Bio-filter based Nature, Energy, Water Reclamation for livelihood development

The specific problems that we are trying to solve are

1. Scarcity of water

2. Quality of water

3. Wastage of water

4. Waste water treatment

5. Heavy use of fresh water

6. Organic matter and pollutants in waste water

7. Conservation of water resources

8. Pollution in water bodies

9. Lack of sustainable water sources

Bio-filter based water treatment is the process of treating wastewater so that it can be reused for other purposes, such as irrigation, industrial processes, or even drinking water. This can be a valuable way to conserve water resources and reduce reliance on freshwater sources.

The specific problems that bio-filter based water treatment can help to solve:-

Reduce organic matter and pollutants in wastewater:- Bio-filters can effectively remove organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other pollutants from wastewater. This can help to improve the quality of the treated water and make it more suitable for reuse.

Conserve water resources: By reusing wastewater, bio-filter based water treatment can help to reduce reliance on freshwater sources. This is especially important in areas where water is scarce.

Reduce pollution: By treating wastewater before it is released into the environment, bio-filter based water reclamation can help to reduce pollution of rivers, lakes, and other water bodies.

Provide a sustainable water source: Bio-filter based water reclamation is a sustainable way to manage water resources. It can help to ensure that there is enough water available for future generations.

Water scarcity: Some districts are located in a drought-prone region of India. Water availability is often limited, especially during the summer months.

Water quality: The quality of available water sources can be poor due to factors such as pollution from agriculture, industrial waste, and sewage.

Lack of access to safe drinking water: Many people in some region lack access to safe drinking water, which can lead to waterborne diseases.

Increasing the availability of water: By reclaiming wastewater or rainwater, the project could provide a new source of water for the community.

Our solution:-

Organic ball bed water cleaning system(Bio-ball based Bio-filter)- This system specializes in water and energy management solutions for industrial and domestic sectors. Their solutions likely involve services like water treatment, reclamation, and energy optimization using innovative technologies.

1. Bio-filter based Wastewater Treatment System - A compact, onsite system designed for treating domestic wastewater from households or small communities. Utilizes a multi-chambered bio-filter with naturally occurring microbes to purify the water. Treated water is suitable for irrigation, toilet flushing, or other non-potable uses, reducing dependence on freshwater sources.

2. Bio-filter based Wastewater Irrigation System - Larger-scale system for treating wastewater from farms, dairies, or common treatment plants. Employs a combination of physical filtration, anaerobic and aerobic bio-filters, and settling tanks for comprehensive purification. Reclaimed water is ideal for irrigating agricultural lands, promoting water conservation and reducing reliance on groundwater.

3. Bioball-filter based Agriculture & Aquaculture Synchronization Unit (BASU): These systems use solar energy to power the pumps and filters that keep the water clean and recirculated. This can be a good option for areas with limited access to grid electricity. These systems combine fish farming with plant cultivation. The waste from the fish provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants help to filter the water for the fish. This can be a good option for urban areas where there is limited space for both agriculture and aquaculture. The systems help to add oxygen to the water, which is essential for fish and other aquatic life. These systems combine fish farming with vegetable gardening. The fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants help to filter the water for the fish. This can be a sustainable way to produce both food and fish.

4. Water treatment and reclamation services: Bandhu Renewable can provide a variety of water treatment services, such as filtration, disinfection, and reverse osmosis. They can also help clients to reclaim wastewater for reuse. Bandhu can help to treat and reclaim wastewater for industrial and domestic use. This can help to reduce reliance on freshwater sources and protect the environment.

5. Backyard application system: Enables small-scale fish farming even in limited spaces, promoting local food production and income generation.

6. Sewage water-based aquaculture system: Treats wastewater while simultaneously producing fish, addressing water pollution and providing a protein source.

7. Flow water aquaculture system: Utilizes natural water flow for efficient fish farming, reducing reliance on external energy sources.

8. Local agricultural waste as fish food: Utilizes waste fruits and vegetables to create fish feed, minimizing waste and promoting resource efficiency.

9. Responsible water management: Emphasizes sustainable water use in aquaculture, conserving resources and maintaining ecological balance.

10. Promotion of efficient water conservation: Aims to ensure healthy pond ecosystems and responsible water release practices for broader water security.

