Fungal and Physicochemical Characterisation of Wastewater Treatment Using Charcoal and Corn Husk as Filter Materials

Abstract

Water is an essential component of all life forms.  Its unavailability and inaccessibility are a major concern in developing countries and areas of clean water scarcity.  Wastewater treatment is essential for managing water pollution, protecting public health, and maintaining a sustainable environment. The aim of this work is to treat wastewater using indigenous organic materials such as corn husk and charcoal as filters because of their ability adsorb organic and chemical pollutants in water. The study was carried out by isolating fungal species before and after treatment alongside the changes in physicochemical parameters. The results obtained for the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO) showed a marked reduction in the treated water by 90%. This constructed trickling filter using charcoal and corn husks were able to remove the color, reduce microorganisms, offensive odor and some chemicals from wastewater. The charcoal and corn husk were cost effective and sustainable. The treated water can be used for irrigation and washing drilling equipment, thereby providing more of this scarce resource in areas it is needed. This answers to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 6.