Total Nitrogen, Nitrate and Ortho-Phosphate Elimination Effect in Common Reed and Typha angustifolia from Wastewater

The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential degree of Common reed (Pa) and Typha angustifolia (Ta) in the elimination of nitrate, total nitrogen and ortho-phosphate from wastewater using the sulfanilamide, Kjeldahl and ammonium molybdate methods, respectively. The results obtained show that aquatic plant species studied have a strong potential to reduce nitrate and total nitrogen charges from wastewater with rates of 62 and 61% respectively for the nitrate and 52% obtained with Typha angustifolia for the total nitrogen. For the orthophosphate, both plants always show a strong elimination effect with reduction rates of approximately 81 and 76%, respectively, compared to the positive control. In light of these results, treatment by plantation to eliminate nitrate, total nitrogen and orthophosphate represents a reliable and simple technology to operate. The research suggests that these particular plant species hold promise as a natural and cost-effective solution for reducing high nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in polluted sites. Furthermore, their ability to remove these nutrients suggests potential for integration into wastewater treatment systems at wastewater treatment plants. This approach could improve treatment efficacy while reducing overall costs.