Quality improvement of blackwater using filter materials and cattail

This study aimed to improve the quality of blackwater by using a physical model consisting of 2 processes; stratified filters and wetland. The stratified filtration method utilized gravel, charcoal, and sand as the filter materials, meanwhile, the wetland system utilized the Cattail plant (Typha Angustifolia). Blackwater quality improvement was observed at the intervals of 2 days, 4 days and 6 days, and included parameters of pH, temperature, TSS, TDS, BOD and COD. The method of data analysis was Multiple Linear Regression. Generally, the final result showed that the blackwater quality was improved and met the standard of grade IV water quality (water for agricultural purposes). Furthermore, the equation of Regression analysis obtained was, Water Quality (Y) = 4.693-0.176 X1 *-0.294 X2 * + e6 (X1 = sand thickness, X2 = residence time). This means that every 1 cm thickness of the sand layer contributes to the improvement of water quality by 0.176. In addition, each application of 1 day residence time in the wetland tube has the potential to increase the water quality by 0.294 units. Therefore, the use of filter materials and Cattail plants has been proven to be effective for pollutant removal in blackwater.