The innovative enzyme technology used as part of a trial clean-up project to de-pollute and detoxify the Ernakulam market canal was a big success, said mayor Tony Chammany.
In a review meeting convened to analyse the efficacy of the technology and the results of the clean-up drive, Chammany remarked that the innovative method is much suited for the city’s climatic conditions. He added that the study report on the project would be submitted to the state government.
Enzyme technology, though expensive, can be used in cleaning all water bodies in the state, he said.
The water, treated through enzyme technology was found to be pure after the 22-day cleaning programme. A box-shaped instrument was placed to separate the portion of the canal which had to be cleared.
Then, oxygen was pumped into the bottom of this portion to facilitate aeration. Aerobic bacteria help in decomposing organic matter.
After this, the enzyme was deposited in the water which broke waste material into finer particles.
The cleaning is jointly undertaken by UK based Caring for Nature and G.J International, Kochi, with financial assistance from CII.
During the review meeting, Steve John, representative of Caring for Nature said that the agency was ready for cleaning all canals in city with the support of the corporation.
“The technology seems to be very effective in de-polluting and detoxifying the canal water. It could decompose the organic waste deposited in the canal bed.
This innovative technology can be effectively used for cleaning other drains and canals,” said Soumini Jain, chairperson of the works committee.
B. Bhadra, deputy mayor, T.K Ashraf, health standing committee chairman, Soumini Jain, and corporation secretary Ajith Patil also attended the review meeting.