Experimental use of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) wetland for treating flowing waters in an urban park in Brazil

Authors

  • Luciana Capuano Mascarenhas Universidade de São Paulo
  • Arisvaldo Vieira Mello Junior Universidade de São Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14210/bjast.v20n2.7259

Abstract

This study tested water treatment wetlands in an urban park located in São Paulo, Brazil. Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) was introduced into two creeks inside the park, to assess the efficacy of wetlands in treating flowing waters. The plant adaptation to local conditions was very good. Higher removals were obtained in Total Suspended Solids, Turbidity and Color (maximum removal > 70%); TKN, Total Phosphorus and Fecal Coliforms had satisfactory removals (maximum removal > 50%). BOD presented low removals and Dissolved Oxygen was consumed, indicating that aerobic processes occurred. Despite the experiment’s difficulties and results’ variance, the study shows that water hyacinth has potential to treat flowing water, especially when there’s an urgent need for meeting sanitary and aesthetical standards in urban parks. 

Author Biographies

Luciana Capuano Mascarenhas, Universidade de São Paulo

Environmental Engineer graduated by Universidade de São Paulo, developed undergraduate research on water quality improvement using wetlands at LabSid (Laboratory of Support Decision Systems on Water Resources and Environmental Engineering), from Hydraulics and Environmental Department (PHA) of Escola Politécnica, USP.

Arisvaldo Vieira Mello Junior, Universidade de São Paulo

PhD in Civil Engineering, professor from the Hydraulics and Environmental Department (PHA) of Escola Politécnica, USP.

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Published

2016-10-13

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 2 (2016)

Section

Research Articles

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