%0 Journal Article
%T Performance Evaluation of Two Series Vertical Flow Filters for Wastewater Treatment: A Case Study of the Prototype Installed at Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal
%A Abdou Khafor Ndiaye
%A Falilou Coundoul
%A Abdoulaye Deme
%A Antonina Torrens Armengol
%A Abdoulaye Senghor
%J Open Journal of Modern Hydrology
%P 14-32
%@ 2163-0496
%D 2024
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ojmh.2024.141002
%X This paper evaluates the efficacy of two sequential vertical flow filters
(VFF), FV1 and FV2, implanted with Typha, in a pilot-scale wastewater treatment
system. FV1 comprises three cells (FV1a, FV1b, and FV1c), while FV2 consists of
two cells (FV2a and FV2b), each designed to reduce various physicochemical and
microbiological pollutants from wastewater. Quantitative analyses show
significant reductions in electrical conductivity (from 1331 to 1061 ¦ĚS/cm),
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5 from 655.6 to 2.3 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand
(COD from 1240 to 82.2 mg/L), total nitrogen (from 188 to 37.3 mg/L), and
phosphates (from 70.9 to 14.6 mg/L). Notably, FV2 outperforms FV1, particularly
in decreasing dissolved salts and BOD5 to remarkably low levels.
Microbiological assessments reveal a substantial reduction in fecal coliforms,
from an initial concentration of 7.5 log CFU/100mL to 3.7 log CFU/100mL, and a
complete elimination of helminth eggs, achieving a 100% reduction rate in FV2.
The study highlights the impact of design parameters, such as filter material,
media depth, and plant species selection, on treatment outcomes. The findings
suggest that the judicious choice of these components is critical for
optimizing pollutant removal. For instance, different filtration materials show
varying efficacies, with silex plus river gravel in FV1c achieving superior pollutant
reduction rates. In conclusion, VFFs emerge as a promising solution for
wastewater treatment, underscoring the importance of design optimization to
enhance system efficiency. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of treatment
practices are imperative to ensure water quality, allowing for safe
environmental discharge or water reuse. The research advocates for ongoing
improvements in wastewater treatment technologies, considering the
environmental challenges of the current era. The study concludes with a call
for further research to maximize the effectiveness of VFFs in water management.
%K Phytoremediation
%K Phytopurification
%K Plant-Based Purifier
%K Wastewater Treat-ment
%K Vertical Flow Filters
%K Pollutant Reduction
%K Typha
%K Physicochemical Analysis
%K Microbial Removal
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=130537