A Wastewater Treatment Using Constructed Wetland and Sustainable Climate Change Mitigation

Naila Gul; R.B Mahar; Sanam Bhatti; Asif Jokhio; Madeeha Channa; Bahadur Ali

Authors

Naila Gul Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro
R.B Mahar Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology and Skill Development, Khairpur Mirs
Sanam Bhatti Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro
Asif Jokhio Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro
Madeeha Channa Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro
Bahadur Ali HANDS (Health and Nutrition Development Society) WGS (Water Governance for Sindh Activity) Karachi.

Keywords:

Wastewater treatment, Constructed wetland, Climate change mitigation

Abstract

Introduction/Importance of Study: Addressing wastewater treatment and sanitation challenges is particularly crucial in rural areas experiencing environmental stress. As interest in recycling wastewater grows and water scarcity becomes more pressing, constructed wetlands emerge as a cost-effective solution, especially in arid regions.

Novelty Statement: This study examines a constructed wetland at Mehran UET that effectively treats wastewater while promoting sustainable water reuse. By reusing water and functioning as a carbon sink, this approach addresses water scarcity and helps mitigate climate change effects.

Material and Methods: Water samples were collected from selected locations within the constructed wetland, chosen for their effectiveness in contaminant removal. Key wastewater parameters—total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biological oxygen demand (BOD)—were measured for these samples.

Results and Discussion: The removal of total suspended solids was observed to decrease from an average of 31 mg/l in the influent to 21 mg/l in the effluent. BOD and COD concentrations decreased from 137 mg/l to 99 mg/l and from 212 mg/l to 131 mg/l, respectively. Nitrogen concentrations in the influent were 20 mg/l, with removal to 11 mg/l in the effluent. Phosphorus removal was observed to reduce from 23 mg/l to 12 mg/l.

Concluding Remarks: Constructed wetlands enhance community resilience to climate change by offering decentralized, flexible water management solutions tailored to local conditions and climate scenarios. They diversify water sources and reduce dependence on traditional supplies.

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