THE CHARACTERISTICS OF VETIVER GRASS AS A PHYTOREMEDIATOR
PLANT IN DOMESTIC GREYWATER TREATMENT
J. Tri Astuti & Lies Sriwuryandari
Research Unit for Clean Technology, Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI)
Jalan Cisitu-Sangkuriang, Bandung 40135
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Source separation of domestic wastewater into greywater (GW) and blackwater (BW) streams is important in
decentralizing treatment due to its different characteristic. GW is generated from bathroom, washing machine,
kitchen sink, and vehicle washing. BW is produced from toilet, urinal or bidet. In developing countries, untreated
wastewater is widely used in agricultural and risk to human health and living organisms due to its pollutant
subtances. The appropriate treatment is required to prevent water degradation. Phytoremediation is a sustainable
way to mitigate pollution with using plant. This study was conducted to observe the growth characteristic of vetiver
as phytoremediator for GW. There are two factors of treatment. First is growth media (M): Tap water (TW) as
control (M0) and GW (M1). The second is vetiver (V): without (V0) as control and with planting (V1). Three glass
aquariums are used for each treatment as replicates. Eight individual stem bases of vetiver were placed at aquarium
and allowed growing hydroponically. At harvesting (49th day), vegetative organs were collected separately, i.e. root
and shoot (stem and leaf) and observed. Pollutant removal was calculated by comparing the content before and after
treatment with vetiver. Data showed root number in GW (M1V1) increased 54%. Total root length increased 92.2%
and root diameter 51%. Root length was in range of 2.3-78.5cm (24.6±13.6cm averagely). Root diameter was 0.352.10mm. Stem number increased 99% (1.67 to 3.33). Leaf number increased 4 times compared to initial stage (7.33
to 30.4). R/S ratio was 0.80±0.14. Pollutant removal of GW by vetiver achieved 72.86% (BOD5); 65.51% (COD);
66.55% (TN); 67.67% (TP); 80.77% (Fe); 71.43% (Zn); 60% (Pb); and 65.81% (detergent). Vetiver reduced TPC
29.13%, MPN coliform 78.18%, and MPN fecal coli 91.54% in GW. After treated with vetiver, GW complied to
water Class IV criteria and could be used for irrigation in agricultural.
Key words:
Domestic wastewater, greywater, phytoremediation, pollutant removal, vetiver grass,
Abstrak
Pemisahan air limbah domestic yang berasal dari mandi, dapur, da cuci dengan yang dari closet/WC penting untuk
desentralisasi pengolahan limbah karena karakteristiknya yang berbeda. Di Negara berkembang, air limbah
digunakan untuk pertanian secara langsung tanpa pengolahan terlebih dahulu sehingga berisiko menyebabkan
gangguan terhadap kesehatan karebna adanya bahan cemaran. Diperlukan cara pengolahan yang tepat untuk
mencegah pencemaran air. Phytoremediasi merupakan metode untuk menghilangkan bahan cemaran secara
berkelanjutan dengan menggunakan tanaman. Penelitian bertujuan untuk melihat karakteristik tanaman vetiver
sebagai phytoremediator dalam pengolahan air limbah rumah tangga yang berasal dari air limbah dapr dan mesin
cuci. Terdapat 2 tingkat perlakuan dalam penelitian. Pertama adalah media tanam (M), yaitu air kran PDAM
(TW) sebagai control (M0) , dan air limbah dapur dan mesin cuci (GW) sebagai media yang diuji (M1). Faktor
kedua adalah tanaman vetiver (V), yaitu tanpa sebagai control (V0) dan dengan penanaman (V1). Vetiver ditanam
secara hidroponik dalam akuarium dengan masing-masing tingkat perlakuan dilakukanj dengan tiga kali ulangan.
Pada setiap akuarium ditempatkan dua buah keranjang yang masing-masing berisi delapan bibit vetiver. Pada
hari ke 49, seluruh bagian tanaman dipanen dan dipisahkan bagian vegetasinya, yaitu akar, batang, dan daun
untuk dilakukan pengamatan. Penurunan kadar bahan pencemar dihitung dengan membandingkan kadar bahan
pencemar sebelum dan sesudah perlakuan dengan vetiver. Data menunjukkan jumlah akar vetiver yang ditanam di
media GW (M1V1) meningkat 54%. Total panjang dan diameter akar meningkat 92.2% dan 51%. Panjang akar
berkisar antara 2.3-78.5cm (rata-rata 24.6±13.6cmy). Diameter akar berkisar 0.35-2.10mm. Jumlkah batang
meningkat 99% (1.67 ke 3.33). Jumlah daun meningkat 4kali lipat dibandung awal (7.33 ke 30.4). R/S rasio
0.80±0.14. Penuruinan bahan pencemar mencapai 72.86% (BOD5); 65.51% (COD); 66.55% (TN); 67.67% (TP);
80.77% (Fe); 71.43% (Zn); 60% (Pb); dan 65.81% (detergen). Vetiver mampu menurunkan nilai TPC 29.13%,
MPN coliform 78.18%, dan MPN fecal coli 91.54%. Setelah perlakuan dengan vetiver, air limbah dapur dan mesin
cuci memenuhi syarat sebagai air buangan Klas IV dan dapat digunakan untuk irigasi di lahan pertanian.
