Suitability of nutrients removal from brewery wastewater using a hydroponic technology with Typha latifolia

Abstract Background This study aims to assess suitability of hydroponic technology for treatment of brewery wastewater in a hydroponic bioreactor using Typha latifolia. Triplicated hydroponic bioreactor treatment units were designed, constructed and operated at a hydraulic retention time of 5 days with different surface loadings and mean hydraulic loading rate 0.023 m3 m−2d− 1. Young T. latifolia shoots were collected in the vicinity of study site. Wastewater characteristics, plant growth and nutrient accumulation during experiment were analyzed as per APHA standard methods and nutrient removal efficiency was evaluated based on inlet and outlet values. Results T. latifolia established and grew well in the hydroponics under fluctuations of wastewater loads and showed a good phytoremedial capacity to remove nutrients. Significant removal efficiencies (p