Project Report
Sustainable Dye Removal: Investigating
Coal and AAC blocks filtration in Vertical
Constructed Wetlands
*Made by:*
Aayush Joshi 01415607923
Under the guidance of :
Ms. Aarti Bhati
Table of Contents
Serial No. Title Page No.
1 Introduction 2-3
2 Methodology 4-11
● Constructed wetlands
● Fly ash bricks
● Gravel
● Coal as a medium
● Canna indica
● Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy
3 Literature Review 12-14
4 Results 15-16
5 Conclusion 17
6 References 18
1
INTRODUCTION
Industrial growth and urban expansion have intensified the strain on existing wastewater
treatment systems, especially in developing countries. Among the many pollutants
discharged into aquatic environments, synthetic dyes from textile and dye-processing
industries pose one of the most persistent challenges. Their complex molecular structure
makes them resistant to natural degradation, leading to long-term accumulation in water
bodies.
Constructed wetlands (CWs) have gained attention as an alternative treatment method
because they operate on natural principles involving plants, microorganisms, and porous
media. These systems offer a cost-effective and environmentally compatible approach to
treating wastewater in both rural and urban contexts. CWs can reduce organic load, nutrients,
suspended solids, and certain synthetic pollutants with minimal operational energy and
maintenance.
A major concern in industrial effluents is Congo red, an azo dye known for its stability, vivid
coloration, and potential toxicity. When released untreated, this dye limits light penetration
in aquatic ecosystems, interferes with photosynthesis, and can adversely affect aquatic
organisms. In certain concentrations, it may also pose risks to human health.
Traditional treatment methods such as coagulation, membrane filtration, and advanced
oxidation can be effective but are often costly and energy-intensive. Adsorption-based
techniques remain popular because of their simplicity and adaptability. Various agricultural
and carbon-based adsorbents have been studied for dye removal.
This project investigates the effectiveness of *coal* and *two types of AAC (Autoclaved
Aerated Concrete) blocks*—lightweight and heavyweight—as supporting media in a vertical
constructed wetland designed to remove Congo red dye. The study aims to analyze
adsorption efficiency, plant contribution, and overall performance of the system at a
laboratory scale., Arjuna seeds, mango leafs, teak leafs etc. are utilised for Congo red
removal.
2
METHODOLOGY
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
Constructed wetlands replicate the biological processes typically found in natural wetlands but in a
controlled, engineered manner. Their treatment performance relies on interactions between porous
media, microbial communities, and vegetation. In this project, a *Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland
(VFCW)* was selected due to its efficient oxygen transfer and reduced clogging tendencies.
In a VFCW, wastewater is applied from the top and flows downward through layers of gravel and
other filtration materials. As the water moves through the media, several simultaneous processes
occur—physical straining, chemical adsorption, microbial breakdown of pollutants, and nutrient
assimilation by plants. The system design promotes both aerobic and anaerobic micro-zones,
enabling diverse pollutant removal mechanisms.
The use of coal and AAC blocks as primary filtration media provides an opportunity to evaluate their
combined roles in dye adsorption, microbial attachment, and hydraulic performance.
3
FLY ASH BRICKS
AAC blocks are lightweight construction materials made from fly ash, cement, lime, and aluminum
powder. Their pore-rich structure makes them relatively permeable and suitable for supporting
microbial growth. Because fly ash-based materials vary widely in density and porosity, two types—
lightweight and heavyweight—were tested independently in this study.
The intention behind incorporating AAC blocks was to assess whether their internal pore structure
could assist in dye retention or microbial colonization, thereby enhancing the system’s overall
performance.
4
GRAVEL
Gravel formed the foundational support layer in both wetland setups. Its main functions were to
ensure adequate drainage, maintain hydraulic flow, support plant roots, and prevent clogging of finer
materials. The rough surface of gravel also promotes microbial growth, which contributes to the
decomposition of organic contaminants and supports oxygen transfer within the system.
5
COAL AS A MEDIUM
Coal possesses a naturally porous carbon-rich structure that can act as a low-cost adsorbent. In
this study, coal was used as the primary adsorption medium above the gravel layer. Its high
internal surface area makes it capable of binding dye molecules and potentially enhancing
microbial activity by offering more surface sites.
Beyond adsorption, coal can influence nutrient removal by improving aeration within the bed and
supporting both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial pathways. These characteristics make coal a
promising medium for low-cost wastewater treatment systems, especially in resource-
constrained settings.
6
Canna Indica
Canna indica was selected as the wetland plant due to its rapid growth, resilience, and ability to
thrive in nutrient-rich and polluted water. The plant’s root zone promotes microbial activity by
releasing oxygen into the surrounding media, thereby assisting in degradation and stabilization
processes.
Its extensive root system provides channels for water movement, helps maintain media permeability,
and may directly absorb small quantities of dye molecules or their breakdown products.
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Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy
1. Sample Collection
● Influent and effluent samples were collected regularly from the wetland units to monitor
dye removal. Samples were stored in clean containers at low temperature to prevent
degradation.
2. Preparation of Calibration Curve
• A stock solution of Congo red dye was prepared and serially diluted to form a standard concentration
series. Absorbance values at the dye’s maximum absorption wavelength (~497 nm) were recorded to
create a calibration curve.
3. Spectrophotometric Measurement
● Filtered wastewater samples were measured using a UV–Vis
spectrophotometer at 497 nm. A blank solution was used to reset the
instrument before readings.
