Uptake and Accumulation of Triclosan in Cyperus articulatus L. Planted in a Constructed Wetland for the Treatment of Domestic Wastewater

Triclosan (TCS) is a halogenated aromatic compound used in household products such as toothpaste, detergents, soaps, and cosmetics, and is frequently found in domestic wastewater. The harmful effects of TCS are associated with hormonal and metabolic alterations in aquatic organisms. The present study evaluated the Phyto-purifying capacity of Cyperus articulatus L. planted in a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland used for domestic wastewater treatment. This required the usage of a 0.8 m × 0.5 m and 0.85 m high artificial wetland in fiberglass and polyester resin filled with garden gravel to a depth of 0.4 m, which received a daily flow of 18 L from a storage tank for 4 months. The concentration of TCS in influent and effluent water, as well as in plant roots and stems, was determined by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. The TCS removal efficiency was 63% and was lower than that reported in similar studies. The translocation factor (TF) and bio-concentration factor (BCF) reached values of 1 and 0.06, respectively, indicating that C. articulatus can absorb and transport TCS from the root to higher parts of the stem. The results of this study lead to the conclusion that a local plant such as C. articulatus planted in constructed wetlands can decrease the concentration of an emerging pollutant, such as TCS, from domestic wastewater.