A REPORT TAITILED
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS FOR CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
NATIONAL TALENT FEST SHRUJANA 2023
SUBMITTED BY
KATA GANESH KUMAR
URUM HARSHAVARDHAN
SEENDRUM V.V. SUBRAHMANYAM
JANDHYALA DHARMA TEJA
CHIKKIREDDI V.V.S.S MANIKANTA
21A95A0103
21A95A0119
21A95A0104
20A91A0115
20A91A0107
UNDER THE ESTEEMED GUIDENCE OF
LAKSHMI PANUGANTI, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR (M. Tech., PHD.)
ADITYA ENGINEERING COLLEGE (A)
Approved by AICTE, Permanently Affiliated to JNTUK & Accredited by NAAC with‘A’
GradeRecognized by UGC under the sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC act 1956 Aditya
Nagar, ADB Road - Surampalem – 533437, E.G.Dist., A.P.,
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The principal reason of issues with clean water and sanitation is the rapid growth of urbanization,
which also creates other issues like tedious management of sanitation systems and sewage treatment,
leading to the direct discharge of the majority of sewage into water bodies and other agricultural fields,
which not only increases the amount of sewage but also affects the health rates of most cities.
Many diseases can be contracted by consumption or direct contact with water contaminated by human,
chemical, or industrial pollutants. Dengue, filariasis, malaria, onchocerciasis, trypanosomiasis, and
yellow fever are among the diseases associated with water. Thus, the availability of clean drinking
water and the proper disposal of human waste have the greatest influence on the development and
public health of a nation.
In developing countries, 300 million urban residents have no access to sanitation and it is mainly lowincome urban dwellers who are affected by lack of sanitation infrastructure. Approximately two-thirds
of the population in the developing world has no hygienic means of disposing excreta and an even
greater number lack adequate means of disposing of total wastewater.
The main problem is the uncollected plastic waste, which accounts for 40% dumped in landfills,
clogging water bodies and polluting streets. This unmanaged plastic waste makes it easy to enter
animal bellies and simultaneously to the plastic crisis and overproduction of plastic. 60% of the plastic
waste collected is not recycled, and there are many reasons why every kind of plastic is not recycled.
By this, we can understand that only a small percentage of plastics are recycled, and the remaining all
end up in landfills. It is identified that in worldwide around 30% of plastic is of single use. Ocean
plastic waste is also a severe problem in India; according to a study by Phew Trusts (2022), the plastic
waste entering oceans is at an annual rate of 11 metric tons, harming marine life and damaging habitats.
If it continues, it poses a considerable risk, especially in waterways and when wind pushes the plastics
deeper into the oceans. The oceans around Mumbai, Kerala, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are
among the world’s most polluted. Plastic waste impacts at least 267 species worldwide, including 86%
of sea turtle species, 44% of seabird species, and 43% of marine mammal species.
83% of our drinking water contains plastic. Studies show that consuming plastic could lead to cancer,
effects on hormone levels, and heart damage. Plastics have been found in the blood of even new born
babies. So, by all of this we can understand that it is global concern to attend this problem in a
sustainable manner.
ABSTRACT
Clean, accessible water and adequate sanitation for everyone is important for better livelihood. Despite
of sufficient fresh water, millions of people lose their life from disease associated with inadequate
water supply and poor status of sanitation and hygiene, children to be mostly affected. According to
UN, each day, 1,000 children die due to preventable water and sanitation related diarrheal diseases.
Beside health, poor water quality and inadequate sanitation might negatively affect educational
opportunity of a child. There are still many countries around the world that have not been able to
maximize the supply of clean water to every corner of the city for several reasons. Addressing the issue
of clean water must be viewed as a worldwide problem, and so must be tackled in a global framework.
A universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation and
hygiene can be gained if the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water and sanitation
are achieved. The issue of clean water will be inextricably linked to other global goals, such as a world
without poverty, a world without hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender
equality, clean and affordable energy, and so on, until the importance of partnerships to achieve these
goals is recognized.
