Scirpus grossus for wastewater treatment
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Scirpus grossus in Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment
Pollutant Removal Efficiency in Domestic Wastewater
Scirpus grossus has shown strong potential for treating domestic wastewater in constructed wetlands. Systems planted with S. grossus achieved high removal rates for total suspended solids (up to 99%), biochemical oxygen demand (up to 99.7%), chemical oxygen demand (up to 96.6%), ammonium (up to 100%), phosphate (up to 99.6%), and fecal coliforms (up to 90%) 3510. The presence of S. grossus significantly improved pollutant removal compared to unplanted systems, especially for organic matter and nutrients 3510. The plant’s ability to uptake nutrients and support beneficial microbial communities in its root zone further enhances treatment performance 810.
Treatment of Industrial Pollutants: Dyes and Hydrocarbons
S. grossus is effective in removing industrial pollutants such as dyes and petroleum hydrocarbons from wastewater. In studies treating mixed dye wastewater (methylene blue and methyl orange), S. grossus achieved color removal efficiencies of 75–90% depending on dye concentration and system mode (batch or continuous) . For methylene blue alone, removal ranged from 86% at lower concentrations to 38% at higher concentrations, with significant reductions in BOD, COD, and total organic carbon . When treating methyl orange, removal efficiencies ranged from 15–64% depending on concentration, with notable reductions in BOD and COD as well .
For diesel-contaminated water, S. grossus in horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands removed 67–82% of total petroleum hydrocarbons, with high removal of suspended solids and COD at lower diesel concentrations . These results highlight the plant’s versatility in treating a range of organic pollutants.
Heavy Metal Phytoremediation
S. grossus is also effective in removing heavy metals from wastewater. It has been identified as a hyperaccumulator for lead (Pb), achieving nearly complete removal from water and high uptake in plant tissues . The plant also accumulates iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) from mining wastewater, primarily in its roots, indicating its use of phytostabilization mechanisms . These findings suggest S. grossus can be used for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated sites.
Role of Plant-Microbe Interactions
The effectiveness of S. grossus in wastewater treatment is enhanced by its association with endophytic bacteria in its root system. These bacteria contribute to the removal of ammonium, phosphate, and COD, supporting the overall phytoremediation process . The synergy between plant and microbes is crucial for efficient pollutant degradation and nutrient uptake.
System Design Considerations
The performance of S. grossus in constructed wetlands is influenced by system design factors such as water depth and flow mode. Shallower water depths (35 cm) resulted in higher dissolved oxygen and better removal of BOD and COD compared to deeper systems (45 cm) . Both batch and continuous flow systems are effective, but continuous systems may offer slightly higher removal efficiencies for certain pollutants .
Conclusion
Scirpus grossus is a robust and versatile plant for use in constructed wetlands, capable of removing a wide range of pollutants—including organic matter, nutrients, dyes, petroleum hydrocarbons, and heavy metals—from various types of wastewater. Its effectiveness is enhanced by plant-microbe interactions and appropriate system design, making it a valuable option for sustainable wastewater treatment in both domestic and industrial contexts 1234+6 MORE.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Performance assessment of pilot horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands for removal of diesel from wastewater by Scirpus grossus.
Scirpus grossus is a potential plant for treating 0.1% diesel-contaminated wastewater in well-operated constructed wetlands, with high removal efficiencies of total petroleum hydrocarbons and total suspended solids.
DOI
Comparative performance of Scirpus grossus for phytotreating mixed dye wastewater in batch and continuous pilot subsurface constructed wetland systems.
Scirpus grossus effectively treats mixed dye wastewater in both batch and continuous modes, with color removal efficiencies of 86, 84, and 75% in batch mode and 90%, 85%, and 79% in continuous mode.
TREATMENT OF METHYLENE BLUE IN WASTEWATER USING Scirpus grossus
Scirpus grossus effectively degrades methylene blue in wastewater within 72 days, offering a long-term, aesthetic solution for wastewater treatment.
DOI