PHYTOREMEDIATION OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER USING SUBMERGED MACROPHYTE VALLISNERIA SPIRALIS LINN


Sangeeta L. Jadhav, Mohan G. Babare
1.Indian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar -431005. 2.Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431004, India
Abstract
This study investigates the effectiveness of phytoremediation, a nature-based wastewater treatment method, using the submerged macrophyte Vallisneria spiralis to treat municipal wastewater. Conventional treatment methods are often expensive and energy-intensive, making sustainable alternatives crucial. We evaluated the performance of V. spiralis by setting up five different treatment concentrations of municipal wastewater (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) in controlled laboratory conditions over a 15-day period. Physicochemical parameters such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and key nutrients like nitrates (NO3), phosphates (PO4), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) were analyzed both before and after treatment. The results showed significant reductions across all measured parameters, with removal efficiencies increasing as the initial wastewater concentration rose. The plant was particularly effective at removing organic pollutants, with BOD and COD levels in the 100% concentration set dropping from 220 mg/L to 32 mg/L and 340 mg/L to 54 mg/L, respectively. Nutrient removal was also highly successful; ammonia nitrogen was almost completely removed in most sets. The treatment also led to a substantial reduction in TSS and TDS, improving overall water clarity. The findings demonstrate that V. spiralis is a promising, efficient, and cost-effective solution for municipal wastewater treatment.
Keywords: Phytoremediation, submerged macrophytes, Municipal Wastewater, Vallisneria spiralis Linn.
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Socio-Economic and Environmental Outlook(SEEO)

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Published on : 2025-08-17

Vol : 12
Issue : 8
Month : August
Year : 2025
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