Integrated method for waste water treatment using water hyacinth and its application in concrete

Abstract

This research emphasizes the critical role of water quality in concrete construction, with a specific emphasis on utilizing treated wastewater from wetlands. The study employs a dual-stage treatment process involving charcoal and aggregate layers for primary treatment and water hyacinths for secondary treatment. The unique aspect of the study lies in investigating water hyacinths' capacity to absorb nutrients and contaminants from wastewater, providing a potential solution for soil and water remediation. Water hyacinths, particularly their stems and leaves, have proven effective as indicators of heavy metal pollution in tropical regions, acting as a natural filter to extract pollutants from wastewater. The primary objective of this investigation is the removal of heavy metals from wastewater, enabling the use of treated water in concrete production at varying proportions: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Additionally, the study incorporates silica fume at a concentration of 15% to enhance the concrete's durability and resistance. Concrete specimens were meticulously prepared and subjected to mechanical property evaluations, with a comparison to conventional M20 grade concrete. The results indicate a notable enhancement in the mechanical properties of the concrete, particularly when utilizing 80% of the treated wastewater in the concrete mix. The dual-stage treatment process, involving charcoal, aggregate layers, and water hyacinths, effectively removed heavy metals from the wastewater. The incorporation of silica fume at 15% concentration contributed to the concrete's improved durability and resistance.