Comparison of Chemical Oxygen Demand Removal Using Zeolite Adsorption and Floating Treatment Wetlands in Polluted River Water
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55981/limnotek.2026.14185Keywords:
Zeolite, COD, Textile waste, Adsorption, FTW, Citarum RiverAbstract
The Citarum River in Bandung, West Java, provides drinking water, irrigation, and industrial resources for the local community. However, the recent increase in textile industry activity has reduced water quality, with textile waste contributing significantly to organic pollution in tropical inland waters. Addressing these environmental challenges requires treatment technologies to protect public health and the integrity of the region's ecosystem. This study aims to evaluate the adsorption performance of natural zeolite using the tea bag method (laboratory scale) and investigate its integration with a floating treatment wetland (FTW) system planted with Canna indica (mini-pilot scale) to reduce chemical oxygen demand (COD) under tropical environmental conditions. Batch experiments were conducted using real textile wastewater with an initial COD concentration of approximately 752 mg/L to reflect actual pollution levels. The tea bag adsorption system showed a maximum COD reduction of 43%, while the integrated FTW system achieved a higher COD reduction of 48% after 24 days of operation. The enhanced performance of the FTW system relative to the tea bag system results from the combined effects of zeolite adsorption, microbial biodegradation, and improved oxygen transfer facilitated by the Canna indica root system. Experimental findings indicate that the integrated FTW system offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and nature-based approach for improving water quality in tropical inland waters affected by industrial pollution. Nevertheless, additional optimization is required to achieve compliance with regulatory discharge standards.
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