Decolorization and mineralization of Amaranth dye using multiple zoned aerobic and anaerobic baffled constructed wetland

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to determine the reduction efficiency of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) as well as the removal of color and Amaranth dye metabolites by the Aerobic–anaerobic Baffled Constructed Wetland Reactor (ABCW). The ABCW reactor was planted with common reed (Phragmite australis) where the hydraulic retention time (HRT) was set to 1 day and was fed with synthetic wastewater with the addition of Amaranth dye. Supplementary aeration was supplied in designated compartments of the ABCW reactor to control the aerobic and anaerobic zones. After Amaranth dye addition the COD reduction efficiency dropped from 98 to 91% while the color removal efficiency was 100%. Degradation of azo bond in Amaranth dye is shown by the UV–Vis spectrum analysis which demonstrates partial degradation of Amaranth dye metabolites. The performance of the baffled unit is due to the longer pathway as there is the up-flow and down-flow condition sequentially, thus allowing more contact of the wastewater with the rhizomes and micro-aerobic zones.

KEYWORDS:

• aerobic–anaerobic baffled constructed wetland
• sodium benzoate
• artificial wastewater treatment
• Amaranth dye

Funding

This research was supported by the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), Ministry of Higher Education (Grant No. 9003-00543).