Potential of Typha latifolia L. for phytofiltration of iron-contaminated waters in laboratory-scale constructed microcosm conditions

Abstract

The present study gave a preliminary report on the phytofiltration of iron-contaminated waters and aggravation of iron uptake by copper supplementation using Typha latifolia L. in constructed microcosms. During the experiment, Fe concentrations reduced up to 1.67 ± 0.076 mg L−1 (94.43% removal efficiency) and 0.087 ± 0.013 mg L−1 (97.10% removal efficiency) by 14th day from the initial concentrations of 30 mg L−1 in the microcosm setups. Iron accumulation in the plant tissues was 2425.65 ± 41.01 mg kg−1 (Fe with Cu) compared with 1446.00 ± 36.01 mg kg−1 (without Cu), revealing that Cu addition in the microcosm setup magnifies Fe accumulation and removal. Thus, the results signify that constructed wetlands (CW) can serve as the low-cost, ecofriendly alternative for wastewater treatment.