The idea which is helpful in achieving sustainable development goal regarding CLEAN WATER &
SANITATION would be developing a new sustainable product with eco-friendly materials which
fulfills the objectives of clean water as well as sanitation. Based on the principle REDUCE, REUSE,
RECYCLE, AND RECOVERY, the product is made of materials like corn starch, banana peels,
avocado seeds, sugar, vegetable derivates, plant seeds etc. The main aim is to design a product which
should replace all the single use plastic products which is the major contributor to plastic waste
problems. The product will function in both ways as a soil manure or plant generating material and as
a water filtering agent. The product can be made by taking the aid of bioplastic technology, chemical
science and seed embedding method. The product is made by taking corn starch or any other
biodegradable material as a base for preparation which is then incorporated with fine particles of useful
plant seeds and it is then combined with Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) immobilized with activated
carbon and it is molded into desired shapes and sizes. If that new product is disposed to soil it will
decompose and gives strength to the soil or a plant can be grown out of that and if it is in contact with
waste water, the base materials will disintegrate and soluble in the sewage which helps in activating
the BAC immobilized activated carbon which further acts as a filtering agent.
``
1.WHY PLASTIC IS A GLOBAL ISSUE?
Due to the fact that plastic items have become an essential element of daily life, the polymer is
produced on a large scale around the world. Global plastic manufacturing averages 150 million tons
each year. Later it has a wide range of uses, including packaging films, gift wrap, garbage and shopping
bags, fluid containers, apparel, toys, domestic and industrial goods, and construction supplies. Around
70% of plastic packaging items are estimated to be quickly transformed into plastic garbage. A total
of 26,000 TPD2 or 9.4 million TPA of plastic garbage is produced in the nation. Around 60% of
material gets recycled, the most of it by the unorganized sector. Despite the fact that India's recycling
rate is far greater than the 20% global average, there are still over 9,400 tons of plastic debris that are
either landfilled or end up contaminating groundwater or streams. Certain types of plastic do not
disintegrate at all, while others may take up to 450 years. Mostly plastic garbage is recyclable, however
recycled items with chemicals and colors hurt the environment more. A virgin plastic material can
only be recycled two to three times before it begins to degrade due to thermal pressure and lost some
of its useful life. Hence, recycling is not a reliable and long-term method of getting rid of plastic
garbage.
1.1 GROUND WATER AND SOIL POLLUTION
Plastic is a material designed to survive forever, and because of the same chemical makeup, it cannot
biodegrade; instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic remains untreated in a
landfill for years. Toxic chemicals from plastics leak out and seep into groundwater, eventually moving
downstream into lakes and rivers. Plastic seepage also pollutes the soil and has recently resulted in the
existence of microplastics.
1.2 POLLUTION IN OCEANS & DANGEROUS EFFECTS
More significant issues have arisen as a result of the rising amount of plastic on the ocean's surface.
The majority of plastic waste that enters the ocean floats there for years since it doesn't degrade rapidly,
which lowers the oxygen content of the water and threatens the existence of marine life. Things like
plastic are not absorbable and cannot be recycled since they are non-degradable. Inadvertent plastic
consumption by marine life, including birds, results in choking, which reduces the population of such
species. Plastic's detrimental impacts on aquatic life are terrible and growing worse. The plastic is
ingested by smaller and smaller creatures (as it breaks down into smaller and smaller particles) and
bio accumulates in greater and greater concentrations up the food chain with humans at the top in
addition to suffocation, ingestion, and other macro-particulate causes of death in larger birds, fish, and
mammals. Even the smallest marine organisms, plankton, consume microplastics and take in their toxic
compounds. The small, degraded particles of plastic are displacing the algae necessary to support
bigger marine life that consumes them.
➢ Oil is used in the creation of plastics, which results in significant pollution. Polymers simply
do not dissolve; instead, they disintegrate into minute particles that move about the
environment. It might take up to 1000 years for a single water bottle to decompose.
➢ The world's worst plastic pollution is found in Asia. More than 1 billion pounds of plastic were
thrown into our oceans by the Philippines alone. It amounts to more than 118,000 trucks. Our
oceans are projected to contain more garbage than fish in 30 years.