Kata kunci:
Air limbah domestic, air limbah rumah tangga, phytoremediasi, bahan pencemar, vetiver.
1
INTRODUCTION
Water is important due to its many roles for life. It is required for various purposes, such
as for daily consumption, agricultural, industries and fisheries. Water is commonly found in
wide variety of constituents derived, both from the natural condition and the human
environments. Since human society exists in the metabolic system of water, human beings are
directly would affected to water condition, not only to the physical properties and chemical
impurities, but also in the infection cases by microorganisms. [1]
In Indonesia, the quality of water is to be a major problem in most of river basins.
Actually, the raw water, both from rivers and groundwaters are also subjected to high levels of
pollution. As a result, the urban centers, such as Bandung, Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and
Makassar suffered a poor quality of drinking water.
[2]
Another study investigated 91% of
population in Citarum catchment area discharged domestic wastewater directly to river.
[3]
Moreover, sharing of Indonesia with other countries related with water and sanitation is limited
of success.
[ 4]
Therefore, the appropriate system is required to save and prevent water
degradation. The reducing, recycling, and reusing of wastewater must be applied with
considered not only in technological aspects, but also the social cultural approach, including of
water consumption and wastewater management.
The fresh water consumption is varying depending on personal, social cultural, and water
availability. In Indonesia, the water consumption was reported 120L.p-1.d-1 in urban and 80L.p1
.d-1 in rural area [5], similar with the study in Hungary, i.e. 120-130L.p-1.d-1 in large city and 50-
70 L.p-1.d-1 in small village. [6] Higher consumption of fresh water was reported in Oman that
achieved 186L.p-1.d-1, averagely. [7] Recently, wastewater treatment has been a major global
issue due to the decreasing of water resources and fresh water availability.[1] The source
separation domestic wastewater into greywater (GW) and blackwater (BW) streams is important
for decentralizing wastewater treatment. GW is generated in household from bathroom, washing
machine, kitchen sink, and vehicle washing. BW is produced from toilet, urinal or bidet. [8]
GW production in Hungary was 60-65 L.p-1.d-1, equal to 50% total fresh water usage [5];
in Oman 151 L.p-1.d-1 or 80-83% of total usage.
[7]
In developed countries, the environmental
standards have been applied and wastewater is treated before using for irrigation. Meanwhile, in
most of developing countries, due to limited capacity, untreated wastewater is widely used in
agricultural and caused water pollution. [9] Characteristics of GW is depending on source and
cleaning products usage. Detergent, chemicals, heavy metals, oil and grease make GW
hazardous. Xenobiotic compounds could be present in GW from detergents and personal care
products. Detergent contains Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate (LAS), an anionic surfactant that
2
may not be biodegradable and poisoning to fish. Phosphorous in detergents caused excessive
growth of nuisance plants in water bodies. Oil and grease contain toxic contaminants such as
lead and zinc that affected to human health. Fecal coliforms indicate a pathogenic risk. The
discharging of GW without treatment is dangerous to environment and human health. [10, 11, 12]
Phytoremediation is a sustainable way to mitigate pollution from environment. The
phytoremediator plant should be selected from species that could adapt, tolerant, and grow up in
media with high concentration of pollutants. Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides L.) is an ideal
plant for phytoremediation. It is a native plant in tropical and subtropical, which has some
unique of morphological and physiological characteristics. Currently, vetiver grass application
is including for soil and water conservation, as well as wastewater treatment.
[13]
Due to its
capacity of vetiver in removal of water contaminants, it could be integrated as wastewater
treatment. [14] Nevertheless, the practical phytoremediation tool for domestic greywater treatment
is still limited. This study was conducted to observe the characteristics of vetiver grass as a
phytoremediator plant in domestic greywater treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Site of experiment
The experiment was conducted at the outdoor laboratory of Indonesian Institiute of
Sciences at Bandung in the period of seven weeks (49 days) by using the plastic (polycarbonate)
house as the cultivating room. Topographically, the place was at 847M above sea level, with
latitude of 06o52’57.5” SL, and longitude of 107o36’39.8” EL. Based on the cimate data in the
period of study, the length of daylight of Bandung city was recorded in between 38-57%.
