SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
Educational Visit to Water Treatment Plant
Activity Dates: 09/09/2024
Type of Activity: Field Studies
Organizing Department: Department of Microbiology
Program Coordinators: Ms. Suwarna Mankar, Dr. Ashruta Gawali
Head of the Department: Dr. D. D. Khedkar
External Collaborator (if any): Nil
Objectives:
- 1. Demonstrate the significance of environmental microbiology in public health.
- 2. Provide insights into modern water treatment technologies and techniques.
- 3. Enhance understanding of the role of microorganisms in waterborne diseases.
- 4. Encourage students to consider careers in environmental management.
- 5.. Encourage students to consider careers in water quality testing, and microbial research.
No of Beneficieries: 40
Classes Involved: B.Sc III Microbiology students
Venue of the Activity: Water Treatment Plant, Mardi Road, Amravati
Activity Report:
an educational visit was organized for the B.Sc. III students of the Department of Microbiology to the Water Treatment Plant located on Mardi Road, Amravati. This visit was meticulously coordinated by Prof. Suwarna Mankar, with support from Dr.AshrutaGawali and Dr.Rasika Jane Under star DBT project. The main objective of this visit was to provide students with hands-on knowledge about water purification processes, an essential component of their microbiology curriculum. This visit aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, fostering a deeper understanding of microbiological principles in environmental management.
Objective of the Visit
The primary objective of the educational visit was to expose students to the practical aspects of water treatment and understand the various stages involved in making water potable. Since microbiology plays a crucial role in monitoring and ensuring water quality, it was vital for the students to witness the implementation of microbial control measures in large-scale water purification systems. Additionally, the visit aimed to:
Demonstrate the significance of environmental microbiology in public health.
Provide insights into modern water treatment technologies and techniques.
Enhance understanding of the role of microorganisms in waterborne diseases.
Encourage students to consider careers in environmental management, water quality testing, and microbial research.
Pre-Visit Preparation
In the weeks leading up to the visit, students attended several lectures and workshops on the theoretical aspects of water microbiology. They learned about common waterborne pathogens, water quality parameters, microbial indicators of water pollution, and standard methods of water testing. This preparatory phase ensured that students were equipped with the foundational knowledge required to understand the intricacies of the water treatment processes they would observe.
Prof. Suwarna Mankar, as the activity coordinator, provided detailed instructions to the students regarding safety protocols during the visit. Dr.AshrutaGawali and Dr.Rasika Jane assisted in organizing the preparatory sessions, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning in professional microbiology practice. The trio of educators ensured that students were well-prepared to absorb the practical lessons from the field visit.
The Visit: A Walkthrough of Water Treatment Stages
Upon arrival at the Water Treatment Plant on Mardi Road, students were greeted by the plant's technical team, who provided an overview of the plant’s operations and the importance of clean drinking water in ensuring public health. The plant, which supplies drinking water to a significant portion of Amravati’s population, processes water drawn from the nearby Upper Wardha Dam. The students were particularly excited to explore the plant’s various sections and gain a deeper understanding of how microbiological principles are applied in large-scale water purification.
The visit was divided into several sections, each dedicated to a specific stage of the water treatment process. Here is an overview of the key stages observed:
1. Water Intake and Screening
The students first observed the water intake process, where raw water from the Upper Wardha Dam is transported to the treatment plant. The raw water undergoes a preliminary screening to remove large debris such as leaves, plastic waste, and other floating materials. This mechanical process is the first step in ensuring that large contaminants do not disrupt the subsequent treatment stages.
At this stage, students learned about the physical and microbiological characteristics of untreated water. Discussions were led by Prof. Mankar, who explained how various forms of pollutants can affect water quality and the importance of microbiological monitoring to detect harmful pathogens like Escherichia coli and Salmonella species.
2. Coagulation and Flocculation
Next, the students witnessed the addition of coagulants, such as alum, to the raw water. The coagulants help in aggregating suspended particles into larger clumps (flocs), which can then be easily removed from the water. This stage is crucial in reducing the turbidity of water and in minimizing the microbial load by binding smaller particles, including some microorganisms, together.
The technical person took the opportunity to explain the chemical and microbiological importance of coagulation. She emphasized how flocculation indirectly reduces the microbial content of water, thus reducing the overall microbial load before further treatment steps are applied.
3. Sedimentation
Following coagulation, the water passes through sedimentation tanks where the heavier flocs settle at the bottom, leaving the cleaner water on top. The students were fascinated by the simplicity yet efficiency of the sedimentation process, which allows for the separation of solid waste and reduces the turbidity of water. The technical person also elaborated on the microbiological dynamics within the sedimentation tanks. He explained that while sedimentation removes many larger particles, some microorganisms remain suspended in the water and require further treatment to ensure safety.
4. Filtration
The filtered water then flows into large filtration tanks where it passes through layers of sand, gravel, and activated carbon to remove smaller suspended particles and microorganisms. Filtration is a key step in removing both chemical contaminants and pathogenic microorganisms from the water.
Here, students engaged in a lively discussion with plant engineers, asking detailed questions about the design and efficiency of filtration systems. They learned how different types of filtration materials are selected to maximize the removal of specific contaminants. Allmthree teachers discussed the role of biofilms in the filtration process and how natural microbial communities can aid in the degradation of organic pollutants.
5. Disinfection (Chlorination)
Finally, the students observed the chlorination process, where chlorine is added to the filtered water to kill any remaining harmful bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Chlorination is essential to ensure that the water remains safe for consumption even as it travels through pipelines to households and businesses across Amravati.
At this stage, Dr. Jane explained the microbiological mechanisms by which chlorine and other disinfectants eliminate pathogens. She also emphasized the balance that must be achieved between ensuring water safety and avoiding the formation of harmful disinfection by-products.
Post-Visit Reflections
After the tour of the plant, students gathered for a reflection session led by the coordinators. Prof. Mankar encouraged students to share their observations and insights. Many students expressed their newfound appreciation for the complexity of water treatment and the role that microbiology plays in safeguarding public health. Several students mentioned that they were particularly struck by the filtration process and the precise control required during chlorination.
Dr.Gawali and Prof. Mankar encouraged students to consider internships or research projects related to water quality and environmental microbiology. They pointed out that the visit not only reinforced the theoretical concepts covered in the classroom but also opened students' eyes to the potential career paths in water treatment and public health management.
The educational visit to the Water Treatment Plant on Mardi Road, Amravati, was a resounding success, offering B.Sc. III students a valuable opportunity to witness the practical applications of microbiology in water purification. The visit highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge in solving real-world problems and reinforced the students' commitment to contributing to environmental and public health. The experience undoubtedly enriched the students' educational journey, inspiring them to pursue excellence in their microbiological studies and beyond.
Outcomes:
- 1. Practical Understanding of Water Treatment Processes
- 2. Awareness of the Role of Microbiology in Public Health
- 3. Development of Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
- 4. Exposure to Advanced Technologies
- 5. Increased Interest in Environmental and Public Health Careers
Photos:
 Explanation of sedimentation tank |  Trickling filter at water purification plant |
 Expert explaining about steps of water purification |  Students at venue |
 Water purification plant @Mardi , Amravati |  Students present during Visit |
Attendance Sheet:
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