Outline

Introduction of the organization (IITA) 2

Organogram of IITA 2

Activities carried out during internship 3

 At the Water treatment 5

 At the Swimming pool 9
 At the Sewage treatment 12
 At the water treatment plant laboratory 13

Lessons learnt 18

Challenges I encountered during the period 19

Observations at the workplace 20

My contributions 20

Recommendation 22

Conclusion 22

Acknowledgement 23

Letter of acceptance from IITA

1
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a non-profit organization founded in

1967 and is governed by a board of trustees and supported by several countries. IITA is one of
the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition and poverty,
their research addresses development needs of tropical countries such as enhancing crop
quality and productivity, reduction of producer and consumer risks as well as generation of
wealth from agriculture. IITA provides solutions to tropical agriculture, a sector which employs
almost two-thirds of the population in sub-Saharan Africa. IITA works on the following crops;
yam, soybean, maize, cowpea, coffee, cocoa, cassava, plantain, banana.

Organogram of IITA

I was accepted to carry out my internship at the water treatment plant which is a subunit of
the utility department of facilities management services from the 7th of June to the 31st of
August 2015. The water treatment unit is in charge of maintenance and operations of the water
treatment plant, sewage treatment plant and the swimming pool of IITA

2
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING THE INTERNSHIP PERIOD

Water treatment plant

Water source: The main source of water at the Institute is rain water and surface water (river
Awba), the river was dammed and serves to store large quantities of raw water to ensure
availability of water all year round. Rain water is been harvested off roof surfaces and carried
through pipes down to the dam. The dam is monitored also for fertilizer pollution.

Fig 1: Flow chart showing activities at the water treatment plant

3
 Raw Water
Main Dam Raw Water Pit
Tank(1500m3)

Coagulation and
Sedimentation
Sand Filter Flocculation
Tanks
Tanks

Granular Clear water

Clear Water Pit tanks 1 & 2
Activated
(110m3)
Carbon Filter (1200m3 each)

Distribution to
End Users

Fig 2 : Flow chart showing activities at the water treatment plant

When water is drawn from the main dam, it passes through a screen into the raw water pit
below the main dam pumping station. From there water is pumped to the raw water tank at
the water treatment plant. It takes 45minutes for the water to travel from the raw water pit at
the dam to the raw water tank at the water treatment plant.

4
Fig 3: Main Dam: also known as John Craig dam (Rain water and water from Awba River is
collected and stored at the dam for direct use in irrigation or treatment for consumption)

Fig 4: Dam A: serves as an alternative

water source when there is a pipe
burst or when repairs and
maintenance are taking place at the
Main dam

5
Fig 5: Main dam pumping station- (Contains 3 main pumps which pumps water from the dam to the water treatment plant or
to the farmlands for irrigation)

PRE-TREATMENT STAGE: The raw water is pretreated at the raw water tank. Soda ash and
Chlorine is dosed into the raw water tank. The purpose of chlorine is to destroy microbes, while
the soda ash is for pH adjustment and soften of the raw water. Aerators and Blowers are also in
the raw water tank for removal of unwanted gases such as reducing carbon dioxide
(decarbonation), oxidation of iron and manganese, reduction of ammonia and hydrogen
sulfide(stripping), also for bacteria control i.e. the oxygen is toxic to anaerobic bacteria.

Fig 6: Blowers at the top of the raw water tank

6
TREATMENT STAGE: The pre-treated water is then dosed with alum (Aluminum Sulfate) and
chlorine solution (Calcium Hypochlorite) or soda ash (Sodium Carbonate) as it is being
transferred into the two treatment modules. The alum (aluminum sulfate) which is a coagulant
causes the bacteria and solid particles present in the water to agglomerate into larger particles.
The quantity of the alum to be used is determined by the jar test. Soda Ash is added to
neutralize the pH as chlorine makes the water slightly acidic, helps in preventing pipes from
corroding and if the water is the acidic, it raises the pH of the water. Chlorine serves as a
disinfectant.

Coagulation and Flocculation: The coagulation and flocculation tank is the first stage the water
gets to in the treatment modules. The alum with which the water had been dosed prior to its
entrance into the coagulation and flocculation tank causes the solids in the water to come
together to form visibly larger solids. The particles become large enough to settle or be trapped
in other stages of treatment.

Fig 7: Treatment modules where sedimentation, coagulation and sand filtration takes place

Sedimentation: The water passes from the coagulation and flocculation tank into the
sedimentation tank. In this tank there are clarifying plates which have undulating surfaces. The
clarifying plates trap flocs as they flow through the tank, while some of the flocs settle to form
sludge at the bottom of the sedimentation tank. Some of the sludge is re-circulated and
injected into the raw water before alum dosing to aid better flocs formation, while the
remaining sludge is discharged.

7
Sand Filtration: The supernatant from the sedimentation tank then moves into the sand filter
which works by gravity to further trap impurities in the water.

