Greywater treatment by ornamental plants and media for an integrated green wall system

摘要: Abstract Greywater recycling through natural vegetated systems provides a low cost and sustainable approach to manage urban water scarcity but is space intensive. This study aims treat greywater naturally using ornamental plant species that can be integrated vertically into green building structures elucidate the main removal mechanisms occurring therein. To this end, various regional plants growing media were tested in column experiments, with bi-daily application-rest cycle of 500 mL. d−1 per plant. Removal percentages greater than 90% achieved for all contaminants monitored (organics, solids, nitrogen phosphorus) when high surface area, small-diameter such as coco coir, spent coffee grounds sand. Media selection was found much more dominant factor treatment performance. Using replacement studies, it nitrification linked presence roots media. The rates hydrophilic hydrophobic organics also analyzed effluent specific UV absorbance measurements demonstrated compounds, which are typically toxic nature, successfully removed from system. demonstrates complex interactions between media, microbes, their potential an innovative built environment.