Study Site

1. The use of Grey-Waters for a Hydroponic System at San Salvador Community Valerie Cabezudo and Leonellis Cruz GEOExplorers School of Science and Technology, Universidad del Turabo Introduction Wastewater generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing is called gray water. Greywater comprises 50-80% of residential wastewater. Greywater is distinct from black water in the amount and composition of its chemical and biological contaminants. It is well known that crop yields are higher as the wastewater contains not only water for crop growth, but also plant nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Survey Results In agreement with the performed survey done to the residents of the community of San Salvador, we were able to realized that the majority of the grey waters generated at the community do not reach the septic tanks. Therefore, we believe that these waters will end up at the creeks. Beside, most residents will agree to yield us their grey waters, in order to avoid these wastes reaching the creeks, and in addition to support our project. References Gomez-Lopez M, Fernandez-Trujillo J, Baille A.2006. Cucumber fruit quality at harvest affected by soilless system crop age and preharvest climatic conditions during two concecutive seasons. Scientia Horticulturae 110:68-78. Kitaya Y, Hirai H, Wei X, Islam A, Yamamoto M. 2008. Growth of sweet potato cultured in the newly designed hydroponic system for space farming. Advances for Space Research 41:730-735 Monteiro- Correa R, Pereira-Pinto J, Pereira- Pinto C, Faquin V, Soares-Reis F, Benaldo- Monteiro A, Dyer W.2008.A comparison of potato seed tuber yields in beds, pots and hydroponic system : Scientia Horticulturae 116:17-20 Parida A, Bandu A. 2004. Effects of NaCL stress on nitrogen and phosphorous metabolism in a true mangrove Bruguiera parviflora grown under hydroponic culture. Journal of plant physiology 161:921-928 Vaillant N, Monnet F, Sallanon H, Coudret A, Hitmi A. 2003. Treatment of grey waters by an hydroponic NFT system. Chemosphere 50:121-197. Wen-Tan X, Ikeda H, Oda M. 2000. The absorption, translocation, and assimilation of urea, nitrate or ammonium in tomato plants at different plant growth stages in hydroponic culture. Scientia Horticulturae 84:275-283 Windward G, Avery L, Stephenson T, Jefferson B. 2008. Chlorine disinfection of grey water for reuse: Effect of organics and particles. Water Research 42 :(1-2) 483-491. Winward G, Avery L, Frazer-Williams R, Pidoo M, Jeffrey, Stepheson T, Jefferson B. 2008. A study of the microbial quality of grey water and an evaluation of treatment technologies for reuse. Ecological Engineering 32:187-197 Hydroponic System Hydroponic is the form of cultivating plants without ground. The hydroponics is a form of cultivation that can apply to any type of plants, already they be for consummation or decorative and can be practiced so much in open spaces as closed. Exist very diverse methods of cultivations of hydroponic but all are adjusted to an essential principle, that consists of the cultivation of plants without ground and without organic matter. Materials and methods We performed a survey in San Salvador community, which consisted of several questions about their grey water management. Beside, we studied some scientific journal investigations and looked for several prices of different businesses for possible inventory. Conclusion We have concluded that to avoid that the grey water (water you domesticate used in the kitchen and in the washed of clothes that they contain some contaminants calls phosphates and nitrates) reach and contaminate the river, we will use it as series of pipes to transport the water to some filtrations tank. Those tanks are part of a system of hydroponics. The hydroponics system is a growing of plants without soil. We will utilize the grey water collected from the community. This system will grow different vegetables and ornamentals plants that could be sold at the community and other markets at a small price. Beside, this system of hydroponics will diminish and benefit the farmers and the environment, since they eliminate the expenses in fertilizing. Study Site The San Salvador Community is located at the southern west corner of Caguas. In San Salvador we find a close to 3,300 population. The highest peak has an elevation of a little over 2,000 feet. It has three main creeks that are tributary of Turabo River.The first community museum in Puerto Rico was established at this community about five years ago. For further information Leonellis Cruz Valerie Cabezudo lease contact via email Pop_anime31@hotmail.com Nellys_vampi@yahoo.com