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IonReHydrant: Eco-Friendly Ion Exchange Filter to Treat Home Hydroponic Wastewater

CSEF · 2026 Environmental Engineering (Junior Division)

Jasmehar Kaur, Prathik Nemani

Overview

Title - IonReHydrant: Eco-Friendly Ion Exchange Filter to Treat Home Hydroponic Wastewater Names - Prathik Nemani, Jasmehar kaur Hydroponics is a water-efficient agricultural method that generates nutrient rich wastewater containing excess dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus. The hydroponic wastewater leads to eutrophication, algal blooms, and oxygen depleted dead zones if disposed untreated. We designed a compact, reusable, affordable and eco-friendly filtration system combining mechanical filtration and ion exchange to treat hydroponic wastewater. Our prototype consists of two compartments: a sand filter for suspended solid removal, and an ion‑exchange resin filter to remove dissolved nutrients. The hydroponic nutrient solution was prepared, Electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH were measured before and after treatment across multiple trials. Initial wastewater measurements are 1.7 mS/cm EC, 1850 ppm TDS, and pH 5.5. After 20 hours of ion‑exchange treatment, EC decreased to 0.16 mS/cm and TDS to 79 ppm, corresponding to reductions of 91% and 96%, respectively, while pH increased to 6. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a strong negative correlation between ion‑exchange contact time and both EC and TDS (Correlation −0.94 and Correlation −0.92), with p‑values less than 0.01, indicating statistically significant nutrient removal. These results demonstrate that ion exchange is highly effective at reducing dissolved nutrients in hydroponic wastewater using safe, low‑cost materials. This filtration system has potential applications in home hydroponics to promote water reuse, reduce nutrient pollution, and support more sustainable agricultural practices.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Environmental Engineering (Junior Division) · Entry J-11-29

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