In the bustling urban landscapes of today, managing wastewater efficiently and sustainably is more critical than ever. A groundbreaking study led by Dian Majid from the Department of Environmental Engineering at Universitas PGRI Adi Buana Surabaya, has shed new light on the effectiveness of constructed wetlands and filtration methods in treating urban domestic wastewater. The research, published in ‘Advances in Environmental Technology’ (Majid, 2024), delves into the intricacies of reducing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS) in wastewater, offering insights that could revolutionize urban wastewater management.
The study compared three different treatment methods: two types of constructed wetlands (CW) using water bamboo (Equisetum hyemale) and water jasmine (Enchinodorus palifolius), and a filtration unit without plants utilizing sand and gravel as media. The results were striking. While all methods successfully reduced pollutant levels below regional regulatory standards, the filtration method emerged as the clear winner in terms of efficiency. “The filtration method demonstrated superior performance in reducing BOD, COD, and TSS compared to the CW setups,” Majid noted. This finding is particularly significant for industries, including the energy sector, where consistent and high-quality water treatment is paramount.
The filtration method’s ability to trap TSS effectively in the filter media highlights its potential for commercial applications. In urban settings, where space is often at a premium, the efficiency of filtration systems could lead to more compact and cost-effective wastewater treatment solutions. This is a game-changer for industries that rely on clean water, such as power plants and manufacturing facilities, which often face stringent environmental regulations.
The study also underscores the importance of integrating biological and physical treatment processes. While constructed wetlands offer a natural and aesthetically pleasing solution, their effectiveness can vary. Filtration systems, on the other hand, provide a more consistent and higher efficiency, especially for TSS removal. This dual approach could pave the way for more robust and sustainable wastewater management strategies in urban areas.
The implications of this research extend beyond immediate applications. As urbanization continues to rise, the demand for efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions will only increase. The findings from Majid’s study could influence future developments in the field, encouraging a shift towards more integrated and efficient treatment methods. This could lead to significant commercial impacts, particularly in the energy sector, where water quality is crucial for operational efficiency and environmental compliance.
Majid’s work, published in ‘Majalah Teknologi Lingkungan’ (Advances in Environmental Technology), provides a compelling case for the integration of filtration systems in urban wastewater management. As we look to the future, the combination of biological and physical treatment processes could offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution to one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from these advancements, ensuring that industrial processes remain efficient and environmentally responsible.