Vetiver grass, domestic greywater (GW), and glass aquarium used in study
For experiment, seeds of vetiver grass were acquired from China. It was propagated in
plastic pots using soil media mixed with phenol 500mgL-1 due to offer the plant seed adapted to
the phenolic compounds. Phenol is an aromatic compound that mostly possible to generate in
domestic wastewater. After 60 days, the plant was harvested and separated into its individual
stems. The individual stem with 6-8 of leaf number are selected and used as the seed plant in
study. All leaf in the selected stem were cutted to be have 15cm of leaft length from based..
Domestic greywater (GW) was obtained from kitchen sink and washing machine wastewater of
three households, which is usually discharged directly to canal without any treatment. The
wastewater sample was collected from the outlet pipe of greywater by using six plastic
containers (cap @ 100L). GW was then filtered through a sieve with 60 mesh size to remove
some impurities (such as plastics and papers) and ready to use for experiment. Glass aquarium
3
was used as hydroponic plant chamber for vetiver grass. Volume of glass aquariums are equal
(±12L) with dimension of lengthxwidthxheight are 24x20x25cm3. Each glass aquarium was
completed with aerator (type SPA 26) equal flow rate (1.5 L.min-1) due to distribute equally of
oxygen and nutrient in growth media. The physical and chemical characteristics of Tap Water
(TW) and GW in study was presented in Table 1.
Table 1 Characteristic of TW and GW used in study.
Parameter
pH
BOD
COD
Total N
Total P
Iron
Zinc
Lead
Detergent
[15]
Unit
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
In study
7.29
15.90
28.20
1.53
0.24
0.00
0.03
0.02
0.44
TW
Max standard [15]
6.5 – 8.5
54.50
0.20
0.30
3.00
0.01
0.05
GW
In study
7.14
239.90
423.36
2.84
12.90
0.78
0.07
0.05
2.34
Indonesian Minister of Health, 2010.
Experiment
There are two factors of treatment. The first factor is the kind of media for vetiver
planting (M) that covering of TW (M0) as control media and GW (M1) as tested media. The
second is the vetiver (V), which consisting of without planting (V0) as control and with planting
of vetiver (V1). Totally, there are four levels of treatment, i.e. M0V0; M0V1; M1V0; and M1V1.
Experiment was carried out with three replications. Twelve units of glass aquarium were
prepared, i.e. six units were filled with 10L of TW (M0) and six units with 10L of GW (M1).
Table 2 Batch hidrophonic cultivation system of vetiver for domestic greywater treatment
Treatment
Aquarium (A)
A1
M 1V 1
A2
A3
A1
M 0V 1
A2
A3
Busket(B)
B1
B2
B1
B2
B1
B2
B1
B2
B1
B2
B1
B2
1
9
17
25
33
41
49
57
65
73
81
89
2
10
18
26
34
42
50
58
66
74
82
90
Code of stem sampling
4
5
6
3
11 12 13 14
19 20 21 22
27 28 29 30
35 36 37 38
43 44 45 46
51 52 53 54
59 60 61 62
67 68 69 70
75 76 77 78
83 84 85 86
91 92 93 94
7
15
23
31
39
47
55
63
71
79
87
95
8
16
24
32
40
48
56
64
72
80
88
96
4
During filling, the substrate was mixing continuously due to prevent the varying of the
initial condition at all treatment. From six units of glass aquarium of medium M 0 and M1 was
then divided into two groups, three units was planted with vetiver (V1) and three units without
vetiver (V0) as control. Each aquarium consisted of two baskets (B). For treatment V1, eight
individual stems of vetiver were attacked at plastic bucket, then placed it at glass aquarium and
allowed it to grow hydroponically. Table 2 presented the structure of experiment and Figure 1
illustrated the batch hidroponic system of vetiver for domestic greywater treatment in study.
Figure 1 Bundle (left), individual seed (middle), and hydroponics experiment of vetiver grass as phytoremediator
plant for domestic greywater treatment (right).
Parameter Observation and Analysis
Temperature and humidity
Temperature of media in glass aquarium was measured during the daylight (08.00 to
16.00), by using Thermometer. At the same time, the ambient temperature and humidity of the
plastic house for study was measured by using Thermohygrometer.
Plant morphological characteristics
The plant morphological characteristics was indicated by its vegetative reproduction, i.e.
root, stem, and leaf. In study, three stems of each basket were selected randomizely as sample
for observation as presented in Table 2. Sample was observed once a week. The leaf length was
measured using ruler. Stem number is calculated including of stem base and new stem generated.
At the end of study (49th day), the whole plant (roots, stems, and leaves) was harvested and
washed with running tap water to remove soils and other impurities.The root part were separated
from the shoot part (stem and leaf) by using a sharp blade.
