1Environmental Scientist, Environment Protection and Training Research Institute, Hyderabad, India
2Assosiate Professor, Deptt. Of Environmental Sciences, G.B Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
*Email: ashapandey.env@gmail.com
Online published on 26 November, 2013.
Overland flow (OF) systems with different tree species were evaluated and compared for the treatment of effluents from domestic origin. Three replicated pilot plants were constructed, each pilot plot was assigned with 5 rows (4 tree species+1 blank) and was irrigated with wastewater and control in the respective plots. The experimental operation was done for one year at application rate of 1.5 m−3 m−1 h−1 for a period of 2.5 h d−1 and frequency of two days per week thus maintaining a hydraulic loading rate of 6.25 cm per day. During the operation after 3 months acclimation period, mean removals of total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, BOD and COD were recorded to be 21%, 17%, 7%, 10%, 17% and 16% respectively. Highest removals were established in post-monsoon season in September and October. The highest pollutants removal efficiency were envisaged for E.hybrid and M.azedarach followed by P.deltoides and S.alba. Statistically significant harvestable dry biomass difference was observed in the species with 7.3, 8.8, 3.8 and 8.5 Kg total dry biomass per tree for E.hybrid, P.deltoides, S.alba and M.azedarach respectively in wastewater plot whereas 3.0, 5.7, 1.0 and 2.0 respectively in the control trial.
Overland flow, land treatment system, domestic wastewater, short rotation, bioenergy
