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Assessing the Efficiency of Phragmites australis in Wastewater Treatment as a Natural Approach to Water Quality Improvement

Author

Listed:
  • Laid Bouchaala

    (Environmental Research Center (CRE), Avenue Boughazi Said, Sidi Amar, Annaba 23001, Algeria)

  • Nabil Charchar

    (Biotechnology Research Center (C.R.Bt), Constantine 25016, Algeria)

  • Nedjoud Grara

    (Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University 8 Mai 1945, Guelma 24000, Algeria)

  • Ilham Ben Amor

    (Department of Process Engineering and Petrochemical, Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
    Renewable Energy Development Unit in Arid Zones (UDERZA), University of El Oued, P.O. Box 789, El Oued 39000, Algeria)

  • Soumeia Zeghoud

    (Department of Process Engineering and Petrochemical, Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
    Renewable Energy Development Unit in Arid Zones (UDERZA), University of El Oued, P.O. Box 789, El Oued 39000, Algeria)

  • Hadia Hemmami

    (Department of Process Engineering and Petrochemical, Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
    Renewable Energy Development Unit in Arid Zones (UDERZA), University of El Oued, P.O. Box 789, El Oued 39000, Algeria)

  • Moussa Houhamdi

    (Laboratory of Biology, Water and Environment (LBEE), Faculty SNV-STU, University 8 May 1945 Guelma, P.O. Box 401, Guelma 24000, Algeria)

  • Agnieszka Szparaga

    (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Koszalin University of Technology, Śniadeckich 2, 75-453 Koszalin, Poland
    Department of Landscape Management, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic)

  • Otilia Cristina Murariu

    (Department of Food Technologies ‘Ion Ionescu de la Brad’, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iasi, Romania)

  • Gianluca Caruso

    (Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Stefano Bellucci

    (Frascati National Laboratories, National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Frascati, 00044 Rome, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

The Oued Zénati, a vital waterway in Algeria, faces severe pollution from urban discharges, hospital wastewater, and agricultural activities, threatening both the ecosystem and public health. This pollution is characterized by high nutrient levels, suspended solids, and fecal contamination indicators, jeopardizing biodiversity and human well-being. To explore natural restoration solutions, this study assessed the purification potential of reeds ( Phragmites australis ) found in the Oued Zénati riverbed. Water quality was analyzed at three sites: a non-polluted control site (S1), a wastewater discharge area (S2), and a reed-dense area (S3). Results revealed a significant deterioration in water quality at site S2, with high concentrations of nutrients, suspended solids (SS), and fecal contamination indicators. However, a notable improvement in water quality was observed at site S3, downstream of the reed-dense area, with reductions in fecal coliforms (68.5%), fecal streptococci (92.3%), and phosphates (40.3%), and increased levels of dissolved oxygen (DO). These findings suggest that phytoremediation using P. australis could offer a cost-effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly solution for restoring the Oued Zénati. This study recommends establishing phragmifiltration stations, developing artificial wetlands, and enhancing sanitation systems, including hospital wastewater treatment. Public awareness campaigns promoting water and environmental protection are crucial for long-term success. This phytoremediation approach offers economic, ecological, and aesthetic advantages over conventional wastewater treatment techniques.

Suggested Citation

  • Laid Bouchaala & Nabil Charchar & Nedjoud Grara & Ilham Ben Amor & Soumeia Zeghoud & Hadia Hemmami & Moussa Houhamdi & Agnieszka Szparaga & Otilia Cristina Murariu & Gianluca Caruso & Stefano Bellucci, 2025. "Assessing the Efficiency of Phragmites australis in Wastewater Treatment as a Natural Approach to Water Quality Improvement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-23, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:1102-:d:1579805
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tayyib Moussaoui & Abdessamed Derdour & Alia Hosni & Manuel Ballesta-de los Santos & Pilar Legua & Miguel Ángel Pardo-Picazo, 2023. "Assessing the Quality of Treated Wastewater for Irrigation: A Case Study of Ain Sefra Wastewater Treatment Plant," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-20, July.
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