Performance of high-rate constructed phytoremediation process with attached growth for domestic wastewater treatment: Effect of high TDS and Cu

Domestic wastewater treatment under specific influent conditions seriously stressed with total dissolved solids (TDS) and copper (Cu) metal was examined by a laboratory-scale model of the phytoremediation process with the attached growth system using Typha sp. As compared with conventional wetland systems, the process showed more stability and improved performance (88 +/- 1.1% BOD5, 73 +/- 1.0% NH3-N, 48 +/- 2.0% PO4 - P) at high organic loading rate (314 +/- 18 g BOD5/m(3)/d) either in the presence of high TDS (similar to 2500 mg/L) or Cu metal (similar to 30 mg/L). Typha sp. could tolerate TDS concentrations up to 2500 mg/L. Cu-contaminated sewage can cause plant morphological deformities if the metal exceeds the saturation limit of 2416 and 21,036 mg/kg Cu in the shoots and roots, respectively. A minor reduction in the TDS (21%) was observed at the highest tolerable limit, whereas 67% reduction of Cu was observed at the process effluent. The process holds a great promise for main advantages of improved biofilm formation, reduced footprint, energy savings and increased efficiency in domestic wastewater treatment even under unfavorable conditions stressed by TDS and Cu. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.