Effectiveness of Bio-phytoremediation on Heavy Metal Contaminated Wastewater Using Vetiver Grass

The high concentration of heavy metals in wastewater highlights the urgent need to explore alternative treatment methods. Partially treated wastewater with elevated heavy metal levels can have severe environmental consequences, ultimately affecting the food chain. This study evaluates the effectiveness of bio-phytoremediation in treating heavy metal-contaminated wastewater using perennial grasses. The research analyzed one-year average effluent results for Pb and Cd, comparing their removal efficiencies at an initial concentration of 10ppm after introducing Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) and Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpurem). The compliance levels of different remediation approaches were assessed against South African wastewater discharge limits and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Various remediation methods were considered, with a particular focus on bio-phytoremediation using selected grass species to remove heavy metals from contaminated wastewater. The findings indicated that Vetiver grass demonstrated a higher removal efficiency for Pb compared to Cd.