Characterization and Treatment of Textile Wastewater by Aquatic Plants (Macrophytes) and Algae

Abstract

Textile wastewater contains large quantities of organic and inorganic compounds, which cause toxic and hazardous pollutants in the environment. Efficacy, efficiency and feasibility of the biological treatment method using macrophytes and algae were investigated, and various physicochemical parameters (TSS, TDS, pH, color, EC, DO, BOD, COD and metal concentration) were also analyzed. In pre-treated sample, TSS, TDS, pH, temperature, DO, BOD, COD, EC and color were recorded as 913 mg/L, 2250 mg/L, 9.4, 41°C, 2.84 mg/L, 358 mg/L, 721 mg/L, 1555 μS/cm and 1347 TCU respectively. As, Cr, Pb and Cu (heavy metals) were observed exceeding the limit stipulated by WHO. COD and the pH reduction was effective in biological treatment with aquatic plants, algae and their combination, but not significant for color removal. Eichhornia treatment found most effective in reducing BOD, COD, TDS and TSS. Mixed treatment reduced the pH from 9.4 to 7.5. Both macrophytes and algae exhibited appreciable heavy metal uptake tendency, but Eichhornia crassipes was identified as the most effective in heavy metal removal because of its extensive root system. An Eichhornia based adsorbent was prepared for removal of color from the wastewater and found to be capable of removing 58% of the color. The investigation erected pathway towards phytoremediation of polluted surface water in lakes and rivers, too.