PERFORMANCES EPURATOIRES ET INTERET DU PROCEDE DE PHYTOTRAITEMENT DES EAUX USEES PAR DES VEGETAUX MACROPHYTES

Abstract

The aim of this work is the study of wastewater purification efficiency for small communities through a system using beds planted with macrophytes. Many experiences around the world show a growing interest in this technique and its reliability, both economically and environmentally. In view of application of this new technique at actual scale, we proceeded to implement a pilot experiment, replicating the process in all its phases, followed by analyzes of samples at the input and output of treated water. Four treatment processes were tested, taking into account the flow variability (vertical, horizontal, mixed). Each process consists of passing the effluent through a basin filled with gravel and planted with Phragmites. The results of the main indicators of water pollution compared to those obtained from a reference station (aerated lagoon Ghriss) seem to be very promising for the future of this treatment process in Algeria, particularly in rural regions.