Granular Activated Carbon Filter: The sand-filtered water then moves into the GAC filter. The
GAC filter is made up of 3 layers of filtration media. The topmost layer contains of granular
activated carbon, followed by a layer is made up of pebbles and the lowest layer contains fine
sand. As water passes through the granular activated carbon, organic impurities, gaseous
substances and other solids are further filtered out of the water.

Fig 8: Backwashing of carbon filter

PH Adjustment and Disinfection: Depending on the pH, total and free chlorine content of the
treated water, soda ash and chlorine may be added to the water to stabilize the pH and to
disinfect the water respectively.

Fig 9: Raw before and after treatment

8
Storage and Distribution: The water then moves into to clear water pit from whence it is
pumped into either of the clear water tanks (each with a capacity of 1200m3 i.e. 1.2million liters
of water) for storage. It is then distributed to the residents and staff of the institute for
consumption. It is distributed via gravitational force and pressure.

Fig 10: Water consumption card

Swimming Pool Maintenance and Operation

Fig 11: swimming pool

Filtration: The water in the pool is drawn from the water that has been treated at the water
treatment plant. The water from the pool is continually circulated through a diatomaceous

9
filter where impurities are adsorbed on the filter media (diatomaceous earth) and chlorine is
added. This is shown in the image below

Fig 12: Diatomaceous earth filter and swimming pool

Skimming: Leaves, twigs, flowers and insects always drop into the water because trees are
located around the swimming pool, so the pool is skimmed several times a day using a long net
skimmer. This ensures that the pool is free of floating debris and improves the aesthetic
appearance, making swimmers more comfortable in the water.

10
Fig 13: Skimming of the pool

Vacuuming: The swimming pool floor is vacuumed daily using a pool vacuum, which consist of a
vacuum head, a vacuum hose and a telescopic pole, the vacuum head is attached to a suction
pump, it works by sucking in water and dirt as you run it over the pool floor, the water then
passes through the filter where impurities are retained. This way, the pool floor is cleaned daily,
making it free of dust and algal growth can be restricted.

Chlorination: A solution of calcium hypochlorite is added to the water in the diatomaceous

earth filter during recirculation. Granular high test calcium hypochlorite is added directly to the
pool every day at sundown (7:00pm) to super chlorinate the pool, this process is also known as
shocking. It is more effective after sundown because sunlight oxidizes chlorine making it less
effective

Fig 14: Swimming pool balance

11
Maintenance and operation of sewage treatment plant

12
Fig 15: At the sewage treatment plant, changing the blower from blower 1 to blower 2

Activities at the Water Treatment Plant Laboratory

The water treatment plant has a laboratory which monitors the quality of the water being
treated, the pool water and the effluent from the sewage treatment plant.

The treated water was sampled from the clear water tank and analysed 3 times a day, at
8:00am, 11:30am and 3:30 pm. Adjustments are then made on the quantity of chemicals being
used based on the results gotten from the analyses. While the raw water was analysed at
10:00am daily for free chlorine content, pH and turbidity

13
Figs 16, 17 & 18: Pictures of lab result record book

The water from the sewage and swimming pool is analysed sampled twice a day (9:00 am and
2:00 pm) and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, temperature, total
chlorine and free chlorine.

14
Figs 19,20,21 & 22: Some equipments and reagents used at the laboratory

Processes for some of the tests conducted at the lab

 pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and temperature

A multi-parameter hand held pH meter is used.

 Turn the meter on first

 Submerge electrode with probe in the water.
 Stir for a few seconds.
 Allow the readings to stabilize (a minute or so) and record the results.

 Jar test

Aim: To determine the quantity of alum needed for optimum coagulation of solids in the
raw water been treated

Materials

15
  Coagulants (Alum solution)

 A stirring machine with six paddles capable of variable speeds from 0 to 100
revolutions per minute (RPM) – Phipps and Bird mechanical stirrer

 Beakers (1,000 mL)

 Pipets (10 mL)

 Watch or clock

 Turbidometer and sample tubes

Stirring Machine

Procedure

1. Decide on six dosages of alum e.g 2.5ml, 3.0ml, 3.5ml, 4.0ml, 4.5ml, 5.0ml.

2. Prepare a stock solution of the aluminum sulfate(alum)

3. Collect several liters of raw water.

4. Measure 1,000 mL of raw water and place in each of the beakers.

5. Place beakers in the stirring machine.

6. With a measuring pipet, add the correct dosage of alum solution to each beaker as
rapidly as possible.

7. With the stirring paddles lowered into the beakers, start the stirring machine and
operate it for one minute at a speed of 80 RPM. While the stirrer operates, record the
appearance of the water in each beaker. Note the presence or absence of floc, the
cloudy or clear appearance of water, and the color of the water and floc.

16
The stirring equipment should be operated as closely as possible to the conditions in the flash
mix and/or flocculation facilities of the plant. Mixing speed and time may vary at your plant
from the times and speeds listed in this and the following step. Record any alterations on your
data sheet.

