Selection of Prototype

Introduction

In response to the Capstone challenge of designing a sustainable wastewater recycling system for
rural communities, we have developed a gravity-based, multi-stage prototype that participates
biological, physical, and chemical treatment methods. This design orders environmental safety,
energy efficiency, and real-world applicability, aligning with Egypt’s goals of addressing water
lack, reducing pollution, and supporting agricultural growth.

The selected prototype influences gravity as the main mechanism for water flow between
treatment chambers, thus reducing dependance on external power sources. At the same time, it
includes purification strategies and mechanized quality control, confirming that the treated water
meets specific safety and usability thresholds for local applications such as irrigation and non-
potable domestic use.

Prototype Overview

The prototype consists of four vertically aligned treatment chambers, through which wastewater
flows in sequence under the effect of gravity. Each chamber achieves a different purification
function and develops natural or recycled materials in agreement with Capstone design
requirements. The system includes integrated sensors to monitor key water quality parameters—
i.e., salinity, pH, and turbidity—and employs a feedback-controlled valve to control whether
water is recycled for additional treatment or out for end use.

This design ensures closed-cycle functionality, flexibility to low-resource settings, and

measurable performance across treatment cycles.

Stage 1: Coagulation and Pre-Disinfection

 Materials and Method: Crushed Moringa oleifera seeds are presented into the
wastewater as a natural coagulant. These seeds include water-soluble proteins that carry a
positive charge, which binds to negatively charged particles such as sediments, bacteria,
and organic matter, creating flocs that can settle easily.
 UV Pre-treatment: At the same time, the water is exposed to ultraviolet (UV-C) light to
reduce microbial load early in the process. UV radiation disrupts the DNA of bacteria and
viruses, initiating pre-disinfection and making coagulation more effective.
 Design Rationale: This stage combines a biological treatment method (natural
flocculation) with photonic disinfection to improve solid removal and reduce pathogenic
content lacking presenting chemical by-products.
Stage 2: Sedimentation and Filtration

 Materials and Method: The flocculated water flows into a sedimentation chamber lined
with silk cocoon nanofibers and low-porosity recycled ceramic media. The silk fibers act
as a fine mesh, trapping microscopic particles that escaped initial coagulation. The
ceramic media assist in further mechanical filtration while supporting slow water flow for
optimal sedimentation.
 Design Rationale: This stage represents the physical treatment component of the system.
By using natural, biodegradable, and recycled materials, the design maintains
environmental integrity while achieving high clarity and particle removal efficiency.

Stage 3: Disinfection

 Materials and Method: Following filtration, the water enters a secondary disinfection
chamber equipped with a UV-C lamp and a controlled low-dose chlorine dispenser. The
UV lamp eliminates residual microbial contaminants, while the chlorine ensures ongoing
disinfection during water storage and transportation.
 Design Rationale: UV treatment provides immediate microbial inactivation, whereas
chlorine offers residual protection. This dual approach ensures comprehensive biological
safety and aligns with standard water treatment protocols used globally.

Stage 4: Mineral Rebalancing and Nutrient Enrichment

 Materials and Method: In the final chamber, the water is passed through a bed of
crushed eggshells (a source of calcium carbonate) and activated coconut shells. The
eggshells help to increase calcium levels and buffer pH, while coconut shells add
alkalinity and trace minerals.
 Design Rationale: Purification processes often strip water of essential minerals. This
enrichment stage restores beneficial ions, improving the agricultural suitability and
physiological value of the treated water.

Flow Control and Feedback Automation

 Sensors: Calibrated electronic sensors continuously measure salinity, pH, and turbidity at
the system’s output. These parameters were selected based on relevance to agricultural
reuse and human safety, and threshold values were set according to scientific literature
and field standards.
 Automated Valve: A two-way solenoid valve, controlled by microcontroller logic, is
installed at the outlet. If any monitored parameter exceeds its respective threshold, the
water is redirected to the initial chamber for an additional treatment cycle. If the values
are within acceptable limits, the water is released for application.
 Design Rationale: This feature creates a dynamic closed-loop system capable of self-
regulation, thereby increasing treatment efficiency and ensuring quality control over
multiple cycles.
Testing, Performance Monitoring, and Compliance

 Cycle Testing: The prototype is designed to process the same water sample through a
minimum of five complete treatment cycles, as required. At each cycle, quality data is
logged and compared to evaluate system performance.
 Time and Flow Measurements: Water output is measured every 10 minutes over the
course of one hour to determine system capacity and consistency.
 Energy Consumption: A calibrated multimeter is used to measure voltage and current
drawn by active components (e.g., UV lamp and sensors). The energy required per liter of
treated water is then calculated.
 Portability and Safety: The entire system is constructed with lightweight, modular
components, ensuring it is portable and suitable for field deployment. All safety
protocols, including those concerning UV exposure and chlorine handling, are strictly
observed.

Alignment with Capstone Design Requirements

This gravity-powered multi-stage prototype fully adheres to all Capstone challenge criteria:

 Natural and recycled materials: Used throughout all treatment stages

 Three distinct treatment methods: Biological (Moringa), physical
(sedimentation/filtration), and chemical (disinfection/enrichment)
 Sensor-based monitoring and automation: Real-time control of output quality
 Closed-cycle design: Recirculation enabled through automated feedback
 Data-driven evaluation: Performance tracked across time, cycles, and energy usage
 Functional and testable: Designed for portability, continuous testing, and demonstration
 Safe and applicable: Realistically implementable in water-stressed rural areas

Conclusion

The selected prototype represents a scientifically grounded, environmentally sustainable, and

socially applicable solution to the problem of wastewater recycling in rural Egypt. By integrating
gravity-based flow with multi-modal treatment, real-time monitoring, and automated feedback,
the system ensures both technical efficacy and practical usability. It stands as a scalable model
for clean water access in off-grid and resource-limited communities.