Establishing prototype systems for sediment reduction of Nyabarongo river water for agricultural use in Rwanda.

The erosion of sediments into Nyabarongo River results in water contamination of the river water utilized by small and medium scale farmers for agricultural activities such as irrigation. One possible solution of water contamination problem is a simple physical filter that could remove the settleable solids from river water. The objective of the study was to design, construct and test a low-cost water filtration model system for the Nyabarongo River to optimize the use of the river water for agricultural purposes in Rwanda and Costa Rica. Combinations of sand and gravel physical filters were tested for their water flow capacity and the efficiency of removing settleable solids from artificially contaminated water as compared to a control plastic filter that was locally available. A novel back flushing self-cleaning design was tested in order to provide a low cost sustainable solution for rural farmers, preventing the need to purchase additional filters over time. The treatment with layers of 50 % sand and 50 % gravel showed the greatest capacity during normal filtration with an adequate water flow. This filter also had the capacity to self-clean the filter through back flushing that resulted in the removal of more than 90 % of Settleable solids. The estimated materials cost for the project were USD 800 and USD 600 in Costa Rica and Rwanda, respectively. While this amount may prohibit small-scale farmers taking up the technology, it’s recommended for medium and large-scale farmers who will be able to afford the cost of installation over a number of years. Additionally, this technology could benefit more individual small-scale farmers and rural communities with additional governmental support and the promotion of this system by local nonprofit organizations that are working in the region to improve rural water quality and farmer livelihoods.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Tumushimiyimana, Devotha, Uwamahoro, Hilarie
Other Authors:	Gilman, Alex
Format:	info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis biblioteca
Language:	eng
Published:	Universidad EARTH 2019-12
Subjects:	TRATAMIENTO DEL AGUA, PURIFICACION DEL AGUA, USO DEL AGUA, AGRICULTURA, SEDIMENTO, RIOS, RWANDA, https://purl.org/pe-repo/ocde/ford#2.01.00,
Online Access:	https://repositorio.earth.ac.cr/handle/UEARTH/287
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