The root and leaf length were measured by using a ruler, and was classified based on the
length classes, i.e. L-1 (L ≤ 10cm); L-2 (10 < L ≤ 20cm); L-3 (20 < L ≤ 30cm); L-4 (30 < L ≤ 40cm); L5 (40 < L ≤ 50cm); L-6 (50 < L ≤ 60cm); L-7 (60 < L ≤ 70cm); and L-8 (70 < L ≤ 80cm). Root
diameter was measured by using micrometer, and classified as D-1 (D ≤ 0.75mm); D-2 (0.75 < D ≤
5
1.00mm); D-3 (1.00 < D ≤ 1.25mm); D-4 (1.25 < D ≤ 1.50mm);
D-5 (1.50 < D ≤ 1.75mm); D-6 (1.75
< D ≤ 2.00mm); D-7 (2.00 < D ≤ 2.25mm); and D-8 (2.25 < D ≤ 2.50mm). The root and shoot were
then dried separately at 105oC (16 hrs) to obtained its dry matter (DM). Root-shoot ratio was
calculated by dividing the DM of roots by the DM of shoot that obtained at the harvesting time).
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Cross section of root both before and after usage as phytoremedator for domestic
greywater treatment was obtained by using SEM type JEOL T35A.
Pollutant removal by vetiver grass
The chemical analysis was carried out at Water Quality Laboratory, Faculty of Civil and
Environment Engineering, Bandung Institute of Technology, which covered of COD, BOD,
Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorous (TP), Iron, Zinc, Lead, detergent, and phenol.
Meanwhile, the biological analysis was carried out at The Health Laboratory in Bandung,
covering of Total Plate Count (TPC), Most Probable Number (MPN) Coliform, and MPN fecal
coli. The pollutant removal was calculated in percentage (%) by comparing of the pollutant
content of media, before and after planted with vetiver grass.
RESULT AND DISCCUSSION
Temperature and Relative Humidity
It was showed that the range of temperature in study was suitable for the vetiver growth.
During the daylight (8 am to 4 pm), the temperature of cultivating house was in the range of 21.7
– 38.4oC, with the average 32.1±3.8oC (Figure 2A). Meanwhile, the temperature of growth
media was a litle bit lower, i.e. 21.0 – 38.0 oC with the average 31.3±4.0 oC (Figure 2B). It was
reported that one the physical factor that influences to the root morphology of
plant is
temperature. Maximum temperature for root growth is 40-45o C. [13] The Rh of the cultivating
house was in the range of 28-88% or 49±14.6%, averagely. It is appropriate for vetiver growing.
Min
Avg
Max
50
40
40
T (oC)
T (oC)
Max
50
30
20
10
Avg
30
20
10
8
A
Min
9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Time of observation
8
B
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Time of observation
Figure 2 Fluctuation of T in cultivating house (A) and T of growth media (B) in the daylight (at 08.00 to 16.00).
6
Root morphological characteristic
Morphologically, response of vetiver plant to growth media is reflected by its capacity to
adapt, survive, and then generate its new vegetative organs, both of roots and shoots that
covering of stems and leaves. The root zone of plant has a special interest in phytoremediation
because of contaminants could be absorbed in root and stored or metabolized by the plant. Root
length and diameter distribution are important characteristics for describing of root system. [16]
Table 3 Morphological characteristic of vetiver samples (N=9 per treatment)
Morphological characteristic
Root number per stem base:
 Range
 Mean
Total root length per stem base:
 Range (cm)
 Mean (cm)
Total root diameter per stem base:
 Range (mm)
 Mean (mm)
Individual root length:
 Range (cm)
 Mean (cm)
Individual root diameter:
 Range (mm)
 Mean (mm)
Stem number :
 Range
 Mean
Leaf number per stem base:
 Range
 Mean
Total leaf length per stem base:
 Range
 Mean
Individual leaf length:
 Range (mm)
 Mean (mm)
Initial stage
Harvesting stage
GW
TW (control)
12-21
17.2±3.3
21-32
26.3±5.1
21-32
26.7±3.94
228.3-508.8
344.8±116.0
529.3-756.2
647.0±124.9
532.8-927.2
663.3±137.3
12.45-24.00
19.51± 4.31
23.25-35.0
28.94±5.7
23.95-38.00
29.53±4.99
1.7-56.5
20.0±14.3
2.9-64.0
24.6±13.6
2.3-78.5
25.3±18.6
0.45-1.45
1.13±0.21
0.75-1.45
1.102±-.120
0.35-2.10
1.103±0.271
1-3
1.67±0.58
2-3
2.67±0.49
2-4
3.33±0.61
5-8
7.33±0.82
19-31
25.1±3.52
24-36
30.4±3.46
105.2-138.0
121.20±14.74
442-705.3
536.40±86.25
541.0-790.7
682.54±88.69
1.8-29.5
16.53±4.69
0.5-60.6
24.39±12.23
0.5-72.4
26.23.±16.06
The characteristic of root system of vetiver in study was presented in Table 3. In average,
there is no significant different in root number of vetiver at harvesting time between cultivated in
media TW or GW, i.e. 26.3±5.1 and 26.7±3.94, respectively. It meant that the increasing of root
number of vetiver was similar, which achieved ±54% if compared to its initial stage. Meanwhile,
the increasing of root length in each of stem base achieved 87.6% (TW) and 92.2% (GW) when
compared to its initial phase. The same pattern was showed by vetiver root diameter..
