Treatment of college canteen sullage using microcosm phytorid system

Wastewater is commonly characterized as ?sullage? and ?blackwater?, Reuse of sullage is possible only after proper treatment. Amongst available sullage treatment methods, Phytorid method which works on the principle of natural wetlands prove to be cost-effective and simple in monitoring. In this study, the treatment of college canteen kitchen sullage is done using Phytorid technology, a pilot scale reactor setup with plants like Canna Indica, Moses in the cradle, Spider plant, Golden Duranta and Beach spider lily are planted in separate containers filled with layers of gravel (bottom), sand (middle) and garden soil (top). The sullage was passed through five containers containing plants and the control. The raw sullage and the effluent were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, Chlorides, Phosphates, Sulphates, BOD and COD for 7, 14 and 21-days intervals. The characterization of the sullage sample from the college canteen kitchen had pH ranging from (6.98 to 7.80), electrical conductivity (1560 to 1600 ?S/cm), TDS (1150 to 1210 mg/L), Chlorides (345.43 to 387.50 mg/L), Phosphates (12.43 to 13.63mg/L), Sulphates (136.25 to 142.1 mg/L), BOD (398 to 416 mg/L) and COD (489 to 535mg/L). The results showed that Beach spider lily showed higher reduction efficiency for Electrical conductivity (15.94%), Chlorides (87.68%) and Phosphates (79.43%). Spider plant showed higher reduction efficiency for Sulphates (38.69%), TDS (30.17%) and COD (75.05%) whereas, Golden Duranta was efficient in reducing BOD (88.94%). All the plants were efficient in neutralizing the pH. From the study, it can be concluded that a phytorid system consisting of Beach Spider lily, Spider plant and Golden Duranta will be efficient in reducing the physio-chemical parameters of sullage. Reusing treated sullage for flushing and gardening will promote water recycling and conservation.