Assessment of Treatability Studies on Wastewater using Arka Amar, Arka Ayush, Arka Kesar, Arka Naveen Plants and Soil.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a natural biological treatment unit. Red soil was used as structural support to the plants materials of four different Arka varieties in the treatment unit. The study also sought to ascertain the efficiency of the treatment facility in lowering various contaminants such as heavy metals- chromium, nickel, zinc, and nutrients like nitrate and phosphate as well as Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand COD etc. Analytical results of the study demonstrated that the wastewater treatment was highly perceptible with an average efficiency of 98% for COD and 96.5% for BOD, displaying the ability of natural materials to break down organic matter in the wastewater. TSS was significantly reduced by the treatment as well, with an efficiency of 75%, while TDS and TS were showed less than 50% efficiency. In addition, 67% and 60% efficiency was observed for nitrates and phosphates respectively that are known to contribute eutrophication in aquatic ecosystem. Apart from this biological treatment unit was successful in lowering chromium metal concentration with an efficiency of up to 90%. The obtained result findings of our study, plainly signposted that the natural biological treatment of wastewater is a workable and sustainable alternative to conventional treatment. The natural biological treatment could be ideal for sparsely populated rural areas with limited access to conventional wastewater treatment facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]