Phytoremediation Efficiency of Eichhornia crassipes for Treating Textile Wastewater in the Mumbai Industrial Belt

Abstract

Industrial textile wastewater contains high organic load, complex dyestuffs, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals, posing severe environmental challenges, particularly in critically polluted industrial zones in Maharashtra. In this study, the phytoremediation potential of Eichhornia crassipes was evaluated using graded concentrations (20–100%) of textile effluent collected from the MIDC discharge channel. The experiment was conducted for 60 days in controlled 30-L containers, and physico-chemical parameters were monitored at 15-day intervals. The results demonstrated significant reductions across major pollutants. pH shifted from highly alkaline toward near-neutral levels, while Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) decreased by up to 57.8% and 62.2%, respectively. Organic load indicators, BOD and COD, showed notable reductions of 72–77% and 68–71%, reflecting strong plant–microbe synergistic degradation. Electrical conductivity decreased by 58%, indicating a marked reduction in ionic strength. Dissolved oxygen levels improved substantially due to photosynthetic oxygenation. Macronutrients (P, N, Ca, Mg, K, S) showed considerable removal, with phosphorus exhibiting the highest reduction (93%). Heavy metals, including Fe and Mn, were also effectively removed (57–60%) through rhizofiltration and root-associated sequestration. Overall, Eichhornia crassipes demonstrated strong suitability as a low-cost, eco-friendly phytoremediation agent capable of significantly improving the quality of high-strength textile wastewater. The results support the integration of decentralized phytoremediation systems as effective pre-treatment or polishing steps within industrial wastewater management frameworks in heavily burdened regions