4. Calculation of Dye Concentration
• The dye concentration in each sample was calculated using the calibration curve’s linear
regression equation.
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5. Removal Efficiency
• The percent removal efficiency was
Calculated using:
Removal Efficiency(%)= (Ci - Cf)/100
Where,
Ci = Initial (influent) dye concentration
Cf = Final (effluent) dye concentration
6. Quality Control and Replicates
• All measurements were performed in triplicate to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
9
Congo red Dye
Congo red is a synthetic azo dye widely used in industries such as textiles, paper, leather, and
biological staining. It was first synthesized in the late 19th century and is known for its bright
red color in alkaline conditions and blue in acidic media due to its pH-sensitive properties.
Congo red is water-soluble and consists of complex aromatic structures, making it highly
stable and resistant to natural degradation processes.
Its widespread industrial use has led to significant environmental concerns, particularly in
wastewater discharge. When released untreated into water bodies, Congo red poses serious
ecological and health risks. It can reduce light penetration in aquatic systems, disturb
photosynthetic activity, and is toxic to aquatic life. Moreover, it is potentially carcinogenic
and can cause allergic reactions in humans.
Due to its recalcitrant nature, conventional wastewater treatment methods often fail to
remove Congo red effectively. Therefore, alternative eco-friendly treatment methods such as
constructed wetlands are being explored. These systems, especially when combined with
effective adsorbents like coal and appropriate plants, offer a sustainable and low-cost solution
for Congo red dye removal from wastewater.
10
Literature Review
Constructed wetlands have been widely explored as decentralized wastewater treatment systems due
to their low operating cost and reliance on natural processes. Earlier research shows that the
combination of microbial degradation, physical filtration, adsorption, and plant uptake plays a major
role in contaminant removal.
Azo dyes such as Congo red have been widely studied because of their resistance to biological
breakdown. Several researchers have emphasized the importance of combining physical and
biological processes to achieve significant dye reduction.
The efficiency of CWs varies depending on several factors, such as:
* hydraulic retention time
* type and porosity of the media
* oxygen availability
* plant species used
* pollutant characteristics
Studies have explored innovative substrates—including fly ash aggregates, biochar, and industrial
by-products—to enhance adsorption and microbial attachment. However, limited work exists on the
combined use of AAC blocks and coal as a filtration matrix.
Additionally, while Canna indica has been acknowledged for its phytoremediation potential, its
specific role in degrading or transforming azo dyes remains under-studied.
This project aims to fill these research gaps by evaluating:
* the comparative performance of light and heavy AAC blocks
* the influence of coal as a primary adsorbent
* the integrated role of Canna indica in dye removal* the integrated role of Canna indica in dye
removal
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Result
● Dye removal efficiency was evaluated for two separate setups containing coal along with
either lightweight or heavyweight AAC blocks.
● Both setups demonstrated measurable dye removal, though with differing efficiencies.
● Graphs showed a clear reduction in dye concentration over the measurement period for both
treatment units.
● Concentration values were derived using standardization curves generated through UV–Vis
spectroscopy.
FIG. Concentration curve of setup-1
FIG. Removal efficiency curve of setup-1
12
FIG. Concentration curve of setup-2
FIG. Removal efficiency curve of setup-2
13
Conclusion
The study demonstrated that coal is an effective and affordable medium for supporting the removal
of Congo red dye in a vertical constructed wetland system. Its porous matrix offers substantial
adsorption capacity and may enhance microbial activity within the filter bed.
The use of AAC blocks—both lightweight and heavyweight—provided structural support and
contributed to overall treatment efficiency, although their adsorption contribution was less
pronounced than coal’s. The combination of coal, AAC blocks, and Canna indica created a system
capable of reducing dye concentration effectively at the bucket scale.
Despite these promising results, long-term performance, potential clogging, and the handling or
regeneration of spent coal require additional investigation.
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References
● Aksu, Z. (2005). Application of biosorption for the removal of
organic pollutants: A review. Process Biochemistry, 40(3-4),
997–[Link]://[Link]/10.1016/[Link].2004.04.008
● Al-Isawi, R. A., Scholz, M., & Elgalloubi, I. (2021). Treatment of
dye-contaminated wastewater in vertical subsurface flow
constructed wetlands using waterworks sludge. Environmental
Science and Pollution Research, 28, 14698–14711.
[Link]
● Akratos, C. S., & Tsihrintzis, V. A. (2007). Effect of temperature,
HRT, vegetation and porous media on removal efficiency of
pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands.
Ecological Engineering, 29(2), 173–191.
[Link]
● Yang, Q., Yang, M., Li, S., & Zhong, Y. (2015). Characteristics and
adsorption properties of AAC as a substrate in constructed
wetlands. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 22(21),
16989–16998. [Link]
● Zhang, D., Gersberg, R. M., Ng, W. J., & Tan, S. K. (2015).
Removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in aquatic
plant-based systems: A review. Environmental Pollution, 184,
620–639. [Link]
● Zhu, W., Zhou, Y., & Li, X. (2019). Constructed wetland
vegetation: A review of the function and application of
macrophytes in phytoremediation. Ecological Engineering, 135,
95–106. [Link]
● (2022). Austria : Development of Radiometric Methods for the
Measurement of Constructed Wetlands Hydrodynamics. MENA
Report
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