Integrated Hydroponics-Microbial Electrochemical Technology (iHydroMET) is promising for Olericulture along with domestic wastewater management

Abstract

Integrated Hydroponics-Microbial Electrochemical Technology (iHydroMET) has emerged as a promising decentralized option for efficient domestic wastewater management. Considering its intended application at households and the aim of offering useful plant cultivation options to the end users, this study focused on testing the Olericulture feasibility in sewage-treating iHydroMET design in wastewater-saturated (SW) and unsaturated (UW) reactor conditions. The systems operated outdoors in drip-hydroponics batch recirculation mode achieved efficient COD (87.4 ± 5 % and 82.1 ± 4.4 %) and turbidity (98.8 ± 0.5 % and 95.8 ± 0.9 %) but low total nitrogen (14.9 ± 3 % and 36.7 ± 6.7 %) removal in UW and SW conditions, respectively. Spinach and Chilli yield in UW and SW conditions were 21.1 ± 5.9 and 4.4 ± 1.2 g/plant and 32.7 ± 3.1 and 12.8 ± 2.4 g/plant, respectively. Chilli quality was compromised marginally in wastewater; however, Spinach yield was similar to that obtained in control with nutrient-rich Hoagland solution. These findings validate iHydroMET's benefits for growing leafy vegetables besides wastewater management at households.