Design, Construction, and Evaluation of a Pilot-Scale Plant Bed Wastewater Treatment System to Treat Wastewater from Central Philippine University

ABSTRACT

This study designed, constructed, and evaluated a pilot-scale plant bed wastewater treatment system for Central Philippine University. The system incorporated filter media, a holding tank, a distribution chamber, and Canna x generalis as a bio-filter. Wastewater from five sources on campus was analyzed for physical temperature, total suspended solids), chemical (ammonia, cadmium, chromium, iron, lead, manganese, oil and grease, pH, sulfate), and biological (BOD₅, dissolved oxygen) parameters. The system effective reduced contaminants such as TSS, ammonia, cadmium, chromium, iron, manganese, oil and grease, and BOD₅, while increasing dissolved oxygen. However, it was less effective in reducing sulfates and lead. Most parameters met the DENR 2016 Water Quality Guidelines, except for lead, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and BOD₅ at specific stations. The researchers concluded that the system is efficient and scalable, with recommendations to address sulfate and lead by using larger mesh screens, keeping the pond free of debris, and constructing it with concrete hollow blocks.