Treatment of a molasses based distillery effluent in a constructed wetland in central India

Abstract

A field-scale 4-celled, horizontal subsurface constructed wetland (CW) was installed to evaluate removal efficiencies of wastewater constituents in an industrial distillery effluent. Total and dissolved solids, NH4-N, TKN, P and COD were measured. This CW design provides four serial cells with synthetic liners and a river gravel base. The first two unplanted cells provide preliminary treatment. Specific gravel depths and ensuing biofilm growth provides anaerobic treatment in Cell 1 and anaerobic treatment in Cell 2. Cell 3 was planted with Typha latifolia with an inserted layer of brick rubble (for phosphorus removal). Locally grown reed, Phragmites karka was planted in Cell 4. COD was reduced from 8420 mg/l 3000 from Cell 1 to the outlet of Cell 4. Likewise other parameters: total and dissolved solids, ammonium and total nitrogen, and total P, indicated declining trends at the 4-celled CW effluent. This study reveals how high strength distillery wastewater strongly impacts morphology, aeration anatomy in the chiseled plant tissues, reed growth; and composition of the biofilm in the specialized substratum. The reliability of a CW for organic and nutrients reduction, in association with a poorly performing conventional system is discussed. There is an immense potential for appropriately designed constructed wetlands to improve high strength wastewaters in India.

Plants used in constructed wetlands with horizontal subsurface flow: a review

“…Phragmites karka is used in HF CWs in India and Nepal (e.g. Billore et al, 2001Billore et al, , 2008Bista et al, 2004;Bista & Khatiwada, 2008;Singh et al, 2009) and Phragmites mauritianus Kunth is used in central Africa (e.g. Byekwaso et al, 2002).…”

Treatment of industrial effluents in constructed wetlands: Challenges, operational strategies and overall performance

“…Every liter of food wastewater contains several thousand milligrams of biodegradable and soluble organic matter and varying amounts of suspended solids (Grismer et al, 2003;Serrano et al, 2011). Moreover, the untreated distillery effluents from the distilleries is often characterized by a high organic load with 5-d biological oxygen demand (BOD 5 ) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels that range from 35,000 mg/L to 60,000 mg/L and 60,000 mg/L to 120,000 mg/L, respectively (Billore et al, 2001). Furthermore, wastewater generated from milk processing and cleaning also has high concentrations of COD (from 1200 mg/L to 5300 mg/L), and O&G (from 150 mg/L to 1800 mg/L) (Danalewich et al, 1998;Travis et al, 2012).…”

“…The survival of macrophytes under the influence of strong organic loading, and soluble salts (i.e., sodium, sulfates and chlorides) is of highest importance (Billore et al, 2001). Therefore, the negative effect of organic-rich wastewater, such as distillery waste/spent wash and winery, on plants should be considered.…”

“…This untreated distillery effluent is a high-strength wastewater and can severely affect the environment if not properly treated. The untreated distillery effluents from the distilleries are often characterized by a high organic load with BOD 5 and COD levels that range from 35,000 mg/L to 60,000 mg/L and 60,000 mg/L to 120,000 mg/ L, respectively (Billore et al, 2001).…”

A review on characterization and bioremediation of pharmaceutical industries’ wastewater: an Indian perspective

“…Aquatic plants have excellent capacity to reduce the level of toxic metals, BOD and total solids from the wastewater. Billore et al (2001) carried out the treatment of industrial effluent with the help of plants Typha latipholia and Phragmitis karka. This treatment eventually led to COD, BOD, total solids and phosphorus content reduction.…”