areas with limited resources and high-water contamination levels. It is recommended to implement this design in rural communities and to further develop it by adding disinfection layers or optimizing contact time to enhance performance