83% of our drinking water contains plastic. Studies show that consuming plastic could lead to cancer,
effects on hormone levels, and heart damage. Plastics have been found in the blood of even new born
babies
➢ Plastics have an impact on more than 600 marine species. Around 45000 marine species have
consumed plastic, and 80% of them suffered harm or perished. Polymers have the potential to
suffocate, starve, entangle, lose bodily parts, and puncture animals from the inside.
The "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" is an island of waste that has developed as a result of plastics
travelling with ocean currents. In our oceans, garbage islands have grown to be many.
A type of flame retardants known as halogens is created when plastic is burned. These dangerous
substances are known to collectively lead to the following serious health issues:
Multiple organ damage, cancer, endometriosis, neurological harm, endocrine disruption, birth
deformities, child developmental abnormalities, reproductive harm, immunological harm, and asthma
PIECHART REPRESENTING PERCENTAGE OF PLASTIC USED IN DIFFERENT SECTORS
2.PLASTIC WASTE GENERATION IN INDIA
According to the reports for year 2017-18, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has estimated that
India generates approximately 9.4 million tons per annum plastic waste, (which amounts to 26,000
tons of waste per day), and out of this approximately 5.6 million tons per annum plastic waste is
recycled (i.e., 15,600 tons of waste per day) and 3.8 million tons per annum plastic waste is left
uncollected or littered (9,400 tons of waste per day). While these stats are 38% higher than the global
average of 20%, there is no comprehensive methods in place for plastic waste management.
Additionally, there is a constant increase in plastics waste generation. One of the major reasons for
this is that 50% of plastic is discarded as waste after single use. This also adds to increase in the carbon
footprint since single use of plastic products increase the demand for virgin plastic products.
PLASTIC WASTE GENERATION AND RECYCLING
LEFT
RECYCLED
GENERATED
9.4 MILLION TONS
5.6 MILLON TONS
3.8 MILLION TONS
PIECHART REPRESENTING PLASTIC GENERATION IN INDIA ACCORDING TO CPCB IN YEAR 2017-18
2.1 SINGLE USE PLASTIC
The Coca-Cola Corporation is once more attempting to sell consumers on its recycling efforts, after
decades of inability to recycle more than a very small fraction of its plastic packaging. The worst
plastic polluter in the world, according to research, is Coca-Cola. At 200,000 bottles per minute, it can
produce 3 million tonnes of plastic packaging annually. The Coca-Cola Company acknowledges that
it generates 3 million tonnes of plastic packaging annually. Since packaged food is the fastest growing
segment, it is expected to fuel the demand of plastic packaging in India. Besides Food & Beverage,
pharmaceuticals are another major user of packaging.
2.2 CASE STUDIES RELATED TO PLASTIC GARBAGE
The use of plastic affects not only animal welfare, but also those who eat milk from bovine animals
who are permitted to go free and return at night to their owners, Plastic polymers are carcinogenic
whether they are eaten on livestock or on humans, and they are particularly dangerous to human. health
when they drink milk or meat from cattle that have swallowed plastic, often in stupendous quantity.
Not only the cows, different aquatic life is in danger due to microplastics
As per the data submitted by the Rajasthan government in the state Assembly which was accessed by
India Today, close to 1,000 bovine animals, including cows, have died in the last four years due to the
consumption of garbage.
➢ More than 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine animals die from plastic pollution every
year. 100% of baby sea turtles have plastic in their stomachs. There is now 5.25 trillion macro
and micro pieces of plastic in our ocean & 46,000 pieces in every squar e mile of ocean,
weighing up to 269,000 tonnes.
➢ The world produces 381 million tonnes in plastic waste yearly – this is set to double by 2034.
50% of this is single-use plastic & only 9% has ever been recycled.
➢ The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is around 1.6 million square kilometers – bigger than the
Texas.
A MAP OF GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH
DEATH OF WHALE DUE TO CONSUMPTION OF PLASTIC
WASTE RECOVERED FROM THE WHALE
2.3 IS RECYCLING THE SOLUTION?
Plastic is non-biodegradable, which means that it can never return back to nature. With no standardised
model to fall back on, plastic ends up with the rest of our garbage in landfills. Without proper sorting,
about 40% of plastic trash mixes with other waste in landfills. All this sitting waste degrades the air
and creates an unbearable stench for residents living in the surrounding areas. The groundwater in the
area is polluted, leading to highly toxic substances being ingested by humans and animals.
