Development of Heliconia latispatha in CONTENIDO constructed wetlands, for the treatment of swine/domestic wastewater in tropical climates, with PET as a substitute for the filter medium

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the development and effect of Heliconia latispatha in pilot-scale constructed wetlands (CWs) for the treatment of pig wastewater mixed with domestic wastewater, using PET waste as filter medium, in a tropical climate. Six cells filled with rough recycled PET waste were used; 3 operated with vegetation and 3 without vegetation and the study lasted 8 months. The results showed an excellent development of H. latisphata under the flooded conditions, reaching a level of development similar to the level of development in commercial soil crops. The good development of the plant was reflected in the remarkable increase in plant height, stem thickness, number of plants and inflorescences. In addition, the presence of H. latisphata significantly influenced the removal of contaminants (p<0.05) such as COD (chemical oxygen demand), TN (total nitrogen), TP (total phosphorus) and TC (total coliforms), reaching higher removals by 7.8%, 8.5%, 18% and 13.7%, respectively, with respect to the systems without vegetation. The production of H. latispatha flowers and the good removal of pollutants from the influent make the system a viable alternative for the production and commercialization of H. latispatha under tropical climates while at the same time the wastewater is treated.