Performance of Limoniastrum guyonianum in nutrient removal and tolerance in Halloufa Wetland, Algeria.

Abstract

Phytoremediation is an effective and sustainable method for removing pollutants from wastewater. This study investigates the phytoremediation capabilities of Limoniastrum guyonianum, a halophytic Saharan plant species, for excess phosphorus and nitrogen in domestic wastewater. The plants were sourced from the "Halloufa" wetland, a wastewater discharge area in the north of El-Oued, south-eastern Algeria. The research was conducted using pilot-scale circular beds designed for phytoremediation, each with an 18-liter capacity, filled with layers of gravel and a clay-sand mixture. These beds were part of a vertical surface flow system at the National Sanitation Office (ONA) domestic wastewater treatment facility in El-Oued, Algeria. The results demonstrated significant improvements in water quality parameters. Treatment with L. guyonianum reduced pH values from 8.07 to 7.64 and decreased turbidity from 116.25 NTU to 8.87 NTU. The mean concentration values of ammonia, phosphate, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅) were reduced by 99.22%, 55.58%, and 78.6%, respectively. The study concludes that L. guyonianum is highly efficient in remediating nitrogen contaminants, effective in reducing phosphorus levels, and capable of lowering biochemical oxygen demand. L. guyonianum presents a nontoxic, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative for wastewater treatment in the "Halloufa" wetland, highlighting its potential for application in bioremediation processes.