Phytoremediation of secondary tannery effluent using monocultures and polycultures of Eichhornia crassipes and Chrysopogon zizanioides
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Introduction: The tanning industry generates complex effluents containing organic matter, salts, nutrients, and metals that can exceed discharge limits. Objectives: The aim was to compare the phytoremediation capacity of *Eichhornia crassipes* and *Chrysopogon zizanioides*—used individually and in polyculture—on secondary effluent from a tannery in Tungurahua, Ecuador. Methodology: The study employed a quantitative, applied approach using a longitudinal, comparative experimental design. The treatment factor was deliberately manipulated, comprising a plant-free control and three phytoremediation systems: *Eichhornia crassipes*, *Chrysopogon zizanioides*, and a combination of both species. Results: By day 45, treatment T3 reduced initial values as follows: BOD5 by 83.6%, Cr(VI) by 75.0%, turbidity by 99.2%, color by 70.9%, total nitrogen by 71.1%, ammonium by 60.3%, and total suspended solids by 60.9%. Compared to the final control, T3 showed concentrations that were 50.0% lower for BOD5, 74.1% lower for Cr(VI), 47.8% lower for color, and 77.8% lower for nitrogen. However, COD, conductivity, ammonium, and total solids remained above applicable limits, and total solids increased by 20.7% relative to the initial value. Conclusions: Treatment-by-time interactions were significant for most parameters, except phosphorus and dissolved oxygen. Polyculture proved to be a promising complementary stage but was not a sufficient standalone treatment to ensure full regulatory compliance. General field of study: Environment. Specific field of study: Wastewater decontamination via phytoremediation. Article type: original article.
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