Microcosmic plant and fungi synergism-based filter to remediate the pollutants from industrial wastewater

Abstract

Plants release compounds that signal microbes to engage in interactions. This interaction results in increased germination efficiency and root elongation, resulting in improved pollutant breakdown in both the rhizosphere and the phyllosphere. Most plants are symbiotic with fungi and these fungi play important roles in the structure, function, and health of plant communities. This study focuses on the potential of Syngonium podophyllum and Trichoderma harzianum fungi synergism to uptake the pollutants from the pretreated industrial wastewater collected from CETP common inlet point characterized by high COD (401 mg/l), BOD (159 mg/l), Nitrate (10.6 mg/l), and Lead (0.3 mg/l). Three setups S1 (Syngonium with Industrial wastewater water), S2 (Immobilized Trichoderma with Industrial wastewater), and S3 (Syngonium with Trichoderma & Industrial wastewater) were installed to treat pretreated industrial wastewater before entering CETP (Common effluent treatment plant). Compared to other treatments, the S3 setup was found more efficient to reduce the pollutants COD, BOD, NO3-N, and Pb by 82 %, 75.4 %, 70.7 %, and 80 % respectively in 6 days while S1 could reduce only 59.6 % COD, 63.1 % BOD, 42.4 % Nitrate and 80 % Lead and S2 setup reduced the COD, BOD, Nitrate, and Lead by 55.1 %, 40.8 % 33.9 % and 63.3 % respectively. The BCF (Bio Concentration Factor) and TF (Translocation Factor) of Syngonium were also improved in setup S3 (0.66 and 0.04 respectively) as compared to treatment setups S1 and S2. Based on the findings, it is feasible to conclude that using plant-immobilized fungal cell synergism for increased remediation of pollutants from wastewater is an environmentally benign and cost-effective strategy.