Abstract: Service station wastewater, typically rich in oil, grease, and detergents, poses a serious environmental threat when discharged untreated. This study explores a sustainable and low-cost phytoremediation approach using Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) to treat wastewater from a vehicle washing station at SSM Polytechnic College, Tirur. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted for 21 days using a 100 L tank containing wastewater collected from the service station. Key parameters—Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), turbidity, pH, chloride, alkalinity, and oil and grease—were analyzed on Days 3, 14, and 21. Results revealed significant pollutant removal efficiencies: BOD (74%), turbidity (78%), oil and grease (65%), and chloride (58%), with pH stabilizing around 7.2. The findings demonstrate that water hyacinth provides an effective, eco-friendly solution for small-scale wastewater treatment, aligning with the goals of sustainable water management and SDG 6. The study highlights the potential for decentralized green wastewater treatment systems adaptable for institutional and semi-urban applications.

Keywords: Water hyacinth, Phytoremediation, Service station wastewater, Biochemical oxygen demand, Sustainable treatment, Green technology.

Downloads: | DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2025.1211038