7
Comparing to the condition before treatment, total root diameter of vetiver increased 48% and
51% after planted in media TW and GW, respectively. In general, the root growth of vetiver in
media GW was a little bit better than in TW.
Observation to length and diameter of individual root of vetiver presented an interesting
figure. At harvesting, the length of individual root of vetiver that planted in GW was distributed
in the range of 2.3-78.5cm, with the average of 24.6±13.6cm. This range is wider rather than
vetiver in control media. The same pattern was showed in root diameter. The root diameter in
GW is more varying from 0.35 to 2.10mm, which also spread out wider than in TW (0.75 to
1.45mm). It was showed that both of the root length and diameter of vetiver grass that cultivated
in GW is higher than in TW. It could be understood due to the presence of some organic
materials and nutrients which are beneficial to plant growth are available more in GW rather
than in TW (Table 1). In the other side, the contaminant in GW that used in study was suggested
in the safe level for vetiver to survive and generate the new roots. As described by Bouma et al
(2000), the root structure of vetiver plant is affected by the nutrient availability.
GW
50
40
30
20
10
0
TW
Distribution (%)
Distribution (%)
TW
L-1 L-2 L-3 L-4 L-5 L-6 L-7 L-8
A
Root length class
GW
50
40
30
20
10
0
D-1 D-2 D-3 D-4 D-5 D-6 D-7 D-8
B
Root diameter class
Figure 3 Vetiver root distribution at harvesting: by root length (A) and by root diameter class (B).
The distribution of vetiver root at harvesting time, both by its root length and root
diameter was presented in Figure 3. The result showed that root stucture of vetiver in growth
media TW and GW is dominated by root with L ≤ 40cm, i.e. 88% and 80%, respectively. The
generation of root with L > 40cm in media GW was 20%, higher than in TW (12%). In fact, root
with L 70-80cm has not been produced yet by vetiver in media TW, but it was generated by
vetiver in GW. In addition, the new roots of vetiver with L < 10cm was produced higher in
growth media GW than in TW, i.e. 26.3% : 10.5% (Figure 3A).
As presented in Figure 3B, the root structure of vetiver in media TW is dominated by
root with diameter 0.75-1.25mm (85.7%), followed by root diameter ≤ 0.75 (10.5%) and 1.251.50mm (3.8%). There is no root with diameter > 1.50 is generated by vetiver in control media
(TW) until the end of experiment. The different pattern was showed by vetiver that planted in
8
media GW. It was presented that the root of vetiver in GW were distributed in more varying of
diameter classes. The root of vetiver in GW is dominated also by root with diameter 0.751.25mm (62.9%). But, vetiver in GW also generated new roots, which has diameter <0.75mm (10.4%),
1.25-1.50mm (20.8%), 1.50-1.75mm (5%), 1.75-2.00mm (4%), and 2.00-2.25mm (4%),
A
B
C
Figure 4 The collected of vetiver root at harvesting (A), cross section SEM photograph of vetiver root before (B)
and after using in domestic greywater treatment at P 150x (C).
Figure 4A presented the roots of vetiver that obtained at the end of observation. It was
showed that the root of vetiver is varying in length and diameter. Meanwhile, the cross section
photograph of root of vetiver before planting in GW was illustrated in Figure 4B. Data showed
that the morphology characteristic of root is normal before planting in GW, which is indicated
by the regular shape of pith. Different performance was showed by the root of vetiver after using
as phytoremediator in domestic greywater treatment.
It was mentioned that in many of grass plants, the pith, as the parenchymatous central
part of root is partially destroyed during the growth.
[17]
In study, the change of structure and
shape of pith is also occurred in root of vetiver after its usage for greywater treatment. The pith
of root after cultivated in GW appeared to be wringkled as as illustrated in Figure 4C. It was
suggested that detergent in GW has a role in this case. Nevertheless, although the morphological
structure of root has a little damage, the vetiver plant showed a capability to survive, adapt, and
grow well in domestic greywater as indicated by its growth performance above.