We served our solution in private and government sectors like:- 

 1. Aquaculture farmers 

 2. Zoo & aquarium operators 

 3. Municipalities 

 4. General consumers 

 5. Hospital 

 6. Houses/Appartments 

 7. University & Schools 

 8. Hotels & Restaurant 

 9. Malls/Theater/Bars

Here are some impacts in their lives like –

Increased income: Bandhu's solar-powered RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System) and aquaponics systems use less water and energy, reducing operational costs and potentially boosting yield.

Reduced costs: Solar-powered water treatment systems can cut energy consumption and maintenance expenses.

Improved fish health and access to healthier fishes: The closed-loop nature of the systems helps maintain water quality and control disease, leading to healthier fish and potentially higher market value. Bandhu's systems ensure higher quality and potentially safer fish due to controlled environments and responsible practices. By choosing fish raised through these methods, consumers contribute to environmental protection and responsible resource management.

Improved sustainable practices: Using solar energy and organic waste for fish feed aligns with environmentally responsible practices, ensuring long-term viability. Utilizing renewable energy and eco-friendly solutions enhances the institution's commitment to conservation. Supporting renewable energy and responsible aquaculture aligns with sustainability goals at the government level.

Surrounded with cleaner water bodies: The systems naturally maintain water quality, creating a healthier environment for animals and visitors.

Improved water management: Bandhu's technology can optimize water usage for domestic purposes, promoting conservation and reducing stress on water resources.

Improved waste water management: Utilizing organic waste for fish feed promotes resource efficiency and reduces landfill burden.

Our team well-positioned to deliver this solution trained to control the below units

SHG level bioball-filter manufacturing in village level.

Bio-ball and bio-filter manufacturing at local village level.

Training to local youth and women through MASS(Micro Agronomic Socio Services) of  TEAM BANDHU.

Training and manufacturing at colleges or ITIs on the MIT solve approved project- AAINSA.

Installations of locally prepared machineries apparatus at the farming communities of the zone/area.

Animal feed preparation by using local agriwaste which is available in plenty.

SHGs community centers would act as though local aquatic species research center by providing the local farming community with farm inputs like seed and feed.

Bioball-filter based agriculture and aquaculture synchronization(BASU) unit uses waste water or the water with fishes to provide triple layer income to the farmer/customer.(Aquatic species, Poultry, Greens from the same setup.

Home based waste water can be reclaimed and be used in rooftop gardening.

The techinal expertise of the group/ community can be helpful in making interconnected food pockets in the local panchayat level.

Bioball-filter based Zero liquid discharge based community toilets and urinals can be maintained with fish seed and fruit grade sapling production unit can run through renewable energy.

Upon training to local youth work on sustainable livelihood projects based on available natural resources are possible.

The following units are own build and tested so far

Bio-filter Preparation Unit with incluster field facility at  Baikhole, Phulbani, Kandhamal, Odisha, India. No. of beneficiaries- 30

Aquatic Species Research centre Cum Bio-filter based interconnected wetland projects with 10cr pcs fish production quantity, Mangalajodi, Tangi, Odisha. No. of beneficiaries- 100

Bio-filter based waste water reclamation at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. No. of beneficiaries- 1800 students

Made a stream reactivation in Narendrapur, Khordha, Odisha. No. of beneficiaries- 800

Bioball-filter based agriculture and aquaculture synchronization unit at Hajipur, Bhihar. No. of beneficiaries- 40

Bio-filter based waste water reclamation unit at Krushi Bhawan, Govt. of Odisha. No. of beneficiaries- 50

We are applying for the solve for the below reason:-

For the mass applications of the cost effective agritech for a sustainable food supply chain by using local waste water and agriwaste.

It’s a testrimony of Team Bandhu’s 12 year research and implementations on organic ball (bio-ball) filter based Nature, Energy and Water Reclamation projects.

We have represented our theme at our end. Some of the combining are represented to the MIT Solve through its project AAINSA. Now the team would like to involve in MASS (Micro agronomic socio services). MASS would focus BAASU(Bioball-filter based aquaculture and agriculture synchronization unit) through different prospective of AAINSA(Application of agritech in notable and sustainable agriculture).

The entire system would form a develop sustainable food supply chain.

