Implementation and operation of coconut fiber/husks stormwater filters as sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for rural communities across the Caribbean

Coconut fiber/husk filters can be appropriate in handling high-turbidity stormwaters without becoming quickly clogged. This low-impact filter can «polish» stormwater removing high turbidity and contaminants. Three filter units were constructed and tested at the University of Trinidad and Tobago for urban runoff recycling and nonpotable supply to improve water sanitation and reduce the risk of flooding.The filter utilized local materials that are both widely available and inexpensive enough to discard after use, thus eliminating back-washing. The accumulated water quality data measured inflow and outflow parameters. The removal of the particulates was measured against local and international water quality standards. Experimental results showed that the coconut fiber/husk filters achieved results equal to conventional sand-gravel media filters. There were no significant differences between the filtration techniques, which showed that the coconut fiber/husk filter can treat stormwaters of high turbidity (usually the case for the southern Caribbean).