In other instances, plastic ends up being dumped in rivers that eventually flow into the ocean along
with the trash. This trash eventually gets pulled into a ginormous vortex of marine debris, known as
an ocean garbage patch. These garbage patches are growing in size, the largest one being the Great
Pacific Garbage Patch. There are also four more clusters of garbage in the Indian ocean, South Atlantic
Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean and South Pacific Ocean. With the currents constantly shifting the waste
around, the exact size of these patches as well as the amount of waste in them remains unclear. At this
point, it might be impossible to ever completely get rid of these gigantic patches, and we can only hope
that they don’t expand as rapidly as they are currently.
Though plastics cannot degrade, each plastic continues to break into smaller and smaller pieces, until
they become microscopic in size. These microplastics are ingested by various fish and sea creatures,
who are prey to other sea creatures, and us! All of the plastic that we throw away has the potential to
reach us again, in a rather deadly manner.
Pieces of plastics cause harm before they even reach one of the garbage patches in the ocean. These
pieces get stuck onto the bodies or even within various organisms that live in the sea: Reports of turtles
dying from getting plastic straws caught in their nostrils, or fish getting stuck in discarded plastic
fishing equipment are abound.
At this point, recycling to curb the growing waste problem comes to us as the only viable solution.
Recycling is certainly something that we should all implement in our lives, but it isn’t a holistic
solution. Plastics can be upcycled, which means reusing them creatively, and they can also be
downcycled into lower quality. Durable items like bottle caps and certain containers can be recycled
more than once.
3. SEWAGE ANALYSIS
Sewage treatment plants (STPs) in India are able to treat a little more than a third of the sewage
generated per day, according to the latest report of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The released recently CPCB report has been compiled on the basis of information received from the
state pollution control boards about STPs. The collation, compilation and analysis of data has been
carried out with respect to installed capacity, operational capacity and actual utilization.
India generated 72,368 MLD (million liters per day) whereas the installed capacity of STPs was 31,841
MLD (43.9 per cent), according to the report.
Of this installed capacity, developed and operationalized capacity was 26,869 MLD (84 per cent). Of
the total operationalized capacity, 20,235 MLD (75 per cent) was the actual utilized capacity. In other
words, out of total 72,368 MLD sewage generated every day, only 20,235 MLD is treated.
The percentage of recycled wastewater is highest in Haryana (80%), followed by Pondicherry (55%),
Delhi (50%), Chandigarh (35%), Tamil Nadu (25%), Madhya Pradesh (20%) and Andhra Pradesh
(5%).
PERCENTAGE OF RECYCLED WASTEWATER
HARYANA
PONDICHERRY
DELHI
TAMIL NADU
MADHYA PRADESH
ANDHRA PRADESH
CHANDIGARH
3.1 TREATMENT PLANTS
India's sewage treatment plants only treat 1/3rd of the total sewage generated per day.
Out of the generated 72,368 million liters per day, sewage treatment plants in India are only able to
treat a grand total of 31,841 million liters a day. Out of this, over 60% of the sewage distribution plants
are located primarily in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Karnataka.
Over 90% of all sewage plants are located in 10 states and Union Territories - Something that should
be changing as time goes forward.
