Evaluation of a wetland constructed with Typha domingensis Pers., for the recovery of contaminated water from hospital effluents

Abstract

The objective of this research project was to evaluate the implementation of a phytoremediation system for the effluents generated by the National Cancer Institute (INCAN), Central Department, Paraguay to contribute to the management of the liquid waste that it generates. The system consisted of a set of three pools, in which were made up of floating Typha domingensis Pers plants, at an approximate density of 10 plants per m2, all the roots formed a filter, which was in direct contact with the effluent. The effluent was of continuous flow; the flows of entry and exit were regulated according to the generation of liquid waste by INCAN. There were 5 measurements made with an interval of 7 days for each measurement, at a point of entry and exit of the effluent, to determine the system. The parameters evaluated were: BOD5, COD, NTK, PT, pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and fecal coliforms. The results showed a considerable reduction of the pollutants generated for all the parameters evaluated, obtaining an efficiency of 67.9 to 92.4% in the evaluated parameters, indicating that it is very feasible to implement this type of systems for phytodepuration of liquid waste.