Shoot (stem and leaf) morphological characteristic
Growth characteristic of vetiver was indicated by its vegetative reproduction, i.e. stem,
leaf and root. Stem is a part of vegetative propagation of plant because it would produce new
plants. The stem of vetiver grass was prominent signed with lateral buds that can form roots and
shoots upon exposure to moist condition. It was showed that the stem number, both in control
media and in GW increased in line with the plant ages, i.e. from 1.67 at initially, and increased
to 2.67 and 3.33 at harvesting time, or increased 59.88% and 99.40% for vetiver in growth media
TW and GW, respectively. Besides of root and stem, vetivert leaf is the other principal organ of
9
plant, in which photosynthesis and transpiration occured. Photosynthesis is a sensitized,
photochemical, and oxidation-reduction reaction. The sensitizer is chlorophyll, which captures
light and has functions in transformation of radiant into chemical energy, which is required by
the plant growth. [17] In study, the growth rate of vetiver was sligthly suppressed in initially stage,
and afterward, it could adapt, survive and then start to generate new leaf in media GW. Figure 5
illustrated the stem and leaf generation of vetiver in study.
0
A
TW
GW
Leaf number
Stem number
GW
4
3
2
1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Growth period (weeks)
40
30
20
10
0
0
B
TW
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Growth period (weeks)
Figure 5 Stem number (A) and leaf number (B) per stem base of vetiver in study
Within 49 days of cultivation in media GW and TW, leaf number of vetiver increased
significantly, i.e. from 7.33±0.82 to 25.1±3.52 in TW and 30.4±3.46 in GW. The increasing of
leaf number achieved 4.15 (GW) and 3.42 times (TW) compared to initial stage. Total leaf
number of vetiver that planted in GW is higher than in TW, i.e. 244 in GW and 203 in TW. The
leaf length of vetiver was in the range 0.5-72.4cm or 26.23±16.06cm in average (GW), and 0.560.6cm or 24.39±12.23 in average (TW). Total leaf length of vetiver in media GW
(682.54±88.69cm )is higher than in TW (536.40±86.25cm) as in Table 3. It indicated that
vetiver in media GW is growing better than in control (TW), due to its higher content of nutrient.
Table 4 showed that the leaf length of vetiver is varying in some classes. Similar with
the root length as mentioned above, the leaf length of vetiver is dominated by leaf in class L-1 to
L-4 (≤ 40cm), which achieved 90.6% when planting in TW and 84.8% in media GW. The rest leaf
(9.4%) from vetiver in TM covered of leaf with L 40-70cm. There is no leaf with L>70cm has
produced by vetiver with growth media TM. The higher percentage and longest was resulted by
vetiver in GW (15.2%) that consisting the leaf in class L-5 to L-8 (40-80cm).
The previous study reported, the morphological parameter shows that highest root of
vetiver from pot cultivation 62.4±7.3cm. Meanwhile, in the field trial, the highest of root length
achieved 72.4±5.2cm. [18] In media with low of palm oil mill effluent, vetiver could achieved
70.3cm of root length, 70.2cm of leaf length, and 344 of leaf number. [19] Cultivation of vetiver
as phytoremediator plant for carwash wastewater generated leaf with length in the range of 6.6799.20cm, with the average was 40.07±3.24cm. [20]
10
Table 4 Leaf length distribution of vetiver at harvesting time (%)
Leaf length
classification
Leaf length
(cm)
L-1
L-2
L-3
L-4
L-5
L-6
L-7
L-8
L ≤ 10
10 < L ≤ 20
20 < L ≤ 30
30 < L ≤ 40
40 < L ≤ 50
50 < L ≤ 60
60 < L ≤ 70
70 < L ≤ 80
Total
Leaf distribution (%) in
M0V1
M1V1
18,7
36,5
18,7
16,7
6,9
2,0
0,5
0,0
100,0
28,3
23,4
17,6
15,6
9,0
4,1
1,6
0,4
100,0
This study found that R/S ratio of vetiver, which planting in media of dometic greywater
was in the range of 0.48-0.90 with the average of 0.75±0.16. As comparason, Mickovski & Beek
(2009) reported that R/S ratio of vetiver in semi-arid area was reported 0.121-0.636 with the
average of 0.365±0.059, and Astuti et al (2012) found that in hydroponic cultivation, vetiver in
media of carwash wastewater resulted R/S ratio 0.389. Meanwhile, Meeinkuirt & Kruatrachue
(2013) reported that in the field study, vetiver grown in tailing soil had higher in R/S ratio, i.e.
1:1.5. It was suggested the varying of R/S ratio of vetiver is affected by its growth environment.
Pollutant removal of domestic greywater by vetiver
Pollution is defined as the introduction of any substances to environment and adversely
affects the usefull of resources. The substance that is introduced and that adversely affect the
environment is a pollutant. Pollutant removal is a process that physically removes pollutants
from the site without need separation from the medium. [1] Detergent, chemicals, heavy metals,
oil and grease make GW hazardous. Discharging greywater with high BOD and COD
into
surface water results in oxygen depletion, which is then no longer available for aquatic life. [22]
Table 5 presented the study results, which covered of the physical, chemical, and
biological characteristics of greywater before and after treatment with vetiver grass. Data
showed that pH of greywater in study, both before and after treatment with vetiver was 7.14 and
7.76, respectively. The result of study is in line with the earlier report that mentioned pH of
greywater was 7.6
[ 7]
; 7.2±0.23 in average.
