Abstract

Innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable technologies have incorporated the use of aquatic vegetation from hydroponic and wastewater treatment systems. Aquatic vegetation from hydroponic systems and wastewater treatment systems incorporates the use of adsorption, phytoaccumulation, and rhizodegradation. The intended objective of this proposed study is to analyze several selected aquatic plant species used in bioengineered systems for optimal removal of contaminants, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, targeting water. A bioengineering treatment system consisting of the aquatic plants tested, water hyacinth, water lettuce, and bulrush, was intended and implemented in a system of controlled conditions. The removal efficiency of the investigated pollutants is determined from the concentrations measured at the system inflow and outflow over the specified time periods. The system was intended and implemented to remove pollutants, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. Different nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the proposed system resulted in differences in the system's saturation strength. The system developed in this study demonstrated the cost-effective use of bioengineered systems comprising water hyacinth, water lettuce, and bulrush for wastewater treatment. This study has the potential to enable widespread use of systems that preserve water resources, especially in small systems.

Keywords: Aquatic plants, Bioengineering water treatment, Constructed wetlands, Phytoremediation, Pollutant removal, Wastewater treatment