Bioremediation of Industrial Wastewater Using Hydroponics Planted with Vetiver

In the modern era, industrialization in developing countries like Bangladesh has significantly polluted groundwater systems. Tannery industry effluent is a major source of water pollution. This study focuses on removing heavy metals, specifically lead, and reducing key physicochemical parameters including pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) from tannery wastewater utilizing the phytoremediation potential of Vetiveria zizanioides. The experiment was conducted by hydroponic technique, evaluating the effects of treatment time. Results showed significant pollutant removal efficiencies after 45 days of treatment were pH (24.82%), EC (36.74%), BOD5 (87.07%), COD (84.89%), TSS (84.02%), TDS (73.39%), and Lead (66.13%). Vetiver revealed strong growth and a 95% survival rate. Post-treatment pollutant levels were found to be in compliance with WHO standards, suggesting that vetiver hydroponic bioremediation is a sustainable and environmentally friendly method that presents a viable option for treating wastewater in developing countries like Bangladesh.