[10]
The pH level of wastewater is one of the
important biotic factors that serve as an index for pollution. The wide narration in pH value of
effluent can affect the rate of biological reaction and survival of various microorganisms.
BOD and COD are parameters to measure the organic pollution in water. COD describes
the amount of oxygen required to oxidise all organic matter found in greywater. Meanwhile,
BOD5 describes biological oxidation through bacteria within a certain time (normally 5 days).
11
Discharging greywater with high BOD and COD concentrations into surface water results in
oxygen depletion, which is then no longer available for aquatic life. [22] Level of BOD and COD
in GW generated in kitchen and loundry are significantly high compared to those generated in
sink and shower. It was reported 64% of BOD in Citarum River is produced by domestic and
municipal activities, which affected to the public health. [23]
BOD and COD of greywater in study was 240 mg.L-1 and 423 mg.L-1, higher than the
standard quality of wastewater, and therefore it must be treated before discharging to the water
bodies. The results of study presented that BOD5 and COD of greywater could be decreased to
72.86% and 65.51%, respectively after cultivation with vetigrass. As comparason, the earlier
research reported that vetiver able to remove 64.8% of the BOD5 and 65.3% of COD in the
carwash wastewater.
[20]
It was investigated that BOD level could be removed 66.2% when
vetiver was cultivated hydroponically in domestic wastewater. [24] Another research found higher
removal of BOD (88.54%) that achieved by utilization of vetiver in hospital wastewater
treatment.in the period of three months. [25]
Table 5 Physical and chemical characteristics of greywater before and after planted with vetiver
Parameter
pH
BOD5
COD
Total N
Total P
Iron
Zinc
Lead
Detergent (MBAS)
TPC
MPN coliform
MPN fecal coli
Unit
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
mg.L-1
cfu,ml-1
cfu,ml-1
cfu,ml-1
Concentration at
Initial
Harvesting
7.14
7.76
239.90
65.10
423.36
146.00
2.84
0.95
12.90
4.17
0.78
0.15
0.07
0.02
0.05
0.02
2.34
0.80
46.104
326.103
11.103
2400
11.103
930
Removal (%)
72.86
65.51
66.55
67.67
80.77
71.43
60.00
65.81
29.13
78.18
91.54
GW are mainly content of organic compounds, nutrients, and microorganisms. Kitchen
wastewater is the main source of nitrogen in domestic greywater. In study, TN content of GW
decreased 66.55% compared to its initial stage. The decreasing of TN content in GW could be
understood due to its role as a nutrient source for vetiver growth. As mentioned by the previous
researcher, an advantage of using recycled water for irrigation is its nutrient value comprising
nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) could potential supplement fertiliser required for plant growth.
[26]
Similar study reported that TN of domestic wastewater decreased 49.35% by implementation
of hydroponic vetiver in five days. In contrast, another researcher found that the application of
12
vetiver in treatment of hopital wastewater could removed 88.46% TN. [25] The variation of TN
removal rate is affected by condition of vetiver, included of plant density and growth rate.
It was reported that GW characteristics are mainly determined by its organic content,
nutrients and microorganisms. However, GW also contains different microelement pollutants
due to the detergents used in laundry, dishwashing and body care products.
[27]
P in detergents
that was discharged directly to natural waters once from laundries caused an excessive growth of
nuisance plants in water bodies. In fact, P is an important nutrient involved in several
biochemical reactions, which cannot be substituted by other elements, and is widely used in
agriculture and industry. In natural conditions, P concentration in waters is balanced, However,
when P input to waters is higher than level that can be assimilated by a population of living
organisms, the problem of excess P content occurs. [28]
In fact, the physical and chemical parameters of greywater in some cases reached an
unacceptable level of effluent standards. This condition indicated that the treatment of greywater
is important prior to reuse. [7] In study, P content of the initial GW was much higher than the
quality standard of domestic wastewater for discharging into water bodies. By using vetiver
plant as phytoremediator agent, it was expected P content of GW could be reduced. The result
showed that vetiver able to remove 67.67% of P content in GW. This result is higher than the
achievement before by previous research. It was mentioned by Astuti et al (2012) that the
removal P in carwash wastewater was 25.84%, Lishenga et al (2015) reported P removal in
domestic wastewater by vetiver was only achieved 29.12%. Meanwhile, the removal efficiency
for TP was 98.06% when treatment of domestic wastewater with vetiver. [25]
The plants need essential nutrient for growing, both of macro nutrient (such as C, H, O,
N, P, K, S, Mg, Ca, and Fe), and micro elements (such as Cu, Zn, B, Mn, and Mo). The root
cells have a capacity in selection intake of some ions for growth, counting of C, H, O, N and P.