State
Number of STPs Installed
Maharashtra
154
Gujarat
70
Uttar Pradesh
107
NCT Delhi
38
Karnataka
140
Haryana
153
Madhya Pradesh
126
Punjab
1781
Tamil Nadu
63
Rajasthan
114
Telangana
37
West Bengal
50
Andhra Pradesh
66
Uttarakhand
71
Odisha
14
Chandigarh
7
Jammu and Kashmir
24
Himachal Pradesh
78
Kerala
7
Chhattisgarh
3
Goa
11
Puducherry
3
Daman, Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli
3
Jharkhand
2
Sikkim
6
Bihar
1
Mizoram
1
Tripura
1
Total
1469
STATEWISE TREATMENT PLANTS
Sewage Treatment
Plants
Number of Sewage Treatment
Plants
Capacity of Sewage Treatment
Plants
Operational
1093
26869 MLD
Actual Utilization
1093
20235
Compliance
578
12197
Non-Operational
102
1406
Under Construction
274
3566
Total
1469
31841
Proposed
162
4827
BRIEF DATA ABOUT THE TREATMENT PLANTS
3.2 CASE STUDY ON SEWAGE AND MICROPLASTIC CONSUMPTION
As many as 347 people have died while cleaning sewers and septic tanks in India in the last five years,
with Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Delhi accounting for 40% of these fatalities, according to
government data. Responding to a question in Lok Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister
Virendra Kumar on July 19 said 92 such deaths were recorded in 2017, 67 in 2018, 116 in 2019, 19
in 2020, 36 in 2021 and 17 deaths in 2022.
These very tiny plastic particles are killing more than 1 million people each year.
4. MUNCIPAL SOLID WASTE
Municipal Wastes are the wastes normally generated from commercial and household activities. They
do not include wastes from construction or demolition activities. Open dumping of such wastes
contaminates the water bodies. Public health is also threatened as these wastes attract vector-borne
diseases. A considerable increase in municipal solid wastes can be seen due to the rising urbanization
and lifestyle changes. Urban India generates around 62 million tons of municipal solid waste every
year. Note that, municipal waste generates some amount of plastic waste as well.
5. HOW MUCH BUDJET DO GOVERNAMENT SPENDING ON TREATMENT
AS WELL AS SANITATION
In five years to 2020-’21, the government allocated an annual average of Rs 27,413 crore ($3.8 billion),
or 1.1% of the budget, to the departments of water resources, river development and Ganga
rejuvenation, and drinking water and sanitation. In five years to 2020-’21, the government allocated
an annual average of Rs 27,413 crore ($3.8 billion), or 1.1% of the budget, to the departments of water
resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation, and drinking water and sanitation.
India’s water budget is big compared to other South Asian countries’, as we detail later, but studies
estimate that this must exceed 3% of the estimated gross domestic product in 2030 to provide for
sustainable water management.
INNOVATIVE IDEA
As per the analysis on sewage treatment, sanitation and plastic garbage issues. We can conclude that
government need spend lot of money on treating all the sewage and completely eradicating plastic and
also the water which is having the less contaminates also mixing up with the sewage and increasing its
quantity which is very tedious to handle. Nearly so much solid municipal waste is disposed which
consists of useful matter as well.
By totally or partially replacing the single use plastic with new innovative product which is capable in
generating plant and acts as a filtering agent when it is mixed with water. The principal method is to
incorporate plantable seeds and Benzalkonium chloride immobilized activated carbon particles with
the bio polymers which are made by taking biodegradable materials as base. The products may be
bottles, food packaging sheets, gifts and gadget wraps, pharmaceutical packaging etc…
According to our research
6.1 ACTIVATED CARBON
Activated carbon is widely used for water treatment and purification, and it offers several benefits for
this purpose. Some of the benefits of activated carbon related to water treatment are:
Adsorption of Contaminants: Activated carbon is an excellent adsorbent, which means it can
effectively remove contaminants from water. It works by attracting and binding organic and inorganic
pollutants to its surface, which makes the water safer to drink.
Removal of Odor and Taste: Activated carbon can also remove unpleasant tastes and odors from
water. It is particularly effective in removing chlorine, which is commonly used to disinfect water, but
can leave a strong taste and odor.
Reduction of Chlorine and Disinfection Byproducts: As mentioned, activated carbon can remove
chlorine from water, which is beneficial for people who are sensitive to its taste and odor. Additionally,
it can reduce the formation of disinfection byproducts, which can be harmful to human health.
Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Activated carbon is effective in removing
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water, which are often produced by industrial processes or
found in groundwater. These compounds can cause a variety of health problems if consumed in high
enough concentrations.
Reduction of Heavy Metals: Activated carbon can reduce the concentration of heavy metals, such as
lead, mercury, and arsenic, in water. These metals can be harmful to human health if ingested in high
enough quantities.
