Development of a Multilayer Filter for Effluent Treatment Using Rock and Agro-Industrial Residues

Human activity, particularly in industrial sectors, is one of the main contributors to waste generation, which negatively impacts the environment. Among these impacts, water contamination from industrial effluents stands out, highlighting the need for efficient water treatment technologies.

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In this context, this Scientific Initiation project aims to develop and evaluate a multilayer filtration system using filter media produced from agro-industrial and rock residues, promoting sustainable practices and contributing to environmental preservation. Considering the economic and industrial importance of southern Espírito Santo, coffee husk, representing agro-industrial waste, and sludge from granite processing, representing rock waste, were selected as study materials.

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The filtration system will be designed, sized, and constructed in acrylic, with either cylindrical or rectangular configurations to facilitate visualization of the separation and adsorption processes involved in effluent treatment. The equipment will include a vacuum pump to enhance filtration efficiency, as well as sampling points to monitor the water’s physical parameters throughout the process.

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The filter will be built at the Laboratory of Transport Phenomena and Unit Operations (LaFTOP) at the Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre campus, with the participation of the scholarship holders and the project coordinator. After construction, the equipment will be transported and installed at the Aristeu Aguiar State Full-Time Elementary and High School in Alegre (ES), where it will be used for practical activities related to filtration, water analysis, and demonstration of the system’s operation.

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The filter media will also be prepared at LaFTOP. Coffee husks will undergo pyrolysis to produce activated carbon, while granite sludge will be filtered and processed to obtain particulate material suitable for use in the filter. During the project, periodic meetings will be held between the scholarship holders, tutor, and coordinator, either at the school or at UFES.

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The project is expected to identify an optimized filtration configuration for water treatment and demonstrate the potential for reusing residues as filter media. Additionally, the initiative aims to foster scientific thinking among participating students, bringing them closer to the academic environment and encouraging higher education enrollment, while promoting sustainable solutions for environmental preservation.

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Status: Ongoing
Type: Outreach

Members: Robson Costa de Sousa (Coordinator); Gustavo Rodrigues de Souza; Edilton Nunes da Silva; Gustavo Abreu Coelho.