Prediction of nitrate, phosphate and ammonia removal in wastewater by phytoremediation-vortex system using artificial neural network

Abstract

Abstract Clean water is an essential component for human survival. However, the growing global population and the relentless pace of industrial development have resulted in an alarming increase in water contamination. This renders many bodies of water as unfit for consumption or usage. In order to safeguard our natural resources, it is imperative that wastewater should be treated to follow a standard set by environmental specialists. In the Philippines, the enactment of the DAO 2021-19 has updated the requirements for release to more stringent standards. Because of this, a tertiary treatment, such as a phytoremediation bed, can be employed as an additional step in a wastewater treatment process. This study involves a comprehensive approach that consists of a phytoremediation setup, which includes the use of three plant species and specialized soil matrices, and a vortex system. The three plant species, Phragmites australis, Vetiveria zizanioides, and Canna indica are known for their capability for removal of the three pollutants, nitrates, phosphates and ammonia. The phytoremediation-vortex system was able to remove the pollutants and effectively reduce the pollutant concentration that the treated wastewater passes the standards for release. The predictive model, artificial neural network (ANN), was employed to assess the results. By using this technique, the study aimed to not only understand the intricate workings of the vortex system but also to optimise its performance for the effective reduction of pollutants, such as, nitrates, phosphates and ammonia, in wastewater. This research represents a critical step towards developing sustainable and efficient solutions for addressing the pressing challenges posed by water pollution, thereby fostering the availability of clean and potable water for human consumption and various industrial purposes.