Experimental Investigation of floating wetland treatment on different types of Wastewater

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify low-cost plant species and floating materials suitable for constructing Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTWs), and to evaluate their impact on wastewater purification. To test their effectiveness, a small-scale laboratory model was developed. Many rural areas in India face significant water shortages and limited access to clean water. These regions often rely on intermittent water supply systems, which provide water for only a few hours a day. This leads to a need for water storage and leaves many communities without a consistent nearby water source.

FTWs present an innovative method for treating wastewater by leveraging the natural filtering abilities of plant roots. Larger root systems are generally more effective at filtering and removing pollutants. In this study, the commonly available water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was selected for its extensive root system and local availability. Various floating base materials were evaluated, with Teflon sheets being chosen for their suitability and performance. A lab-scale FTW system was constructed, and water quality was monitored over a period of seven days. Daily measurements of pH, turbidity, and total suspended solids (TSS) were taken. For comparison, a similar sample of wastewater was treated using aeration alone and observed over the same time period.