Our solution named organic ball bed water cleaning system/ bio-ball based water treatment system approaches the problem in a new or significantly improved way because it is prepared by using only organic matters and it contains 0% chemical matter.Our solution uses a new or unique bio-filter material that is more efficient at removing contaminants, has a longer lifespan, or requires less maintenance than existing materials. The design of the bio-filter system itself is a innovative in terms of its compactness, portability, or ease of use.The bio-filter can be combined with other water treatment technologies, such as UV disinfection or membrane filtration, to create a more effective and efficient system.The solution is designed to be sustainable, with minimal environmental impact.

Expectation of our solution to have an impact on the problem are 

Our solution can treat water from sources like ponds, rivers, and even wastewater, making them usable for drinking and other purposes. This expands the available water resources beyond relying solely on freshwater sources like groundwater or rainwater.

Our solution can provide a simple and affordable way to treat water, which can encourage people to reuse water for activities like washing clothes or irrigating crops. This reduces the overall demand for freshwater.

Our solution uses natural processes to remove harmful bacteria, virus and other contaminants from water, making it safe for drinking and cooking. This can improve public health and reduce waterborne diseases.

Our solution is a chemical-free treatment method, which eliminates the need for expensive and potentially harmful chemicals often used in conventional water treatment.

Our solution is designed to be easy to use and maintain, even in rural areas with limited resources. This makes it accessible to communities that might not have access to more complex water treatment systems.

Our solution is made from locally available materials and requires minimal energy to operate, making it an affordable solution for communities struggling with water scarcity.

Our solution offers a promising approach to addressing water scarcity by providing a sustainable, accessible, and affordable way to treat water and make it available for communities in need.

Some impact goals for our solutions:-

Improvement of water quality is the primary goal of our solution. It is typically measured by various water quality parameters. Our goal focuses on making clean water accessible to a wider population, ensures the long-term viability of the water treatment, aim to empower communities to manage their own water resources which could be measured by the number of trained community members, the level of community participation in decision-making, or the ownership of the water treatment system.

The core technology that’s powers our solutions are

Biological Filtration:-The bio-filter houses a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. These microorganisms act as living filters, consuming organic pollutants, pathogens, and other harmful substances present in the water.The microorganisms form a biofilm on the filter media, which provides a large surface area for efficient contact with the water. The biofilm also helps to trap and remove suspended particles.The biological filtration typically uses a layered filter media composed of  biomix, gravel, and other materials. These layers physically trap larger particles, such as sediment, debris, and protozoan cysts.

Since we developed a new technology, we have tested and analysed the technology so far, and then central laboratory of state pollution contol board tested the technology and  results are very impressive and we got certification from SPCB (State Pollution Control Board, Govt. of Odisha), then only we come to know that our new technology works positively. Our technology got recognition from
1. Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
2. IVRI(Indian Veterinary Research Institute),Barely
3. NRRI ( National Rice Research Institute ),Vidyadharpur, Cuttack
4. CCS NIAM, Jaipur

Links-

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We have a team of 51 staffs working on this solution:-

12 nos. of full time staffs

30 nos. of part time staffs

09 nos. of other workers

02 nos. of contractors

Since 7 years our team are working on this solution. We started working in this solution from 2018. We have worked in 6 places of the odisha and bihar region to understand the people how can we save, reclaim, reuse the water for the sustainable developed livelihood for future use. From which people have came to know that how they can use and reclaim their waste water for their sustainable livelihood development. 

We ensure that our team is diverse, minimizes barriers to opportunity for staff, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members because we provide following training / programs to improve them:-

Building a Diverse Team:-

Proactive recruitment: Partner with diverse organizations, attend job fairs targeted at underrepresented groups, and utilize inclusive language in job descriptions.

Unconscious bias training: Educate employees about unconscious bias and how it can impact hiring decisions.

Diverse interview panels: Include team members from different backgrounds and perspectives in the interview process.

Minimizing Barriers to Opportunity:-

Mentorship and sponsorship programs: Connect experienced employees with new hires from underrepresented groups.

Professional development opportunities: Offer training and development programs that are accessible to all employees.

Flexible work arrangements: Provide options for flexible work hours, remote work, and childcare assistance.

Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment:-

Diversity and inclusion training: Educate employees about different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Employee resource groups (ERGs): Create groups where employees from similar backgrounds can connect and support each other.

