AquaRevive
Mud-shaped solution filled with microorganisms to purify river. Received $1500 in development grant.
Year
Location
August 2024-now
Jakarta, Indonesia
Category
Environmental Issues
The Problem
Serving as an extension of AquaRevive, this initiative see that removing waste from rivers is not enough. The next step must be to purify the polluted water from its pollutants and toxic chemicals.
As an example, let's take a look at the Ciliwung River.
Spanding for over 120km, this river supplies 80% of the capital's water. However, this river is also the most polluted in the country. Approximately 20,000 pieces of solid waste flow through the river every hour with 73% of its water considered heavily polluted. Research have reported that its contamination has detrimentally impacted the health of nearly 500,000 individuals.
A 2020 water lab report indicates that the Ciliwung River in three different locations contain levels of concentration beyond the quality standards
The Solution
Introduce effective microorganisms using balls of mud as carriers. Once the mud balls are released into the rivers, the mud releases the microorganisms as it begins to dissolve and disintegrate. These microorganisms can break down common toxic chemicals and organic pollutants such as dissolved oxygen, arsenic, nitrogen and phosphorus. As these pollutants are transformed into simpler compounds, they become vital nutrients for aquatic plant growth, revitalizing the ecosystem below.
Study & Evidence
I conducted an experiment with a water sample from the Grogol River, known for its murky water and strong odor. After applying the mudballs, the water showed significant improvement: it became clearer and less odorous over time. These changes indicate a reduction in bacterial populations and pollutants, confirming the potential of mud balls for improving water quality.
Day 0
Day 7
Day 14
Notice how the ball shape has broken down and the mud now lies on the ground.
Process Creation
Making the mud balls is a simple and synthetic-free process. It begins by mixing soil, rice bran, and water to form a mud-like consistency. Next, we incorporate the microbial inoculants into the mixture and shape it into balls approximately the size of a tennis ball. These mud balls are then exposed to direct sunlight and humidity. Once the outer layers develop a covering of white fungus, indicating solidification, they are ready for use. This process ensures that mass application of the mud balls is feasible due to the affordability and cost efficiency of the ingredients.