Overall, activated carbon is a highly effective and versatile tool for water treatment and purification,
and its benefits make it a popular choice for households, industries, and municipalities.
6.2 BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound that is commonly used as a disinfectant
and antiseptic. In water treatment, it is used as a biocide to control the growth of algae, bacteria, and
other microorganisms that can contaminate water supplies.
Benzalkonium chloride works by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, causing them to
die. It is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
In water treatment, benzalkonium chloride is typically used in small concentrations, typically in the
range of 0.1 to 1.0 parts per million (ppm). It is often used in conjunction with other water treatment
chemicals, such as chlorine or ozone, to provide multiple layers of protection against microbial
contamination.
While benzalkonium chloride is an effective disinfectant, it can have negative impacts on aquatic
ecosystems if it is released into the environment. For this reason, it is important to use benzalkonium
chloride in accordance with local regulations and best practices to minimize the risk of environmental
harm.
Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) can be immobilized on activated carbon through adsorption.
Adsorption is the process by which a substance, in this case BAC, adheres to the surface of a solid
material, in this case activated carbon.
The mechanism of BAC immobilization on activated carbon involves a combination of physical and
chemical interactions. The positively charged quaternary ammonium group of BAC interacts with the
negatively charged surface of activated carbon through electrostatic attraction. The hydrophobic tail
of BAC interacts with the hydrophobic surface of activated carbon through van der Waals forces.
The immobilization of BAC on activated carbon can be enhanced by adjusting the pH of the solution.
At low pH, the surface of activated carbon becomes positively charged, which increases the attraction
between the positively charged BAC and the activated carbon surface. Additionally, the presence of
other ions in the solution can also affect the adsorption of BAC on activated carbon.
Once immobilized on activated carbon, BAC can be used for various applications, such as water
treatment, as a disinfectant, and as a preservative in personal care products. The immobilization of
BAC on activated carbon improves its stability and effectiveness, as well as reduces the risk of leaching
into the environment.
The immobilization of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) onto activated carbon typically involves a
physical adsorption process. Here are the general steps:
Preparation of activated carbon: The activated carbon should be prepared by washing with distilled
water and drying in an oven at a suitable temperature.
Preparation of BAC solution: A BAC solution is prepared by dissolving a suitable amount of BAC
in distilled water. The concentration of the solution can vary depending on the intended application.
Mixing of activated carbon with BAC solution: The activated carbon is mixed with the BAC solution
using a suitable mixing device to ensure proper distribution of BAC onto the surface of the activated
carbon.
Incubation: The mixture of activated carbon and BAC solution is incubated for a suitable period of
time to allow the BAC to adsorb onto the surface of the activated carbon.
Washing: After incubation, the mixture is washed with distilled water to remove any unadsorbed
BAC.
Drying: The BAC-immobilized activated carbon is then dried at a suitable temperature to remove any
residual moisture.
The resulting BAC-immobilized activated carbon can then be used for water treatment applications.
The efficiency of the immobilization process can be optimized by varying the concentration of BAC
solution, pH of the solution, and contact time between BAC and activated carbon.
6.3 BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS
Biodegradable polymers are materials that can be broken down by natural processes such as
microorganisms, sunlight, or moisture. The process for making biodegradable polymers can vary
depending on the specific material and application, but here are some general steps:
Material Selection: Choose a biodegradable material based on the desired properties of the final
product, such as strength, flexibility, and degradation rate. Raw materials that can be used for bioplastic
preparation are avocado seeds, corn starch, sugarcane pulp and other vegetable derivatives.
Monomer Synthesis: Monomers are the building blocks of polymers. Synthesize monomers from
natural or renewable sources, such as plant-based sugars, vegetable oils, or starches.
Polymerization: Polymerization is the process of linking together monomers to form a polymer. This
can be done through a variety of methods, such as condensation polymerization or ring-opening
polymerization.
Additives: Additives can be added to improve the properties of the polymer, such as plasticizers,
stabilizers, or colorants.
Processing: The polymer is then processed into its final form, such as pellets, film, or fibers, through
techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, or electrospinning.