Inclusive communication: Use inclusive language in all communications, both written and verbal.

Celebrations of diversity: Celebrate different cultures and holidays throughout the year.

Importance of Diversity in Leadership Teams:-

Enhanced decision-making: Diverse teams bring together a wider range of perspectives and experiences, which can lead to more creative and effective solutions.

Improved innovation: A diverse team is more likely to challenge the status quo and come up with new ideas.

Stronger employee engagement: Employees who feel like they are valued and respected are more likely to be engaged and productive.

Enhanced reputation: Organizations with diverse leadership teams are seen as more progressive and attractive to top talent.

Actions to Promote Diversity in Leadership Teams:-

Set clear goals and targets: Establish specific goals for increasing diversity in leadership positions.

Conduct unconscious bias training: Help leaders identify and mitigate their own unconscious biases.

Implement diverse recruitment practices: Proactively seek out and recruit candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Provide mentorship and sponsorship opportunities: Connect diverse employees with experienced leaders who can provide guidance and support.

Create an inclusive culture: Foster a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Business Model

Our possible revenue streams:-

Selling bio-filters: This could be a one-time sale or a subscription model where customers pay a recurring fee for filter replacements or maintenance.

Treating water for customers: We provide water treatment services to individual households, communities, or businesses.

Our possible target markets:-

1.Rural/ Urban communities

2.Schools and hospitals

3.Food and beverage companies

4. zoo

5. Apartments

6. Industries

7. Private & Government sectors 

Value for Populations:-

Access to clean water: Bio-filters provide a cost-effective and sustainable way to remove contaminants from water, making it safe for other domestic uses. This can have a significant impact on public health, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water sources.

Improved health outcomes: By providing clean water, bio-filters can help reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. This can lead to improved overall health and well-being for individuals and communities.

Economic benefits: Access to clean water can also lead to economic benefits, such as increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and increased tourism.

Some of our key customers:-

1.Rural and Urban communities

2.Government and private Sectors

3.Government and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Beneficiaries:-

1. Individuals

2. Communities

Products and Services:-

Bio-filters: Our core product is their bio-filter, a locally produced, ceramic filter that removes impurities and contaminants from water. The filters are designed to be affordable, easy to use, and maintain.

Training and support: We provides training to communities on how to use and maintain the bio-filters. They also offer ongoing support to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the intervention.

Why Users Choose our solution:-

Affordability: The bio-filters are significantly cheaper than other water treatment options, making them accessible to even the most resource-limited communities.

Effectiveness: The bio-filters have been rigorously tested and proven to be effective in removing harmful contaminants from water.

Sustainability: The filters are made from locally sourced materials and require no electricity or chemicals to operate, making them a sustainable solution.

Community-based approach: We works closely with communities to ensure that the bio-filters are adopted and used effectively.

Financial Sustainability Plans:-

Revenue generation: These plans can be financially sustainable by generating revenue through various means, such as:
Selling treatment system to communities or individuals.
Charging a user fee for access to the treatment system.
Leasing the bio-filter technology to other organization.
Receiving grants or donations from government agencies, NGOs, or philanthropists.

Cost reduction: Minimizing operational costs is crucial for sustainability. This can be achieved through:
Using locally available and low-cost materials for construction and maintenance.
Minimizing energy consumption.
Implementing efficient operation and maintenance practices.

Market access: Reaching the target market and ensuring consistent demand for treated water is essential. This can be achieved through:
Building partnerships with local communities and organizations.
Creating awareness about the benefits of safe drinking water.
Offering affordable pricing and flexible payment options.

Our potential revenue streams:-

Product sales:Our team manufactures and sells their bio-filters directly, they could generate income through product sales. This could be to individual households, communities, or organizations.

Service contracts: We offers installation, maintenance, and monitoring services for their bio-filters, creating recurring revenue streams.

Grants and donations: They could seek funding from government agencies, NGOs, or individual donors who support their mission of providing clean water access.

Impact investment: We attract investment from organizations seeking to generate both financial and social returns. This could involve selling equity, debt, or other financial instruments.

Public-private partnerships: We do collaboration with governments or other public entities to implement their bio-filters on a larger scale, potentially securing government funding or contracts.