Utilization of constructed wetland for the removal of heavy metal through fly ash bricks manufactured using harvested plant biomass

Abstract

AbstractHeavy metal removal by constructed wetland (CWs) is becoming the most efficient and greener technology around the world where plants are used in phytoremediation to degrade, stabilize and remove contaminants from soils, water and waste. The design of CWs for successful phytoremediation in heavy metals contaminated wastewater should not affect the local environment. By‐product generation is another crucial part of phytoremediation's success. In the study, phytoremediation plants (Canna indica and Acorus calamus) biomass has been successfully used in the manufacture of 70 fly‐ash bricks. Further, these bricks are used for CWs to see the efficiency in removing heavy metals pollution. Results found that high rates of Cu (96 %), Zn (95 %), (Fe 93) and Cr (91 %) removal from Canna indica and Acorus calamus were found as compared to the Typha latifoliya, Myriophylhum aquaticum, Ludwigina palustris, Eichhornia crassipes, Schoenoplectus californicus, Cyperus papyrus and Phragmites australis reported by others global researchers which indicates C. indica is the high potential for heavy metal removal and can be strongly used for industrial wastewater. The use of ornamental plants for phytoremediation of contaminated sewage wastewater would also change the landscape of the aquatic environment. This study summarizes viable avenues in the method of using phytoremediation plant biomass for environmental protection and sustainable environmental management.