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Due to industrialization and urbanization, the use of detergents inadvertently led to contamination of aquatic environments, thus posing potential threat to aquatic organisms and human health. One of the main components of detergents is linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), which can cause toxic effects on living organisms, particularly aquatic life in the environment. In this study, floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) mesocosms were developed and augmented with LAS-degrading bacteria. The plant species, Brachiaria mutica (Para grass), was vegetated to establish FTWs and bacterial consortium (1:1:1:1) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PJRS20, Bacillus sp. BRRH60, Acinetobacter sp. strain CYRH21, and Burkholderia phytofirmans Ps.JN was augmented (free or immobilized) in these mesocosms. Results revealed that the FTWs removed LAS from the contaminated water and their augmentation with bacteria slightly increased LAS removal during course of the experiment. Maximum reduction in LAS concentration (94%), chemical oxygen demand (91%), biochemical oxygen demand (93%), and total organic carbon (91%) was observed in the contaminated water having FTWs augmented with bacterial consortium immobilized on polystyrene sheet. This study highlights that the FTWs supported with immobilized bacteria on polystyrene sheets can provide an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for the remediation of LAS-bearing water, especially for developing countries like Pakistan. This pilot-scale study provided insights to resolve the detergent-contaminated wastewater issue, using floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) augmented with bacteria. The FTWs augmented with bacteria immobilized on a polystyrene sheet and vegetated with Brachiaria mutica led to high degradation of LAS, a toxic compound of detergent, from the contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project study assesses the effectiveness of sustainable practices for minimizing water use, energy conservation and wastewater pollution reduction in 21 textile processing units of Lahore, Pakistan that volunteered and participated in the project study. Detailed assessment audits were conducted to identify the hotspot inefficient areas in terms of water, energy and wastewater. After that, the most feasible best techniques for cleaner production were deciphered through a multi-criteria decision-making process. A total of 45 techniques were listed. Each suggested option was discussed thoroughly with the management of the mills in order to determine their economic viability and techno-applicability. Business case scenarios were built with investment options and payback times for all techniques. Each mill chose the practices most suitable to them and implemented the selected best water management practices and cleaner production techniques with the help of the project team, which conducted regular audits of all mills in order to assess the implementation process and to determine improvements caused by sustainable practice. It was observed that approximately 67% of selected industries achieved a 10-30% reduction in wastewater pollution. All mills achieved a water consumption reduction ranging 1-19.5%. Furthermore, 80% of industries also achieved an improvement in their energy efficiency ranging 0.2-60 MJ x 106/Year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]