Assessment of the potential of Typha domingensis in the uptake and removal of heavy metals from untreated wastewater of Christ University, Central campus, Bengaluru
This study examines the effectiveness of Typha domingensis in improving the physico-chemical parameters of untreated sewage water using floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) and provides insight on the accumulation and translocation of heavy metals and nutrients in the plant. The research was conducted utilizing wastewater samples from the sewage treatment plant of Christ University, Central Campus, Bengaluru, India. T. domingensis, a plant known for its phytoremediation potential, was collected from Dodagubbi Lake Bangalore and introduced to FTWs in a controlled experimental setup. The FTW was designed using biodegradable materials. The water quality parameters were tested and monitored overtime for pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), Total Solids (TS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Cadmium, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Zinc, Ammonia, Chloride, Nitrate and Phosphate. The findings demonstrated high removal efficiencies for pollutants, with cadmium and nickel reduced by over 90% and chromium and nickel were completely removed. Essential nutrients like chloride (38.78%) and calcium (42.54%) showed lower removal efficiencies. Bioaccumulation Factor (B/F) and Translocation Factor (TF) analyses revealed parameter-specific uptake and allocation patterns. Chromium and copper exhibited high root accumulation (BCF: 1.66 and 1.4375), while nitrate, zinc, and copper displayed significant translocation to above-ground tissues. In contrast, chromium and lead exhibited limited mobility, highlighting root sequestration as a mechanism to mitigate toxicity. The study therefore confirms the potential of T. domingensis as a robust phytoremediation agent in heavy metal removal. Future work could focus on integrating complementary macrophytes to address a wider range of contaminants.