Abstract
EFFECTS OF PHYTOREMEDIATION TREATMENT METHOD ON DEGRADATION OF BOD, COD AND TPH IN PETROLEUM REFINERY WASTEWATER
Nkechi Grace Ezeogu* and Felix Aibuedefe Aisien
ABSTRACT
A study was done to remove toxic substances from refinery wastewater using phytoremediation method. The effectiveness of Eichinochloa pyramidalis for phytoremediation of refinery wastewater was investigated for an operational period of three months. The design consideration is a batch unit fed with 100 L of refinery wastewater which was properly stirred to attain a uniform solution. The batch unit used was an open drum. Eichonochloa pyramidalis was uprooted from the soil and their roots were washed with tap water and then, with distilled water before they were transferred into the drum containing the wastewater sample. The plant was allowed to grow in the sample and was monitored for a period of 3 months. Analysis was carried out weekly to investigate the effectiveness of Eichinochloa pyramidalis on the degradation of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) in the wastewater sample. The BOD, COD and TPH had their highest removal rates on the 12th week. Their values were 87.68%, 95.1% and 98.7% respectively. The phytoremediation treatment method is easy to implement and maintain, does not require the use of expensive equipment or highly specialized personnel and is environmentally friendly. It can therefore, be applied in removing contaminants from wastewater.
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