Biodegradation: Once the product reaches the end of its useful life, it can be broken down by natural
processes such as composting, soil burial, or marine biodegradation.
It is important to note that the biodegradation process can be affected by various factors, such as the
environment, temperature, and moisture content. Additionally, the biodegradability of a material can
varies depending on the specific conditions of disposal.
6.4 SEED EMBEDDING TECHNOLOGY
Seed embedding technology is a process used to encapsulate seeds in a protective shell or coating that
provides them with essential nutrients and protection during germination and early growth stages. This
technology involves the use of various materials, such as polymers, biodegradable materials, and
hydrogels, to create a protective layer around the seed.
The seed embedding process typically involves the following steps:
Seed Selection: Selecting high-quality seeds with desirable traits is the first step in the seed embedding
process.
Coating Material Selection: The appropriate coating material is selected based on the type of seed,
soil conditions, and the desired rate of germination.
Seed Coating: The selected coating material is applied to the seed using a coating machine that applies
the coating evenly and efficiently.
Drying: The coated seeds are then dried to remove any excess moisture and to ensure that the coating
adheres to the seed.
Packaging: The coated seeds are then packaged and stored in a dry, cool, and dark environment until
they are ready to be planted.
The benefits of seed embedding technology include improved seed germination rates, increased plant
vigor and growth, enhanced disease resistance, and reduced need for pesticides and fertilizers.
Additionally, the use of biodegradable materials in seed coatings can also reduce the environmental
impact of traditional seed treatments.
7. HOW IT WORKS?
The product will decompose in soil only when it is in contact with soil and moisture releasing the plant
seeds to germinate. As the material we use here is biodegradable, it gives extra strength to the soil and
acts as supplement for plant growth. If the hostile conditions raised and stopping seed to germinate
also does not cause any harm as the materials are ecofriendly.
The product is such that it acts as a filtering agent when it is mixed with water and left for hours. In
order to resist the product from chemical process when it is in using stage the inside portion of the
product can be coated with gelatin or any other best anti water resistive and protective substance. The
filtering substance ( BAC+AC) which is in a micro particle form will be in dormant state unless the
favorable conditions are present. The process happens in three stages, COAGULATION,
FLOCULATION AND DISINFECTION. All the process is time dependent activating different stages
with respect to time. The product should be designed further in such a way that it should function both
the processes according to the circumstances with any other appropriate materials as required.
7.1 BENEFITS
Apart from different plastic production problems like fossil fuel use, toxic emission, nonbiodegradability etc. This can fulfil the following
People
➢ Deaths due to microplastic water consumption can be minimized.
➢ Diseases associated with unclean water and plastic can be drastically reduced.
➢ Indirectly helping the environment.
➢ Especially great help to the children.
Species
➢ Endangered species in oceans can be saved further.
➢ We can reduce the consumption of plastic by roaming animals.
➢ The by products coming from domestic animals like milk can remain pure without any
plastic residuals.
Government
➢ Low investment compared to highly expensive projects.
➢ Helps treatment plants by basic purification of sewage when bulk of these products mixed
with sewage in treatment plants rather than simply disposing the plastic.
➢ Need not spend lot of money on sanitation requirements.
Society
➢ Clean surroundings with no plastic garbage if fully implemented.
➢ All the burden will be on single use plastic manufacturing industries and those who are
using the plastic packaging but not on common people.
➢ Everyone will be responsible in the mission.
CONCLUSION
The idea is based on the principle REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE & RECOVERY which means
reducing the plastic, reusing the innovative product, recycling the solid waste and recover the
environment as well as public health. Rather than collecting and disposing the plastic in landfills and
oceans , these products can be collected and may use in treatment process and the government fundings
can be saved a lot. Simply releasing the untreated sewage due to lack of treatment plants , this objects
can be used as basic treatment substances which reduces the danger at least in minimum level. If the
government make it mandatory to the industries to use only this type of products in their packaging,
then it is possible. This is a sustainable product which can be made by sustainable for the sustainable
development of the nation. This idea requires further investigation and research to upgrade as well as
to sort out different factors effecting it.
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