Economic Efficiency and Effectiveness of Salix acmophylla in Reducing Wastewater Characteristics : A Case study in Varzaneh Wastewater Treatment Plant, Isfahan, Iran

Introduction: Phytoremediation is a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly process that utilizes plants and microorganisms for purification of the polluted land. In this study, the fast-growing species Salix acmophylla from the Salicaceae family was selected for phytoremediation purposes. Materials and methods: With the aim of exploring the potential of Salix acmophylla in wastewater purification, a research initiative was launched in 2020, Following initial land preparation on a 5-hectare site next to a wastewater treatment plant, 60,000 Salix acmophylla cuttings were planted. By 2022, the trees had matured to a height of 3-4 meters. Wastewater samples were then collected and analyzed for pollutant levels both before entering the planted area and after passing through drainage channels built among the trees. This allowed researchers to calculate the average efficiency of Salix acmophylla in reducing wastewater pollutants. Results: The results regarding the impact of Salix acmophylla trees on the reduction of wastewater Characteristics in the cultivation area were the following: COD, BOD5, TSS, TDS, EC, and turbidity exhibited reductions of 38%, 42%, 17.5%, 79%, 52.2%, and 45.6%, respectively. Additionally, the estimated income from the cultivation of these trees was approximately $49,000. Conclusion: Planting Salix acmophylla trees significantly contributes to the reduction of wastewater pollutant parameters, suggesting the recommendation of this species for similar climates.