Farm Water

Team Organization

Our team consists of six Civil Engineering students: Rayna Chen, Jad Haidar, Jonathan Ketchum, Ramon Mendoza, Harrison Read, and Matthew Wong.  Our mentor is Sepideh Janka, a PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering. We will be working with Andrew Rushmere of UBC Farm. Below is a list of each member’s role:

Leader: Jad Haidar

Blogger: Rayna Chen

Secretary: Harrison Read

Document Collector: Ramon Mendoza

Client Liaison: Jonny Ketchum

Instructor / Mentor Liaison: Matthew Wong

From Left: Matthew Wong, Jonathan Ketchum, Harrison Read, Jad Haidar, Rayna Chen, Ramon Mendoza; On Top: Sepideh Jankhah

Purpose

The objective of the CIRS Blackwater Recycling Nutrient project is to test for nutrients in the wastewater running through the living filter. This wastewater runs through various filters including organics, sands, and UV rays to purify the water.  The water source contains both grey matter and black matter.  Water that comes from the sink is categorized as grey water, while black water contains toilet water.  The nutrients that will be specifically tested for are Ammonia/Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus. The purpose of this testing is so UBC Farms can determine if they can use this same system for agricultural means.  Along with testing for nutrients, the wastewater will be tested for Fecal coliform counts, salmonella, and pathenogenic nematodes. Furthermore, research will be done on agricultural regulations to determine acceptable metal cation content for fertilizers and compare these to the Vancouver code for irrigation.

Significance

The Metro Vancouver area uses a centralized water treatment system where rain runoff, grey water, and black water are combined and treated.  By the CIRS undertaking this type of  wastewater treatment, it decreases the workload of the centralized water treatment system.

UBC Farms intends to adapt the water treatment system of the CIRS for use in an agricultural setting.  Currently, the farm uses potable water that is stripped of nutrients.  By treating the wastewater, UBC Farms will be able to recycle the water and the nutrients within it. These techniques are part of the UBC Farms research to provide a more sustainable environment for the surrounding population.