Constructed Wetland Vegetated with Different Plants for Leachate Treatment

Abstract

Landfill leachate, a byproduct of waste decomposition, contains harmful pollutants that pose serious risks to the environment and public health. This study explored the use of a vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland system to treat landfill leachate, focusing on the effectiveness of three plant species: Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Golden Beak Sedge (Rhynchospora corymbosa), and Tube Sedge (Lepirona articulata). Napier Grass emerged as the most effective, achieving removal rates of 24.99% for turbidity, 29.97% for color, 85.01% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 78.39% for ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). The study also identified four days as the optimal retention time for maximum pollutant removal, beyond which improvements leveled off. These findings highlight Napier Grass as a promising option for improving the efficiency of constructed wetlands, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for landfill leachate treatment.