Phytoremediation of Service Station Wastewater Using Water Hyacinth: A Sustainable Treatment Approach

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.