Bio-phytoremediation of Pb-contaminated Wastewater Using Perennial Grass

The high concentration of heavy metals in wastewater highlights the urgent need to explore alternative treatment methods. Partially treated wastewater with elevated heavy metal levels can have severe environmental consequences, ultimately affecting the food chain. This study evaluates the effectiveness of bio-phytoremediation in treating heavy metal-contaminated wastewater using perennial grasses. The research analyzed 10 days average effluent results for Pb, comparing their removal efficiencies at an initial concentration of 10 ppm after introducing Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) and Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum). The compliance levels of different remediation approaches were assessed against South African wastewater discharge limits and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The findings indicated that Vetiver grass demonstrated a higher removal efficiency for Pb as compared to elephant grass.