Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Discussion
Started 25 October 2024
Phytoremediation for reducing TDS value in wastewater
I am conducting an experiment on the effectiveness of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) in reducing TDS in wastewater. Over the first 7 days, TDS increased significantly (from 1200 ppm to 1500 ppm), while other parameters like COD, nitrate, phosphate, TSS, and turbidity decreased. Between days 8 to 10, TDS began to slowly decrease (by 30-40 ppm per day). Based on biochemical processes or plant absorption mechanisms, what could explain these results in my phytoremediation experiment?
All replies (2)
The results you're observing can be explained by several biochemical processes and physiological responses of *Pistia stratiotes* (water lettuce) during phytoremediation:
1. **Initial TDS Increase (Days 1-7)**:
- **Leaching of Ions**: When water lettuce is first introduced to wastewater, it can initially release ions or dissolved organic compounds from its tissues, which can temporarily increase TDS. This is common when plants adapt to a new environment, as they may release exudates, ions, and metabolites as part of a stress response.
- **Microbial Activity**: Water lettuce roots support a variety of microbes that help with nutrient breakdown and decomposition. This microbial activity can release certain ions or breakdown products, contributing to TDS.
- **Decomposition of Existing Organic Matter**: As the plants begin to uptake nutrients and remove organic contaminants (evident in reduced COD and turbidity), microbial processes may convert complex organic materials into simpler, soluble ions, leading to a rise in TDS.
2. **TDS Decrease (Days 8-10)**:
- **Plant Uptake of Dissolved Ions**: Once the initial adjustment period has passed, water lettuce can begin effectively absorbing dissolved ions, including some components contributing to TDS. Commonly absorbed ions include nitrates, phosphates, and certain metals. The slight decline in TDS aligns with the phase where the plant has adapted to the wastewater environment and begins actively reducing dissolved contaminants.
- **Enhanced Root Zone Microbial Activity**: As the water lettuce adapts, it may enhance root zone microbial populations, which in turn can immobilize certain ions or convert them into forms that precipitate out of solution, reducing TDS.
- **Reduction of Other Contaminants**: As TDS is often indirectly influenced by the levels of organic and inorganic compounds, the continued reduction in COD, nitrate, phosphate, TSS, and turbidity may indicate that the overall pollutant load is declining, leading to a gradual decrease in TDS as well.
3. **Steady-State or Equilibrium Phase**:
- If the experiment continues, you might observe a stable or reduced TDS over time as the plant and microbial communities reach a steady-state, balancing the removal of dissolved substances with any residual release of ions.
The observed pattern suggests that water lettuce initially undergoes an adaptation phase, after which it begins to actively reduce both dissolved and particulate contaminants in the wastewater. This aligns well with phytoremediation mechanisms, where a lag period is typical before substantial pollutant removal begins.
Jai Narain Vyas University
Phytoremediation uses plants to reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in wastewater by absorbing, accumulating, or precipitating salts and dissolved ions. Specific plants like cattails, water hyacinths, and vetiver grass are effective in this process. These plants improve water quality by reducing salinity and mineral content. It's an eco-friendly, cost-effective method for wastewater treatment.
Similar questions and discussions
Enhancing Water Quality: Insights from Research on Raw Water Sources for Treatment Stations"
Ibrahim Omar Saeed
I am pleased to share the results of my research, which highlights the sources of raw water for water treatment stations. The study revealed that these sources were within permissible limits, exhibiting good ventilation.
🔍 Key Findings:
- Increased levels of dissolved oxygen.
- Decreased values of BOD₅, nitrates, and phosphates.
- A decline in these characteristics after passing through the city of Tikrit, indicating the river's natural purification capacity.
This research is particularly important as it contributes to understanding how to improve water quality and its impacts on the local environment. I invite my colleagues and researchers interested in this field to explore the full article, now available online.
💡 For more details, please visit the journal's website: https://ejabf.journals.ekb.eg/article_410915.html
I look forward to engaging with the scientific community on this research and discussing its implications in our fields.
Related Publications
In Bangladesh, most surface water bodies are susceptible to contamination from disposal of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater. Surface water bodies receiving wastewater are characterized by low levels of DO and high concentrations of BOD, COD, Ammonia and other nutrients. Year-long monitoring of Hatirjheel water quality showed sustained h...
The use of antibiotics has become imperative and unavoidable in medicine to Figureht against microbes, but the majority of these antibiotics are found in environmental ecosystems. It is revealed that the presence of these in the environment, intoxicates the bacterial ecological medium.Then, this investigated the phytoremediation abilities of Water...
p class="BasicParagraph"> ABSTRACT
The use of high stocking density in nursery causes a decrease of water quality. Technology that can be used to solvethe low water quality in nursery of giant goramy was phytoremediation using Pistia stratiotes L. Purpose of this research was to determine the best weight ratio between P. stratiotes L. and 33 L wa...