[17]
In the other side, the root zone of plant has specific interest due to its capacity to absorb and
store the contaminant substances. Therefore, high absorbing potential of roots is desirable,
mainly in absorption of toxic substances of polluted water. [16] Fe has an important biological
roles in the chloroplast development, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and photosynthesis processes.
Nevertheless, in concentration higher than the plant capacity to tolerant, it could be a toxic to
plant. High levels of Fe and Zn in media inhibit metabolic functions and caused limited growth
both root and shoot. [29] In study, after treated with vetiver, the concentration of Fe and Zn in
greywater decreased as much as 80.77%, and 71.43%, respectively rather than its initial content.
Pb is one of the most dangerous contaminants in environment. The excessive of Pb in
soil and water effected to morphology, growth and photosynthetic processes of plants. Lead also
13
inhibited root and stem elongation and leaf expansion.
[29]
Vetiver has high capability of Pb
0.4% in shoots and 1% in roots, while, the Zn uptake was 1% both in shoots and in roots for Zn
after 30 days of phytoremediation process. The heavy metal accumulation in roots was higher
that that observed in shoot. [30] Vetiver grass registered. the highest rate of Pb absorption, i.e.
10.16 ± 2.81 mg kg–1) within six weeks period.
[31]
The significantly higher amount of Pb
absorbed is attributed to its heavier biomass and robust long dense root system. It was suggested
that the high proportion of toxic metals such as Pb and Zn greatly inhibit the leaf growth, dry
matter accumulation, and photosynthesis of vetiver plant. [10]
Detergent in laundry and dishwashing are the main sources of surfactants in greywater.
Surfactants are the main components of household cleaning products. It consist of a hydrophilic
head and a hydrophobic tail. By lowering the surface tension of water, it allow the cleaning
solution to wet a surface (e.g. clothes, dishes etc) more rapidly. It also emulsify oily stains and
keep it dispersed, suspended, and not settle back on the surface. In most Western countries nonbiodegradable surfactants have been banned due to its environmentally problematic. But, it still
used in many developing countries. Bodnar et al (2014) found that the detergent content was
37.60±17.37mg.L-1 in laundry wastewater and 2.61±1.54 mg.L-1 on dishwashing wastewater. In
study, the initial concentration of detergent in greywater was 2.34mg.L-1, and after planted with
vetiver for 49 days decreased to 0.8mg.L-1 or could removed 65.81% of its initial condition.
The previous research investigated that domestic greywater from the baths, showers, and
handbasins (light greywater) contained 8x106cfu.ml-1 of TPC, 2.2x1075cfu.ml-1 of total coliform,
3.9x103cfu.ml-1 of E. coli, and 2.5x101 cfu.ml-1 of fecal entercocci. The presence of total
coliform, E. coli and fecal entercocci showed fecal contamination and indicated the possible
presence of pathogen. Fecal coliform bacteria are usually harmless to humans, but it is used as
indicators for pathogenic bacteria. The treatment of wastewater in a constructed wetland by
vetiver reduces total bacterial count. [10] In study, cultivation of vetiver in greywater reduced
TPC 29.13%; MPN coliform 78.18%; and MPN fecal coli 91.54%, respectively (Table 5).
Based on the chemical analysis (Table 5) and considered to water quality standard, it
could be summarized that the level of pH, N, Fe, Zn, and Pb in greywater have been compiled to
after treated with vetiver gras in hydroponical batch system. Meanwhile, although the
concentration of BOD, COD, P, and detergen has been decreased by application of vetiver, its
level is still higher rather than the effluent standard. [33] After treated in hydroponic of vetiver,
domestic dark-greywater from dishwashing and washing machine complied the criteria as water
Class IV, which could be used for irrigation in agricultural.
14
CONCLUSION
Vetiver is appropriate as a phytoremediator plant in domestic greywater treatment. It has
a capacity to survive, adapt and then generate new organs in media of greywater, which covered
of roots, stems, and leaves. Simultaneously, it has a capacity to remove the pollutant substances
in greywater, i.e. BOD5, COD, TN, TP, Fe, Zn, Pb, and detergent. Biologically, vetiver could
reduced TPC, MPN coliform, and MPN fecal coli in domestic greywater. After treated with
vetiver, domestic greywater complied with water Class IV and could be used for irrigation in
agricultural.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This study was supported by Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and International
Foundation for Sciences (IFS) with Grant Agreement No.AW/18709. This paper was dedicated
to commemorate Ibu Ambar Susilorukmi, the team learder and grantee of this research funding.
Thankful to Dr. T. Sembiting for a valuable guidance and discussion.
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