8. Reduce the stirring speed to 20 RPM and continue stirring for 30 minutes. Record a
description of the floc in each beaker 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after addition of
the chemicals.

9. Stop the stirring apparatus and allow the samples in the beakers to settle for 30
minutes. Record a description of the floc in each beaker after 15 minutes of settling and
again after 30 minutes of settling.

10. Determine which alum dosage has the best flocculation time and the most floc settled
out. This is the optimal coagulant dosage.

A hazy sample indicates poor coagulation. Properly coagulated water contains floc particles that
are well-formed and dense, with the liquid between the particles clear.

11. Test the turbidity of the water in each beaker using a turbidometer.

17
Pipet water out of the top of the first beaker and place it in a sample tube, making sure that no
air bubbles are present in the sample. (Air bubbles will rinse while turbidity will sink.) Carefully
wipe the outside of the sample tube clean. Place the sample tube in a calibrated turbidometer
and read the turbidity. Repeat for the water from the other beakers.

The least turbid sample should correspond to the optimal coagulant dosage chosen in step 10.

Fig 23: Safety precautions at the laboratory

Lessons learnt

• Work ethics

• How to carry out laboratory analysis adhering to standard operating procedures

• How to work as part of multi-disciplinary and multifunctional team: We worked with the
water treatment technicians in synergy and most of us at the laboratory had different
educational background but we were able to pool our knowledge together and work in
unity as a team
18
 fig 24: I and my colleagues from EHS dept

• Application of theoretical principles e.g. at the water and sewage treatment plants

During the school work we had lectures on water treatment processes (such as slow and
rapid sand filtration, carbon filtration, coagulation and sedimentation) sewage
treatment processes (such as activated sludge system, biological treatment etc) as well
as laboratory techniques

Challenges encountered

 Language barrier: Most of the staff at the treatment plant were Yoruba or were fluent in
the language, so most of the verbal communications among them were in Yoruba
language. And being a non-Yoruba, explanations and discussions were sometimes
ineffective.
 Difficulty in securing placement: Most organizations I approached before getting a
placement were unable to give me a placement in their establishment due to the short
time that was allotted for the internship.
 Inadequate equipment at the laboratory: The water treatment plant laboratory where I
was attached during the internship was still being equipped to better standards. For
example, microbiological analyses were being carried in the microbiology laboratory
that was better equipped for the total and fecal coliform tests.

19
  Change in schedule and environment from a school environment to a work
environment.
 Difficulty in effecting change: Most of the time the staff were not safety compliant,
informing and educating them on the ill effects of their actions proved unproductive as
they explained that they have been carrying out such practices all their lives without any
of the anticipated problems

Observations at the workplace

 Monotony: Same kind of jobs and analysis was being carried out weekly, making the
laboratory analysts and water treatment plant technicians violate standard operating
procedures on a routine basis.
 Good organizational structure, chain of command and line of reporting.
 Clearly defined roles and responsibilities apportioned to staff.
 The organization is eco-friendly
 Even though PPEs are provided for staff, they are not safety compliant.
 Trivialization of harmful effects of chemicals by staff because of daily usage, ignorance
and over-familiarity

Contributions

 I worked as an analyst in the laboratory and assisted during analysis of water samples.

fig 25: Doing an analysis in the lab

20
 Tour guide: I also acted in the capacity of a tour guide during my internship. The
institute welcomes visits from other institutions such as primary and secondary schools,
universities, colleges of education, polytechnics etc. The water treatment plant is often
part of the itinerary of these visits because they are interested in knowing what the
water treatment process entails. On such visits I gave the visitors a tour around the
plant, while explaining the process, purposes and activities which take place.

fig26: Giving a tour of the plant

 Lecture series: I had teaching sessions where I was able to teach the national youth
service corps members and industrial trainee about the principles on which several
processes in the water treatment plant was based and other health and safety issues.

21
 During a lecture session
 I suggested the addition of a remineralization stage to the water treatment process. This is
because after treatment and filtration some important minerals, which are healthy for the
body, are lost from the water, so reintroducing minute quantities as recommended by WHO
should be considered

Recommendations

• Students should be encouraged to partake actively at their place of internship and should be
assisted by the department where possible, as the experience garnered is invaluable in the
highly competitive labor market

• The department of EHS should liaise with IITA to improve their system by offering evidence-
based solutions to environmental health issues

Conclusion

The internship period was a wonderful experience for me and I gained a lot. I hope other students
coming in the future will be able to gain and impact at their place of industrial attachment.

22
Acknowlegment

All thanks to God for is unconditional love and grace,

I would like to appreciate the management and staff of IITA, particularly water treatment plant for
being accommodating and teaching me all I learnt.

Special thanks to Engineer Oyedeji, Julianah Kolo, Engineer Kazeem Taiwo, Mr Adesina, Mr Adewojo,
and all the staff of the water treatment plant.

Thanks to the head of department of the environmental health department, Dr G.R.E.E Ana, the
lecturers and staff of the department

My profound thanks go to my family for their support throughout this period

23