Phytoremediation of Domestic Wastewater Using Aquatic Plants and Their Characterization: A Sustainable Approach for Wastewater Treatment

Authors

  • Yean Ling Pang Centre of Advanced and Sustainable Materials Research (CASMR), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, MALAYSIA , Centre of Advanced and Sustainable Materials Research (CASMR), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, MALAYSIA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0060-3402
  • Sharon Chin Pea Ng Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, MALAYSIA
  • Steven Lim Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, MALAYSIA , Centre of Advanced and Sustainable Materials Research (CASMR), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, MALAYSIA
  • Jia Wei Tai Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, MALAYSIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22452/

Keywords:

Azolla microphylla; Domestic wastewater; Lemna minor; Phytoremediation

Abstract

Water pollution caused by domestic wastewater discharge poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating sustainable and efficient treatment solutions. This study explores the potential of aquatic plants, specifically Azolla microphylla and Lemna minor for the phytoremediation of domestic wastewater. The removal efficiency of these plants was evaluated based on various factors including plant type, duration, weight and solution pH with a focus on the removal of both organic and inorganic compounds, such as ammoniacal nitrogen, total phosphate, color, and turbidity. The findings demonstrated the effectiveness of both species in removing these pollutants, with Lemna minor exhibiting superior performance. The highest removal efficiencies for ammoniacal nitrogen, color, and turbidity were 82.0%, 74.3%, and 77.4%, respectively, achieved with 7g of Lemna minor in 300 ml of domestic wastewater at natural solution pH. Pre- and post-phytoremediation characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) incorporated with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to analyze the structural and compositional changes in the plant biomass. This study highlights the potential of Azolla microphylla and Lemna minor as natural phytoremediators for wastewater treatment, contributing to sustainable waste management.

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Published

30-06-2026

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Vol. 45 No. Sp1 (2026): Special Issue: FAST-UTHM GLOBAL NEXUS CONFERENCE 2024 - 9th International Conference on the Application of Science and Mathematics (SCIEMATHIC) 2024

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Special Issue - FAST-UTHM Global Nexus Conference 2024

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