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Phosphorus removal from domestic wastewater by Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. and Cyperus alternifolius L.
Author(s)
Date Issued
May 1, 2014
Type
Article
Abstract
Domestic wastewater is a source of phosphorus contamination that causes eutrophication when it contaminates aquatic environments. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. and Cyperus alternifolius L. were applied for phosphorus removal from domestic wastewater. From the study, phosphorus in domestic wastewater was removed from the initial concentration of 1.038±0.001mgL-1 to 0.094±0.001 and 0.048±0.004mgL-1 by N.nucifera and C.alternifolius, respectively, within 5 days. In addition, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) also decreased when wetland systems were applied the same as treatment with conventional method (chemical+activated sludge process). However, the plant removed TDS better than the conventional method. During 5 cycles of exposure, the two plants still survived and were healthy. The weight of plants increased after the experiment from 4060±0.05g to 4820±0.17g of N.nucifera, and from 4000±0.00g to 4600±0.14g of C.alternifolius. Phosphorus content also increased in both plants after the experiment. However, in the wetland system, phosphorus was removed mainly by the soil, followed by the plants, and then microorganisms. The domain group in the microbial community of both wetland systems was Pseudomas sp. •Domestic wastewater treatment by Nelumbo nucifera and Cyperus alternifolius is possible. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.
Citation
Journal of Environmental Management, 137, 54-60, 2014